We are committed to sustaining our programs.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit we are asking for your support to achieve these goals.
Mrs. Rosa Parks Humanitarian Awards | May 7, 2026 - 5pm
The O Museum Awards honor individuals whose lives and work reflect the enduring values of courage, integrity, service, and creative excellence. Inspired by the legacy of Mrs. Rosa Parks — who lived at the O Museum from 1994 to 2004 — these awards recognize those who have made a lasting impact on society through truth-telling, civic leadership, humanitarian action, and the arts. Whether through innovation, storytelling, or public service, each honoree exemplifies the quiet strength and moral clarity that defined Mrs. Parks’ life and continue to guide the mission of O Museum.
2026 Award Honorees
These honorees use their gifts to uplift others, embodying the quiet strength and purpose that defined Mrs. Rosa Parks’ life.
Maria Marable-Bunch is honored with the Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award for a career that bridges history and hope. With unwavering purpose and quiet strength, she embodies the spirit of Mrs. Parks: fearless in truth, steadfast in service, and committed to building a more informed and united society.Through her visionary work in archives, museums, and education, she has brought vital stories to light — championing civil rights, honoring Native American heritage, and advancing civic responsibility.
Adele Lim is honored as O Museum’s Woman of the Year for a career that brings courage and complexity to the screen. A visionary storyteller, her writing reveals the heart of the human experience — exploring resilience, grace, and truth with rare depth and clarity. Beyond the page, her fearless advocacy for creative equity and professional respect echoes the quiet strength of Mrs. Parks. With every story she tells and every stand she takes, she elevates voices, inspires audiences, and moves culture forward.
Richard K. Bynum is honored with the O Museum Humanitarian Award for leadership that bridges business and purpose with lasting impact. At PNC and beyond, he has championed long-term strategies that expand opportunity, financial access, and civic responsibility — always grounded in service, integrity, and results. He leads not for recognition, but because it's right — modeling the kind of clear-eyed, values-driven leadership that defined Mrs. Parks’ legacy and continues to inspire meaningful change.
Billy Bob Thornton is honored with the Quiet Strength Award for a life and career defined by authenticity, humility, and principled restraint. A gifted storyteller across film and music, he has stayed true to his craft — choosing gratitude over grandstanding, and sincerity over spectacle. In a world often dominated by noise, he leads with conviction, compassion, and a deep belief in letting the work speak for itself. Like Mrs. Parks, he understands that real change begins not with the loudest voice, but with the most open heart.
Come be inspired. Witness extraordinary stories. Celebrate the enduring power of purpose. Join us in honoring those who lead with quiet strength — whose actions speak louder than words, and whose impact endures.
Visionaries Who Have Inspired Change: Celebrated Recipients
OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
This year-long celebration, featuring appearances by artists, performers, and storytellers from all walks of life, also highlights school children who have been inspired by our programs. Their continued engagement and success are made possible through the support of the following sponsors, whose contributions directly help empower our initiatives and bring these experiences to life.
$80,000+
$30,000+
Anonymous
Rebecca Bentzinger
DCAH
Kingdom of Kush
PIR Marketing
Susie Markland
Sitar Arts Center
Paul Cohn
James Towne
Alvin Stenzel
20/20 O Street Corporation
Nicolas Demidio
$10,000+
Ralph-Joerg Wezorke
The Kerry S. Pearson LLC
J.P. Clark, Partner, Square, Patton, Boggs
A Scott Bolden esq., Reed Smith
$5,000+
Nancy Aikin
Mark Bryan
Catherine Chapin
Karen Feld
Kalle
Reston Limousine
Carol Reubel
USA for Africa
Z Stein Law
Arlene Gimovsky
Anonymous
Gregg Casten, ProFish
OCTFME
$2,500+
James Coplestone
Dave Copps
Diane Darling
Christopher Dupuis
Heather Gerum
Jim LeBlanc
Papalonia Jewelers
Michael Scher
Drink Water
$1,000+
Founder's Day Roaring 20s Gala
One Night. Countless Stories. An Unforgettable Legacy.
November 11th, 2026 | 6PM
Join us for a spectacular evening as we celebrate a milestone like no other — the 75th birthday of our visionary founder and 45 incredible years of O Museum in The Mansion.
• Dance the night away to the #1 big band in the country — Chou Chou's Imperial Palms Swing Band
• Elegant Dinner & Decadent Desserts — A feast as unforgettable as the company
• Silent and live auction of unique one of a kind items!
• Hidden Doors & Historic Treasures — Explore the most magical museum in DC
• Dancing, Discovery & Toasts to the Future
This is more than a party — it’s a celebration of a legacy built on creativity, courage, and impact. Every ticket helps sustain our arts and education programs, empowering individuals through the universal language of music, storytelling, and discovery.
Space is limited — reserve your spot today and be part of history in the making.
Thank you to our generous 2025 sponsors
Platinum
A. Scott Bolden Esq., Reed Smith
Paul Cohn
Events DC
Google
Hubspot
J.R. Clark, Partner, Square, Patton, Boggs
PIR Marketing
The Kerry S. Pearson LLC
Vital Services Contractors
Gold
DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, & Entertainment
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Greg Casten, ProFish, James Towne
Host Committee
Nancy Aiken
Raymone Bain
Roy Beaumont
Rebecca Bentzinger
Kristina Bouweiri
Ayanna Brown
John Dillon
Karen Feld
Arlene Gimovsky
Susie Markland
Carol Reubel
Alvin Stenzel