Award Winners

Community Service

Edward K. Martin, Sr.

Edward King Martin Sr. is a graduate of Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. In the fall of 1971 Ed attended Howard University on a football and wrestling scholarship. Though the future looked promising, after several serious physical injuries from playing sports, Ed’s older brother who was a talented art student attending Bowie encouraged him to visit Bowie. The positive campus environment and opportunity to utilize work study to pay for his college allowed him to transfer to Bowie State College.

At Bowie Ed earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education. This degree provided him with the opportunity for employment in Montgomery County Public Schools from 1974 to 2019. In July 2019 he retired from MCPS in his final position at Damascus High School as a College and Career Information Coordinator. It was in this position he was able to connect with BSU admissions (Don Kiah, Victoria Bush), honors program (Monika Gross), and coaches (Damon Wilson, Richard Reddix, Darrell Brooks, and Kenneth Scott, Andrew Campbell) to send many Montgomery County students to what Ed calls “The Best Kept Secret in the State of Maryland”.

Ed’s desire to volunteer and serve is an important part of his humanitarian efforts. During his early years on campus, Ed could be seen carrying a disable faculty member that had Multiple Sclerosis up and down stairs. Later Ed organized a group of students to purchase an electric wheelchair for his friend. In addition Ed would regularly volunteer to help with the trash removal for the ladies in the cafeteria.

To this day, Ed continues to volunteer at Bowie by working at the various sporting events, helping with activities for the bowling team, driving his car in the homecoming parade, contributing monetarily to athletic teams as well as becoming a member of the 100K Bulldog Club. Ed and his family have also created a scholarship in the name of his mother Dora Glenn Martin, and his brother Andrew Glenn Martin in the Fine Arts Department. Ed has received an outstanding BSU volunteer award for several years for his service. To date he still contributes his time, talents, and resources. Ed joined the Montgomery County Bowie State University Alumni Association in 1989. After three years he was elected as vice president of the chapter and still holds that position to date. In addition while working for MCPS (Montgomery County Public Schools) he developed a program called D.O.C.C.’s (Development of Character and Careers) for at risk students, created and organized the Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner, generated a Halloween pumpkin painting program for elementary school students, introduced and arranged the Black History Program for Damascus High School, sponsored and was a liaison for the ACT-SO (Afro- American Cultural and Technological-Scientific Olympics), coached little league baseball, football, and beltway league wrestling, and was a facilitator for Human Relations Workshops. Ed has been the recipient of many awards and citations for his volunteer services to his community including accolades from all the branches of the military. He is a member of Gamma Epsilon Theta Fraternity Social Organization, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Silver Spring. Maryland. Ed currently lives in Germantown, Maryland with his wife of 42 years Martine Kent Martin whom he met at Bowie State College in the summer of 1972. He is the father of Lauren Kay Martin and Edward King Martin Jr. both of whom graduated from Bowie State University. Edward Jr. is married to Dr. Dawn Jacobs-Martin and presently has one son Edward King Martin III. Their second child is due in November 2019. Ed’s anchor scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

Community Service

Joan W. Oxendine

Joan Wicks Oxendine was born in Southern West Virginia, the daughter of a coalminer. She graduated from Stratton High School in Beckley, West Virginia with honors. She went to St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Clarksburg, WV on a scholarship where she received a diploma. After moving to the Washington, DC area, she entered Howard University completing the Physician Program with high honors. She would later attend Bowie State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in the Advance Nursing Program. After leaving Bowie, she took a leave-of- absence from Group health and she completed a Master’s degree in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Hygiene majoring Health Policy and Management with a minor in Occupational Health. She worked in Occupational Health for over 20 years both in the hospital and out-patient settings. Her last position was at Bowie State University where she operated a Nurse-Manager clinic through a HUD grant in a HUD housing community of 1200 residences. Her last position was as Manager of the Student Health and Wellness Center from which she retired in 2008. Joan is very active in Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal church, where she has been a member for over 50 years. She served as a senior steward for 19 years, retiring in 2015. She taught Sunday school and was president of the President’s Council for 15 years. She has been a member of the Sarah Allen Missionary Society for 31 years where she currently serves as President. She is also the president for 25 years to the Sons and Daughters of Allen, a church club that emphasizes Black History in the church. She is an active member of Church Women United where she serves as president of the Prince George’s County Unit of Greater Washington.

