2013 Civic Leadership Honoree: Elizabeth M. Hewlett
An accomplished attorney, Elizabeth M. Hewlett is serving her second term as Chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission – the first African American and first woman to chair the Board, and the first African American to chair the Commission. A servant-leader, “Betty” embodies the adage, “to whom much is given, much is expected”, and has always supplemented her professional career with extensive, award-winning community service – to the legal profession, the region, and to the County she has been blessed to call home for the last 3+ decades.
Click the video below to learn about Elizabeth’s work in the community
2013 Civic Leadership Honoree: Rebecca W. Dukes
An accomplished lyricist, composer and poet, “Becky” has enjoyed an exceptional career in the performing arts having performed locally, nationally and internationally. She has been deeply involved in the development and support of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland, a world class venue, and a director of the Maryland College of Art and Design. A long-time Prince George’s County resident, she has been involved in many community and civic activities including serving as an honorary trustee of the Prince George’s Art Council; President of the Women of the Church and Elder for Riverdale Presbyterian Church; a member of the Colonnade Society at the University of Maryland; and the United Way.
Click the video below to learn about Becky’s work in the community
2013 Civic Leadership Honoree: David C. Driskell
Highly regarded as an artist and scholar, David C. Driskell is cited as one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject of African American Art. A resident of Prince George’s County for over 40 years, he is the recipient of 13 honorary doctoral degrees and numerous fellowships and was awarded the National Humanities Medal from President Clinton who cited Dr. Driskell for “opening our eyes to the beauty, poignancy and power of African American art. As artist, curator, scholar and educator, he has focused attention on black artists sparking worldwide interest among art lovers, critics, and historians and enriching the cultural heritage and history of our Nation”. In 1998, the University of Maryland founded The David C. Driskell Center for the Study of the African Diaspora to pay homage to Dr. Driskell.
Click the video below to learn about David’s work in the community
2013 Civic Leadership Honoree: James W. Cornelsen
James Cornelsen, for the past 19 years, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Old Line Bank and Old Line Bancshares, Inc. located in Bowie. Old Line Bank is a Maryland-chartered commercial bank located in five Maryland counties. He serves on the Board of Directors of Maryland Financial Bank, American Bankers Association Membership Council and many other associations and councils. Mr. Cornelsen also serves on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, The Foundation Schools and the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable. He is the Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce and is active in many community organizations.
Click the video below to learn about James’ work in the community
A resident of Prince George’s County for over 29 years, Campos represents District 2 on the Prince George’s County Council. After immigrating to the United States, he was educated in Prince George’s County public schools and earned two degrees at the University of Maryland. The first Latino to serve on the Prince George’s County Council, Campos served as the Hispanic Liaison for Prince George’s County prior to being elected. Council Member Campos currently serves as Chair of the Rules, General Assembly & COW, and Vice-Chair of the Transportation, Housing and The Environment Committee. He is been a tireless supporter of local philanthropic initiatives throughout the County.
Click the video below to learn about Will’s work in the community
We are pleased to share an op-ed from this weekend’s Washington Post which was co-authored by The Community Foundation and Academy of Hope. In it, we lay out the reasons why funding for adult literacy is so crucial and urge the D.C. Council to act:
“More than 64,000 D.C. adults lack a high school credential. With limited basic math, reading and digital literacy skills, these residents have difficulty following written instructions, completing paperwork, communicating effectively with colleagues or helping their children with homework. This undermines the job security of workers, the economic viability of local businesses and the well-being of families.
But funding for adult literacy has decreased steadily in recent years and falls far short of the need. The proposed budget of $4.3 million for fiscal 2014 would allow some 20 nonprofit organizations to serve approximately 3,100 adults. We are asking the D.C. Council to approve a total of $8.3 million ($4 million from the mayor’s contingency wish list in addition to the $4.3 million that is in the budget) to push that total to 4,100 adults and to help nonprofits update curriculum and train teachers to prepare for impending changes to the GED.“
Click here to read the full piece.
If you agree that investing in adult literacy should be a priority, we have a way for you to help. We’ve set up a petition that we are sharing with Council leaders to fight for this funding – sign it today.
– Terri Lee Freeman, President, The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region
How Many Minimum Wage Hours Does It Take To Afford A Two-Bedroom Apartment In Your State?
Graphic from the National Low Income Housing Coalition
In no state can a minimum wage worker afford a two-bedroom unit at Fair Market Rent, working a standard 40-hour work week. In the District of Columbia, it requires 140 hours of work earning minimum wage to afford a two-bedroom apartment.
Click here to learn more about the National Low Income Housing Coalition
