VOTE FOR YOUR UNSUNG HERO 

Thank you for participating in the 4th District Baltimore City 2026 “Unsung Hero” recognition process.

This award honors individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have strengthened our communities and advanced civil & human rights in Baltimore City.

Dr. Edwin Avent

Dr. Edwin Avent is the President and CEO of the Five Smooth Stones Foundation, where he serves as the administrative leader of both the foundation and its subsidiary charter school, Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys. Through his leadership, Dr. Avent advances high expectations, academic excellence, and strong mentorship for students and families, helping expand opportunity for young people and strengthening long-term outcomes.

Videtta Brown

Videtta Brown is a retired Circuit Court Judge whose career reflects a longstanding commitment to justice and the wellbeing of Baltimore. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is known in her neighborhood for kindness, warmth, and steady community care. As a neighbor, Videtta checks in on others, offers help without being asked, and provides reassurance through simple, consistent acts of support. Her thoughtfulness and service-minded approach extend beyond any title—shaping community trust and strengthening the sense that people are not alone.

Keon Chavez

Keon Chavez is a career development and workforce engagement professional with the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED). As a key point of contact for the Northwest Career Center, he supports jobseekers by coordinating pre-screening and hiring events across industries and connecting residents—especially those seeking entry-level opportunities—to training, resources, and employment pathways. Keon is widely appreciated for his consistency and responsiveness, regularly sharing job openings, providing interview guidance, and ensuring candidates have what they need to take the next step. His work reflects a strong commitment to helping Baltimore residents find purpose, direction, and stability through employment.

Janette Graham

Janette Graham is the Founder and Executive Director of No Struggle No Success Inc. (NsNs) and a transformative leader in Baltimore’s reentry and public safety work. She designs and executes coordinated reentry frameworks that bridge incarceration and community reintegration—working across systems with courts, parole and probation, legislators, service providers, and grassroots partners. Her work advances parole readiness, trauma-informed reentry practices, restorative justice, and second-chance pathways, with a strong footprint in District 4. Janette’s leadership is grounded in cultural competence, lived experience, and an unwavering belief that people are more than their worst mistake.

Nathalie Gbaba

Nathalie Gbaba is a youth leader focused on student wellness and peer support. She created Mervo Mentors, a program where upperclassmen organize mental health events and provide mentorship support to underclassmen (“mentees”). Through this model, Nathalie helps students access support, build connection, and reduce stigma around mental health in the school community.

Karl Green Jr.

Karl Green Jr. is a community advocate and harm-reduction leader whose work is rooted in resilience and a deep commitment to helping others. With lived experience of addiction in his family, he transformed that reality into purpose—building trust in communities most impacted by substance use and connecting residents to lifesaving resources. Karl’s grassroots work includes outreach, education, resource distribution, and linking people to treatment and recovery services. His dedication led to his appointment to the harm reduction seat on the Mayor’s Opioid Advisory Board, where he contributes practical solutions informed by community needs.

Phyllis Gilmore

Phyllis Gilmore is a dedicated community champion whose leadership and commitment have had a lasting impact on the Woodbourne–McCabe neighborhood in Baltimore. Known for her consistency, integrity, and tireless advocacy, she has long been a trusted voice for residents working to strengthen safety, connection, and quality of life. As an active leader in the Woodbourne–McCabe Community Association, Phyllis helps bridge communication between neighbors, city agencies, and elected officials. Residents often turn to her with concerns related to public safety, housing conditions, zoning, community resources, and follow-up. Beyond advocacy, she invests in community cohesion and relationship-building—encouraging collaboration, problem-solving, and shared pride in the neighborhood.

Keith Holt

Keith Holt is an award-winning community leader, nationally recognized consultant, and LGBTQ+ strategist with more than 20 years of experience advancing health equity, economic opportunity, and political power for marginalized communities. He serves as President of the Maryland LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the LGBTQ+ Diversity Leadership Council for the Maryland Democratic Party—making history as the first African American to hold either role. Keith was elected to the Maryland State Central Committee for the 43rd District and previously served as Director of Community Engagement for Baltimore City Council District 4, as well as the Baltimore City Health Department’s first Youth, Gender, and Sexual Minorities Outreach Coordinator, helping design the “Know Your Status” Free Ball and Conference. He is a certified community health worker with multiple professional certifications.

Steven Lee

Steven Lee is a historian and researcher recognized for outstanding research and promotion of Maryland Black soldiers of the Wars for Independence. He has been honored by the National Association of Black Veterans for his work preserving and elevating the stories of Black patriots whose service is often overlooked. Through research, documentation, and public education, Steven helps ensure that Maryland’s Black military history is remembered accurately and shared widely.

