Few of the Many Awards

Demetrius L. Ballard

Demetrius serves as the President of the Old Mill Youth Association, Head Coach of Severn School Football, and Director of Moose Athletics. With a deep passion for mentoring young athletes, He is dedicated to fostering a culture of teamwork, discipline, and excellence. Committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to thrive both on and off the field, Demetrius works tirelessly to inspire and guide the next generation toward success in sports and life.

Patsy Baker Blackshear, Ph.D.

Born and raised in Arkansas, Patsy Baker Blackshear, Ph.D., migrated to the Annapolis area to complete her education and made it her home after meeting her husband, Leonard. Dr. Blackshear is a dedicated community servant whose contributions span numerous boards and commissions, including terms as a member of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education and the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals. A passionate advocate for preserving and advancing African American history, heritage, and culture, Dr. Blackshear serves as the president of the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, Inc. Under her leadership, the Foundation recently spearheaded a community initiative to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Alex Haley Memorial, which features the iconic statue grouping in downtown Annapolis. Dr. Blackshear believes in using her talents and gifts to enrich her community, inspire others, and promote meaningful change. Through her dedicated efforts, she continues to leave a lasting impact on Annapolis and beyond.

Tierra Brown

Tierra Brown is a dedicated advocate and lifelong resident of the Severn West County community. A proud graduate of Meade Senior High School, Tierra has called this area home for over four decades. Her passion for community service was inspired early in life by her parents, who, while holding no formal positions, were tireless community champions. Through their efforts—organizing trips, Bible studies, cookouts, park clean-ups, sports tournaments, and job search initiatives—they instilled in Tierra a deep commitment to making a difference. Tierra’s journey as a community advocate began at the age of 14 at the Boys and Girls Club, where she gained foundational skills in service and leadership. Over the past 20 years, she has cultivated extensive experience in human services and currently serves as both a health ambassador and violence interrupter at Kingdom Kare Inc. In this role, Tierra works diligently to support community members in navigating challenges and building brighter futures. With a steadfast commitment to uplifting her community, Tierra continues to honor her family’s legacy of advocacy and service, making a meaningful impact on those she serves.

Shameka “Meke” Cole

Shameka “Meke” Cole is a dedicated youth mentor with a deep passion for empowering the next generation. A proud mother of two daughters and grandmother to her beloved grandson, Emory, Meke’s family is at the heart of everything she does.

Known for her unwavering commitment to community engagement, Meke strongly advocates for giving back to those in need. Her willingness to step up and help others, combined with her approachable and reliable nature, has made her a cornerstone of her community. In addition to her mentorship and advocacy, Meke provides expert marketing services that elevate visibility and engagement for local brands throughout the DMV area. Her impressive portfolio includes marketing and booking services for some of the largest concerts, featuring iconic names across genres such as Go-Go, R&B, Southern Soul, Funk, Jazz, Rap, Gospel, and Comedy. Through her work, Meke continues to inspire others and make a lasting impact, combining her passion for helping others with her professional expertise.

Joshua Hatch

Joshua Hatch is a dedicated professional committed to empowering individuals impacted by the criminal legal system to rebuild their lives. As Vice President of the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, he supports the CEO in overseeing operations and leads the development of programs within the Diversion and Reentry Services Division, which he helped establish. Joshua’s unwavering passion for reentry initiatives is evident in his contributions to Turnaround Thursday, a transformative second-chance employment program, and his leadership as Chair of the Task Force on the Creation of a Division of Returning Citizens and Expanded Reentry Services, appointed by Governor Wes Moore. Through his work, Joshua continues to champion second chances and create pathways to success for those seeking a fresh start.

