Celebrate Boston’s African American history and commemorate the long struggle for equality.
The Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket
is pleased to announce the 2025 Living Legends Awardees!
2025 LIVING LEGENDS HONOREES
KAREN HOLMES WARD
Distinguished News Host, Producer, & Advocate, SAG-AFTRA New England’s 2025 Broadcaster of the Year
For more than 40 years, Karen Holmes Ward was the Director of Public Affairs and Community Services as well as host and executive producer of CityLine, WCVB’s award-winning weekly magazine program which addressed the accomplishments, concerns, and issues facing people of color living in Boston and its suburbs.
TWELFTH BAPTIST CHURCH
Oldest Direct Descendant of the First African Baptist Church
Throughout its rich history, TBC became known as the “Fugitive Slave Church,” serving as an important anti-slavery meetinghouse, spiritual haven for free blacks and fugitive slaves, and a forum for champions of human rights and dignity such as William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglas, Rev. George Washington Williams, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
PRESENTING THE RECIPIENT OF THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD
BYRON BARNETT
(1956-2025)
Emmy Award Winning Journalist, Former Boston 7News Reporter
For almost 40 years and through thousands of stories, the late Byron Barnett covered breaking news as it happened, from major snowstorms, to shocking courtroom dramas, presidential campaigns, and world-changing events. Barnett earned a reputation for asking elected officials tough questions. He interviewed cultural icons like Mohammad Ali and world leaders including Ronald Regan, Barack Obama, and Hilary Clinton, and everyday people who call New England home.