In her community, she is president of the civic association and serves as a volunteer for the Prince George’s County Board of Elections, registering citizen to vote. Her most proud accomplishment is being a published author. Her book, Growing Up in the United States of America: A Nurse Encounters Starvation in the Uninsured, was written out of her concern for the uninsured whose health insurance through the Affordable Health Care Act was being threatened by the Congress of the United States. She has also contributed articles to other publications including the Missionary Yearbook of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church, the Missionary magazine and contributed an article to the book, “When I Touched”, a publication of the Sisters of the Covenant, Metropolitan AME Church, Washington, and DC. She also contributes articles to the Lenten and Advent booklets. Joan has received several awards and recognition including an award for Humanitarian Service, given by the Washington Tuskegee Alumni Association. She was honored to be the Stratton HS reunion speaker in 2010 speaking to over 300 alumnus.

In 2018 she was an honoree of the Washington Conference Branch Women’s Missionary Society’s Annual Recognition Luncheon for her service as a missionary She became a life member of the Bowie State University National Alumni Association in 2012. She is a member of the Prince George’s County Chapter.

Volunteerism Award

Dr. Otis E. Thomas

Director of BSU-TV and WBSU-TV
PhD, Howard University, MA, Webster University, BA, Webster University

Dr. Otis Thomas brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to his position as Director of BSU-TV and WBSU radio. He holds a doctorate in communication and culture with a specialization in mass communications from Howard University and a master's and a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Webster University. Thomas has more than 30 years of professional experience including reporter for CNN, NBC, CBS and Cox television and host of talk programs for Radio One Corporation, CBS Network, KMOX-AM/FM and XM Satellite Radio News in Washington, D.C. He has conducted interviews with political and social dignitaries, including President Barack Obama, U.S. Senator for Maryland Benjamin L. Cardin, Maryland Gov. Martin O' Malley, Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr., former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Journalist and Commentator Juan Williams, and more. He is the distinguished voice behind Bowie State University television and radio advertisements, recruitment videos, and other video and audio productions broadcast on WPGC, WKYS, WMMJ, Praise 104.1, and the Comcast and Verizon cable networks. He also is the executive producer and host for the Minority Male Health Project (MMHP) television program, and creator/executive producer of educational programs at Bowie State University, which include The President's Update, Metro News Report, Today from Bowie State University, The Bulldog Sports Corner, College of Arts and Sciences SAS Connection, The Bottom Line and live coverage of Bowie State University Commencement Exercises.

Dr. Thomas' research interest draws from a variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives that focuses on media studies involving television and movie violence. Also, he is exploring research on qualitative and quantitative approaches to broadcast convergence in technology and the development of future high-definition (HD) broadcast newsrooms. He has published a book chapter in Bowie State University's Custom Edition text book entitled, The Power of Communication. Dr. Thomas wrote the introduction for J.A. Devito's Essentials of Human Communication, which is currently used for Oral Communication courses at Bowie State University. Also, Dr. Thomas has various published research papers, and is currently writing a book titled, Essential Ingredients for Broadcast Journalists, which will be published by Pearson Custom Publishing. Dr. Thomas is a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation in Hollywood, California; Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC); and Broadcast Education Association (BEA).

Leadership Award

Angelica L. Brooks

With a passion for music and education, Mrs. Brooks’ resume exhibits service, excellence and artistry. Mrs. Brooks is the 2019 Prince George’s County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, an acclaimed choral director and teaches AP Music Theory at Bowie High School.

Mrs. Brooks completed her undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance at Bowie State University. While a student at Bowie State she received the many accolades including the Charlotte B. Robinson Award for Music Excellence. She also served the campus community via SGA, founded the Commuter Club, and marched in Symphony of Soul Marching Band.

She obtained her Masters of Music in Vocal Pedagogy from The Catholic University of America. While completing her Master degree, Angelica entered the Resident Teacher Program and joined the Prince George’s Public Schools System as a Vocal/General Music Specialist.

For over ten years she has worked to build various choral programs to achieve immense success. Her choirs have earned Superior Ratings at several festivals and competitions, creating a stellar reputation as one of the best choral directors and music educators in the State of Maryland.

Mrs. Brooks has been honored to serve her professional community as a mentor teacher, curriculum writer, and professional development presenter for arts education. She has also served as Director for the PGCPS Elementary Honors Chorus for 3 years, a guest lecturer at Frostburg State University for Music Education, and festival adjudicator for the MCPS Choral Festivals.

Mrs. Brooks believes in creating “Singing Musicians” ready to take on the world as creators and innovators of music and education. Mrs. Brooks is also an opera singer, pianist, and songwriter. As an accomplished solo artist she has performed for President Obama, David Foster, Stevie Wonder, and many others.

