By Morgan State U
On October 30, at a special ceremony held at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in downtown Baltimore (Harbor East), the City of Baltimore’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights honored Morgan State University President David K. Wilson with the 2023 ‘Impact Award.’ The recognition occurred during the City’s 2023 Civil Rights Week celebration at its 30th Annual Equity and Civil Rights Breakfast. President Wilson was one of six individuals, including Morgan alum and former Board of Regents member Dr. Francis Toni Draper, to be honored by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and event organizers. The Impact Award, which recognizes persons who have made a strong positive impact on the City of Baltimore, marks the second significant honor the President has received in recent months. In September, President Wilson was selected for the prestigious Harold W. McGraw, Jr. prize in Education.
President Wilson was selected to receive an Impact Award because of the positive changes he’s fostered in the elevation of life, learning and leadership at the University. Additionally, the University’s physical growth, including educational offerings, student housing, exceptional faculty and staff, and overall enthusiasm for Morgan, contributed to the awarding. The City of Baltimore also cited Wilson and the University’s actions to remove the “Spite Wall” physical barrier as a deciding factor.
In addition to the President and Draper, chairman of the board and publisher of the Baltimore-based AFRO-American Newspapers, other awardees included Joseph Jones, founder and president/CEO of the Center for Urban Families, John Brothers, president of both the T. Rowe Price Foundation and T. Rowe Price Program for Charitable Giving, Nykidra Robinson, founder of Black Girls Vote, and Dr. Andre Bundley, director of the Office of African American Male Engagement.
Civil Rights Week, which took place from October 28 through November 4, 2023, included various events, panel discussions, and new milestones. The Equity and Civil Rights Breakfast—a 30-year tradition—served as the week’s signature kick-off event. The City of Baltimore’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights serves to advance equity and uphold the federal and local civil rights laws, the local living and prevailing wage laws ensuring access and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and provides oversight of local law enforcement.
Congratulations to President Wilson and the other awardees for making a positive impact on the city and its residents!