Recipients to be Honored on Saturday, June 20, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown as Part of the Juneteenth Weekend Celebrations
Montgomery County will honor eight outstanding African American community leaders with Living Legend Awards at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.
The awards ceremony is part of the County’s 29th annual Juneteenth celebration. It will be hosted by James Stowe, director of Montgomery County’s Office of Human Rights, and the African American Advisory Group. County Executive Marc Elrich will present the Living Legend Awards to this year’s honorees.
The Living Legend Awards recognize individuals whose lifetime achievements have strengthened Montgomery County through leadership, public service, advocacy, education, faith, business, and community engagement. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Seating is limited.
The 2026 Living Legend Award recipients are:
- Juanita Goudy
- The Honorable William L. England Jr.
- LeCount Davis
- Gladys Hawkins Lyons
- Reverend C. Glenn Taylor
- Patricia Ann Tyson
- Millie West-Wiggins
- Joann Snowden Woodson
“The African American Living Legend Award honorees represent the vast talents, skills, knowledge, and wisdom of Montgomery County’s African American community,” said County Executive Elrich. “Their contributions are part of the foundation on which we continue to build today. Through decades of service, advocacy, and leadership, they have expanded opportunities, strengthened neighborhoods, and helped make our area a better place to live. We are proud to recognize their achievements and honor the lasting impact they have had on generations of residents.”
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The Juneteenth celebration will continue from 1–10 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts, located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown. The event will feature cultural performances, educational exhibits, community activities, vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.
About the Honorees
Juanita Goudy is a lifelong educator and community leader with more than 40 years of service in education. A native of South Carolina, she served students in both South Carolina and Montgomery County Public Schools as a teacher and school administrator, including leadership roles at John F. Kennedy High School and Montgomery College. She has been a dedicated advocate for academic excellence and student success throughout her career. She also has demonstrated long-standing civic leadership through her six terms as president of the Montgomery County Section of the National Council of Negro Women, where she has supported community engagement and educational advancement.
The Honorable William L. England Jr. is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, administrative law judge, and longtime Montgomery County resident. Throughout his career spanning military service and public law, he has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and fairness. He has served on the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission since 2007 and has been chair since 2018, helping guide the County’s work on civil and human rights issues. His career reflects a sustained commitment to public service, mentorship, and the advancement of equal treatment under the law.
LeCount Davis is a lifelong Washingtonian and has been a Montgomery County resident and business leader for more than 50 years. He is a certified financial planner and registered investment adviser, and he made history as the first African American in the United States to earn the Certified Financial Planner designation. He serves as chairman emeritus of the Association of African American Financial Advisors and chairman of the African American Financial Advisors Foundation. He has dedicated his career to advancing financial literacy, mentoring young professionals, and expanding access to careers in finance. He also is an author, lecturer, and internationally recognized speaker in finance and investments.
Gladys Hawkins Lyons is a longtime Montgomery County resident, evangelist, licensed cosmetologist, and retired Montgomery County Public Schools food service worker who devoted more than 27 years to serving students. Known for her compassion and encouragement, she built lasting relationships with generations of children while ensuring access to nutritious meals. Her lifelong commitment to service extends beyond her professional career through her faith and ongoing community involvement. Her dedication reflects a deep tradition of care, service, and support for families and children in Montgomery County.
Reverend C. Glenn Taylor is a lifelong Montgomery County resident whose decades of service span education, trades, ministry, and community leadership. A graduate of Carver High School, he worked as an electrician for Montgomery County Public Schools for more than 25 years and supported residents through his trade work and volunteer service. He has long been active in civic and civil rights organizations and continues to serve as pastor of Historic Jerusalem Baptist Church in Poolesville. His lifelong commitment to youth mentorship, faith leadership, and community service continues to impact residents across the County.
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Patricia Ann Tyson is a historian, community preservation advocate, and Civil War reenactor from the historic Lyttonsville community, where she has played a key role in preserving African American history and local heritage. She has worked extensively to document and protect historically significant sites and has been a leading voice in community preservation efforts, including the restoration of the Talbot Avenue Bridge. Through her leadership, she has helped ensure that the history and contributions of Lyttonsville residents are recognized and preserved for future generations.
Millie West-Wiggins is a longtime civil rights advocate and retired federal employee with more than 50 years of public service and community leadership. She has held numerous leadership roles with organizations, including as a legacy member and current president of the Montgomery County, Maryland, Section of the National Council of Negro Women. She also chairs the Criminal Justice-Legal Redress Committee of the NAACP Montgomery County Branch, where she has worked to advance equity, justice, and civic engagement. She has dedicated her career to ensuring that residents’ voices are heard and that civil rights protections remain strong and accessible.
Joann Snowden Woodson is a lifelong community leader and historian whose decades of service have shaped historic preservation and civic life in Clarksburg and the Upcounty region. She co-founded the Clarksburg Historical Society and served as its president for 17 years, helping preserve African American history and local heritage. She also led the Clarksburg Super Seniors Program for more than three decades, supporting older adults through engagement and enrichment opportunities. Her leadership has strengthened both historical awareness and quality of life for residents across generations.
For a complete list of past African American Living Legend Award recipients, visit the Office of Human Rights website.
The Living Legend Awards are sponsored by the County Executive’s African American Advisory Group and the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights.
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Read the original article at mchr