The Honorees for 2027
A Look into the Selection of our African Americans of Excellence​
Keivette Hammond
Nonprofit Selection:
Keivette’s impact on Frederick County reaches far beyond athletics. As Frederick High School’s Athletic Director, she has become a respected leader, mentor, and role model who continues to uplift students, coaches, and the community through integrity, accountability, and purpose-driven leadership.
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As the first female Athletic Director at Frederick High School and the only African American Athletic Director in Frederick County, she has broken barriers while creating new opportunities for future generations. Her leadership helped launch girls flag football as a varsity sport in Maryland, opening doors for hundreds of student-athletes across the state.
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Whether mentoring young people, supporting staff, or championing inclusion and excellence, Keivette leads with humility, strength, and heart. Her dedication to empowering others and building a culture of growth and opportunity makes her truly deserving of this honor.
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Congratulations, Keivette Hammond, and welcome to the AAOE 2027 class.
Mari Lee
Nonprofit Selection:
Mari Lee represents the very heart of community advocacy, leadership, and public service in Frederick County. Through decades of involvement in civic engagement, political advocacy, women’s leadership, and community organizing, Mari has dedicated her time and voice to ensuring residents are informed, empowered, and represented.
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A longtime advocate for justice, equity, and opportunity, Mari has worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines with organizations including the Frederick County Democratic Central Committee, the Women’s Democratic League of Frederick County, Organizing for Action, voter registration initiatives, and numerous local causes that strengthen the Frederick community. Her commitment to public service has remained steady for years, fueled by a genuine passion for helping others and standing up for what is right.
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Mari’s impact goes far beyond politics. She has become a trusted and respected voice in the community - someone who connects people, encourages civic participation, and consistently works to create positive change for Frederick County residents.
Her leadership, dedication, and continued advocacy make her deeply deserving of being honored as part of the African Americans of Excellence Class of 2027.
Bernard "Buddy" Hill
Nonprofit Selection:
For decades, Buddy has been a familiar and respected presence in Frederick, building a life defined by hard work, service, and dedication to community. As the longtime owner of one of the oldest Black-owned businesses on West All Saints Street, he helped preserve an important chapter of Frederick’s history while creating a place where friendships were formed, stories were shared, and generations felt connected.
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From his years behind the barber chair to his work serving families as a grocer, Buddy’s impact extends far beyond business. His commitment to family, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his quiet leadership have left a lasting mark on countless lives throughout our community.
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His story is a reminder that legacy is not measured only by accomplishments, but by the people you influence and the community you help strengthen along the way.
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Please join us in celebrating Bernard A. “Buddy” Hill as an African Americans of Excellence 2027 honoree.
Barry Stanton
Nonprofit Selection:
A trailblazing leader in public service, Barry Stanton has dedicated more than four decades to strengthening communities through government leadership, public safety, and organizational excellence.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has broken barriers and paved the way for future generations, becoming the first African American to serve as Frederick County’s County Manager and Assistant County Manager, while also leading major public safety and government agencies at the local, county, and federal levels.
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From overseeing correctional systems and emergency services to advancing sustainability initiatives and educational infrastructure, Barry’s impact can be seen across Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and beyond. His commitment to service, integrity, and leadership has left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit thousands of residents.
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The African Americans of Excellence program honors individuals whose contributions have helped shape our community and inspire future generations. We are honored to recognize Barry L. Stanton for his remarkable career, enduring leadership, and dedication to public service as a member of the AAOE Class of 2027.
Bonnie Swann
Nonprofit Selection:
Bonnie’s life is a testament to the power of faith, service, and dedication to community. From a remarkable 40+ year career with GEICO to decades of volunteerism, mentorship, and leadership, she has touched countless lives throughout Frederick.
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Whether serving as an election judge, supporting local scholarship programs, volunteering with community organizations, strengthening her church, or simply being a trusted friend and mentor, Bonnie has consistently led with compassion and purpose. Her impact extends far beyond titles and awards—it lives in the people she has encouraged, supported, and inspired along the way.
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Congratulations, Bonnie, on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to making Frederick a stronger, more connected community.
Barbara Thompson
Nonprofit Selection:
Barbara has dedicated years of her life to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich African American history of Frederick County through her incredible work with the African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society (AARCH).
From leading the impactful Living Treasures Program to educating the community through storytelling, exhibits, and presentations, her passion has helped ensure that important voices and legacies are never forgotten.
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Her leadership, commitment, and heart for the community have inspired generations and strengthened the cultural fabric of Frederick County. Barbara’s work is more than preservation, it is empowerment, education, and legacy in motion.
Please join us in congratulating Barbara Thompson on this well deserved recognition as an African Americans of Excellence 2027 honoree!
Raymond Whiten, Sr.
Nonprofit Selection:
For more than two decades, Raymond has dedicated himself to creating opportunities for young people through Basketball Coaches Without Boundaries, an organization he founded in 2000 to provide youth with a safe, positive, and enriching environment through sports, mentorship, and education.
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Believing that success begins in the classroom, Raymond championed a "No Books, No Ball" philosophy that encouraged student-athletes to prioritize academics alongside athletics. He also established SAT preparation opportunities and helped countless young people develop the discipline, confidence, and life skills needed to succeed both on and off the court.
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Under his leadership, Basketball Coaches Without Boundaries expanded its reach throughout Frederick, the DMV, and the Mid-Atlantic region, impacting generations of youth and creating lasting opportunities for growth. Many former participants have returned to volunteer, coach, and mentor others, continuing the legacy of service and community Raymond helped build.
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His unwavering commitment to empowering young people and strengthening our community makes him a truly deserving member of the African Americans of Excellence Class of 2027.
Congratulations, Raymond - we are honored to celebrate your remarkable impact and legacy.