Gov. Wes Moore Lauds Stand-Out Marylanders at 2023 Into Utopia Gala
The Reginald F. Lewis Musuem of Maryland of African American History and Culture (The Lewis Museum) recently celebrated Into Utopia, its 2023 Gala, at The North Club at M&T Bank Stadium. The event, presented by Kaiser Permanente, was attended by more than 400 guests and raised more than $400,000. Into Utopia recognized luminaries who boldly imagine the seemingly impossible and make it a reality. The honoree class included entertainment mogul and Baltimore native Kevin Liles and the Honorable Adrienne A. Jones, Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. One of the highlights of the evening was a rousing address by Governor Wes Moore who individually recognized his personal connection with each of the recipients and the important role The Lewis Museum plays in the state.
“It was a great night for the Museum and a great night Baltimore,” said Terri Lee Freeman, The Lewis Museum’s Executive Director. “Our award recipients were awe-inspiring. And we were honored to receive comments from Governor Moore. Into Utopia set the stage for people to think outside the box for the future of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum; a future that is full of potential. We are grateful for the support of all our sponsors.”
Each year, The Lewis Museum hosts a festive soiree to support its mission to document, interpret, and preserve the complex experiences, contributions, and culture of Black people. The event also celebrates Marylanders who embody its namesake Reginald F. Lewis’ distinction as a titan of industry, a trailblazer, and a maverick. Liles and Jones were recognized with the Titan and Trailblazer awards, respectively. Other honorees this year included Trailblazer Award winner Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr., Pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church; and Maverick Awardee Revival Baltimore and its Director of Culture & Impact, Jason Bass, who were honored for their commitment to improving their community through innovative and active engagement.
Also in attendance were Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, State Senator Antonio Hayes, and Delegate Marlon Amprey. WBAL-TV 11 News at 4pm anchor Kai Reed emceed the event which included a performance by violinist L-Stringz and was capped off with a DJ set by Magic 95.9 FM midday personality Ryan Da Lion.
In addition to top-level support from Polaris sponsor Kaiser Permanente, the 2023 Into Utopia Gala was made possible through the support of many of the region’s leading businesses and institutions, including Orion sponsor Whiting-Turner; Andromeda sponsors, Brown Advisory and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; Cassiopeia sponsors Horton Mechanical Contractors, M&T Bank, PNC Bank, and Under Armour; Antares sponsors The Annie E. Casey Foundation, BGE, Breakthru Beverage, Fearless, Fraport, The Kevin Liles For A Better Baltimore Foundation, Neutron, and The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation; and Sirius sponsors Atlas Restaurant Group, BWI Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Brown Capital, Cox Automotive, Johns Hopkins University & Medicine, SECU Maryland, T. Rowe Price, Truist, and Wells Fargo. Additional support was provided by Media Partner WBAL-TV 11, Parking Sponsor The Harbor Bank of Maryland, and Décor Partner Stem and Vine.
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About the Reginald F. Lewis Museum
Located two blocks from Inner Harbor in Downtown Baltimore, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture – a Smithsonian Affiliate – documents, interprets, and preserves the complex experiences, contributions, and culture of Black people. It serves as a catalyst of sustained change by providing robust programs and exhibitions and bold conversations that educate and challenge. Founded in 2005, the 82,000-square-foot facility accommodates over 13,000 square feet of permanent and temporary exhibition space, hosting more than 11,000 objects in our permanent collection, special exhibitions, educational programs, and public events. For up-to-date information regarding programs and exhibits and to plan your timed admission, visit www.lewismuseum.org, or follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @LewisMuseum or on Facebook @RFLewisMuseum.