Prince George’s County Celebrates Inaugural White Cane Awareness Day 2026
October 15, 2026 | Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, Prince George’s County, Maryland
Marcella A. Copes, Ph.D. | CEO/Executive Director, MWE
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Prince George’s County Council hosted its inaugural White Cane Awareness Day Celebration, bringing together County officials, community leaders, advocates, volunteers, and individuals who are blind or have low vision for an inspiring afternoon of recognition, education, fellowship, and celebration.
Held in the Tech Center of the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, the event embraced the powerful theme: “A Lack of Sight Is Not a Lack of Vision.”
The celebration demonstrated what can be accomplished when government, community organizations, and dedicated individuals unite around a shared commitment to accessibility, independence, dignity, and equal opportunity.
Honoring the Significance of White Cane Awareness Day
The program opened with remarks by Rev. Raymond M. Raysor, Sr., Disability Liaison for the Prince George’s County Legislative Branch, President of the Metropolitan Washington Ear (MWE) Board of Directors, and host of the celebration.
Rev. Ray Smith offered the invocation and blessing of the refreshments, followed by a presentation on the history and significance of White Cane Awareness Day by Dr. Marcella A. Copes, CEO/Executive Director of Metropolitan Washington Ear.
Dr. Copes explained that White Cane Day originated in 1964 when Congress authorized the President to designate October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. President Lyndon B. Johnson subsequently issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing the observance.
Originally established to promote pedestrian safety, White Cane Day has evolved into a celebration of independence, dignity, accessibility, and the achievements of individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Dr. Copes emphasized that the white cane is much more than a mobility aid. It represents freedom, independence, confidence, and the right to participate fully in community life.
County Leadership Demonstrates Its Commitment
Rev. Raymond Raysor, wearing sunglasses and a blue suit jacket, stands beside County Council Member Jolene Ivey. Together they display a framed proclamation near a podium.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of official proclamations recognizing White Cane Awareness Day.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy presented a proclamation affirming the County’s recognition of the accomplishments, contributions, and rights of residents who are blind or have low vision.
County Council Member Jolene Ivey presented a proclamation on behalf of the Prince George’s County Council. Fellow Council Member Tim Adams, unable to attend in person, participated through a video presentation, demonstrating his support for this important occasion.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy, Rev. Ray Raysor, and County Council Member Jolene Ivey pose with the framed proclamation
Additional remarks were delivered by Ms. Latara Harris, President and CEO of Employ Prince George’s, and Ms. Lisa Bryant, Director of the Aging and Disability Services Division.
Their thoughtful and encouraging messages reinforced the importance of expanding employment opportunities, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the resources and support necessary to achieve greater independence.
Their participation also underscored the significance of the developing Prince George’s County Sight and Vision Center, a partnership between Metropolitan Washington Ear and Prince George’s County government designed to expand access to services for residents who are blind or have low vision.
Voices of Inspiration, Poetry, and Music
One of the afternoon’s most meaningful moments came from Mr. Chris Goode, leader of MWE’s Blind Men’s Support Group, who delivered an inspiring community reflection on independence, mobility, and equal access.
His articulate and engaging presentation offered a powerful personal perspective on the importance of self-determination, opportunity, and full participation in community life.
The celebration also featured an original poem written and presented by Minister Carolyn Scales, reflecting on the importance and significance of the white cane.
Adding a delightful touch of music and humor were the Three C’s—Carolyn Mills, Minister Carolyn Scales, and Catherine Leach—who performed an entertaining a cappella adaptation of the familiar song “My Guy,” appropriately renamed “My Cane.”
Three women sing together while holding microphones during the Three C’s musical performance.
Their imaginative performance celebrated the freedom and independence provided by the white cane and was enthusiastically enjoyed by those in attendance.
Showcasing Programs That Promote Independence
Throughout the celebration, participants visited informational exhibits featuring programs, services, and resources available to individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Metropolitan Washington Ear showcased several of its important programs, including Braille Reading and Writing, represented by Ava Ferebee; Assistive Technology, represented by James Littlejohn; and Orientation and Mobility, represented by Sharon Payne of ABLE Services.
The MWE Blind Men’s Support Group was represented by Chris Goode, Garfield Marshall, and Eric Phifer.
Four people gather around an informational exhibit table, with a Metropolitan Washington Ear sign visible at the front.
These programs provide essential instruction, support, and opportunities that help individuals who are blind or have low vision develop the skills, confidence, and resources necessary for independent living.
Additional informational exhibits included IIB (Independence and Information for the Blind) and i3s (Inspirational 3), two separate organizations represented by Joyce Brooks and others.
Hopee Ministries, represented by Minister Elizabeth Norman, also participated, sharing information about its ministry and community outreach.
