(BALTIMORE – January 17, 2026) – Over the past half-century, Black families moving out of the Liberty Road corridor have evolved into a significant portion of Baltimore County’s tax base. Baltimore County got the best of Black Baltimore – families who simply wanted better schools and safer neighborhoods.
Over time, leaders emerged from these communities. Ella White Campbell will always be the matriarch in my book. She was a true leader. Between her and retired Senator Delores G. Kelley, these queens set the bar for progress. Both educated the community on how to get what they want. After all, a closed mouth don’t get fed while the squeaky wheel gets the oil.
Political officials would also emerge from the community. The first Black Baltimore County Councilman representing the 4th District was the late Ken Oliver. Oliver made historic strides, bringing Walmart, Home Depot, and a sit-down restaurant to the old 4th.
The 4th district politico who would follow Oliver is Councilman Julian Jones. Jones also served as the Chair of the Baltimore County Council for three consecutive terms. Not bad for a kid with roots in East Baltimore, including tenure at Dunbar High School.
Today, Jones is gearing up to make history again. If he wins in the June 23rd primary, he’d likely become the first Black County Executive in history. Hailing from the westside of Baltimore County, this is the part of the county that no countywide candidate can afford to miss. The westside is home to thousands of Black families with roots in Baltimore City. Woodlawn, Randallstown, Lochearn, Owings Mills, Milford Mill, Granite, and Franklin – all are Westside communities with multi-generational roots.
Who is Julian?
Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who attended Jones’ fundraiser last week, said, “Julian is and has been a dedicated and consistent fighter for the people of Baltimore County and the values they’ve come to respect in their leaders.”
State Senator Ben Brooks also attended Friday night’s fundraiser. The councilman hosted a well-attended New Year’s Celebration at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre. The food was excellent, the crowd warm and engaging, the beverages festive, and the atmosphere energetic. The event drew numerous dignitaries from the federal, state, and local levels.
The Vision
Councilman Jones outlined his vision for addressing population decline through expanded affordable housing initiatives and workforce housing development. He detailed plans for strengthening Baltimore County’s revenue base through strategic economic development zones and improved infrastructure investment. His approach centers on leveraging the county’s proximity to major employers while ensuring long-term residents benefit from growth.
Judging by the enthusiastic applause and positive feedback, his message was well received.
“Kudos to Councilman Jones for a festive, informative, and well-executed celebration,” said Baltimore County politico Rainier Harvey. He added, “If we’re going to hit the ground running, then we need someone with experience.”
Harvey, who has been intimately involved in county politics for years, continued, “A lot of African American communities are not even dialed in on this election and what’s at stake. We are not doing a good enough job – those of us who are politically astute. We have to do a better job beating the drum of what this opportunity could provide for us – and other African American areas that have been historically deprived.”
Another “Julian Jones for County Executive” supporter is Rev. Jerome Stephens, no stranger to local, state, and federal elections. Stephens is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Stephens said, “Keep this in mind, Julian Jones has an excellent chance of becoming the next Baltimore County Executive because of his work and track record – particularly on the westside of Baltimore County.”
He said, “Every candidate that has won had to come through the west side of Baltimore County.”
He thinks Jones has certainly made his mark in Baltimore County and just needs to remain accessible to his constituents.
