Featured photo: Justice Michele Hotten, Joan Christian-Robinson, Gabriel J. Christian, Esq., Elizabeth “Betty” Hewlett, Esq., and Janelle Colbert, Esq. Photo credit: Gabriel J. Christian, Esquire. Photo accompanying the original press release.
Rebuild Dominica celebrates the recognition of our founding past president, Gabriel J. Christian, whose work brings legal expertise, mentorship and civic leadership into the service of communities.
A February 13, 2026 press release reports that the Prince George’s County Bar Association honored him with its Judge James Taylor Award for Distinguished Service for more than three decades of service.
A recognition rooted in sustained service
Outgoing Bar President Janelle Colbert presented the honor at a joint holiday gathering hosted by the Colbert Law Firm and Christian’s firm. The award had been approved in 2025; February 13, 2026 is the release date, rather than the presentation date.
The release highlights Christian’s Maryland Court of Appeals commission service from 2007 to 2014, Caribbean Affairs commission work from 2012 to 2016, and mentorship of Prince George’s County students over three decades. It also notes his participation in the courts’ Law Links summer mentorship program.
The legacy behind the award
Judge James Taylor was a Tuskegee Airman and the first African American Circuit Court judge in Prince George’s County. The award honors integrity, courage and service. Christian’s recognition connects that legacy with his support for young people and civic institutions.
Service that connects communities
For RDI, this recognition offers an opportunity to reflect on the professional experience that volunteers bring to a collective effort. Mentorship can introduce a young person to a possible career. Institutional relationships can open doors for partnerships. A commitment to public service can connect the needs of a community with people willing to help meet them.
Christian’s role in RDI’s founding is part of that shared story. We congratulate him and recognize the many volunteers whose skills, time and relationships continue to advance the organization’s work.
View the event recording shared by Gabriel ↗
Meet RDI’s leadership, or explore the organization’s community work and discover where your own experience could make a contribution.