Friendship Public Charter School hosts annual Teacher of the Year Gala
By Patricia McDougall
On March 28 Friendship Public Charter School hosted its 18th annual Teacher of the Year Gala at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
The event pulled together nearly 1,000 educators, civic leaders, elected officials and philanthropic
partners for one of the city’s premier education events. Hosted by veteran journalist and commentator Roland S. Martin, the evening reflected both the splendor of the occasion and the seriousness of the work honoring the educators who are shaping the future of Washington, D.C. At the center of the celebration was the announcement of this year’s Teacher of the Year, Nijah Brown of Friendship Blow Pierce Elementary and Middle in Ward 7. Brown earned the recognition after her fourth-grade English Language Arts students delivered the highest-performing results across the Friendship network.
All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
D.C. Councilmember at Large Robert
of Friendship Woodridge International Elementary and Middle
as
Each year the Friendship Public Charter Teacher Of The Year Gala recognizes excellence in education. This year, the event was held at the National Building Museum in D.C.
Shown here, from left to right: Denise Roden; Dr. Elizabeth Primus; Darrin L. Glymph, Esq.; Donald L. Hense; Dr. Deborah M. McGriff; Carol Thompson Cole and Victor E. Long, Esq.
Nijah Brown, a teacher of Friendship Blow Pierce Campus, is named 2026 Friendship Public Charter School Teacher of the Year.
Wayne Marshall (left) and Cami Mazard pause for a moment with First Lady Candice Burns and Pastor Engel Burns, of Rising Sun First Baptist Church.
Sonja Shelton and Jim Shelton, CEO of Blue Meridian Partners, enjoy the evening in some of their best threads.
Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D.C.- Ward 4) (left) fellowships with Friendship Founder Donald L. Hense and Friendship CEO Patricia A. Brantley.
Above: Vielka Scott-Marcus (left), chief academic officer for Friendship Public Charter School, enjoys the gala alongside Jacque Patterson (second from left), president of the D.C. State Board of Education, and Betty and Sam Gough (far right).
Right:
White greets Ayinde Spradley, principal
School,
John Snowdy (center), principal of Friendship Ideal Elementary and Middle School, and Kun Ye Booth, principal of Friendship Technology Preparatory High School (far right) look on.
Farewell celebration honors tenure of AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze
By AFRO Staff
Members of the AFRO team, both past and present came together to celebrate the tenure of Lenora Howze, who has served the publication as executive director and advertising director for over a decade.
Howze’s time at the publication, which began in September 2012, has been underscored by a deep belief in the power of Black media. Since joining the AFRO team, Howze has spearheaded efforts like the AFRO’s Black Business Matters EXPO, which has grown in scale and demand year
over year. Howze was celebrated on March 26 by members of the AFRO family, both past and present, and those who have loved and supported her over the years. The event included remarks from Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, current AFRO publisher, and Jake Oliver, AFRO publisher emeritus. Her college colleague from Temple University, Gloria Duvall; Friend and former assistant Melissa Gray; Nicole Kirby, Denise DeLeaver, Julie Greene, Freddie Vaughn and Nicole Davis and her family were all in attendance.
Shown here, AFRO receptionist Wanda Pearson (left), AFRO Finance Director Bonnie Deanes and AFRO Director of Community and Public Relations Diane Hocker.
AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze, who also serves as advertising director, prepares to say farewell to the publication after more than a decade of service. Howze was surprised with a going away party on March 26.
AFRO CEO and Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper (left), celebrates the tenure of AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze (center), alongside members of the AFRO team and some of Howze’s close friends, such as Nicole Kirby, CEO of CarVer Communications.
Lenora Howze (left) still enjoys the love and friendship of her colleague from Temple University, Gloria Duvall.
Each member of the Davis family has a warm story to share about AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze. Shown here, longtime friend Nicole Davis with her son, Joshua Davis (left), her husband, Tony Davis (second from right) and son, Jay Davis (right).
Lenora Howze (left) gives a hearty hug to her friend and colleague, Laura Johnson, who serves as senior vice president and chief acceleration officer for United Way of Central Maryland.
Longtime friend and AFRO supporter, Chrissy Thornton, CEO and president of the racial equity organization, Associated Black Charities, makes an appearance at the farewell celebration.
Shown here, AFRO Publisher Emeritus Jake Oliver, who served as publisher when Lenora Howze began working as a consultant for the publication in 2012.
Lenora Howze receives a token of appreciation from friend and supporter, Freddi Vaughn (right).
All AFRO Photos / James Fields
Friends, family and members of the AFRO team, both past and present, salute Lenora Howze (center) for her work in helping the paper thrive during her tenure.