Meet our
2026 Kwanzaa Honorees
Watch these short videos to learn more about our honorees!
Kenneth Duncan
Umoja – “Unity”
Ashley Grant (Kujichagulia)
Kujichagulia – “Self Determination” (Dec. 27th)
Kesha Harris
Ujima – "Collective Work & Responsibility” (Dec. 28th)
Nyima Simms
Ujamaa – “Cooperative Economics” (Dec. 29th)
La Viola Ward
Nia – “Purpose” (Dec. 30th)
Riley Johnson
Kuumba – “Creativity” (Dec. 31st)
Bobbie (Barbara) Ramey-Clark
Imani – “Faith” (Jan. 1st)
Kenneth Duncan (Umoja)
Kenneth has a dedication for giving back to the community and inspiring at-risk youth. Through mentor programs, partnerships, and skill building, he gives them opportunities to thrive.
Ashley Grant (Kujichagulia)
Ashley is an inspiring father who pushes against adversity in the pharmaceutical industry, caring not only for his own success but the success of others who come after him.
Kesha Harris (Ujima)
Kesha works hard to advocate for people of color within behavior and mental health committees, starting up her own nonprofit, July Forward, that provides mental health services and works to reduce stigma.
Nyima Simms (Ujamaa)
Nyima is a dependable and hardworking woman who believes in justice, peace and support for one another. Even through hardship, she has committed over 100 volunteered hours to helping develop a new youth mental health center on top of working around the clock to support her family.
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La Viola Ward (Nia)
To be a mental health professional, student, mother, and organizer, she has been purposeful in how she moves through life serving her community. Through her advocacy for Black mental health and her tending to the community, she defines her purpose crystal clear through her actions.
Riley Johnson (Kuumba)
Riley is a brilliant and talented high school junior who participates in multiple extracurricular clubs/organizations while pursuing art and being a varsity cheer captain. She's a visual and performing artist and an entrepreneur, creating and selling beautiful pieces as well as inspiring others with her spoken word.
Bobbie (Barbara) Ramey-Clark (Imani)
As a dedicated person of faith, she always opens her heart and home to family and community. She's involved with community orginizations dedicated to feeding the unhoused, shares community resources with with her church's women's groups, while also being a loving mother and grandmother to her family.
