Legacy in Motion: The Mirinda Jackson Soirée Lifts Community, Celebrates Leaders, and Shapes the Future

By Courtney Finklea Green // President, South County Democratic Club

With additional compilation reporting By Raoul Dennis

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

In the warm embrace of an early summer evening, more than 100 elegantly dressed guests gathered at National Harbor’s Arts’tination gallery to celebrate more than just community milestones—they came to honor the life, legacy, and luminous spirit of a woman who left a lasting impact on Prince George’s County. The 2nd Annual Mirinda Jackson Fundraiser Soirée, hosted by the South County Democratic Club (SCDC), wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a radiant reflection of purpose, progress, and people power.

Clothed in all white, the attendees shimmered under gallery lights, surrounded by vibrant local art that mirrored the creativity and energy that has long defined South County’s civic culture. This wasn’t simply an evening of awards and speeches—it was a living tribute to a woman who devoted her life to creating opportunity, elevating voices, and championing the next generation.

The Spirit Behind the Soirée: Mirinda Jackson

Mirinda Jackson, for whom the event is named, was more than the former treasurer of the South County Democratic Club—she was a steward of equity, a visionary compliance administrator for Prince George’s County, and an unwavering advocate for youth empowerment.

Born and raised in Maryland, Jackson committed her professional life to public service. In her role within Prince George’s County government, she ensured ethical practices in procurement and equity compliance, working tirelessly behind the scenes to protect fairness and integrity. But her heart beat strongest for the youth. Known for launching mentorship initiatives, facilitating scholarships, and encouraging young people to engage with politics and public policy, Jackson’s influence was transformative—and deeply personal for many.

**Mirinda Jackson PHOTO: RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE**

She believed in lifting as she climbed. Through her example, we learned how to lead with empathy, with purpose, and with an unwavering commitment to our community.

Jackson passed in 2023, but her torch continues to burn brightly, carried by those inspired by her leadership and galvanized by her legacy.

A Night of Elegance and Impact

The soirée was more than symbolic—it was substantive. With scholarship presentations, award recognitions, music, art, and affirming words from leaders at every level of government, the evening served as a microcosm of the progress and potential Mirinda Jackson devoted her life to nurturing.

Guests moved between curated art installations and inspiring speeches, dined to the rhythms of live go-go music by DJ Worm and celebrity drummer Wes Watkins (currently touring with Snoop Dogg), and witnessed the future being shaped before their eyes.

Three young men—Santana Williams (High Point University), Eric Carpenter-Grantham (Montgomery College), and Gary Stanley Jr. (University of Maryland Eastern Shore)—were honored with Mirinda Jackson Scholarships. Their gratitude echoed the enduring spirit of Jackson’s mission.

“I am so grateful and blessed to receive the scholarship award,” said Carpenter-Grantham. “This support shows us that our dreams matter—that our community believes in our potential.”

Their aspirations—ranging from tech to healthcare to public policy—represent the very future Jackson believed in: a new generation of leaders grounded in service, inspired by legacy, and committed to making a difference.

Honoring the Builders

Alongside the scholarship recipients, SCDC honored a distinguished slate of community and civic leaders with the 2025 Community Impact Awards:

● Hon. Aisha Braveboy, newly elected Prince George’s County Executive, whose track record as State’s Attorney redefined justice reform and educational outreach.

● Hon. Gloria Lawlah, former State Senator and Secretary of Aging, a fierce advocate for women’s rights and elder care.

● Hon. Antoine Thompson, former New York State Senator and sustainability champion.

● Asia Chandler, media personality and voice for local families.

● Jackie Hicks, master photographer and memory keeper through Fond Memories Photography.

● Jewell Powell, filmmaker and pastor using media to uplift stories of faith and healing.

● Rev. Dr. Zina Pierre, political strategist and national faith leader.

● Mary Hopkins Navies, business magnate and community builder employing over 500 county residents.

Each honoree stood as a beacon of progress—testament to the kind of leadership Jackson admired and fostered.

“I’m humbled to receive this award,” said Powell. “As a pastor and a filmmaker, I use storytelling to bring hope, healing, and truth. This recognition tells me that the message matters, and I will keep pressing forward.”

Hopkins Navies echoed the sentiment: “This event wasn’t just a celebration—it was a charge. It reminded us that investing in the next generation is how we truly honor the trailblazers who made our path possible.”