Together, these exhibits demonstrated the importance of accessible information, specialized training, peer support, and community partnerships.
Accessibility and Hospitality at Their Finest
Participants sit at round tables with refreshments as others gather and converse inside the event venue.
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the celebration was the extraordinary attention given to ensure that every participant could enjoy the experience comfortably, safely, and independently.
Numerous Prince George’s County employees volunteered as sighted guides, assisting individuals who were blind or had low vision from the building entrance to the event location, throughout the venue, and while visiting informational exhibits and enjoying refreshments.
Their attentiveness, kindness, and willingness to assist created a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
An especially thoughtful example of accessibility was the presentation of the refreshments.
Rather than relying on a traditional buffet arrangement, the caterers prepared attractive individual servings in cups arranged on serving trays. This creative and accessible approach enabled guests who were blind or had low vision to select, handle, and enjoy their refreshments with greater independence, dignity, and confidence.
It was a wonderful demonstration of how thoughtful planning and attention to seemingly small details can make an extraordinary difference.
Council Member Jolene Ivey, Ms. Shellie Ferguson, and other County employees joined the caterers, wearing food-service gloves and personally assisting with serving refreshments.
Their involvement provided a visible and heartwarming example of public servants demonstrating their commitment to the residents they serve.
MWE also provided professional audio description services through Rene’ Sewell-Raysor, Director of MWE’s Audio Description Department, who described the room, speakers, and visual activities taking place throughout the celebration.
Her descriptions helped ensure that guests who were blind or had low vision could appreciate important visual elements of the program.
Recognizing Those Who Made the Celebration Possible
The success of this inaugural celebration reflected the dedication and collective efforts of many individuals and organizations.
A wide view of participants seated at round tables facing the presentation area, with flags and colorful wall artwork visible.
Special recognition is extended to Ms. Shellie Ferguson, Special Events Coordinator for the Prince George’s County Legislative Branch, whose exceptional coordination, thoughtful planning, and attention to detail were instrumental in making the event a success.
From logistical arrangements and catering coordination to accessibility accommodations, Ms. Ferguson demonstrated a genuine commitment to hospitality and inclusion.
Sincere appreciation is also extended to the Prince George’s County Council Communications Department, technical support personnel, and the many County employees who volunteered their time and talents.
Their professionalism and willingness to assist contributed significantly to the success of the celebration.
MWE also extends its gratitude to Ms. Roxy Raysor-Birrer, co-owner of RXNCO Studios, whose professional photography and video documentation captured the memorable moments of the occasion.
Special thanks are also extended to Ms. Angela Terrell of Grace Grant, who attended to learn more about MWE’s participants, programs, community partnerships, and service needs. Her firsthand observations will help inform future grant development efforts aimed at expanding resources and opportunities for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Above all, Metropolitan Washington Ear extends heartfelt appreciation to every County employee, volunteer, presenter, community partner, and sighted individual whose participation and support helped make this celebration such a meaningful and memorable experience.
Relive the Celebration: White Cane Awareness Day Photo Gallery
Thanks to RXNCO Studios, the memorable moments of this inaugural celebration have been preserved in a beautiful collection of 99 photographs.
The gallery includes images of Council Member Jolene Ivey and Rev. Raymond Raysor with the proclamation, the Three C’s musical performance, Braille and other informational exhibits, and candid photographs of participants enjoying the afternoon.
A video clip featuring Council Member Ivey recognizing Rev. Raysor’s contributions and expressing support for the Prince George’s County Sight and Vision Center is also available.
View the White Cane Awareness Day Photo Gallery: https://rxncostudios.pixieset.com/mweandaffiliates/
Gallery PIN: 6940
Participants, family members, volunteers, County employees, and community supporters are encouraged to view and share these wonderful memories.
A Celebration to Remember—and a Vision for the Future
The afternoon concluded with closing remarks by Rev. Raymond Raysor, ending a remarkable celebration of independence, dignity, accessibility, and community partnership.
While October 15, 2026, marked Prince George’s County’s inaugural White Cane Awareness Day Celebration, its significance extends far beyond a single event.
The celebration demonstrated the importance of working together to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and ensure that individuals who are blind or have low vision are recognized, respected, included, and empowered.
It also reinforced the shared commitment of Prince George’s County government and Metropolitan Washington Ear to advancing the development of the Prince George’s County Sight and Vision Center and strengthening services for residents with visual disabilities.
Metropolitan Washington Ear looks forward to building upon the relationships and partnerships celebrated that day and hopes that White Cane Awareness Day will become an enduring Prince George’s County tradition.
The message of the celebration was unmistakable: A lack of sight is not a lack of vision.
And when communities embrace accessibility and recognize the abilities and contributions of every individual, independence becomes possible, opportunities expand, and everyone benefits.