On this day in 1849, Harriet Tubman and her brothers escaped from the Poplar Neck Plantation on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This day isn’t a holiday, nor is it commemorated or even discussed in most history textbooks, but to me, this day holds incredible significance.

The resilience of Harriet Tubman parallels that of my great-grandfather, Charles King, and his family, who were enslaved just 25 miles from where I live today in Montgomery County. As a Black Marylander and a descendant of enslaved people, I am profoundly aware of the fact that I am not only alive today, but have the opportunity to do good because those who came before me survived with hope for a future they could not see.

I do not take for granted that the descendant of enslaved Marylanders was able to serve in the cabinet of the first Black president and now has the chance to become Maryland’s first Black and Puerto Rican governor. All that we’ve accomplished in the time since Harriet Tubman and my great-grandfather lived, has been immense progress, but we must continue to build towards a more equitable future.

When I first announced I was running for governor of Maryland, my family and I intentionally chose to launch our campaign on April 20th because it is believed Harriet Tubman began her first journey working with the Underground Railroad on that day in 1853. Today, nearly five months later, on another significant day in American history, I reflect on my decision to run for governor and remember what I am running for: to make good on the promise of a better future for Marylanders for generations to come.

Harriet Tubman’s legacy inspires me to work for a more just and equitable future, where opportunity is accessible to all. I hope that today and every day hereafter, you will join me in this fight.

Thank you for your time,
John King Jr.