Community Impact Awards
In 2026, the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival will launch its inaugural Community Impact Awards, honoring the people who embody the spirit of Juneteenth every day. These awards celebrate neighbors, leaders, and young people who are moving our community forward through education, service, business, advocacy, and public leadership.
Rooted in the legacy of Scotland as one of Montgomery County’s historic Black communities, the Community Impact Awards are our way of saying “thank you” to those who protect, uplift, and invest in our collective future.
About the Community Impact Awards
For the first time, the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival is inviting the community to nominate everyday heroes who are creating real change. Our inaugural Community Impact Awards will shine a light on local leaders who:
Stand up for justice and equity
Invest in youth and families
Support Black history, culture, and preservation
Build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities
Award recipients will be recognized during the 2026 festival and celebrated as part of Scotland’s living legacy.
2026 Award Categories
Best Educator
Honors an educator who goes above and beyond to support students academically, emotionally, and culturally. This person helps young people see their brilliance, learn their history, and believe in their future, whether they teach in a school, community program, church, or informal setting.
Best Public Servant
Honors an elected official, government employee, or public sector leader who serves with integrity, accountability, and care. This individual listens to the community, fights for resources, and uses their position to protect and uplift historically marginalized communities.
Best Community Advocate
Celebrates a community member who shows up, speaks up, and organizes for change. This person is often the one calling meetings, sharing resources, knocking on doors, or standing in the gap for neighbors who need support and systems that need to be better.
Best Youth Leader
Recognizes a young person who is already leading with courage, creativity, and compassion. This youth leader might be organizing at school, speaking out on issues that matter, mentoring peers, or volunteering their time to make a difference.
Best Community Advocate
Recognizes a business owner or entrepreneur who uplifts the community through their work. This leader may create jobs, sponsor local events, support youth, or use their platform to give back and build economic power in Black communities.