CMCC's Peace Builder Award is presented annually and recognizes the visionary work of an individual or group who brings diverse community members together to plan, organize and implement ideas and programs to benefit or impact the larger community in Calvert County. 

This year we are pleased to honor Ms. Lauretta Grier. 

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Lauretta Grier is the ultimate community builder and a great role model for so many of us in Calvert County and beyond.  She has served in many ways:  On the Citizen’s Review Boards for Children in both Prince Georges and Calvert Counties for 19 years;  two terms on the Calvert County Family Network Board of Directors; twelve years as a member, education chair, health chair and Vice President of Concerned Black Women; a member and officer of the Southern Maryland Community Network Board of Directors for several terms; a member of the Closing the Gap Coalition; a member of the Calvert Library Foundation Board of Directors and many other volunteer activities. 

 

Lauretta currently serves on the planning committee for the Big Conversation Partnership on Dismantling Racism and Privilege in Southern Maryland.  This effort was initiated by the Big Conversation team at Middleham and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lusby over two years ago.  Dismantling Race and Privilege in Southern Maryland has already included several activities that have brought diverse participants together to examine issues of race and privilege in our community.  Lauretta has been instrumental in the planning and execution of these activities.  She brings a gentle strength to committee meetings and models patience and grace coupled with a sense of humor.  She is both a leader and a team player. Her relationships among other community members and organizations were invaluable in bringing new partners like the Calvert Library, the Concerned Black Women of Calvert, and the Community Mediation Center of Calvert onto the Big Conversation planning committee. 

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Congratulations to Lauretta Grier as our 2018 Peace Builder of the Year. We are honored to present the award to her for all of her efforts to make Calvert County a more inclusive and peaceful community.