Leadership Award

Dr. Jeffrey O. Holmes

Dr. Jeffrey O. Holmes is a native Prince Georgian, raised in the city of Seat Pleasant as a “Son of the City”. He and his four siblings were all educated in the Prince George’s County Public School system where he later became a proud alumni of Crossland High School. Dr. Holmes and his beautiful wife, Monica have been married for 22 years and together they have 3 children, Kiera, Jeffrey and Jory. Dr. Holmes earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in elementary education from Bowie State University, a Master’s of Science degree from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Maryland College Park. While at Bowie State, he sang in both the Bowie State Gospel Choir and the Bowie State Concert Choir. During his Bowie State tenure his perseverance and ambition placed him on the dean’s list and a graduate of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program.

Success as an Educator During his undergraduate studies, Jeffrey was employed by Prince George’s County Public Schools as a Group Activity Assistant in the Before and After Care Program. After leaving Bowie, Jeffrey continued his employment with PGCPS for the next 31.5 years as an elementary and secondary teacher, assistant principal and an elementary and secondary principal. The last position he held prior to his retirement, August 1, 2019 was an Instructional Director (principal supervisor) where Dr. Holmes supervised up to 22 PreK-12 schools. Dr. Holmes is a highly respected instructional leader and has coached and mentored students, teachers, aspiring principals and principals throughout his career. Dr. Jeffrey Holmes is currently the Chief of Elementary Schools with the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) where he oversees the supervision of 74 elementary schools, early childhood education and the reading recovery programs.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Holmes actively serves his community as the founder and Executive Director of Creating Opportunities and Resources in Education (C.O.R.E), a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides a variety of educational and empowerment opportunities for school age youth and their families. In addition, Dr. Holmes is a proud and active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter.

He is also an active member of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden where he is a member of the Brothers In Discipleship and participates in the SHARE Ministry. Moreover he recognizes the most significant part of his life is family and living to please his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These are the values his parents, Toby Holmes and the late Frances Holmes instilled in him and Dr. Holmes hopes he has made them both proud of the son he has become.

Leadership Award

Michael Gilchrist

Michael Gilchrist was born and raised in Northwest Washington, DC. Being the product of a family of educators, Michael Gilchrist always knew that a career in education was in his future. Mr. Gilchrist attended St John's College High School of Washington, DC where he graduated with honors. Following his high school graduation Mr. Gilchrist received a full academic scholarship to attended Bowie State University where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Mathematics.While teaching, Mr. Gilchrist knew that he wanted to further his career in education and pursed his Master Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education with a focus on Administration and Educational Leadership. While working at William Hall Academy as an Assistant Principal, Mr. Gilchrist was mentored by Dr. Kassandra Lassiter and Dr. Jeffrey Holmes who placed him in position to move into the Principalship.

In 2014 Mr. Gilchrist was appointed as Principal of Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and since that time he has began the pursuit of his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. Mr. Gilchrist now proudly serves as Principal of Crossland High School, where he continually pushes for the best for and out of his scholars.

Leadership Award

Robert E. Slade

Robert E.Slade gives all credit to his mother (Elizabeth), father (Leonard), wife (Rhoda), sister (Mary), 7 brothers and Jesus Christ for all that he has been blessed to achieve and accomplish in life. Growing up in rural North Carolina (Potecasi) with a humble beginning, he learned that hard work produces successes. It was in 1970 that he came to Prince George’s County seeking a teaching position, truth be told, any position. It was the remarkable Dr. Gretta G. Henry who saw the worth and desire in a young man determined to achieve. After serving in the classroom for 9 years, he went on to become a Transportation Supervisor with the Prince George’s County School System. After serving diligently, he became the Director of Transportation where he was able to put his hard work into action. It was one of his most stressful, complex jobs in his career, but it was also one of his most rewarding. After serving as Director of Transportation, Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools, Edward Felegy, appointed him to the position of Associate Superintendent for Supporting Services. His last four years with Prince George’s County Public Schools, he served as one of the two Deputy Superintendents under the leadership of Dr. Jerome Clark. He remains indebted to all of those persons who had faith in his ability to lead and to assist others in leadership roles. He is proud of the fact that he enjoys a simple life on a farm in Prince George’s County with his three daughters, Brandie, Briana, Brittany and wife Rhoda. He relishes the fact that he was selected Farmer of the Year in 2001. He presently serves on the Prince George’s County Soil Conservation District’s Supervisory Board. Farming is one of his passions.

