Background: Gwendolyn T. Britt served as the first Maryland Legislative
District 47 senator from 2003 to her death in 2008. From start to finish, her
public life exemplified Progressive Cheverly's commitment to fairness, justice
and civil rights. In her youth, she helped to desegregate Glen Echo Park which
led to her first arrest. She later spent 40 days in jail in Jackson, Mississippi
during the 1960s for her role as a Freedom Rider. As our state senator, she
championed our causes by working to safeguard the environment, protect voting
rights, and ensure marriage equality, among other efforts.
Purpose: In memory of Senator Britt, this award honors a resident of
Prince George’s County for sustained work in support of Progressive Cheverly’s
mission and principles. Members and non-members of Progressive Cheverly are
eligible for the award.
Process: Any member of Progressive Cheverly can nominate an individual or
organization for the Britt Award by relaying the nominee’s name to a member of
the Executive Committee along with supporting evidence. The Executive Committee
decides by consensus whether to make the award.
Awards are made on an as-merited schedule, rather than a fixed yearly or other
schedule. Awards may be made posthumously. To maintain the significance of the
award, the intent is that not more than one award would be made per year, on
average.
Award: A framed certificate of appreciation is presented at a public
meeting, along with a donation (to be determined by the Executive Committee,
envisioned in the $200 range) to be made to the charitable cause selected by the
awardee.
18 year old Gwendolyn Greene picketing outside
of Glen Echo Park.
