A Tribute to Women of Color

A Tribute to Women of Color (ATWOC) emerged in 1992 from the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County’s Racial Justice committee as a way to recognize Anne Arundel County women of color who make significant contributions to the community as well as to provide scholarships for young women (and now young men) of color who demonstrate potential as future leaders.

The organizing committee, led by Margurite Askew Kirkland, consisted of sixty-two women from culturally and socio-economically diverse backgrounds across the county. The co-sponsorships of the YWCA, Anne Arundel Medical Center, and Nationwide Insurance and Financial Services enabled the group to host its first luncheon in March 1993. At that time, three Community Awards were presented and three Future Leader scholarships were awarded. The original sponsors have since been joined by many other individuals and organizations that provide financial and scholarship support, enabling us to help further the education of many deserving young women and men in Anne Arundel County and to honor women in the county for their outstanding community service.

Scholarships and awards are presented annually at our March luncheon. Awards are presented in the following categories: GOOD SAMARITAN, PATHFINDER, SERVICE TO YOUTH, and FUTURE LEADERS. For more information, click here.

In addition to our annual award program, we strive to address the concerns of our local community through outreach to needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, in addition to our outreach to local shelters serving families and individuals in at-risk situations and victims of domestic violence.

Thank you for visiting our site. We hope to see you at this year’s luncheon event. We welcome your support as we work together to make a difference in our community. To contact us, click here.