Commission for Fathers, Men and Boys Fatherhood Honors Awards
Dear Prince Georgians,
Earlier this week, our Department of Family Services in partnership with the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff, and the Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys (CFMB) hosted its annual Father’s Day Pledge event. The purpose of this event is to bring fathers, young men, women, businesses, and community organizations together to take action and inspire change to prevent violence against women.
This event also recognizes Father’s Day, a special time of year where we recognize and celebrate fatherhood, and the influence fathers have in our communities. During this year’s event, the CFMB awarded six amazing fathers in our community with Fatherhood Honors Awards. The Fatherhood Honors Awards were designed to celebrate and honor men who have consistently exemplified the principals of excellence in fatherhood through their character, service, and positive impact on the lives of individuals, organizations, and their community.
We want to congratulate the honorees of this year’s Fatherhood Honors Awards. Each of them work tirelessly on behalf of their families and our communities and we sincerely thank them for their commitment and dedication to Prince George’s County. They represent countless examples of men who have gone above and beyond to faithfully serve their families and their community, and we are proud to recognize them for their efforts. We are confident that they will continue to make a positive impact in our community.
We also want to thank the CFMB for taking this opportunity to highlight some of the dedicated and hardworking fathers that call our County home. Established in 2019, the commission works to empower fathers, men, and boys by advocating for programs and policies that support their issues, and we are proud of the work they do in our community. Residents can learn more about the CFMB by visiting their website here.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Mr. Damian Durham Sr. – Fatherhood Honors Award
 Mr. Damian Durham Sr. was awarded the Fatherhood Honors Award for his volunteer efforts with various youth programs in the DMV region for more than 11 years. In 2012, he started the non-profit organization, Brothers From Another, where he brings men and boys together to inspire positivity. Mr. Durham has fostered countless youth and young adult men and brought them into his home, including a young man from Nigeria he helped get established here in the U.S. He assists young men with making relocation and living arrangements, in addition to teaching, tutoring, training in sports and academics, and interpersonal development. Mr. Durham is committed to continuing to dedicate himself to the forward progress of the African American community.
“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to receive the Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys Fatherhood Honors Award,” says Mr. Durham. “I grew up without a father, so it was imperative to me that I break the cycle. I have dedicated my life to being the best father possible to both my kids and community youth, and there's nothing more important to me. Often times, men, especially men of color, are overlooked and even given a bad rep as fathers and role models, based on stereotypical images. I am both ecstatic and humbled to even be considered for the award.”
Mr. Jerome Jones – Fatherhood Honors Award
 Mr. Jerome Jones has spent the greater part of his adult life contributing to the development of young people. As a mentor, coach, and an advocate for life-long learning, self-acceptance, growth, and character development, he has dedicated himself to giving youth an outlet and platform to be seen and served through his mentorship and coaching contributions. Whether it be through community partnerships, philanthropic giving, or aligning with causes that promote community advancement and cultural enhancement, Mr. Jones is committed to leading the way for all. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden, where he is active in the Men’s Ministry. In addition, he serves on the Parent Teacher Association at his children’s school and assists his daughter’s girl scout troop. Mr. Jones is also a Father’s Auxiliary member of the Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter of Jack and Jill. Together with his wife Camille, he champions philanthropic giving, empowering families by promoting literacy, engagement, commitment to each other and being a symbol of loyalty in building bridges of unity within the Prince George’s County Community.
“To God Be Thy Glory! This is sincerely an honor beyond measure, as the title of “Father” is one I did not have a complete understanding of until I became one myself,” says Mr. Jones. “I am humbled to be a symbol of fatherhood in an era where the representation of Black fathers matters greatly. This award is an awesome honor to say the least. I sincerely appreciate this honor because I know the sea is full of phenomenal fathers and father figures that will never grace this accolade. I hope to be their representative and carry this honor for every father never publicly celebrated for their contributions and mere presence. I thank the Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys, Fatherhood Award Committee. You have made my season with this recognition. It is a true testimony that you never know who is watching your strides and paying attention to your deeds. It is with sincere gratitude [to receive this award]. I am over the moon with pride for this prestigious honor.”