Robert Slade received his undergraduate degree from Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC in 1970. He later received his Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland. In 1990 he accepted his calling into ministry and in 1994 he received a Master’s of Divinity from Howard School of Divinity. Upon his retirement from the Prince George’s County School System in July 2000, he became the pastor of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church where he served for 11 years. He has served as pastor of Grace UMC in Fort Washington, MD for the last 8 years. He continues to live by his beloved mother’s favorite sayings, “If you look back over your life and you didn’t help somebody, your living was in vain.”

Trailblazer Award

Nicholas L. Myles

Nicholas L. Myles is the current Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach at St Frances Academy in Baltimore, MD. Coach Myles is a Baltimore native and a 1997 graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. At the end of his tenure at Dunbar Nicholas’s love for basketball afforded the opportunity to play for the basketball team as preferred walk-on lead him to Bowie State University. Once he arrived he quickly learned Bowie State had so much more to offer than basketball. Graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History & Government, Nichoals not only excelled in the classroom but significantly made his presence known outside of it as well.

During his tenure at Bowie, Nicholas participated in basketball from 1997-1999. He was initiated into the Eta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity incorporated in the spring of 1999. During this time Nicholas started to understand the importance of student leadership so he became the Chapter President for Eta Zeta Chapter from 2000-2002 along with being assistant District Director Mid Atlantic Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters from 2000-2001. Nichoals also served in the Student Government Association (2000-2001) as the Executive Member at Large, during the tenure its cabinet’s major accomplishment was raising the Student Government budget from $90,000 to $200,000 for the following school year. Lastly as the Executive Member at Large Nicholas’s love for sports, especially basketball, lead his cabinet to implement the first formal Intramural Sports Basketball & Flag Football Leagues, which are still currently active on the campus of BSU today.

Saint Frances School for Colored Girls was opened by Mother Mary Lange and the Oblate Sisters of Providence in 1828. Gradually the name changed to Saint Frances Academy by mid century. The school moved to its current location on East Chase Street in 1871. It became co-educational in the mid 1970s. It is the oldest, predominantly African-American Catholic High School in the United States. They’ve been serving their community for over 185 years! Under Myles leadership as Athletic Director, St Frances Academy has won the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (Girls Athletic League which features 29 Baltimore Area Private Schools) Girls Volleyball “C” Conference Championships in 2016 & 2017 IAAM Girls Basketball “Conference Championships 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019. St Frances has also won Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association Boys Athletic League which features 32 private schools from the Baltimore Metro Area in Football Championship “C”Conference in 2011&2012 & “A” Conference Champiionship in 2016, 2017 & 2018. The St Frances Academy football team is currently 5th in the country by Max Preps & ESPN. Under Myles, the Panther Boys Basketball have won five league championships- three in the MIAA Championship (2013,2016,2018) and two straight in the Baltimore Catholic League Championships (2018 & 2019). The most important accomplishment over Myles tenure is 110 kids under his leadership receive full Athletic Scholarships to College & Universities throughout the country including three Bowie State graduates.

Lastly, Coach Myles thanks his mother Marie Myles who supported him from day one to help him accomplish his goals. Coach Myles lives in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife Deborah and two sons Nicholas and Richad Myles.

Trailblazer Award

Miquel G. Wilson

Miguel Wilson BioCelebrity fashion designer Miguel Wilson is a men’s fashion expert and an aficionado for what makes a groom feel special on his wedding day. The award-winning men's designer offers suits, sportcoats, trousers, shirts and accessories through his signature label, The Miguel Wilson Collection.A Washington D.C. native, Wilson obtained his undergraduate degree at Clark Atlanta University before receiving his MBA at Campbell University. He was also a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserves, where he served in the Military Police Corps and worked in corporate sales prior to his career in fashion.Starting off as a custom clothier, Wilson began making custom suits while still working in corporate American. However, as his clothing became more popular he quit his job to operate his custom clothing design company full-time; expanding his vision and his clientele. Best described as conservative clothing with a touch of excitement, The Miguel Collection features very tailored clothing with clear lines and exceptional detail that is appreciated by fine clothing enthusiasts.Over their years, Wilson’s clothing has attracted many notable people in sports, business, politics and religion.With two flagship stores and his signature label, offered in many high-end bridal boutiques across the country, Wilson’s keen eye and exquisite taste are trusted above all for his long list of high-profile and celebrity clients.He has also managed to become the go-to guy for consulting on groomswear, sparking a movement for men to achieve their desired look on their wedding day. Some of these men include Hollywood producer Will Packer, reality stars Peter Thomas and Todd Tucker, NFL players Bobby Rainey and Travis Daniels and actor Josh Morgan, who have all worn The Miguel Collection as they started the beginning of the rest of their lives with their significant others.

