Good Trouble Gala Is a Huge Success

OVER 400 ATTEND THE 2026 GOOD TROUBLE GALA IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Annual Gathering Honors Congressman James E. Clyburn and Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore for Leadership, Service, and Commitment to Expanding Opportunity

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 4, 2026) – The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation< welcomed over 400 leaders, advocates, elected officials, philanthropists, and supporters to the historic Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Good Trouble Gala. Hosted by María Teresa Kumar, Co-founder and President of Voto Latino Foundation, the evening celebrated the movers and shakers who are keeping the legacy of John and Lillian Miles Lewis alive.

Michael Collins, JLMLF Board Chair and Interim President

“The Good Trouble Gala is a covenant and a moment to reaffirm our love for one another and recommit ourselves to continuing the legacy of John and Lillian Miles Lewis and the unyielding work ahead,” said Michael Collins, Board Chair and Interim President for the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “Our guests stand with us in the long, unbroken line stretching through time from the Edmund Pettus Bridge straight into the Mellon Auditorium. We hope they left inspired, accountable and prepared for the road ahead.”

The Foundation presented the 2026 John Lewis Carry On Award to Congressman James E. Clyburn in recognition of his civil rights leadership, decades of public service, and efforts to direct resources to underserved communities.

Rep. James Clyburn receiving the John Lewis Carry On Award

Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore received the 2026 Lillian Miles Lewis Luminary Award in recognition of her #ReadMoreMaryland statewide literacy campaign and her work expanding access to the arts through initiatives such as Music for Maryland.

Maryland's First Lady Dawn Moore receiving the Lillian Miles Lewis Luminary Award

The evening also featured special tributes recognizing Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Steny Hoyer for their extraordinary public service and longstanding commitment to advancing policies that have shaped communities across the nation.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi

Congressman Steny Hoyer

One of the evening's signature moments was the Good Trouble Talk, featuring Congressman James E. Clyburn  in conversation with journalist and political commentator Jonathan Capehart. The conversation explored the importance of civic engagement, bridge-building, and principled leadership at a pivotal moment for the nation.

Rep. James Clyburn and Jonathan Capehart

Guests were brought to their feet by an exclusive, soul-stirring musical performance by acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright and Grammy-winning jazz virtuoso Terri Lyne Carrington, who celebrated the enduring legacy of John and Lillian Miles Lewis through the power of song.

Students from John R. Lewis High School in Springfield, Virginia receiving their scholarships.

The Foundation announced 13 recipients of the Good Troublemaker Scholarship, which aims to support students as they continue their educational journeys and make a lasting impact in their communities. Three students from John R. Lewis High School in Springfield, Virginia were recognized on stage. The Atlanta-based recipients will be recognized at a Good Troublemakers Luncheon in June. The Foundation also announced the recipients of the Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grants, which identify and support community-based organizations that are committed to the same ideals shared by Representative John Lewis. These grants are given to organizations based in – and serving – the same congressional district Rep. Lewis represented in Congress for more than 30 years. Other notable speakers included Sen. Jon Ossoff; Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Rep. Martha Roby; and John-Miles Lewis. Rep. Wesley Bell presented the John Lewis Carry On Award to Congressman James E. Clyburn. Gov. Wes Moore presented the Lillian Miles Lewis Luminary Award to Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore and Dr. Reverend Matthew Watley gave the invocation. As the Foundation looks ahead, the Good Trouble Gala remains a powerful reminder that the work of building a more informed and engaged society belongs to all of us. Through the continued support of partners, donors, and advocates, the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation is ensuring that the next generation is equipped not only to honor the legacy of John and Lillian Lewis, but to build upon it and create their own Good Trouble in pursuit of a stronger, more just and hopeful future.

GOOD TROUBLEMAKER NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT RECIPIENTS

• Girls of Excellence Inc. - Atlanta, GA - Girls of Excellence, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing supportive services just for girls. Its focus includes group mentoring, life skills, personal development, and community service. (girlsofexcellenceinc.org)
  

• Notable Truth Project, Inc. - Atlanta, GA - The Noble Truth Project empowers young Black men through its Glaciers Ice program, combining mentorship, literacy, and entrepreneurship to offer a positive, income-generating alternative to street vending in Atlanta. (notabletruthproject.org)
  

• The Well of Restoration - Atlanta, GA - The Well aims to transform lives, restore families, and build up communities by offering holistic mental health support that promote optimal health and wellness of the mind, body and spirit, partnering with community organizations to create customized programs that support all who need it. (thewellofrestoration.org)
  

GOOD TROUBLEMAKER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

• Ayesha Kohistani - John R. Lewis High School

• Brayden Harris - Charles R. Drew Charter School

• Camila Rodriguez - John R. Lewis High School

• Camila Zuloaga Vidal - John R. Lewis High School

• Chadd Cook - Booker T. Washington High School

• Jackson Leeks - Maynard H. Jackson High School

• Laila Shannon - Charles R. Drew Charter School

• Madison Ford - Charles R. Drew Charter School

• Marcel Copeland - B.E.S.T. Academy

• Nasir Muhammad - Charles R. Drew Charter School

• Taylor Harper - Charles R. Drew Charter School

• Tionnie Alves - Cedar Grove High School

• Victor Agolory - Decatur High School

In 2027, the Good Trouble Gala will return to Atlanta. The location alternates between Atlanta and Washington, DC, rooted in Congressman Lewis’ connection to Atlanta and the Fifth District and his service in Washington, DC.

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ABOUT THE JOHN AND LILLIAN MILES LEWIS FOUNDATION

The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation (JLMLF) was conceived by Congressman Lewis to carry on his and his wife’s passion for purposeful living, civic engagement, and building the Beloved Community, and to inspire and support Good Trouble. The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation Board includes Michael E. Collins (Chair), Stephen L. McDaniel (Secretary), J. Veronica Biggins, Tharon Johnson, Jerrick Lewis and Rodney E. Slater.  

General Press Contact:

Neil Parekh, John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation info@jlmlf.org For pictures from the event, please contact Neil Parekh via email.