Annual Award Honoring African-American Heritage to be Presented to Three Distinguished Recipients
Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz will recognize the 2017 recipients of The Louis S. Diggs Award in a ceremony on February 27, at the Owings Mills branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, starting at 11:30 a.m.
According to a Baltimore County press release,
This award, presented annually during Black History Month, is presented to individuals whose life work represents a commitment to the celebration of the African-American experience in Baltimore County, and whose efforts inspire others to strive for success and to celebrate the diversity and achievement that is our strength.
The 2017 awardees are:
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Serving as President of UMBC since 1992, Dr. Hrabowski’s research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance. He was named by President Obama to chair the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. Named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME (2012) and one of America’s Best Leaders by U.S. News and World Report (2008), Dr. Hrabowski has been touted as one of America’s top leaders by numerous national and worldwide publications, institutions, and foundations.
Dr. Dallas Dance, Superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools
Distinguished as a visionary leader, Superintendent Dance has united BCPS into a powerful force committed to producing globally competitive graduates. Since 2012, Dr. Dance has been responsible for overseeing the instruction of 112,000 students in 173 schools, centers, and programs in the 25th largest school system in the nation. Dr. Dance’s leadership was recognized with his appointment to President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans.
Delegate Adrienne Jones, Speaker Pro Tem, Maryland House of Delegates
Since 1997, Adrienne Jones has been a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for District 10. Delegate Jones is the current Speaker Pro Tem, holding that post since 2003, and the first African-American female to serve in that position in the State of Maryland. Born and educated in Baltimore County, Delegate Jones was employed by County Government before retiring in 2014 where she was the director of the Office of Minority Affairs, the Office of Fair Practices and the deputy director of Human Resources.
Louis S. Diggs
The award is named for Baltimore County resident Louis S. Diggs, a respected and distinguished authority on County African-American history. Diggs’ research and historical perspective has guided him to publish 10 books; organize tours in the community; present lectures; and manage the Diggs-Johnson Museum in Granite.
“No one has done more to preserve and promote African-American history in Baltimore County than Mr. Louis Diggs,” stated Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. “I am immensely proud to present this year’s Diggs award to three very distinguished individuals who embody the true spirit of this honor. Freeman Hrabowski, Dallas Dance, and Adrienne Jones are outstanding leaders who make a difference in our County each and every day.”
Read the full press release for more information.
