Annapolis Gala Celebrates End of Slavery

From a news release:

Tickets are on sale for the Annapolis 1864 Inaugural Emancipation Day Awards Gala to be held on Saturday, Nov. 1.

The gala concludes a series of events celebrating the 150th anniversary of Maryland’s abolishment of slavery and indentured servitude.

There will be six awards presented at Saturday’s gala and the following individuals will be attending to receive their award:

The Richard Edison Israel, Cup of Courage Award

Recipients are Dr. Charlistine Fairly and Alderman Joe Budge for their public service to the community.

The Frederick Douglass Award for Excellence in Preservation

Recipients are Raymond and Jean Langston for the preservation and maintenance of Twin Oaks, built for Frederick Douglass, in Highland Beach. Also receiving this award is Executive Director of Arundel Community Development Services Kathleen Koch for her leadership in the establishment of the Wiley H. Bates Heritage Park.

The Harriet Tubman Award for Excellence in the Historic Arts

Historian and re-enactor Vincent Leggett, along with vocalist and actor Tony Spencer will receive this award for their outstanding contributions to raising awareness of history through song, speech, and entertainment using various forms of media.

The Phebe Jacobsen Award for Excellence in the Literary Arts

Recipients include Jane McWilliams, Annapolis City on the Severn and Wiley H. Bates, (posthumously) for the Researches and Sayings of Wiley H. Bates, 1928.

The Libertus Van Bokkelen Award for Excellence in History Education

Dr. Deborah Wood will receive this award for “Lead on Harriet,” an innovative program teaching children the story of Harriet Tubman at the Children’s Museum in Annapolis.

The Chair’s Award

Historic Annapolis President & CEO Robert Clark will receive the award for continued and consistent support of history, preservation, and programs for the citizens in the City of Annapolis.

The celebration awards will begin at 7 p.m. at the Loews Annapolis Hotel and will end at midnight with entertainment provided by LifeTime Band. Tickets to the gala are $100 and can be purchased online at https://6324.blackbaudhosting.com/6324/Emancipation-Day-Awards-Gala

For more information, contact Janice Hayes-Williams, Annapolis 1864, at 443-854-1315 or at annapolis1864@mail.com