PLBC announces Crystal Bird Fauset Award honorees

Award recognizes Black female leaders from across Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    March 9, 2026 | 9:37 AM

HARRISBURG, March 9 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has announced four honorees for the 2026 Crystal Bird Fauset Award, which recognizes the contributions of Black women as leaders across Pennsylvania.

This year’s honorees include:

• Ciera Dent, Mayor of Steelton Borough
• Marita Garrett, former Mayor of Wilkinsburg Borough and current CEO, Civically Inc.
• La Tasha Williams, Judge of the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
• Jamila Winder, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair

“These phenomenal leaders embody the spirit of service, resilience and dedication to justice and opportunity for all,” said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, Chair of the PLBC. “Their work continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers and reflects the powerful legacy of public leadership in our communities.”

The award is named for former Rep. Crystal Bird Fauset, who was the first Black female state legislator elected in the United States.

The award honorees will be recognized online on March 26. The event will be streamed on the PLBC Facebook account.

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