Lorne Matthews

Lorne Matthews is President of the Glen Oaks Association and a steady, thoughtful leader committed to improving living conditions, safety, property values, and community responsiveness. In his role, he helps residents connect their concerns to the right people and agencies, ensuring follow-up and practical problem-solving. He is known for being approachable, consistent, and willing to go out of his way to support neighbors and strengthen community relationships.

Latasha McBride

Officer Latasha McBride, a native of Syracuse, New York, has proudly served the Baltimore Police Department for 17 years with a consistent commitment to protect, support, and uplift the community she serves. She is known for learning residents by name, listening to concerns, and building trust through fairness, empathy, and consistency. Officer McBride goes beyond the expectations of her role—delivering fresh produce, helping community members with everyday needs, and organizing holiday donations for children without parents. She also mentors youth through the Explorers Program and often volunteers her personal time to collaborate with residents in strengthening neighborhood connection and safety.

Elijah Miles

Elijah Miles is a Baltimore-based community leader, organizer, and the Chairman of Tendea Family, a grassroots organization dedicated to building and strengthening the Black community from within. A graduate of Morgan State University, Elijah has committed his life to service, leadership development, and cultural education. Through Tendea Family, he has led youth mentorship initiatives, community cleanups, Black history education programs, family support efforts, and neighborhood safety initiatives that directly impact underserved communities. His work centers on identity, accountability, self-empowerment, and collective uplift, making him a respected and trusted voice in Baltimore’s grassroots movement.

Deneen Morgan Burley

Deneen Morgan Burley has been a cornerstone of the Glen Oaks community for more than three decades. A lifelong educator and advocate, she continues her service as a Block Captain for the Glen Oaks Community Association. From leading neighborhood clean-ups and teaching arts and crafts to personally welcoming new residents to the block, Deneen’s dedication is both hands-on and consistent. She strengthens neighborhood pride by bringing neighbors together, maintaining community standards, and ensuring residents feel connected, informed, and supported.

Robert “Bobby” Pittman

Robert ‘Bobby’ Pittman is a reentry professional, nonprofit leader, and community advocate whose life and work embody resilience, transformation, and service to Baltimore’s Black community. After being incarcerated as a juvenile and sentenced as an adult, Bobby spent more than 20 years incarcerated before being released through the parole commission. While incarcerated, he founded and led programs focused on accountability, education, mentorship, and rehabilitation. Following his release, he has translated lived experience into tangible impact as a Reentry Specialist and Peer Navigator with the University of Baltimore’s Second Chance College Program, supporting returning citizens with home plans, higher education access, employment readiness, and essential resources. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of Bullying Intervention Teams (BIT), a 501(c)(3) focused on violence prevention, youth empowerment, trauma-informed care, and reentry support.

Elissa Ross

Elissa Ross is an educator and community servant whose work spans education, faith leadership, and direct support to families in need. Originally from Pamplico, South Carolina, she earned a B.S. in Microbiology and Chemistry from Howard University and a Master’s in Education, Leadership, and Administration from Loyola University Maryland. Over nearly three decades, she has taught students from grades 4–12 in DC Public Schools and Baltimore County Public Schools, serving as a mentor and advocate for student confidence and resilience. Elissa also serves as Sunday School Superintendent at Mt. Calvary AME Church and supports food access and essential needs through initiatives like Harvest Meals for the Hungry, partnerships with the Salvation Army and Maryland Food Bank, and grant work that strengthens programs focused on mental health and alcohol education.

Antwan Sabedra

Antwan Sabedra is a peer specialist, youth advocate, and community organizer whose work in Baltimore City is rooted in lived experience, justice, and a deep commitment to young people most impacted by systemic inequities. He serves as a Peer Specialist with the Office of the Public Defender, supporting youth charged with gun-related offenses during pretrial—helping them remain connected to education, stabilize, and access community-based resources. Antwan also organizes with Maryland Justice Partnerships and supports hubs focused on Youth Justice and Education Equity, while advocating for legislative reforms that reduce long-term harm to young people. Beyond systems work, he provides direct mutual aid—distributing food, hot coffee, and supplies to unhoused residents.

Pastor Simmons

Pastor Simmons is a lifelong Baltimore resident and faith leader whose ministry has served as a pillar of strength for West Baltimore communities. Guided by compassion and an unwavering commitment to service, he has dedicated his life to mentoring youth, preventing violence, expanding food access, and supporting returning citizens as they rebuild their lives. His church stands not only as a place of worship but as a trusted refuge where families find guidance, advocacy, and tangible support. Inspired by the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, Pastor Simmons continues to champion fairness, opportunity, and dignity—working each day to uplift neighborhoods and ensure every resident feels seen, valued, and supported.

