Friend, access to higher education changed the life trajectory of my entire family. If you have a moment, I’d like to tell you a personal story about the power of HBCUs as engines of social mobility and how they propelled me to serve as the 10th United States Secretary of Education under our nation’s first Black president.

In 1894, my grandmother, Estelle Livingston Stansberry King, was one of the first Black women to graduate from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, one of our state’s many incredible HBCUs. Upon graduation, my grandmother still did not have the right to vote, but her firm belief in the importance of education pushed her to break barriers that would go on to create a legacy of opportunity for an entire family.

After graduating, my grandmother became a nurse and encouraged her own sons — my father John Sr., my uncle Dolly, and my uncle Hal — to attend college at a time when racism and segregation made higher learning inaccessible to most Black men. She always championed to them the importance of formal education and of working hard, and my grandmother’s example is proof of the transformative power of education … for generations.

My grandmother’s graduating class photo.
She’s pictured sitting at the very left of the bottom row.

It is in no small part because of my grandmother, my father, and my mother — who were both public school educators — that I pursued a career in which I’d honor their memories as an educator myself. That career has included serving as a teacher, a principal, and in President Obama’s Cabinet as U.S. Secretary of Education. I am also a proud public school dad to two amazing, bright young women. Now, I’m running for governor to realize my ancestors' hopes and dreams and try to make a difference in the lives of others.

I’ve been saddened and angered to read about widespread threats of violence targeting HBCUs in Maryland and across the country. These institutions are critical to the success of our young Black scholars and are pillars of their surrounding communities.

It is imperative that we come together to protect them, and as Governor, it’ll be one of my top priorities. Check out my plan to support Maryland’s HBCUs and close the racial gap in higher education attainment here.

My family history is an example of the value of the pursuit of higher education, an example of how education can be a factory of social mobility and give everyone an equal opportunity to succeed. Our story is one that is only possible in America, and a story that, as Governor, I want to make reality for every Maryland family and every student, no matter their zip code. 

Friend, I’m ready to invest in our state’s HBCUs and ensure that every student has access to a safe learning environment and gets a seat at the table of opportunity, but I can’t do that without your support. If you share my goal of creating a future where access to higher education is possible for all, can I count on you to chip in $10 to support my campaign today?