Candis Henson

Candis has been an AACPS employee since 2007, working in various roles to support student success. Currently, she supervises Opportunity and Access Liaisons, ensuring students receive the academic and personal support they need. She is also the Mentor Coordinator and Family Support Specialist with Charting Careers, fostering meaningful relationships between mentors and families, bridging gaps to help youth thrive. A passionate advocate for empowerment, she is committed to giving back because someone once invested in her. Candis has led transformative trips for young scholars to colleges, the state Capitol, and more inspiring them to dream big. She supports the Take Back Your 10 initiative, combating the targeting of youth by tobacco marketing. Additionally, she has orchestrated community events for Meade area schools in partnership with AACPS and Friends of Meade. Candis believes access to opportunities can transform a young person’s path and works tirelessly to inspire and uplift the next generation.

Robert L. Johnson

Robert Johnson is an educator, administrator, and community leader with over 20 years of experience advancing equity in education, social services, and community development. As Executive Director of My Community Keeper Prince George’s County Network, he works to address systemic inequities and empower underserved communities. Robert has held key roles at Bowie State University, strengthening community partnerships and student success. Under his leadership, My Community Keeper launched the Environmental, Climate, and Social Justice Hub, equipping young leaders with skills in clean energy and advocacy.

In Anne Arundel County, Robert has been instrumental in organizing the CAAL Energy Conference at the BWI Westin Hotel, featuring Tennessee Rep. Justin J. Pearson, fostering dialogue on sustainability and justice. A doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Bowie State University, Robert is also active in civic service, including the Prince George’s County Commission on Father’s Men and Boys. A devoted husband and father, his passion for equity and systemic change drives his work in building inclusive opportunities for all.

Cheryl A. McLeod, Esq.

Cheryl McLeod is a dedicated community engagement and social justice advocate committed to representing and advising public school educators and community members on human rights, labor rights, civic engagement, and truth-telling. Guided by the ASALH principle that “work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture,” Cheryl’s contributions to economic and social justice span numerous areas. In the realm of compensated labor, she has successfully negotiated for job security, benefits, fair compensation, and non-hostile work environments for public school employees. Cheryl has also been a staunch advocate for collective bargaining rights, particularly for Education Support Professionals on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Her community engagement efforts include providing hands-on support for voter protection, boycotts, marches, sit-ins, lawsuits, town halls, and teach-ins. Cheryl’s institutional activism in Anne Arundel County reflects her commitment to preserving and promoting African American history and culture. She has worked with organizations such as the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, the Caucus of African American Leaders, and the Banneker-Douglass Museum. Additionally, she has supported legislative advocacy for HBCUs and the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Cheryl McLeod’s work exemplifies the intersection of African American history, social justice, labor, education, and democracy, embodying a relentless pursuit of truth and equity for all.

Kirkland J. Murray

Kirkland J. Murray is the President and CEO of Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC), the workforce service provider for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. With a background rooted in Economic Development, Kirkland has transformed AAWDC into an intelligence-driven organization. Through this work, AAWDC has become nationally recognized for its industry sector training model, addressing the essential “soft skills” gap, and developing innovative work and learn opportunities.

COL (R) David H. Patterson Jr.

Colonel (R) David H. Patterson Jr. is a seasoned Army veteran who served honorably on active duty for 27 years before retiring after a hallmark career of dedicated service to our Nation. Raised and educated in Maryland, COL (R) Patterson received his Bachelor of Science (1990) and Master’s degree (2000) in Criminal Justice from Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned his ROTC commission (1990) from Morgan State University and was a Distinguished Military Graduate. COL (R) Patterson was recently inducted into the Morgan State University ROTC Hall of Fame (2020).

Since retiring, COL (R) Patterson has been an active and valued member of the Caucus of African American Leaders, championing initiatives to strengthen communities across Maryland. He remains dedicated to supporting fellow veterans. COL (R) Patterson’s operational deployments include Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. He has served in Combat Arms (Field Artillery), Combat Support (Military Intelligence), and Combat Service Support (Public Affairs).

His awards include two Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star, four Meritorious Service Medals, an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, and a Combat Action Badge.