After working with many grooms, Wilson decided to become the first company to create a wedding collection for men, the Miguel Wilson Wedding Collection.He noticed that most women spend thousands of dollars on a gown to wear one time, while grooms rent a cheap tuxedo, or buy one that can be worn on multiple occasions.Wanting to offer something to grooms that make them feel important too, Wilson launched his wedding collection with the understanding that a man’s wedding day is probably the biggest party he will ever throw, and so he should look better than he’s ever looked in his life.With the tagline “Because It’s His Day Too!,” The Miguel Wilson Collection also offers “Groom Lounge” events and a “Groom Review,” a segment of their fashion shows where past grooms are able to wear their wedding attire on the runway.

Game Changer Award

Richard L. Lucas, III

Richard Lucas III was born on April 23rd in Buffalo, New York. Richard attended Bowie State University where he received a Bachelor's degree in History and Government. At Bowie State University, Richard was an active and involved student. He was initiated into the first intercollegiate Black Greek Letter Organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc where he served as Chapter President. He also had the privilege to serve as President of The Student Government Association. Additionally, Richard participated in the Congressional Black Caucus Emerging Leaders Program focused on preparing the next leaders of American in public policy. Last year, Richard was chosen to attend the prestigious James Lawson Institute, a strategic direct-action organization that seeks to apply scholarly and practitioner knowledge of civil disobedience to the political scene. A budding writer and speaker, Richard articles "Twas the Night before Christmas; Spending Christmas Eve Homeless" and "The State vs. HBCUs" have been published by national outlets such as the Baltimore Sun.

Moreover, he has been honored to grace multiple speaking platforms at many colleges, conferences, high schools, and churches. While at Yale University, Richard was the William Sloane Coffin Fellow. This full scholarship award is given to one student in every incoming class that demonstrates Coffin's prophetic leadership, his passion for social justice, and his critical theological interpretation of the social and political scene. Moreover, Richard worked at the Dwight Hall Center for Social Justice at Yale University as the Magee Fellow focusing on the intersection of religion, self-reflection, and social justice. Currently, Richard is a professor at Bowie State University where he teaches religion and philosophy courses. Richard aspires to be a teacher for freedom, believing in the radical power of social justice literacy to transform hearts, minds, communities, policies, and the world.

Game Changer Award

DeJuan D. Patterson

DeJuan Patterson is a businessman, public servant, and community organizer in the Baltimore City area. He received both his Bachelor's in Psychology and his M.P.A. in Public Policy from Bowie State University. He is currently the Managing Partner of The BeMore Group: a company dedicated to providing services and solutions to issues surrounding youth, families, and underserved communities. Patterson and his work have been featured in The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, Elite Daily, The Baltimore Afro and CBS News.

Patterson is a proud Baltimore native. To most Baltimoreans he is best known for his "BeMore Family" events, where he transforms mere community gatherings into a fellowship where residents are not only entertained by those immersed in Baltimore's art scene, but they are also connected to resources and engaging with experts on employment, financial literacy, the expungement/reentry process, and more.

Patterson deems himself a "social impact consultant" for the city, where he uses his gifts of strategic planning and economic development as channels to highlight and solve the challenges in the community. Using his 2-tier approach, Patterson first focuses on community engagement: developing and implementing programs for youth and families, as well as identifying key resources to allocate to these groups. He then takes the successful results of his community engagement to concentrate on institutional advisement, where he advises agencies on how to best distribute their time and resources to the groups that need it most. Patterson's institutional advisement tier includes sitting on advisory boards, program evaluation and development, and product delivery.

By using his 2-tier approach, Patterson has held voter registration drives, political forums on citywide issues, toy/clothing drives for youth, workforce development programs, job recruitment seminars, art exhibits, and more. As a result, he has been granted several opportunities from Baltimore City Hall to Capitol Hill to consult with various stakeholders on developing progressive solutions for socio-economic equity and criminal justice reform. Motivated by his own life experiences ranging from poverty to gun violence, Patterson aims to bring about workable, tangible solutions for both the person in front of the gun and the person behind the gun: "Because it's not about me; it's about all of us."

