My family story is a profound one. As a descendant of enslaved people, my roots in Maryland run deep in both the best and most challenging parts of our state’s history. In just three generations, my family did something extraordinary — we went from being enslaved in a cabin to serving in the cabinet of the first Black President.

Let me explain our story a little more. My great-grandfather, Charles King, and his family were enslaved on a property in Gaithersburg, MD, and the small cabin in which they lived still stands today, just twenty-five miles from where my family now lives in Silver Spring, MD. I had the opportunity to stand in this cabin with my wife and two daughters — a moment I will never forget.

I am alive today because my ancestors survived with hope for a future they could not see. Their daily resilience despite unimaginable challenges paved the way for immensely bright opportunities for all of us who are descendants, and their perseverance represents the true promise of progress.

My great-grandfather's life made breaking barriers possible for future generations, and my relatives and I have proudly carried forward his legacy. Charles’ daughter, my grandma Estelle Livingston Stansberry King, was one of the first Black graduates of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, my uncle, William “Dolly” King, was one of the first Black players to integrate professional basketball, and my father became the first Black principal in Brooklyn, New York.

Their stories inspired me to blaze my own trail while always prioritizing helping others along the way. My family’s history of both inequality and progress motivated me to work in various roles in education — from a classroom teacher, to a principal, to the leader of an education civil rights organization. Then, my work in education led to one of the greatest honors of my life: President Barack Obama asked me to serve as the United States Secretary of Education.

I am so proud of my family’s generational path to progress in the face of many systemic obstacles— and I am committed to carrying it forward. That’s why I’m running to become the first Black governor of Maryland.

But I can’t do it alone. Your support is critical to powering our historic campaign, and I’m counting on grassroots donations to help me build out this movement. So, will you please consider making your first contribution to our campaign today?

Thank you for listening to my story and for supporting my campaign,

John King