Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr., a lifelong advocate for health equity, social justice, and community empowerment, has dedicated his career to uplifting Baltimore’s under-resourced communities through visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and deep economic investment. Growing up in West Baltimore, he was profoundly shaped by a foundation of faith, family, and neighborhood support, which enabled his enduring commitment to service.

As former senior pastor of Union Baptist Church, Dr. Hathaway led pivotal health initiatives, establishing health navigator teams and forging partnerships that expanded healthcare access for Baltimore’s Black communities. His leadership paved the way for essential programs and resources, enabling residents to receive compassionate, community-centered care.

Dr. Hathaway’s influence reaches nationally through initiatives like the African Ancestry Neuroscience Research Initiative, a groundbreaking effort he co-founded to elevate African American representation in neuroscience research. Collaborating with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, he has worked tirelessly to address mental health disparities, advocate for inclusive research practices, and bridge gaps in health equity.

Beyond health advocacy, Dr. Hathaway has been transformative in preserving Baltimore’s cultural heritage. He renovated PS103, the historic school attended by Justice Thurgood Marshall, into the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center — a national landmark celebrating civil rights history and providing the community with educational and job training resources.

Dr. Hathaway has also secured more than $70 million in investments to revitalize the Upton-Druid Heights neighborhood, in addition to the Justice Thurgood Marshal Amenity Center has restored other key cultural landmarks that honor Baltimore’s civil rights legacy. Among these, he transformed the law office of civil rights pioneer Juanita Jackson Mitchell— the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Maryland Law School and practice law in Maryland — into the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Law Center. Now a vital community hub, this center houses the University of Maryland ROAR Center, providing essential legal and social support services. Dr. Hathaway’s commitment to preserving history and empowering underserved communities underscores his dedication to lasting, accessible resources for all.

At the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Diversity Dinner and Celebration, Dr. Hathaway will address Baltimore's persistent health disparities, offering a powerful vision for community-driven healthcare solutions. His message is sure to inspire action toward a more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscape, emphasizing trust, collaboration, and transformative social change.