John,

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate our culture while honoring the stories and recognizing the struggle of Black Americans throughout history.

As the first Black governor of Maryland, only the third Black governor elected in the United States, and currently the only Black governor in office, I stand on the shoulders of so many others whose hard work and sacrifices made this achievable.

Last month, I was sworn-in just blocks away from the Annapolis docks, where so many enslaved people arrived in this country against their will. We stood in front of a capitol building built by their hands. It is a testament to the fact that progress is not inevitable, but possible.

We have made uneven and unimaginable progress since then. It is a history created by generations of people whose own history was lost, stolen, or never recorded. And it is a shared history – our history – made by people who, over the last two centuries, regardless of their origin story to Maryland, fought to build a state, and a country, that works for everybody.

I took the oath of office on Frederick Douglass’ Bible as well as my grandfather’s Bible. Douglass is one of the most famous Marylanders in history, who was born into slavery but escaped to freedom and dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice for all as an abolitionist. As a lifelong student of Douglass, it was an incredible honor for me to lay my hand on his Bible, graciously loaned by the National Park Service. Our movement aims to carry on Douglass’ mission as we work to leave no one behind.

The moment I first saw Frederick Douglass’ Bible, presented by the National Park Service.

I also had my grandfather’s Bible with me during the inauguration, held by my two children. My grandfather, Rev. James Thomas, was my hero. He was the first Black minister in the history of the Dutch Reformed Church, and taught me the importance of having faith, not fear. I am committed to leading with the same bold vision he had.

Left: My grandfather and me. Right: Reading from my grandfather’s Bible.

An important lesson my grandfather also imparted on me was it’s not about being “the first” — that should be an afterthought. It’s about what you do with that opportunity, and the work you do in that position to lift up others.

Another highlight from inauguration day was meeting several remarkable young men from the Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys. I told them to remember that there is never a room they don’t belong in. They are the future.

Maryland is home to many legendary Black leaders, from Frederick Douglass to Thurgood Marshall to Harriet Tubman. While we look back and remember their sacrifices, we must also look forward and continue the work. It is on us to build the state they hoped for and our children deserve. And it is an honor to do this work alongside you.

If you’d like to learn more and find ways to celebrate Black History in Maryland this month, check out these museums, events, and tours highlighted by the Maryland Office of Tourism here.

Elevate,

Wes