At the opening festivities of the Labor Day Festival on Friday, September 3, Shaymar Higgs was named as Greenbelt’s Outstanding Citizen to the jubilant cheers of his crowd of supporters. Bob Zugby, chair of the Outstanding Citizen Selection Committee, introduced Higgs in his trademark style, dropping teasers about who the chosen resident would be while weaving in important details about that resident’s contributions and impact on Greenbelt.
Zugby acknowledged Higgs’ tremendous contributions to Greenbelt, including “founding [The] SPACE (Sharing Positive Artistic and Creative Energies) in 2018, providing free art-making supplies, art workshops, classes ranging from sewing to computer programming and web design, and a free market for the exchange of clothing and other necessities.” Cheers of support from Higgs’ friends and volunteers at The SPACE erupted as Zugby continued his introduction. “[Higgs] is a member of the Greenbelt Arts Advisory Board and the editorial board of Greenbelt Online and the art gallery coordinator for the New Deal Café,” said Zugby. Upon the announcement of Higgs as the Outstanding Citizen for 2021, the crowd at large joined in the cheering.
Mayor Colin Byrd described Higgs as a “true man of the people,” as he presented Higgs with a proclamation from the city. County Councilmember Todd Turner warmly congratulated Higgs on his selection and presented a proclamation from the county. Delegates Nicole Williams, Anne Healey and Alonzo Washington were also enthusiastic as they shared words of support and made their presentation to Higgs.
During his speech, Higgs thanked Quantum Companies no fewer than three times, for believing in him and his vision and for providing him the free space inside Beltway Plaza for The SPACE: Free Art For All, and he acknowledged Kap Kapistan, general counsel for Quantum, who was in attendance. Higgs also thanked volunteers and family and “everyone who believed in my crazy vision. No man can do it by himself,” he said. As he made his way from the stage, people ran to him to offer their joyful congratulations.
During his introductory remarks Zugby also paused to acknowledge previous outstanding citizens who had died and held a moment of silence in remembrance of them. He also thanked sponsors and supporters and acknowledged all of those “who joined the front lines in our battle against the pandemic, including medical professionals, essential workers and especially the many volunteers who produced and distributed thousands of masks and other protective items, and who distributed food and essentials to those in need. Even without the formal title,” Zugby continued, “these are indeed Outstanding Citizens and deserve our applause.”
Zugby also had a message for all Greenbelters, reminding those who had not yet nominated anyone for Outstanding Citizen, “I will never give up on you. I look forward to seeing your nomination next year.”
To learn more about Shaymar Higgs and The SPACE: Free Art For All, visit freeartforall.org.