MEET OUR 2023 HONOREES

Kevin Liles’ ability to create, build and lead some of the biggest and culturally relevant brands over the past 30 years cements his place in cultural history. With titles such as Chairman & CEO of 300 Elektra Entertainment, Co-Founder & CEO of 300 Entertainment, and Head of 300 Studios, the company’s content and film division, Kevin has cultivated one of the world’s most culturally influential entertainment companies and positioned it at the forefront of streaming. Liles also architected Def Jam’s expansion into video games and television in the late nineties and introduced Artist Services to Warner Music Group during the aughts.

 Whether heading the preeminent entertainment company, running his own KWL Management Company, or overseeing charities such as Kevin Liles For a Better Baltimore and The Make It Happen Foundation, he always remains on the cutting edge. In 2020, Kevin was named Billboard’s Executive of the Year. He also holds a place on Variety’s ‘37 New Yorkers Making an Impact in Entertainment’, Billboard’s annual “Power 100,” received France’s highest honor, the “Médaille de la Ville de Paris Award,” and authored the New York Times best-seller Make It Happen: The Hip Generation Guide to Success. With Kevin at the helm, 300 Entertainment’s roster acts have garnered a total of 4 GRAMMY® Awards, 13 GRAMMY® Award nominations, over 75B streams, 200 RIAA gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond-certified singles, multiple Shorty Awards, NAACP Image Awards, American Music Awards, BET Awards, as well as prestigious honors by Fast Company and Inc. Magazine.

Speaker Adrienne A. Jones shattered two glass ceilings when she was unanimously elected by the full House of Delegates to serve as the first African American and the first woman Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates in history.

 Prior to being Speaker, Speaker Jones also held the distinction of being the first African American woman to serve as Speaker Pro Tem in the Maryland House of Delegates, serving in that capacity under Speaker Mike Busch for 16 years. Speaker Jones served on the House Appropriations Committee, and was Chair of the Capital Budget and Education, and Economic Development Subcommittees. She has been a delegate since 1997.

Speaker Jones has long been known by her colleagues for her steadfast leadership and no-nonsense approach to legislating. She has focused on education policy and funding issues, most notably school construction, during her tenure in the legislature. She has also made significant advances in ensuring diversity and fair treatment of State employees.

Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr. has served as the pastor of the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland since 1975. Under his leadership, the church body has grown to over 8,000 active members. On October 16, 2010, a vision was fulfilled, and a testimony of God’s faithfulness when the New Psalmist family moved into their new edifice, a 4,000-seat state of the art facility, designed to minister to the needs of individuals in the 21st century. Bishop Thomas also serves as the presiding prelate of Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors, a fellowship that endeavors to encourage, assist, edify, and celebrate Pastors in kingdom work. He is a highly regarded executive and personal coach with over 30 years of experience in working with church leaders, pastors, church staffs, and building effective ministry teams. Bishop Thomas is a Myers Briggs Practitioner certified in MBTI assessments and interpretations. He leads workshops and seminars across the county on preparing leaders for their next level.

Revival is located in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, an epicenter for history, art and culture. The 14-story boutique hotel – with 107 guest rooms and event spaces totaling approximately 4,000 square feet – offers a vibrant stay, thoughtful design and a signature food and beverage experience. Yet Revival is more than four walls that people pass through; it embodies a unique style of hospitality that supports the people and businesses around us – Impact Hospitality. Revival’s creative and conscious programming and local partnerships enliven our guests’ visits and exemplify the best of everything Baltimore has to offer. At Revival, our mission is to make lives better.

Revival is committed to being a space that is inclusive and welcoming to all. The hotel’s social impact efforts include curated programming and events such as educational workshops, thought-provoking conversations, art pop-ups, and spirit-free cocktails. These efforts elevate BIPOC-led businesses and nurture relationships with local organizations to make an impact on the local community and beyond. To advance its social impact efforts, the hotel hired its first-ever Director of Culture & Impact who has spearheaded numerous efforts on behalf of the hotel. In recent years, the hotel has announced partnerships with local and BIPOC-owned businesses.

# # #

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.