Fannie Lou Hamer Awards honor nine women for civil and human rights efforts

Nine women from Anne Arundel County will be honored next month at the Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception for their leadership in civil and human rights.

This year’s honorees – Courtney Buiniskis, Delores M. Bullock, Renee Cantori, Betsy L. Harris-Dotson, Everdean P. Holloway, Bridget E. Hutchins, Lamiya Kirby, Adriana Lee, and Renee Mutchnik – join more than 100 notable women, including former U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, Administrative Law Judge Tracey Warren Parker and former Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer, who were nominated in years past.

In its 28th year, the reception will held from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis.

The award is named for Fannie Lou Hamer, an American voting rights activist, civil rights leader and philanthropist.

“The awards that bear her name recognize women from various racial backgrounds who, while not necessarily household names, have excelled in their chosen fields while working diligently to improve civil and human rights in the region,” according to a news release announcing the ceremony.

Carl Snowden, chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, will serve as master of ceremonies.

“We congratulate all of the recipients of the Fannie Lou Hamer Awards, whose commitment to social justice is seen in the work that they do daily,” Snowden said. “These women run the gamut. They are educators, activists, immigrants and they are committed to making Anne Arundel County a better place for everyone.”

Tickets are $50. Purchase tickets online at mlkmdflh28.eventbrite.com.

Here is a summary of the winner’s accomplishments, according to the news release.

Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis.
Courtney Buiniskis, of Shady Side, is an educator, union organizer, community organizer, former candidate for Delegate of 30B, and the vice chair of the Anne Arundel Democratic Central Committee. She currently serves as Community Engagement Officer for the County Executive of Anne Arundel County. Buiniskis advocates for residents in southern Anne Arundel County, where she works to improve communities, the environment, constituent services, voting rights, and food insecurity. — Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis. Courtney Buiniskis, of Shady Side, is an educator, union organizer, community organizer, former candidate for Delegate of 30B, and the vice chair of the Anne Arundel Democratic Central Committee. She currently serves as Community Engagement Officer for the County Executive of Anne Arundel County. Buiniskis advocates for residents in southern Anne Arundel County, where she works to improve communities, the environment, constituent services, voting rights, and food insecurity. (Courtesy Photo)

Courtney Buiniskis, of Shady Side, is an educator, union organizer, community organizer, former delegate candidate for District 30B and the vice chair of the Anne Arundel Democratic Central Committee. She serves as community engagement officer for the county executive of Anne Arundel County. Buiniskis advocates for residents in southern Anne Arundel County, where she works to improve communities, the environment, constituent services, voting rights and food insecurity.

Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis. In 1992, Delores M. Bullock, of Annapolis partnered with her husband to create Blessed in Tech Ministries, Inc. The organization supports clients through the Department of Social Services and the Community Resource Center in Annapolis, providing case management, computer training, housing assistance, utility assistance, rental assistance, and meal services. Bullock’s programs have partnered with Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation; Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency; the City of Annapolis, Office of Emergency Management; Anne Arundel Partnership for Children, Youth and Families; Anne Arundel Department of Health, and more. As Executive Director, Bullock served as board member for 10 years, co-chaired the Homeless Coalition Board, and served on the Light House Shelter board. Today, she is an officer for the Anne Arundel Food Bank Member Agency Advisory Committee. Under Bullock’s leadership, Blessed in Tech Ministries was granted several community grants, COVID Response Funds, Tornado Relief Fund, and other support during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy Photo)

Delores M. Bullock, of Annapolis, partnered with her husband in 1992 to create Blessed in Tech Ministries Inc. The organization supports clients through the Department of Social Services and the Community Resource Center in Annapolis, providing case management, computer training, housing assistance, utility assistance, rental assistance, and meal services. Bullock’s programs have partnered with Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation; Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency; the City of Annapolis, Office of Emergency Management; Anne Arundel Partnership for Children, Youth and Families; Anne Arundel Department of Health, and more. As executive director, Bullock served as board member for 10 years, co-chaired the Homeless Coalition Board, and served on the Light House Shelter board. Today, she is an officer for the Anne Arundel Food Bank Member Agency Advisory Committee. Under Bullock’s leadership, Blessed in Tech Ministries was granted several community grants, COVID Response Funds, Tornado Relief Fund and other support during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis.
Renee Cantori, of Pasadena, is the daughter of a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany. Among her extensive volunteer portfolio, for the last six years, Cantori has been assisting families petitioning for asylum through the Annapolis Immigration Justice Network. She was a lead organizer for Anne Arundel County’s ‘End White Silence’ protest and has supported many other anti-racist protests. A #TeachTruth proponent, Cantori has led Connecting the Dots’ Anne Arundel County (CTDAACO) advocacy for an inclusive curriculum and increased transparency to combat hate and bias incidents against people of color and LGBTQ+ students. She was active on the Citizens Advisory Committee hate/bias subcommittee, and regularly meets with Anne Arundel County Public Schools officials on matters of equitable education. Through CTDAACO, Cantori coordinated the installations of Anne Arundel County’s Lynching Memorials, collaborating with the Equal Justice Initiative, City and County officials, and the Anne Arundel County Public Library. — Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis. Renee Cantori, of Pasadena, is the daughter of a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany. Among her extensive volunteer portfolio, for the last six years, Cantori has been assisting families petitioning for asylum through the Annapolis Immigration Justice Network. She was a lead organizer for Anne Arundel County’s ‘End White Silence’ protest and has supported many other anti-racist protests. A #TeachTruth proponent, Cantori has led Connecting the Dots’ Anne Arundel County (CTDAACO) advocacy for an inclusive curriculum and increased transparency to combat hate and bias incidents against people of color and LGBTQ+ students. She was active on the Citizens Advisory Committee hate/bias subcommittee, and regularly meets with Anne Arundel County Public Schools officials on matters of equitable education. Through CTDAACO, Cantori coordinated the installations of Anne Arundel County’s Lynching Memorials, collaborating with the Equal Justice Initiative, City and County officials, and the Anne Arundel County Public Library. (Courtesy Photo)

