Hundreds to Gather in Annapolis to Mark Coretta Scott King’s 99th Birthday, Honor Women Leaders

Hundreds are expected to gather this evening in Annapolis for the April 27 Coretta Scott King Award ceremony, an annual event marking what would have been King’s 99th birthday while honoring women who have made significant contributions to their communities.

The sold-out event is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Roger "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center at Truxtun Park, 271 Hilltop Lane. Organizers say the celebration will draw attendees from across Maryland, with a strong showing of women leaders and community advocates.

Convened by Carl O. Snowden and the Caucus of African American Leaders (CAAL), the event reflects the legacy of Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King Jr.. She is remembered not only for her leadership in the civil rights movement, but also for her advocacy for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and the labor movement, causes she and her husband championed.

Each year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee honors women on King’s birthday who have made a meaningful impact in their communities. This year’s honorees include Dr. Patsy Baker Blackshear, the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, Inc., Sheila Johnson, Sally Beans, Pastor Sheryl D. Menendez, and Ahsun Powell. 

A number of state and local officials are expected to attend, including Senator Shaneka Henson, Mayor Jared Littmann, County Executive Steuart Pittman, State Attorney Anne Colt Leitess, Sheriff Everett Sesker, and Councilman Pete Smith, along with other elected leaders.

Proceeds from the event will support the development of the first memorial to Malcolm X in the City of Annapolis.