Georgetown University honored a local advocate for her humanitarian efforts for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS at its annual Let Freedom Ring! Celebration on Jan. 19.
Kowshara Thomas — the executive director of Joseph’s House, a nonprofit organization that provides care for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS and cancer — received the John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award, which annually recognizes individuals committed to serving Washington, D.C. The celebration, traditionally held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since 2003, was relocated to the Howard Theater this year.
Interim University President Robert Groves said Thomas was chosen for the award because of her care for D.C.
“Tonight, we are deeply honored to recognize Kowshara Thomas and her work at Joseph’s House to ensure dignified and compassionate care for all members of our D.C. community,” Groves said at the event.
Thomas said working at Joseph’s House allows her to serve disadvantaged communities and aligns with her commitment to equal opportunity.
“My work at Joseph’s House aligns deeply and consistently with my personal and professional values,” Thomas wrote to The Hoya. “Everyone should be treated with compassion, dignity and equity, and service to marginalized communities is essential. My work reflects a deep commitment to equity and social justice. Joseph’s House addresses the intersection of health disparities, homelessness and systemic inequities.”
This year’s celebration was the first at the Howard Theater, a historic theater known for strong connections to Black musicians. In February 2025, President Donald Trump overhauled the Kennedy Center’s leadership, installed Richard Grenell, a close ally, as its new executive director and was elected chairman of the board, which led to a slew of artists’ exits from the center.
A university spokesperson said the venue change was decided in Spring 2025 and reflects the celebration’s focus and financial considerations.
“We are pleased that this year’s Let Freedom Ring! Celebration was held at DC’s historic Howard Theatre, reflecting the event’s focus on highlighting an individual or group that has demonstrated outstanding service in the District in Georgetown’s Catholic and Jesuit tradition of being people for others, through the John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award,” the spokesperson wrote to the Hoya.
“This year’s venue was also chosen in part to contribute to a set of proactive steps to protect the university’s financial health amid ongoing challenges,” the spokesperson added.
Since the inaugural Let Freedom Ring! Celebration, the concert has headlined award-winning artists such as Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Leslie Odom Jr. and, this year, Common. The musical performance is meant to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Thomas said the award encourages her to continue working with Joseph’s House and helping those in need.
“To be honored in this way is both affirming and energizing,” Thomas wrote. “It tells me that the impact is being felt, and it inspires me to continue pushing forward. This award isn’t just about what I’ve done — it’s a call to keep building, keep advocating, on behalf of the communities I love.”
Nolan Williams Jr., a composer and music director who has worked with Georgetown to produce the event since its inception, was also honored at the ceremony for his musical contributions over the past two decades.
Williams said he is grateful for past members of the event’s choir and the work they have done for the event over the years.
“What I choose to celebrate in this moment are the thousands of choristers who have made this event what it truly was meant to be,” Williams said at the event. “Students, staff and faculty from Georgetown coming together, whether they could sing or not, folk from the broader community — the way in which we’ve been able to corral people from churches to come together.”
Groves said Williams’ work is an integral part of the event’s celebration of King’s life.
“Those of you who have attended this event over the years know how central this man has been to its success,” Groves said. “Every year, his work has been the core of the program. His creativity, his energy and his commitment to honoring the memory of Dr. King has inspired us all.”
Williams said he is grateful for the opportunity to work with the university to commemorate King’s life.
“What I celebrate is the opportunity I’ve had to inspire young folk,” Williams said. “Not just to have an event, not just to sing, but to live lives that embody the spirit of what King lived, fought and died for. To think that I’ve had some small role in that through this program over the years gives me great joy and fulfillment.”