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Renee Cantori, of Pasadena, is the daughter of a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany. For the past six years, Cantori has been assisting families petitioning for asylum through the Annapolis Immigration Justice Network. She was a lead organizer for Anne Arundel County’s “End White Silence” protest and has supported many other anti-racist protests. A #TeachTruth proponent, Cantori has led Connecting the Dots’ Anne Arundel County advocacy for an inclusive curriculum and increased transparency to combat hate and bias incidents against people of color and LGBTQ+ students. She was active on the Citizens Advisory Committee hate/bias subcommittee, and regularly meets with Anne Arundel County Public Schools officials on matters of equitable education. Through CTDAACO, Cantori coordinated the installations of Anne Arundel County’s Lynching Memorials, collaborating with the Equal Justice Initiative, city and county officials and the Anne Arundel County Public Library.

Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis. Betsy L. Harris-Dotson, of Severna Park, has supported numerous local organizations, including the Anne Arundel County Branch of the NAACP; the Harris Family Foundation Inc., formerly the Jet Set Social Club; and several local organizations. She has received numerous awards for her support. Harris-Dotson supports the local homeless community through her talented crochet work, providing blankets, hats, scarves, and gloves to those in need during the winter. For the past 50 years, she has supported ministries at her church, Mt. Zion UMC-Magothy, where she served as the financial secretary for 40 years and as the communion steward for over 30 years. (Courtesy Photo)

Betsy L. Harris-Dotson, of Severna Park, has supported numerous local organizations, including the Anne Arundel County Branch of the NAACP; the Harris Family Foundation Inc., formerly the Jet Set Social Club; and several local organizations. She has received numerous awards for her support. Harris-Dotson supports the local homeless community through her talented crochet work, providing blankets, hats, scarves, and gloves to those in need during the winter. For the past 50 years, she has supported ministries at her church, Mt. Zion UMC-Magothy, where she served as the financial secretary for 40 years and as the communion steward for over 30 years.

Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis.
Everdean P. Holloway, of Odenton, works with the Anne Arundel Historical Society. Her work researching facts and documentation helped to establish Wilsontown, currently known as Odenton, Md., as a Black historical community. The Historical Society, under the leadership of Wiley and Donna Donaldson, was able to secure signage conveying Wilsontown as an established community. Holloway worked to bring the landmark into fruition and secured a legacy not only for the Wilson family, for which the town was named, but for other families residing in the community. Holloway is part of the Wilson family lineage: She has three uncles who received seven acres of land that established their homestead in Wilsontown. — Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis. Everdean P. Holloway, of Odenton, works with the Anne Arundel Historical Society. Her work researching facts and documentation helped to establish Wilsontown, currently known as Odenton, Md., as a Black historical community. The Historical Society, under the leadership of Wiley and Donna Donaldson, was able to secure signage conveying Wilsontown as an established community. Holloway worked to bring the landmark into fruition and secured a legacy not only for the Wilson family, for which the town was named, but for other families residing in the community. Holloway is part of the Wilson family lineage: She has three uncles who received seven acres of land that established their homestead in Wilsontown. (Courtesy Photo)

Everdean P. Holloway, of Odenton, works with the Anne Arundel Historical Society. Her work researching facts and documentation helped to establish Wilsontown, currently known as Odenton, as a Black historical community. The Historical Society, under the leadership of Wiley and Donna Donaldson, was able to secure signage conveying Wilsontown as an established community. Holloway worked to bring the landmark to fruition and secured a legacy not only for the Wilson family, for which the town was named, but for other families residing in the community. Holloway is part of the Wilson family lineage: She has three uncles who received seven acres of land that established their homestead in Wilsontown.

Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis.
Bridget E. Hutchins, of Dunkirk (Anne Arundel section), applies her background working in FEMA to support those in need. During Hutchins’ time with FEMA, she assisted victims of hurricane disasters. She also served as the Records Liaison Officer for the agency, providing records management training in 10 regions across the United States, including Puerto Rico. Hutchins is a member of the NAACP Anne Arundel County Branch and supports Martin Luther King Jr. Committee events. She spends much of her time volunteering to support local seniors and children. — Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis. Bridget E. Hutchins, of Dunkirk (Anne Arundel section), applies her background working in FEMA to support those in need. During Hutchins’ time with FEMA, she assisted victims of hurricane disasters. She also served as the Records Liaison Officer for the agency, providing records management training in 10 regions across the United States, including Puerto Rico. Hutchins is a member of the NAACP Anne Arundel County Branch and supports Martin Luther King Jr. Committee events. She spends much of her time volunteering to support local seniors and children. (Courtesy Photo)

Bridget E. Hutchins, of Dunkirk (Anne Arundel section), applies her background working in the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support those in need. During Hutchins’ time with FEMA, she assisted victims of hurricane disasters. She also served as the records liaison officer for the agency, providing records management training in 10 regions across the United States, including Puerto Rico. Hutchins is a member of the NAACP Anne Arundel County branch and supports Martin Luther King Jr. Committee events. She spends much of her time volunteering to support local seniors and children.

Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis.
Lamiya Kirby, of Annapolis, is the owner of Joyce Essentials Beauty Supply, a special beauty supply store that provides haircare and skincare products, as well as supplies and equipment for licensed professionals in the beauty industry. Kirby found her passion for supporting young women in need with cosmetics, helping to boost their esteem. She obtained her cosmetology license specializing in natural haircare services, which she uses to provide free haircare services to those in need. Kirby has made it her mission to support young people by providing free cosmetic services and products to adoptive and foster families in Anne Arundel County. She also provides free services and products to elementary school students in Anne Arundel County who receive free/reduced lunch. — Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis. Lamiya Kirby, of Annapolis, is the owner of Joyce Essentials Beauty Supply, a special beauty supply store that provides haircare and skincare products, as well as supplies and equipment for licensed professionals in the beauty industry. Kirby found her passion for supporting young women in need with cosmetics, helping to boost their esteem. She obtained her cosmetology license specializing in natural haircare services, which she uses to provide free haircare services to those in need. Kirby has made it her mission to support young people by providing free cosmetic services and products to adoptive and foster families in Anne Arundel County. She also provides free services and products to elementary school students in Anne Arundel County who receive free/reduced lunch. (Courtesy Photo)

Lamiya Kirby, of Annapolis, is the owner of Joyce Essentials Beauty Supply, a special beauty supply store that provides hair care and skin care products, as well as supplies and equipment for licensed professionals in the beauty industry. Kirby found her passion for supporting young women in need with cosmetics, helping to boost their self-esteem. She obtained her cosmetology license specializing in natural hair care services, which she uses to provide free hair care services to those in need. Kirby has made it her mission to support young people by providing free cosmetic services and products to adoptive and foster families in Anne Arundel County. She also provides free services and products to elementary school students in Anne Arundel County who receive free/reduced lunch.

Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis.
Adriana Lee, of Annapolis, is a Mexican immigrant. For more than 25 years, she worked in information technology in Mexico and the United States supporting production, financial, and banking companies. In 2018, Lee began working for the Mayor’s Office for the City of Annapolis as a Hispanic community specialist. Today, she serves as manager for the New American and Hispanic Community for the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. She works with different agencies and organizations to find solutions needs within local disadvantaged communities. Lee has participated in the creation of several programs such as Spanish adult literacy, Hispanic business workshops, and events such as the Day of the Dead and Festival of Flowers. — Nine women will be honored during the 28th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Reception, Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis. Adriana Lee, of Annapolis, is a Mexican immigrant. For more than 25 years, she worked in information technology in Mexico and the United States supporting production, financial, and banking companies. In 2018, Lee began working for the Mayor’s Office for the City of Annapolis as a Hispanic community specialist. Today, she serves as manager for the New American and Hispanic Community for the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. She works with different agencies and organizations to find solutions needs within local disadvantaged communities. Lee has participated in the creation of several programs such as Spanish adult literacy, Hispanic business workshops, and events such as the Day of the Dead and Festival of Flowers. (Courtesy Photo)

Adriana Lee, of Annapolis, is a Mexican immigrant. For more than 25 years, she worked in information technology in Mexico and the United States supporting production, financial, and banking companies. In 2018, Lee began working for the mayor’s office in Annapolis as a Hispanic community specialist. Today, she serves as manager for the New American and Hispanic Community for the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. She works with different agencies and organizations to find solutions needs within local disadvantaged communities. Lee has participated in the creation of several programs such as Spanish adult literacy, Hispanic business workshops and events such as the Day of the Dead and Festival of Flowers.

Renee Mutchnik, of Owings Mills, is a veteran in the public relations, marketing and corporate communication sectors, with long-formed ties to Anne Arundel County business communities dating back 30 years. Mutchnik joined Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in 2021 and today serves as the director of public relations and communication. Through her work at Live!, Mutchnik has helped oversee the company’s extensive community service efforts. With Mutchnik’s oversight, Live! has made significant contributions to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, including contributing more than $15,000 in sponsorship money and prepared food to its signature fundraising event, Feeding Hope. Live! also partners with many other local nonprofit organizations, including Leadership Anne Arundel, Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, The Y of Central Maryland, Sarah’s House and Anne Arundel CASA.