The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies honored Maryland Gov. Wes Moore with its highest honor — the Louis E. Martin Great American Award — at The Gathering Spot in the District.
The ceremony included an award presentation and a policy discussion with distinguished panelists: Shalanda Young, 43rd director of the United States Office of Management and Budget; Rey Ramsey, president and CEO of Nathan Cummings Foundation; and Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, as the moderator. The conversation highlighted how states — particularly Maryland — are meeting this moment through innovative approaches to governance that safeguard vulnerable communities, respond to federal funding cuts and maintain investments for a better future.
“Governor Wes Moore represents the best of contemporary political leadership,” Asante-Muhammad said. “As the first-ever Black governor in Maryland’s history, leading a state with one of the largest Black populations in the nation, he holds a unique perspective to help accurately assess the needs of his constituents. His leadership demonstrates how bold, values-driven governance can expand opportunity and protect vulnerable communities even in challenging times. Honoring Governor Moore with the Louis E. Martin Great American Award affirms our commitment to lifting up leaders who embody the spirit of equity and hope that Martin championed throughout his life.”
Moore responded with humility.
“I thank the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, not simply for this honor, but for the decades of service that have defined one of America’s great institutions of economic empowerment,” Moore said. “I stand on broad shoulders, shaped and shepherded by the Joint Center. Together, we will continue to deliver the kind of progress that those who came before us fought for, and those who come after us deserve.”
The Louis E. Martin Great American Award recognizes individuals who have made transformational contributions that further the promise of America as a land of hope and opportunity for all. First awarded in 2004, the honor memorializes Louis E. Martin (1912-1997), a principal founder of the Joint Center and the first chair of its board.
Past recipients include Federal Reserve Board member Dr. Lisa D. Cook, former Joint Center President Spencer Overton, Secretary of State Colin Powell (posthumously), La June Montgomery Tabron, Cedric Richmond, Stacey Abrams, then-Sen. Kamala Harris, former Joint Center President Eddie Williams, Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, Sen. Cory Booker, former Ambassador Susan Rice, Congressmen John Lewis and James Clyburn, Dorothy Height and Muhammad Ali.