Building on Our Legacy.
Leading With Excellence.
Leading With Excellence.
Our 2026 Honorees
This year, we recognize a remarkable group of leaders whose service, innovation, and impact reflect the spirit of the Great American Emancipation Day Awards. Each honoree has advanced progress in their field and uplifted our communities, exemplifying the values this celebration stands for.
Crispus Attucks
Medal of Freedom
Medal of Freedom
Congressional
Black Caucus
Black Caucus
Representative
Yvette D. Clarke and MEMBERS OF CBC
Yvette D. Clarke and MEMBERS OF CBC
Chair, Congressional Black Caucus Congressional America250 Caucus
Torchbearer
Award
Award
Edolphus “Ed”
Towns Jr.
Towns Jr.
Former U.S. Congressman (1983–2013)
Posthumous Mildred C. Crump
Loving Service Award
Loving Service Award
Rt. Reverend
Reginald T. Jackson
Reginald T. Jackson
Bishop AME Church
Posthumous
Legacy Tribute
Legacy Tribute
Dr. Lloyd Williams
Founder of HARLEM WEEK;
GHCC Chairman
GHCC Chairman
Dr. Clement Alexander Price Award
Junius
Williams
Williams
Attorney; Official Historian, City of Newark; Former Director, Abbott Leadership Institute (Rutgers University–Newark)
American Heritage Award
First Presbyterian Church of Newark
Rev. Dr. Carol Lynn Patterson
Rev. Dr. Carol Lynn Patterson
Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Newark
Spirit of Community Service Award
Tai
COoper
COoper
NJEDA Chief Community Development Officer
Good Corporate
Citizenship Award
Citizenship Award
United
Leading Global Airline; Corporate Partner
Venue & Parking
Robert Treat Hotel
50 Park Place, Newark, NJ. 07102
Parking is available on-site at Robert Treat Hotel (50 Park Place). Self-parking is offered at ≈ $20/day with in/out privileges, though spaces are limited and assigned first-come, first-served.
Our event will be held in the hotel’s ballroom/conference-level event space, located inside the main hotel building. Attendees driving to the event can use the hotel parking lot; alternatively nearby garages and lots within a 5-10 minute walk are also an option.
Our event will be held in the hotel’s ballroom/conference-level event space, located inside the main hotel building. Attendees driving to the event can use the hotel parking lot; alternatively nearby garages and lots within a 5-10 minute walk are also an option.
Last year's festivities
Last year, more than 450 guests gathered at the historic Robert Treat Hotel for an inspiring afternoon you would have been proud to be part of. Attendees enjoyed powerful tributes to leaders shaping our communities, a moving performance by the Children’s Choir of Grace Baptist Church, and a true sense of unity and cultural pride throughout the room. This year, we look forward to welcoming you into that same spirit of celebration and positive change.