2026 Annual Civil Rights Gala

The Family Recovery Program was honored to attend the 2026 Annual Civil Rights Gala, hosted by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Foundation. The gala was held on the last Saturday in September at Maryland Live!

We are proud to celebrate our CEO and founder, Dr. Jocelyn Gainers, and The Family Recovery Program for being nominated for the Glendora C. Hughes Award alongside:

• Sonia Kumar, Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Maryland
• Charles E. Sydnor III, Maryland State Senator
• Samira Mohammad Hussein, Founder of Arab American Heritage Month
• Willie Pearl Mackey King, Civil Rights Activist and the award recipient

Willie Pearl Mackey King has dedicated her life to civil rights. She worked for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for 32 years, serving as an accounting officer and financial manager. From February 1962 through February 1966, she also served on the executive staff of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

We are honored to be recognized alongside such incredible individuals and to celebrate the lasting impact of their work in the fight for equality, justice, and civil rights.

Congratulations to Willie Pearl Mackey King on this well-deserved honor. Thank you to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Foundation for recognizing those who continue to make a difference in our communities!