This August marks 402 years since enslaved Africans first reached English North America by landing in Virginia. While the cruel institution of slavery existed before this date, 1619 is recognized as the start of slavery as part of America’s history.

I am a descendant of enslaved people, and I am here today because they survived. My great-grandfather, Charles King, and his family were enslaved 25 miles from my house in Montgomery County. I had the opportunity to stand in the cabin where my ancestors were enslaved with my wife and two daughters — a moment I will never forget.

My ancestors lived for a future that they could not see. My family went from enslaved in that cabin to serving in the Cabinet of the nation’s first Black president.

It’s more important than ever that we educate ourselves on the history of slavery in our country. Right now, we have states actively working to ban teaching about our full history — an egregious attempt to erase our ancestors’ stories. We cannot afford to allow them to succeed. Our students deserve to know the truth to make a better tomorrow.

We must all remain committed to dismantling systemic racism & advancing justice. I still believe that in Maryland and nationwide, we can achieve a more equitable future.

Thank you,

John B. King Jr.