2026 Good Troublemakers Awards Luncheon

The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation Honors Atlanta-Area Students and Nonprofits at Good Troublemakers Awards Luncheon

ATLANTA, GA (June 16, 2026) – The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation honored the Atlanta-area recipients of its 2026 Good Troublemaker Scholarships and Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grants during the Good Troublemakers Awards Luncheon on Saturday, June 20, at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta. The recipients were first recognized during the Foundation’s Good Trouble Gala in Washington, D.C., on June 2.

The luncheon recognized 10 Good Troublemaker Scholarship recipients and three nonprofit organizations from Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District receiving Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grants.

“Congressman John Lewis frequently reminded us that each generation has a responsibility to help build a more just and equitable world,” said Michael E. Collins, Board Chair & Interim President of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation.  “Through the Good Troublemakers Awards Luncheon, we are proud to celebrate students and organizations that are carrying forward his legacy by consistently serving their communities and creating meaningful change. This year’s scholarship and grant recipients embody the spirit of good trouble by addressing challenges, uplifting others, and creating pathways for a brighter future.”

T. J. Anthony from CBS News Atlanta was the emcee.

Good Troublemaker Scholarships

The Good Troublemaker Scholarships honor the lifelong commitment of Lillian Miles Lewis to education and literacy, a commitment shared by Congressman John Lewis. The scholarships support graduating high school seniors pursuing studies in education, literacy, or library science, with special consideration given to students who have heeded the call to get into “good trouble, necessary trouble.”

The 10 Atlanta-area scholarship recipients are from Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District, which Congressman Lewis represented for more than 30 years. The scholarships provide financial support to help recipients continue their educational journeys while preparing to make meaningful contributions to their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond. This opportunity is intended for passionate student leaders committed to academic success and civic engagement.

2026 Atlanta Recipients of the Good Troublemaker Scholarships: 

• Brayden Harris - Charles R. Drew Charter 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
  

Three additional scholarship recipients from John R. Lewis High School in Springfield, Virginia— Ayesha Kohistani, Camila Rodriguez and Camila Zuloaga Vidal — were recognized during the Foundation’s Good Trouble Gala in Washington, D.C., on June 2.

Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grants

The Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grants identify and support community-based organizations that are committed to advancing the values that guided Congressman Lewis throughout his life. The grants are awarded to organizations based in and serving Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. These organizations have a proven track record of service and impact in the areas of education, social justice, and environmental stewardship and are working to strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and create lasting positive change.

2026 Recipients of the Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grants are: 

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

• Noble 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.
  

• 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 promotes 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)
  

###

ABOUT THE 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; and Rodney E. Slater. For General Information about JLMLF and to Schedule Interviews:

Neil Parekh (Communications) John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation neil@digimentors.group  | info@jlmlf.org | 206.370.0058