Ernest Shaw Jr.

Ernest Shaw Jr. is a West Baltimore native and artist-educator who brings perseverance, community, and integrity to everything he creates. A product of Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore School for the Arts, Morgan State University, and Howard University, he views teaching as an artistic medium and believes talent should be used for the betterment of others. As an image maker, Ernest focuses on portraiture that highlights the humanity of the subject and invites the viewer into the ‘mystery of creation.’ His work centers authentic portrayals of the Black/Africanist experience and challenges misrepresentation by presenting the Black body with nuance, dignity, and complexity.

Lynette Tarwick

Lynette Trawick is a dedicated behavioral health professional whose career reflects deep commitment to compassion, stability, and people-centered leadership in Baltimore City. She currently serves as a Human Resources Coordinator with Aspire Behavioral Connections, bringing a trauma-informed, leadership-driven approach to strengthening workplace culture, compliance, and staff wellbeing. Lynette also has extensive experience as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) Specialist, supporting adults and youth living with severe mental illness—many facing homelessness or housing instability—through daily living skills training, stabilization support, and consistent encouragement. Her work balances structure with empathy and helps both clients and frontline teams sustain care.

Fred Watkins Jr.

Fred Watkins Jr. is a community mentor who creates opportunities for young people to gain leadership experience, build confidence, and grow through positive programming. He has provided youth with structured summer employment and mentoring environments—such as serving as a camp counselor at an anti-bullying summer camp—where students learn communication, teamwork, and responsibility while connecting to college-bound role models and supportive adults.

Tyhera Watts

Tyhera Watts is an inspiring educator whose path to teaching reflects resilience and dedication to community impact. After earning a B.S. in Finance from Morgan State University, she pursued a calling to education and earned a Master’s in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. Tyhera brings real-world relevance to mathematics instruction and creates a classroom culture where students feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential. She is also recognized as a collaborator and mentor, sharing her knowledge and strengthening outcomes for students and colleagues alike.

Briauna Wills

Briauna Wills is the founder and leader of Young Queens in Training Inc., a Baltimore-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls and strengthening families. Under her direction, the organization provides mentorship, life-skills development, and safe spaces for girls ages 8–18, helping participants build confidence, peer connection, and leadership. Briauna has organized community programs such as youth open houses, Friendsgiving events, and educational workshops focused on social-emotional wellness and leadership development. She also builds partnerships with local libraries, health departments, and community stakeholders to expand access to resources for families in crisis, while advancing sustainability through donor outreach, grant work, and program growth.

Angie Winder

Angie Winder (known to many as ‘Miss Angie’) is a trusted community leader, advocate, and mentor who has spent years standing up for families, children, and neighborhoods in the Loch Raven area and across Northeast Baltimore. She serves as the current president of NECO and is a leader with Restoring the Village, where her work focuses on bringing residents together to solve problems, support young people, and make sure the community’s voice is heard. Miss Angie is known for showing up—at meetings, in moments of crisis, and during neighborhood challenges—while leading with compassion, courage, and accountability.

Dr. Karsonya Wise-Whitehead

Dr. Karsonya ‘Dr. Kay’ Wise Whitehead is an educator, author, and nationally respected voice on civil rights, social justice, and civic engagement. Through her scholarship, teaching, and community leadership, she connects the lessons of historical movements for equality to present-day action—encouraging informed dialogue, critical thinking, and active participation in democracy. Her work has helped shape some of Baltimore’s most important conversations, empowering residents to confront challenges, engage thoughtfully, and work collectively toward a more just and equitable society. Dr. Kay’s leadership blends intellectual rigor with deep community commitment, inspiring others to lead with both knowledge and purpose.

Earl Young Jr.

Earl Young Jr. was born and raised in Baltimore and grew up in the Sandtown community. As a teenager, he made a decision that led to a life sentence; during incarceration, Earl earned his GED, studied Criminal Justice and Safety through Coppin State University, and served as a Senior Counselor with Project Turnaround—mentoring youth and building a foundation for lifelong service. After serving 34 years and 7 months, Earl was released in July 2019 and immediately resumed community work. He is a Senior Staff Member with New Vision Youth Services, a Credible Messenger with the Mayor’s Office of African American Male Engagement, and the owner of Building Not Begging, LLC. He remains committed to helping others help themselves and invests deeply in mentorship and family.