Mr. Gino LaGrant – Fatherhood Honors Award
 Mr. Gino LaGrant is the founder of the non-profit organization, Write Now Academy (WNA). WNA is a free program for children of all ages with the mission and goal of helping children become authors of their own success and understand that their current circumstance does not determine who they are. The foundation of Mr. LaGrant’s mentorship is rooted in service and community, and he committed to doing all that he can to impact not only his children, but every young person that he comes in contact with. Mr. LaGrant has mentored more than 100 young men. He partnered with Prince George's County Public Schools to host tutoring on weekends called Saturday Enrichment at Bradbury Elementary School. He has conducted sessions for Howard University’s Upward Bound Program during the summer, teaching young men life skills. Through WNA, Mr. LaGrant has also conducted an online African American History class during the COVID-19 global pandemic. He also hosts field trips to various locations including HBCU festivals, Black History museums, monuments, and parks, and hosts an annual Black History Fundraising Gala on Juneteenth.
“First off, I would like to say thank you for this award,” says Mr. LaGrant. “I also would like to thank William "BJ" Paige for nominating me. Winning the Fatherhood Honors Award is truly an honor that I am grateful for. As the father of four (3 boys, 1 girl), I take pride in raising my children, providing guidance, discipline and in ensuring they have the tools needed to become the best versions of themselves. I feel that it's not just important to provide all these things to my own children but also to the children in our communities.”
Mr. Dwayne A. Preston – Fatherhood Honors Award
 Mr. Dwayne Preston is a proud father of two children but understands that being a father extends to the community of young people that he has had the pleasure of meeting along his journey. Whether through coaching sports, serving in his church, or encountering young people in his role as a police officer, Mr. Preston enjoys making a difference in his community.
“I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to receive the Fatherhood Honors Award,” says Mr. Preston. “I want to first give honor to my heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, who is the head of my life and then to my natural father (who transitioned to heaven in June 2021) for being the absolute BEST natural example of a man and father. My first duty as a father is to my two children—Kayla and Dwayne II. My Godly example must first be in service to them before I am able to adequately serve others. It is through my example that I implore my children to maintain the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, kindness and most importantly, love. I must always be to them what I want them to become. Although this award possesses my name, I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize my dynamic partner, best friend, and wife of 28 years, Vicki Preston. I also want to thank the Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys for this distinguished award.”
Mr. Randy Howell – Veterans Fatherhood Award
 Mr. Randy Howell (Handy) was awarded the Veterans Fatherhood Award. He has been a Prince Georgian for more than 12 years. Mr. Howell joined the Marine Corps at the age of 19, working in Administration and Intelligence and serving in Desert Storm in the 90’s. When Mr. Howell was no longer able to work, he began dedicating his time to serving the youth in his community. He assisted 300 youth with getting access to resources and programs. For the past several years, Mr. Howell has served as a Veterans Advocate, assisting veterans in Prince George’s County with accessing services and resources for themselves and their families. He is a member of St. Stephen Baptist Church in Temple Hills and serves as an outreach representative for Galilee Baptist Church, Veteran Support Group in Suitland. He is also an advisor/member of Guardian Angels Transforming Christian Counseling Services (GATCCS) in Bladensburg.
“This award really means a lot to me in that I am a person that enjoys being behind the scenes,” says Mr. Howell. “I feel validated [in being recognized for] the hard work God has allowed me to manage over the years - even in ill health. This award speaks volumes to my peers, mentees, and fellow Veterans on how passion, purpose and perseverance can be an inspirational lightning rod to spark electricity in others. This award sends a strong message to my family, especially my beautiful wife, three sons and daughter, that they too can pour into their life’s passions, of their own calling, and celebrate a great feeling of accomplishment and recognition. I truly appreciate Dr. Dula and the Prince George’s County Office of Veteran Affairs for this prestigious honor.”
Corporal Arthur Grinage Jr. – Fatherhood Public Safety Award
 Corporal Arthur Grinage Jr. was awarded the Fatherhood Public Safety Award. His community involvement includes assisting with coaching boys' and girls' basketball and football teams. Corporal Grinage has participated in the Shop with a Cop program and has transported kids to different sporting events on separate occasions. He also has donated toys to Children’s Hospital on numerous occasions, all while trying to be the greatest dad to his 1-year-old daughter and multiple nieces and nephews.
“It is such an honor, and I am grateful to be presented with the Fatherhood Honors Award,” says Corporal Grinage. “This award means everything to me. I am extremely blessed to be in a position where I am able to serve my community on and off duty. I hope to continue to make a difference in my community by reaching as many youth as I can.”
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