2024 Louis E. Martin Great American Award Reception

We're hosting an exclusive reception as we recognize the Joint Center’s 20th anniversary of the Louis E. Martin Great American Award by honoring Former President Spencer Overton. This special evening will begin at 6 p.m., Oct. 23, 2024 at the Royal Sonesta Washington, DC, Capitol Hill. 

After nearly a decade leading the Joint Center, Spencer returned to a full-time professorship at the George Washington University Law School in 2023 to be the Patricia Roberts Harris Research Professor of Law. Spencer’s leadership reestablished the Joint Center as the nation’s leading think tank on issues affecting Black America, building on the longstanding legacy of the institution. The Joint Center is excited to honor the legacy of Spencer’s contribution to America’s Black think tank and looks forward to shaping the future where Black communities are centered in critical policy decisions. 

Past notable awardees include Congressman John Lewis, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Susan Rice, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In lieu of our annual Future of Black Communities Summit, we are hosting this milestone event.