John,

During Black History Month, we celebrate the Black Marylanders who’ve led the fight for justice.

From Frederick Douglass and Thurgood Marshall to the scores of unnamed civil rights activists who worked tirelessly for better schools, equal pay, and real justice — we honor them each and every day.

Our mission is to make this Maryland’s decade, but we can’t do so without learning from Maryland’s past. Black Marylanders have been incredibly impactful leaders in all corners of our state, including:

• Mayor Kurt Schmoke, my mentor and a champion in Baltimore
• Ike Leggett, the first Black County Executive of Montgomery County
• Wayne Curry, the first Black County Executive of Prince George’s County
• Delegate Lena K. Lee, one of the first African American women elected to the MD General Assembly
• Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, the first Black and first female Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates
• James West, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and the inventor of the electret microphone, which is used in nearly all modern microphones today 

Black History Month reminds us about the importance of continually educating ourselves, not just this month, but all year. We must take the time to acknowledge the diverse experiences of Black Americans and strive to do better to reach an equitable country by building pathways to work, wages and wealth — that’s the only way to build a better future, together.

Black Americans have continued to move the needle on what is and can be expected when it comes to leadership, meeting the moment, and making progress.

Here’s to celebrating another year of excellence and joy.

Happy Black History Month.

Elevate,

Wes