Quotes That Echoed Through the Evening

The room often fell quiet, not for lack of joy, but out of deep reverence when community leaders, family members, and elected officials took to the mic. They didn’t just speak—they testified.

**Courtney Finklea Green PHOTO: RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE**

From Congressman Glenn Ivey and Councilmember Jolene Ivey to Board of Education members Hon. Lolita Walker and Zakyia Goins-McCants, every speaker honored Jackson’s contribution and the transformative nature of local investment.

“There's nothing more powerful than rewarding deserving scholars with opportunities that reduce their financial burdens while they thrive,” said Walker. “This scholarship carries Mirinda’s spirit into the future—bold, brilliant, and full of Prince George’s County pride.”

Mothers like Annissa Stanley, whose son Gary received a scholarship, emphasized the multigenerational impact. “This recognition affirms our commitment to excellence and shows our young people that their hard work matters. It lifts families—it lifts dreams.”

Community as Canvas

Hosting the soirée at Arts’tination, a local artistic gem, was more than a logistical decision—it was a metaphor. The event was about painting possibility onto the canvas of community.

“Everywhere you looked, there was beauty,” said SCDC Vice President and Mayor of Forest Heights Troy Barrington Lilly. “From the art to the stories being shared to the students whose lives are changing—it was all a mosaic of what’s possible when we come together.”

Dr. Sha’Meca Latai’ Oliver, founder of Women Who Lead Connect, summed up the evening’s emotional core: “Just being in the room made you feel celebrated, inspired, and empowered to be a changemaker. That’s the magic of this community. That’s Mirinda’s legacy in action.”

A Blueprint for Legacy

The Soirée wasn’t just a night to remember—it was a strategic model of how legacy is sustained: by honoring leaders, funding education, and inspiring service. Dr. Juanita Miller, President Emeritus of South County Democratic Club stated that “The club is expanding the mission of the party by identifying and preparing young people for succession planning for leadership roles in politics.”

-From the Gold Sponsors like G.S. Proctor & Associates and Pat Q. Ricker to Silver and Bronze contributors, the collective spirit of giving rippled through every dollar raised and every life touched. The South County Democratic Club proved what happens when political organizing meets purpose-driven celebration.

With President Courtney Finklea Green at the helm and support from leaders like Dr. Juanita Miller (President Emeritus) and Mayor Troy Lilly, the SCDC is actively shaping the future by empowering the present.

“Our mission is to build bridges across generations,” said Green. “Mirinda’s light guides that mission, and every student we support, every leader we recognize, is a step forward in her name.”

The Sponsors

Powering the Mission: Sponsors Who Made It Possible

Behind the elegance and inspiration of the Mirinda Jackson Fundraiser Soirée stood a dedicated group of sponsors who made the celebration—and its impact—possible. Their support ensures that the mission of honoring legacy and empowering the next generation continues with strength and purpose.

Gold Sponsors

● G.S. Proctor & Associates, Inc. – A leader in lobbying and consulting, championing civic advocacy across Maryland.

● Pat Q. Ricker – Longtime advocate for community investment and Democratic organizing.

Silver Sponsors

● Asia’s Angels – A community-centered nonprofit focused on uplifting families and children.

● Intelligent Tax Solution (ITS) – Providing expert financial services while giving back to the communities it serves.

Bronze Sponsors

● Hon. Gloria Lawlah – Former Maryland State Senator and Secretary of Aging.

● Hon. Dr. Juanita Miller – President Emeritus of SCDC and trailblazer in Prince George’s County leadership.

● Courtney Finklea Green – Current President of SCDC and Maryland State Deputy Treasurer.

● Hon. Troy Barrington Lilly – Vice President of SCDC and Mayor of Forest Heights.

These sponsors reflect the diverse support behind the South County Democratic Club’s work—from public service and private enterprise to philanthropy and community activism. Each contribution, whether financial or foundational, helps amplify the legacy of Mirinda Jackson and ensures that more young leaders get the start they deserve.

Looking Forward

As the final notes of the evening's go-go beat drifted into the night, the message was clear: legacies don’t end—they evolve.

Mirinda Jackson’s name now lives on through scholarships, through young leaders ascending new heights, and through an annual soirée that fuses joy with justice. Each year, more voices will be lifted, more dreams funded, and more stories told—all beginning with one woman’s steadfast commitment to her community.

And so, on that night, at the crossroads of art, politics, and purpose, Prince George’s County didn’t just remember a leader—they renewed her legacy.