Congratulations to Everett Sesker , Sheriff-Elect of Anne Arundel County Everett Sesker for Sheriff
Judge Vickie Gipson garnered 103k votes, more than any Black candidate in Anne Arundel
(ANNAPOLIS – November 26, 2022) – Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Some of the political pundits predicted a “red wave” and others had hoped for a “blue wave”, what came instead was a “black wave” that changed the political complexion of Anne Arundel County politics. Here is one for the history books.
Judge Vickie Gipson garnered 103k votes, more than any Black candidate in Anne Arundel
For the first time in Anne Arundel County history, voters ushered into office a new sheriff, register of wills, a judge on the Orphan’s Court, and a new member of the Maryland General Assembly. What made this a “historic” event, they are all African Americans and they won their races with the support of white, black, and brown voters.
Sheriff-elect Everett Sesker, Judge Vickie Gipson, Divaa DiVoice aka Register of Wills-elect Erica Griswold, and Delegate-elect Gary Simmons’ election changes the makeup of political power in Anne Arundel County.
The Maryland Legislative BlackCaucus includes Speaker Adrienne Jones and is chaired by Delegate Darryl Barnes.
The election of Erica Griswold means that Democrats now are in charge of the majority of the courthouse offices that includes the Clerk of the Court, Register of Wills, Orphans Court, and the office of Sheriff. The Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee had authorized a very nasty campaign to oust Judge Gipson and in the end, every Republican candidate for Orphan judge including two incumbents lost their seats.
Judge Gipson was the highest vote-getter in that race, receiving more than 103,000 votes. In addition, she now must likely become the chief judge of that court. God is good.
Erica Griswold, New Register of Wills for Anne Arundel
Clearly, this did not happen by happenstance, coincidence, or accident, it came about because of the hard work of many people.
I am aware of those who held fundraisers, donated money, organized “Souls to the Polls”, and worked tirelessly in these campaigns. They made a difference.
A special thank you to those who contributed to the $6,000 ad that appeared in the Capital newspaper supporting these candidates and others. Because of that newspaper ad, Councilman-elect Pete Smith is returning to the Arundel Center. Governor-elect Wes Moore to the State House. Attorney General-elect Anthony Brown to Baltimore, and Brooke Lierman to the Comptroller’s Office in Annapolis.
On December 13, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., we will celebrate the victory of not only these African American candidates but their allies as well.
Clearly, the “black wave” swept back into office County Executive Steuart Pittman, Councilwomen Lisa Brannigan Rodvien, Allison M. Pickard State Senators Sarah Elfreth, Pam Beidle, Delegate Heather Bagnall, Delegate-elect Andrew Pruski State Senator-elect Dawn Gile, and others. On December 13, 2022, at the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center, 1101 Smithville Street, Annapolis, Maryland, the public is invited to attend the Caucus of African American Leaders monthly meeting. There will also be a holiday party and we will have vendors present. Again, for those who have wondered whether their vote matters? Ask the candidates and you will know the answer to that inquiry. Congratulations to all of the candidates. Now, it is time to implement the campaign promises. Promises made must be promises kept.
The Honorable Carl Snowden’s name is synonymous with unapologetically Black political leadership and activism, beginning in Annapolis, MD – the capital of the great State of Maryland. His contribution to Black history and culture is unparalleled which makes us extremely proud to present anything from his desk. He was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the business community. He is a state treasure who has fought his entire life on behalf of Black people. To say the least, he is a walking library.
