As part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) annual Black History Month celebration, the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) and the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) are accepting submissions for the Community Champion of Equity and Justice Awards.  

These awards acknowledge a person and an organization advancing equity and justice (E&J) in the City of Baltimore. The winners will be featured on OEDI’s website. Each will receive a monetary prize of $300 in person at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on February 6, 2025. A pre-recorded interview with the winners will be played at the event. 

Read about last year’s winners! 

Eligibility Criteria: 

•  Must be a resident of Baltimore City, MD (if nominated as an individual) 
• Must be registered as an organization in Maryland (if nominated as an organization)
• Demonstrated active community engagement to advance equity and justice in the City of Baltimore communities
•  Completed and submitted nominee Release Form (if not completed on nomination form)
  

 Ineligible: 

•  Organizations owned, led or organized by UMB or agents of UMB acting in an official capacity 
• UMB employees and students
  

 Submission deadline: October 7, 2025