(RANDALLSTOWN – REVISED – January 26, 2026) – Damon Hughes built something powerful at Baltimore County government. As director of the Minority Business Enterprise office under Jim Smith, he created a world-class MBE/WBE program that achieved the highest level of county spending for minority and women-owned businesses ever.
He was aggressive with his goal-setting. He rejected waiver requests. County leaders thought he went too far. But we in the MBE/WBE business community praised him because he was getting results. He made sure Black businesses ate – unapologetically.
Then, Kevin Kamenetz eliminated the Office of Fair Practices. Damon continued his MBE work, but with very little support from the county.
It took nearly two decades to rebuild. Johnny Olszewski strengthened the program through Executive Order 2022-005, setting a goal of 23% and increasing it to 30% by fiscal year 2026. Carla Tucker did exemplary work managing it.
But Johnny O left office in January 2025 to serve in Congress. The question now is: Who will protect and advance this progress?
We have a choice.
We rallied behind Obama, Wes Moore, Anthony Brown, and Angela Alsobrooks. They are all firsts. Julian Jones could be next – Baltimore County’s first Black County Executive.
Julian understands what Damon Hughes understood: Black political power means nothing if it doesn’t translate into Black economic power. He chaired the County Council four times, building on the 4th district’s historic African American legacy. A Jones Administration would raise MBE goals, enforce them more aggressively, and honor the legacy of leaders like Damon Hughes.
This should be straightforward. But it’s not.
There’s hesitation where there should be conviction. Silence where there should be solidarity. Tick tock!
Some are supporting candidates who know nothing about us, and we know nothing about them. Others are nursing old grievances that have nothing to do with what’s best for our community. Still others seem to be waiting for permission.
Damon Hughes spent his career fighting for Black economic empowerment. He didn’t sit on the sidelines. He was proactive. We owe it to that legacy – and to leaders like Ella White Campbell, Ken Oliver, and Emmitt Burns – not to squander this moment.
Just like Baltimore City voters fell for Fox 45’s term limits push – a measure that primarily disaffects Black political progress – Baltimore County’s advancement is now threatened by our own paralysis. When Baltimore City was not cohesive, we got an O’Malley administration that locked up everything that moved. At first, people thought they loved him. Then, we saw the real person.
My question is this: Where along the line did we stop believing in ourselves? When did we decide we need approval from others before supporting our own? Apologetically Black.
We have to realize that our elected officials are only as good as we make them. That means that we, the voters, have to become politically involved. Voting is about more than just election day. It is first understanding their role in the bigger wheel, what they can do and what they can’t do, how they can refer you, etc. We also have to donate to campaigns and volunteer. We should all go to at least one political event every year. Of course, I go to them all year long. My point is that it’s all about relationships.
Here’s what needs to happen. Now.
Every Black elected official and Democratic club leader in Baltimore County needs to stand together for Julian Jones. Publicly. A joint endorsement. A press conference. Something that shows the community we believe in ourselves.
Not private conversations. Not “I’m with him but can’t say it yet.” Not waiting to see which way the wind blows.
History will record who stood up in this moment and who sat down. Your grandchildren will ask what you did when we had the chance to elect Baltimore County’s first Black County Executive.
This is Julian’s moment. This is OUR moment.
Are you in or are you out?
Damon Hughes stayed true to his core mission his entire life. He never wavered. He’s gone now, but his work and his example remain.
The question is: Will we honor that legacy, or will we let fear and personal politics steal another opportunity?
The election is on June 23rd. The clock is ticking.
