Local Youth Set Sail Toward Opportunity in Annapolis
This summer, a new wave of possibility hits the waters of Annapolis as 2-CM Dreams launches from the Annapolis Sailing School an inaugural “From Swimming to Sailing” Youth Empowerment Event. Designed to introduce youth from underserved
communities to the world of sailing, this initiative marks a powerful step in building inclusive pipelines from swimming to sailing lessons.
With the support of a coalition of passionate partners; including local nonprofits, city institutions, businesses, and law enforcement; this collaborative effort equips children with swimming safety skills and direct access to the Chesapeake Bay while offering hands-on sailing instruction and mentorship. “We’re not just teaching kids how to swim or sail; we’re helping them reimagine what’s possible,” said Cortez Duncan, Founder of 2-CM Dreams. “Growing up, access like this didn’t exist for kids who looked like me. This event is about changing that narrative.” Held in conjunction with the KidShip Program of the Annapolis Sailing School, the event will welcome eight youth participants for a week of confidence-building and empowerment on and off the water, complete with instruction, interactive stations, and community celebration.
A United Effort with One Goal: Access for Every Child
What makes this event even more inspiring is the spirit of true collaboration behind it. Every partner came to the table not with their own agenda, but with one shared purpose: to create a repeatable, inclusive experience for Annapolis youth that grows year after year. Together, we are building a model where every child: regardless of zip code; has the opportunity to safely access, enjoy, and learn from the Chesapeake Bay. It was not about credit; it was about lifting kids up, together. “This is the best kind of teamwork; the kind where nobody’s in it for themselves, and everyone is rowing in the same direction,” said Janette Duncan, Co-Founder to 2-CM Dreams. “Our goal is long-term: a city where all kids have access to the water and a vision for what’s possible.”
This initiative was made possible by the collaboration of:
• 2-CM Technologies, LLC
• Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation
• Play Annapolis
• Annapolis Police Department
• Improved Academic Performance Through Sports (iAPTS)
• Annapolis Sailing School
• Hoffman Custom Embroidery
• Georgie Clark (Individual Donor)
• Black Coup D’état, LLC
• Grumps Cafe
• Main and Market Annapolis
• Bread and Butter Kitchen
On November 24th, 20+ Retired Military and Community Friends/Family & Partners came together on short notice to help 2-CM Dreams assemble 100 Thanksgiving meal packages for active-duty military members and their families.
We requested 100 turkeys and fresh food so that families could cook together - at home - without the added cost of groceries.
Monica and Murphy of Bread and Butter Kitchen , THANK YOU so much for accepting our call to action with less than 3 weeks to make it happen!!!
THANK YOU Pastor Broadwell of Eastport United Methodist Church for allowing us to use your space to pack the boxes.
THANK YOU Erica of Performance Food Services for the frozen turkeys and boxes full of fresh groceries.
THANK YOU Delores & Willie of Blessed In Tech Ministries for picking up the food and safely transporting it to the Navy Fleet Reserve Club.
THANK YOU Jimmy Beckett and the Board of Governors at the Navy Fleet Reserve Club Annapolis for giving us the space to stage the pick-up of the food, and for providing freezer space for the boxes that needed to be picked up the following day.
THANK YOU Command Master Chief Ferguson - Naval District Washington for coordinating with the military services to identify our military members in need.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to the volunteers that came out And last...but certainly not least; THANK YOU to
2-CM Technologies, LLC and Georgie Clark for your generous donations!
Not only did you donate the proceeds to make this happen, but you donated your time, which is just as valuable
We sent a Facebook request out and you all more than answered the call! We are so grateful to know each and every one of you!!
Community, gratitude, and service are at the heart of everything we do and your support makes it possible.
Together, we make a difference.
Thank you Navy Fleet Reserve Club Annapolis for including 2-CM Dreams in your 2025 year-end highlights!!!
In the News
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"I am truly humbled and honored to accept the 100 Men of Distinction Award.
First, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation for the nomination and to the Caucus of African American Leaders for this incredible recognition. To be counted among such an inspiring group of men is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly.
Being in a room with 100 Black men who are dedicated to uplifting, serving, and transforming the communities where they live and work was empowering. Their leadership, commitment, and impact serve as a reminder that meaningful change happens when we invest in people and purpose.
At 2-CM Technologies and our nonprofit organization, 2-CM Dreams, we strive every day to create opportunities, build stronger communities, and deliver work that is inclusive, impactful, and inspiring. Our mission has always been bigger than business; it is about helping others see what is possible and encouraging them to become part of something greater than themselves.
This recognition is not mine alone. It reflects the strength of the relationships, partnerships, and support systems that Janette and I have been blessed to build throughout our personal and professional journeys.
To our family, friends, mentors, partners, sponsors, clients, and teammates; thank you for believing in us, supporting our vision, and walking alongside us every step of the way.
A special thank you to my brother, Alex Houston, for traveling from out of state to celebrate this moment with me. Your presence meant more than words can express.
To my neighbors and work teammates who show up every day with encouragement, commitment, and friendship; thank you. My successes are a reflection of your support, and this recognition belongs to all of us.
And finally, to my wife, Janette; thank you for your unwavering love, support, sacrifice, and belief in me. Thank you for giving me the space to pursue my dreams while building our shared vision together. None of this would be possible without you.
I accept this honor with gratitude, humility, and a renewed commitment to continue serving, leading, and creating opportunities for others."
Sincerely,
Cortez Duncan Jr.