Legacy Award

Dr. Bruce A. Purnell

Dr. Bruce Purnell is the founder and executive director of a community based non-profit organization called The Love More Movement. He is a psychologist, author, artist, speaker and community activist. Dr. Purnell is a direct descendent of Underground Railroad conductors, Station Masters, Freedom Fighters and Educators. Like his ancestors, he has dedicated his life to creating a world where Love, Joy, Peace, Hope, Purpose, Equity and Transformation are lifestyles. Through Dr. Purnell’s journey he has instructed at The University of Cincinnati and The University of Lagos, Created a Legacy Foundation at Howard University, Conducted Academic and leadership Boot- Camps at Bowie State University, created the Transformative Life Coaches (TLC) initiative and The Transformational Indigenous Leadership Team (T.I.L.T). Dr. Purnell has also worked on Blueprints for alternative schools, written culturally focused youth engagement curricula, built an Arts and Recording studio, founded Seniors Offering Unconditional Love (S.O.U.L.) as a movement for Seniors to heal from trauma of the past, engage, repurpose and take their rightful role as Elders and the SOUL of our communities. Dr. Purnell has also founded an international, grass roots movement called “The OverGround Free-Way” as a “New Abolition” movement, an evolution of the “Underground Railroad” and to continue his ancestors’ vision of being able to leave a legacy of freedom, hope, love, joy, resilience and purpose to our children. He believes that there will never be physical freedom without mental and spiritual liberation.

Dr. Purnell is currently working with over 300 youth, 100 parents and 100 seniors in 7 “Love-More” communities in the Washington Metropolitan Area with international sites in Southern Ontario and Nigeria. He is also finishing a book entitled “Finding My Eagle” about the process of self-discovery, genealogy and transformation and he is in final edit of the Transformational Indigenous Leadership curriculum (T.I.L.T.) He currently serves as a subject matter expert for SAMHSA, The American Psychological Association and The Department of Justice for topics involving healing from historical, institutional and community trauma, The mental health of Boys and Men of Color, Self-Efficacy, Youth, Trauma and Suicide Prevention, Victims of Violent Crimes and many aspects of violence, mediation and restorative justice models for Gangs and Crews. Dr. Purnell has developed a process for strategically activating social entrepreneurs and architects with the purpose of bringing a creative culture of Love, Hope, Healing, Health, Resilience and Trust to the most vulnerable communities in the world. The Love-More Movements’ universal hashtags state that HealingPeopleHealingPeople, “#WeLoveMore” and “#WeRedefineCool” because Dr. Purnell intends to demonstrate that the combination of Love, Hope, Freedom, Resilience, Health and Purpose is the true social panacea.

Legacy Award

Dr. Cubie A. Bragg

Cubie A. Bragg, Ph.D is counselor and psychotherapist. He holds a Ph. D. in clinical psychology and is a full professor in the Department of Counseling at Bowie State University. He is also Director of the Adler-Dreikurs Institute of Human Services and coordinator of the Adlerian Counseling Psychology Program at Bowie State University. He is an internationally known lecturer, and a national doctoral addiction counselor and therapist. He is certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia. Dr. Bragg has completed extensive research in stress management, depression and anxiety disorders. He serves as a reviewer for several national journals and is the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding work with youth and child care workers. Dr. Bragg is Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Bragg Training Consultants and President of The Center for Education. He has published independently, with peers and graduate students. He has also co-authored conference papers, thesis manuals, developed new courses, and written grants. He currently serves on various boards of directors and committees at Bowie State University and the community at large. He continues to present scholarly papers at several professional conferences and maintains applied skills via consulting in his areas of expertise.

Dr. Bragg has served as Principal Investigator and Project Director for The National Minority Male Health Project for ten years. He currently is the Principal Investigator at Bowie State University’s Peer Recovery Training Workforce Project which is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program.Dr. Bragg has more than twenty years of experience in developing and facilitating management training seminars, as well as organizational and staff development. Presently, he is a graduate university full professor and senior partner of Bragg Training Consultants. Organizations that have benefited from his training include the Federal Government in Washington, D. C., George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the Governor’s Office for the State of Maryland, Threshold Mental Health Services, Inc., The National Organization of Youth and Child Care Workers, United States Jaycees, Nova University, American Sexuality and Parenting, Southeast Community Hospital, National Parent-Teacher Association, International Jaycees, U. S. Department of Defense, U. S. Department of Human Resources, U. S. Olympic Foundation, U. K. Collage Foundation, Violence Prevention Education Project and the National Council of Crime and Delinquency. He was senior training specialist for the Department of Human Services for more than six years and training director for Saint Elizabeth Mental Hospital in Washington, D. C. for an additional five years. His primary area of consultation was in staff development and stress management. Dr. Bragg has also served as a national faculty member of the American Heart Association and chairperson of Maryland / District of Columbia ECC Regional Committee.Dr. Bragg is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding work in the field of human resources; he was president of The National Organization of Youth and Child Care Workers for six years, which provided him the experience of speaking and teaching internationally. As national president, he designed and implemented national and international conferences and training seminars.

