This program book is for the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights 2026 Annual Gala, held on September 26, 2026, at The Hall at Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, MD. It includes a welcome letter from Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, a greeting from Executive Director Cleveland L. Horton, II, and a message from Shawn Essien, Esq., President of the MCCR Foundation Board of Directors. The…
This document is the official program book for the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights 2026 Annual Gala, held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at The Hall at Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, MD. It is intended for attendees, honorees, and supporters of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and its Foundation.
The book opens with a welcome letter from Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, who emphasizes the theme 'Healing Our Communities, Honoring Our Humanity.' She highlights Maryland's diversity and the Commission's nearly century-long work in protecting civil rights, opening doors, and challenging discrimination.
Executive Director Cleveland L. Horton, II provides a greeting that discusses the current challenges to civil rights and the Commission's efforts over the past year. These include reducing the investigative backlog, strengthening enforcement, expanding education and outreach, advancing fair housing, and addressing hate, bias, and discrimination against people with disabilities and source of income.
Shawn Essien, Esq., President of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Foundation, welcomes guests and notes that this gala marks one year since the Foundation's establishment. He mentions the recruitment of a Board of Directors representing diverse regions of Maryland and congratulates the inaugural recipients of the Justice in Action Award.
The program book also invites attendees to contribute financial gifts via a QR code provided on event screens or in the booklet. The document serves as a record of the event's proceedings and the organizations' ongoing mission to protect dignity and civil rights for all Marylanders.