2025 MLK Recognition Award Winners

UMB’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Recognition Awards are presented for individual and/or group achievements in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion has named the 2025 winners. They will be honored at UMB’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 6, featuring keynote speaker Darrick Hamilton, PhD, Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy and founding director of the Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy at The New School.

The MLK Award winners serve as models of the ideals epitomized by the life and work of Dr. King.

Thank you to the committee members who assisted with the selection process:

Reetta Gach, MS, MBA
Hershaw Davis, Jr., DNP, MBA, RN
Nicole Palmore, MSW
Jillian Baker, PhD Student, School of Graduate Studies 

diverse group on steps

Outstanding UMB Faculty Unit Award

The EMBRACE Initiative, of the Office of the Provost will receive the Diversity Recognition Award for Outstanding Faculty Unit as part of the University’s Black History Month celebration Feb. 6.

Read about the EMBRACE Initiative

Three women of color in front of a colorful picture.

Outstanding UMB Staff Unit Award: School of Social Work Team

The University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social work team will receive the Diversity Recognition Award for Outstanding Staff Unit as part of the University’s Black History Month celebration Feb. 6.

Read about the School of Social Work Team

Outstanding UMB Student Award

The Student National Dental Association chapter at the School of Dentistry will receive the Diversity Recognition Award for Outstanding Student Group as part of the University’s Black History Month celebration Feb. 6.

Read about the Student National Dental Association

Community Champion of Equity and Justice Awards

UMB’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Champion of Equity and Justice Awards are presented to individuals and/or organizations advancing equity and justice in the city of Baltimore. 

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Office of Community and Civic Engagement have named the winners of these awards. They will be honored at UMB’s 2025 Black History Month celebration on Feb. 6, featuring keynote speaker Darrick Hamilton, PhD, Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy and founding director of the Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy at The New School.

The Community Champions serve as models of the ideals epitomized by the life and work of Dr. King.

 

Thank you to the committee members who assisted with the selection process:

Bill Joyner, JD, MSW
Katie Hughes, BA
Brian Sturdivant, MSW
Reetta Gach, MS, MBA

Woman in front of tapestry.

Baltimore Racial Justice Action

Baltimore Racial Justice Action will receive the inaugural Community Champion of Equity and Justice Award as part of the University’s Black History Month celebration Feb. 6.

Read about Baltimore Racial Justice in Action

 

Man standing in front of footballs and basketballs with boxes behind him.

Kevin Ricks

Kevin Ricks will receive the Community Champion of Equity and Justice Award as part of the University’s Black History Month celebration Feb. 6.

Read about Kevin Ricks