Legacy Award

Shantelle T. Dockett

Shantelle Dockett is a native of Salisbury, MD. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Bowie State University and a Master of Arts in Media Studies/Media Management form the New School University in New York City. While in undergrad she served as Miss Bowie State University (2005-2006) and in that role she started The Society of Sophisticated Ladies, an organization that at the time mentored freshmen females. That organization is still active at BSU and has evolved over the nearly 15 years that it’s been in existence. It was her continued passion for empowering young women that led her to start The Society for Girls, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been empowering girls in the Washington, DC and Baltimore areas for the past decade. The organization focuses on young women from middle school through college and has positively impacted over 1,000 girls through hands-on engaging programs, pop-up events, and flagship events such as the Girls Inspire Summit, Totally Fun Tutu Run, and Aspire to Inspire Benefit Brunch.

Shantelle has over a decade of experience in television & entertainment, consumer marketing, and social/digital strategy from working with networks such as Travel Channel, VH1, BET, and TV One. Currently, Shantelle works for Planned Parenthood Federation of America as the Associate Director of Corporate Relations. In her role, she leads the cause marketing program where she oversees all national corporate partnerships for the organization. Under her tenure she has successfully overseen partnerships with global beauty brands Benefit Cosmetics and MAC Cosmetics, retail brands Marc Jacobs, Zadig & Voltaire, Sophie Ratner, and more.

Shantelle has always believed in giving back and empowering everyone around her. She is unwavering in her commitment to empower girls and women in this area. She is married to Jarrod Dockett who is also a Bowie Alum and former SGA President. The couple looks to welcome their first child together in November.

Legacy Award

Dr. Clifton L. Coates

Clifton Coates has taken his passion for empowering at-risk populations and turned it into an art form. An extraordinary keynote and motivational speaker, singer and skilled workshop facilitator he is transforming leadership in school systems, colleges, corporations, government and non-profit organizations. Coates offers a unique combination of dynamic speaking and inspirational singing, and his charismatic style engages audience members the moment he takes the stage. His presentations are blunt, fiery, and honest—and they are changing lives. “For many the light inside has been hidden by skin and soul. Now is the time to rediscover it.”

Early in his professional speaking career, Clifton Coates engaged audiences by utilizing his own early experiences with academic struggles to train administrators, teachers and the staff in schools about infusing the lessons of self-esteem, selfrespect, and creating the attitude for success not only in teacher's lesson plans but also to create a climate of acceptance throughout the school. Over time, Coates gained extensive and invaluable experience while working as a journalist, volunteer chaplain, juvenile corrections counselor, public school teacher, coach, school administrator and principal, director of career services and adjunct professorat a HBCU. Coates believes, if given a chance and an opportunity, any individual regardless of their circumstances, can be taught, the power of belief in themselves and to turn that belief into academic and career success.

In every career, Coates was quickly recognized for his natural ability to lead, inspire, and change lives: Coates conceptualized, designed, developed, implemented and "stood up," a major institutional life skills trainingprogramas a Supervisory Institutional Counselor for the Cedar Knoll and Oak Hill Juvenile Detention Centers, which were juvenile detention centers managed by The Youth Services Administration an agency within District of Columbia Government. The hallmark of the lifeskills training program wasthat itreducedthe recidivism rate at the institutions byan astounding 39%. Clifton Coates serves as an Education Consultant, Workshop Leader and Skilled Facilitator for a large government agency and as an Adjunct Professor of Public Speaking.

Presidential Award

Hon. Aisha Braveboy

Aisha N. Braveboy is the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County. Aisha, daughter of an immigrant from Grenada, is an accomplished lawyer with nearly two decades of legal and legislative experience. Prior to being elected as State’s Attorney, she served as the Manager of Government Affairs for Children's National Health System. Aisha was also Of Counsel with Gabriel J. Christian and Associates, where she represented clients in criminal and civil matters. In addition, Aisha, for over 15 years, served as General Counsel for the Community Public Awareness Council (C-PAC), a community-based juvenile diversionary program that has successfully diverted over 4,000 students from the criminal justice system. In 2006, Braveboy was elected to represent the 25th Legislative District in the Maryland General Assembly. As a Delegate, Aisha was appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve as Chair of the Consumer Protection Subcommittee. She was elected by her peers to serve as Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, where she guided the 44-member organization on a wide range of policy issues including parity for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, reducing mass incarceration, enhancing tools to prosecute rapists, increasing opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses, and reducing health disparities in our State.

