By Ericka Alston Buck,
Special to the AFRO
Roberta’s House, a beacon of hope in the heart of Baltimore City, hosted its annual Elijah Cummings Leadership Awards and Dinner at the Center Club on April 13. This distinguished event celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in supporting Roberta’s House mission to address grief, loss and trauma within the community.
The awards, named in honor of the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, recognized leaders who have shown unwavering dedication to uplifting others and fostering mental wellness. This year’s honorees were U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), philanthropists Dr. Freeman and Jacqueline Hrabowski, and renowned artist Larry Poncho Brown.
The evening began with a vibrant reception, where guests mingled and shared stories of hope and resilience. Attendees were treated to live music performances by local artists, adding to the festive atmosphere of the occasion.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott, a staunch supporter of Roberta’s House, took to the stage to express his gratitude for the organization’s invaluable work in the community.
“Roberta’s House means the world to me,” Scott expressed. “They are the organization that we turn to when a family is struggling with grief– no matter how they lost their loved one. Roberta’s House is truly helping to lift up Baltimore.”
Cardin, recipient of the 2024 Elijah Cummings Lifetime Achievement Award, reflected on the significance of being recognized in Con. Cummings’ name.
“To get an award named after Elijah Cummings is really special,” Cardin remarked. “But Roberta’s House is a place that we all need to be part of. What they do is the Lord’s work in our community.”
Jacqueline Coleman Hrabowski, honored for her philanthropic endeavors, shared her sentiments on the impact of Roberta’s House within the community.
“Roberta’s House is a family that’s been anchored and committed in this community,” Hrabowski stated. “They address issues, especially those that aren’t addressed in our society, like mental health and grief. I have been with Annette [March-Grier] since she started this journey, and it was a dream when she started it and now it has been fulfilled.”
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, honorary co-chair, who praised the legacy of her late husband, Con. Elijah Cummings, and the meaningful work being carried out by Roberta’s House.
Roberta’s House Founder, Annette March-Grier, expressed her gratitude to all attendees and supporters of the organization.
“Roberta’s House provides a safe place for healing and recovery for individuals and families experiencing grief and loss,” she stated. “We are honored to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees and the continued support of our community.”
Roberta’s House is a leading provider of trauma-informed care, offering comprehensive grief counseling and support services to children, teens, adults and families in underserved communities. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves support and a safe space to heal from loss, Roberta’s House is dedicated to promoting mental wellness and community resilience. With a commitment to compassionate care and empowerment, Roberta’s House continues to be a beacon of hope for those navigating the journey of grief and healing.”
The Elijah Cummings Leadership Awards and Dinner was an evening filled with inspiration, camaraderie and celebration. Raising vital funds to support Roberta’s House in its mission to provide essential grief counseling and trauma education services for Baltimore City residents.