Camden County to Honor MLK Freedom Medal Awardees
Photo courtesy of Camden County Government
AC JosepH Media
CAMDEN — Camden County has announced its 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Medal recipients, honoring residents whose volunteer service, advocacy, and community leadership embody Dr. King’s legacy of justice, compassion, and civic responsibility.
The awards will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom.
Since its creation in 2001, the Freedom Medal has been awarded to more than 1,200 residents who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to improving life in Camden County. This year’s class continues that tradition with leaders in education, public safety, youth advocacy, veterans’ support, the arts, and faith-based service.
2026 MLK Freedom Medal Honorees include:
Jeanette Alvarez – Camden
A longtime community advocate, Alvarez has dedicated her career to helping families navigate support services and overcome barriers to stability. Her work has strengthened partnerships across Camden and expanded access to resources for residents in need.
Giselle V. Brown – Cherry Hill
At just 17, Brown has already achieved national recognition as an artist. Her work has been displayed in the U.S. Capitol and included in the Lunar Codex Project, which sent artistic achievements to the moon. She has donated artwork to support cancer research, using her talent to uplift others.
Captain Vivian Coley – Camden
Born and raised in Camden, Captain Coley has served in law enforcement since 1998. As commander of the Community Outreach Unit, she has led programs such as Open Gym nights, senior wellness checks, neighborhood cleanups, and youth engagement initiatives—strengthening trust between residents and police.
Colonel Ted Gallagher – Cherry Hill
A Vietnam veteran and retired U.S. Army Colonel, Gallagher is a tireless advocate for veterans across Camden County. He has helped countless veterans navigate benefits, access resources, and connect with community support networks, ensuring no veteran is left behind.
Robert Jakubowski — Audubon
Lifelong Audubon resident Rob Jakubowski is Camden County’s Director of the Division of Community Development. This role is the culmination of skills and passions Rob has developed since the 1990s as a volunteer Board Member and later Executive Director of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Camden and Gloucester Counties; Executive Director of MADD-NJ; and Deputy Director of Camden County’s Department for Health and Human Services and our Homeless Services Coordinator.
Lion James, Gloucester Township
Many interconnected experiences have led to Lion James marrying his passion for the outdoors with his deep commitment to improved access to and enjoyment of the outdoors for underserved populations. His lifelong passion for the outdoors, sparked by a childhood spent fishing and boating with his father and brother, led him to pursue many nature-based activities, including hiking, camping, hunting, and a general devotion to wildlife and nature conservation. Realizing early on that he rarely saw fellow people of color enjoying the great outdoors, Lion has adopted the dual missions of conservation and of encouraging people of color to enjoy and thrive in nature as his life’s work.
Jacquelyn B. Lee, Winslow
Jacquelyn B. Lee is a passionate leader, mentor, and lifelong advocate for civic engagement and community empowerment. These qualities and values shine through in both her professional work over 40 years in the electric utility industry and in the journey of service that began at age 14 when she became a park counselor in her Philadelphia neighborhood.
Dr. Leslie Showell – Camden
A Preschool Intervention & Referral Specialist with the Camden City School District, Dr. Showell is recognized for her dedication to early childhood development and her advocacy for families navigating special education services. Her work has strengthened support systems for Camden’s youngest learners.
Dan Rhoton – Camden
A longtime youth advocate and community partner, Rhoton has been instrumental in developing programs that support young people and families across Camden. His leadership has helped expand opportunities for youth empowerment and community engagement.
Brian Keith Truitt, Pennsauken
Brian Keith Truitt is a lifelong restaurateur, community pillar, and proud Camden entrepreneur. Brian’s earliest lessons in the values of family, resilience, and showing up for others came from the examples set by his seven older sisters and two older brothers.
Father Vincent G. Guest – Camden
Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Father Guest is known for his unwavering commitment to social justice, poverty relief, and community solidarity. His ministry has supported families across Camden through direct service, advocacy, and faith-driven outreach.
Legacy of Service
Commissioner Jonathan Young praised this year’s honorees, noting that each embodies the values Dr. King championed—service, compassion, and justice.
“Through their dedication to serving their community, they have each made a meaningful difference and are helping make Camden County a better place for all,” Young said.
The Freedom Medal remains one of the county’s most significant civic honors, celebrating residents whose volunteerism and leadership strengthen neighborhoods and uplift vulnerable populations.
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