By Brandon Henry
AFRO Intern
Oct. 23 marked the third annual AFRO News Unsung Heroes luncheon, where four members of the Department of Public Works (DPW) Solid Waste Division were honored for their service to the community.
The event was held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at AFRO News Headquarters, located at 233 E Redwood Street, in Baltimore.
Honorees for the 2025 “Unsung Heroes” luncheon included Karen Aiken, who has almost 19 years of service at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor; Victor Butts, a DPW worker with nearly 37 years of service maintaining Baltimore City’s gateways; Michael Lucas, the division chief of Routine Services, serving for over 25 years; and Donald Comegys, a 95-year-old standout employee who has 56 years and counting with the Department of Public Works, specifically on the Inner Harbor promenade.
Each honoree was presented with a framed AFRO News front cover that featured a story about their contributions to the agency.
“This, to us, is so important,” said Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy Draper, publisher of AFRO News. “It is important that you are here, it’s important that your leadership is here, it’s important that our sponsors are here.”
Khalil Zaied, deputy mayor of operations and former director of Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works, said that DPW has “the most hardworking men and women–not only in the city– but anywhere.”
Karen Aiken said she is “honored and privileged” to receive the recognition, and also thanked the “great leadership” within her department.
Comegys, a Bronze Star Army Veteran, said he has no complaints about DPW.
“I love my job, I love all my bosses and all my coworkers. I’ve never had any problems,” he said.
Comegys said he would encourage young people who are looking for a steady, solid career to join the agency he has been with for over five decades.
Victor Butts reflected on his journey at the DPW during the ceremony, which was sponsored by GBMC, AFSCME Council 3 and Associated Black Charities.
“Where I came from, a lot used to count me out. I’m grateful that I’m still here at the age of 67,” said Butts. “I love my coworkers…I look forward to coming to work.”
Michael Lucas said that his coworkers are his “second family,” whom he considers his brothers and sisters.
Lucas also took a moment to reflect on the recognition, and thought about his late mother.
“I sat back when my mom passed, her work spoke for her…this opportunity showed that I can make her proud,” said Lucas, adding that now, he can see his work within DPW speaks for him.
Alan Robinson, the deputy director of the DPW, expressed gratitude to be able to put a spotlight on the people in the department that may not receive recognition otherwise.
“I am so happy to be able to honor just a small fraction of the dedicated workers, employees and family that is DPW,” said Robinson. “It is not a 9-to-5 job, it is early mornings, it is late nights, it is unwavering commitment.”
Robinson told those gathered that the four honorees “embody” the spirit of the slogan, “our streets, our neighborhoods, our Baltimore.”