As a lawyer, Aisha was recognized as a rising star by Super Lawyers Magazine and received both the Legal Excellence and Community Service awards from the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association and the President’s Award from the National Bar Association. Aisha has provided substantial pro bono legal representation to members of the Prince George's County community. In 2015, Aisha represented Teamsters facing the closure of a major supermarket distribution center in the County. Through her efforts, more than 700 jobs were saved. Additionally, Braveboy has also fought for homeowners who were victimized by their lenders and facing foreclosure, seniors subject to financial abuse from their housing cooperative, and a same-sex couple who faced discrimination from their neighborhood association. In another case, she saved a historic African-American home that was moments away from being demolished.

A proud product of Prince George’s County Public Schools, Aisha graduated from Largo High School. She went to the University of Maryland in College Park, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and Politics. She also received her Juris Decorate from Howard University Law School. Aisha is a member of the Sanctuary at Kingdom Square and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Presidential Award

Rev. Dr. Lee Washington

It was Pastor Washington who, in 1989, led Reid Temple from its Northeast Washington, D. C., location to Lanham, Maryland. At that time, the church membership numbered only 300 worshipers. Guided by his pragmatic approach to ministry and a simple theme, "Have Faith in God," which he received by revelation, the membership grew to over 1,500 within three years. By 2001, under God’s guidance and Pastor Washington’s leadership, the Reid Temple AME Church congregation acquired 32 acres of land in suburban Glenn Dale, Maryland. There, it built the spacious, ultra-modern sanctuary and educational worship complex that today houses most of the church’s multifaceted services, programs, and ministries.

In December 2004, Pastor Washington led the first services at the Glenn Dale campus. He is frequently quoted on issues related to the “mega-church” phenomena and has been featured in the Washington Post, Washington Times, Bowie Gazette, PG Post, and Washington Informer newspapers. He has given numerous radio and television interviews and has been honored on many occasions as “Pastor of the Week” and “Pastor of the Month.” In 2006 under Pastor Washington’s leadership, Reid Temple became “One Church in Two Locations” with the opening of a second worship location. The expansion location was dubbed “Reid Temple North.” Montgomery County, they determined, was an ideal site for expansion, offering a strong and growing African American population base, and in great need of Christian witnessing and Kingdom building.

Pastor Washington is a gifted preacher and teacher. His dynamic and life changing sermons can be heard every Saturday morning on WPRS 104.1FM and WYCB 1340AM. He has been featured in Upscale magazine, which identified him as a “national spiritual leader.” The Afro-American newspaper called him “one of the top preachers in the Washington (DC) Metro area.” Pastor Washington received his Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity degrees from Howard University, his Bachelor of Science degree in the behavioral and social sciences from the University of Maryland-College Park, his Associates degree from the Community College of Baltimore, and his general business degree from Cortez W. Peters Business College in Chicago. He is the author of Identifying Conflict Management Strategies in a Black Church (Vantage Press, 1987) and a contributing author to the African American Devotional Bible (Zondervan, 1997). He has authored the following booklets: From Membership to Discipleship, From Membership to Fellowship: Reid Temple, The Commission System for Corporate Churches, The Reid Temple Stewardship Manual, and The Discipleship Development Manual. Pastor Washington is the recipient of the National Business Honor Society Award, an Outstanding Young Man of America award, the Henry Maynard Preaching Award, the Howard University Excellence in Ministry Award, the Second Episcopal District Living Legend Award in Ministry, the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps’ Martin Luther King, Jr., Award, the A.M.E. Department of Worship and Evangelism’s Soul Winner’s Award, and the Spirituality and Medicine Award from Howard University Hospital. He is listed among the 25 Outstanding Preachers of Washington (DC) and Maryland, 50 National Spiritual Leaders, and Who’s Who Among Business Executives. Pastor Washington presently chairs the Board of Examiners for the Washington Conference of the A.M.E. Church. He has served the A.M.E. Church as Northeast Regional Director of Evangelism, Director of Ministry Beyond the Sanctuary (for the Washington, D.C., Conference), Director of the Annual Conference Institute, Dean of Christian Education Institute, Second Episcopal District, Director of Evangelism, and Director of Stewardship. He also has been a delegate to the last five general conferences.

Pastor Washington is married to Anna Brooks Washington. They have two sons, Levon Lee and Brooks Paul Washington.