Barbara A. Quaye

Barbara Quaye is a Business Development Director at the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC).

As a member of AAEDC’s business development team, Barbara supports the growth and success of businesses in Anne Arundel County by creating and maintaining relationships with their owners. She also manages AAEDC’s Inclusive Ventures Program – a business accelerator program that seeks to help small, minority-owned, woman-owned, and Veteran-owned businesses in Anne Arundel County grow their revenue and create jobs by providing a robust menu of resources, including business education, mentorship, and access to capital. 

Beyond her role at AAEDC, Barbara actively contributes to several advisory groups, including The Comptroller of Maryland’s Advisory Councils and Work Groups, BGE’s Economic Development Advisory Council, the Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Civil Rights Advisory Council, and AAEDC’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Passionate about economic development, Barbara is committed to giving back to the community and takes pride in delivering client service with integrity and professionalism.

Prior to joining AAEDC, Barbara worked in the financial industry for eight years at Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union and Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union.

Reneé F. Spears

Reneé Spears is a retired educator from Severn School who resides in her beautifully restored childhood home in Arnold with her husband of 35 years. A passionate advocate for the arts and community engagement, Reneé is an active member of the Annapolis Arts District committee and has played pivotal roles in organizations such as the Kunta Kinte Festival, where she has served as both chair and board member. She has also contributed her time to the diversity board of Maryland Hall and as a committee member for the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. Reneé extends her love of storytelling and education through her YouTube channel, Story Time with Mrs. Spears, inviting children to explore diverse themes and perspectives through books. Since 2002, she has been a dedicated board member of the Chesapeake Children’s Museum, where she has been instrumental in ensuring the representation of African American families. With a mission to instill pride in all people and highlight the contributions of African Americans, Reneé believes that this important history enriches and unites us all. Her work continues to leave a lasting impact on the community she serves.

Richard Louis Van Dyke

Richard Louis Van Dyke is a retired banking professional with over 30 years of experience working in major financial institutions, specializing in MBS-EE.

Since moving to Annapolis, he has collaborated with the school system, Workforce Development, and the Community College to support the Blueprint’s career guidance and job creation initiatives. He has also actively participated in school career days and job fairs, helping to connect students with career opportunities.

In addition to his professional contributions, Richard joined Charting Careers, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring, tutoring, and providing life skills support to students from low-income communities. Rising to the role of Board President, he has helped guide the organization in its mission to prepare students for college and career success. Under his leadership, all Charting Careers graduates have enrolled in either four-year universities or community colleges, continuing their education with the program’s support.

Stephen V. Williams

Stephen V. Williams is a proud native of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and a 2011 graduate of Morgan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

His professional journey began in 2008 as an intern with Belcher Consultants under the Parsons Capital Improvement Program at Dulles International and Reagan National Airports, where he continued working for three years post-graduation. He currently serves as Senior Construction Services Manager for ATCS, an East Coast-based infrastructure firm. In this role, he leads the Construction Services Practice for Maryland in Transportation, overseeing contract pursuits, management, and the development of field staff.

In spring 2012, Stephen became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., through the Elite Eta Eta Lambda Chapter and later served as the chapter’s youngest president from 2014 to 2016. Following his presidency, he took on the role of program chair for the Alpha Academy Mentor Program, a position he continues to hold.

Under his leadership, the Alpha Academy Mentor Program has grown from a small initiative with a $3,000 annual budget serving 20 mentees into a thriving program that will have received just over $100,000 between 2023 and the end of 2024. The program now impacts 60–70 young men monthly during Saturday sessions and has expanded its high school curriculum to Annapolis High School and Arundel High School, reaching an additional 30–40 students at each location. These accomplishments have been made possible through the chapter’s support, partnerships with organizations such as the Spruill Foundation, Community Action Agency, and the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, and dedicated fundraising efforts.

Stephen’s passion for mentorship and youth development continues to drive his efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young men of color in his community.