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(RANDALLSTOWN – May 13, 2025) – We have a serious problem in Randallstown.
Before I go any further, let me be clear: I love this community. I’ve been coming here since I was a teenager, visiting my siblings and their families. I remember Cook’s on Liberty and Rolling Road. I remember the vibes at Sista’s Place — always a solid spot for a good time. I’ve shot countless hoops at Scotts Branch. I even served as the inaugural editor of Kenny Brown’s Northwest Voice newspaper for its first six months. I’ve had a front-row seat to the story of this community.
I’m a fan of our beloved Ken Oliver — the first Black County Councilman in Baltimore County. I remember him nudging then-County Executive Jim Smith to deliver the Liberty Road athletic facility and the Liberty Resource Center. He also brought the first sit-down restaurant to the corridor — not to mention Walmart and Home Depot. Oliver may never get the full credit he deserves, especially after he beat the political machine. But let the record show: the man’s legendary fish fry events were more than just social gatherings — they were masterclasses in coalition building. Ken could bring together every part of our community — including his loyal Kappa brothers — and sell out an event, every single time.
I’m also a fan of the late Ella White Campbell. She once sat Aaron Barnett and me down at her dining room table for a heart-to-heart about unity in the community. And let me tell you — she did not play. She was “Big Mama,” and she had a big stick. She loved our people with all her might. She was a boss. A leader. An unapologetically Black servant of the people.
Dr. Cheryl Pasteur is another one — an icon in education. She didn’t just teach children — she taught adults how to raise up a generation of articulate, well-prepared Black youth. She and her peers made a transformative impact on public education in Northwest Baltimore County and beyond. Today, she carries that same energy to Annapolis. These are the kinds of political prototypes we need more of — public servants with purpose, passion, and people in mind.
Today, Delegate Adrienne Jones is now the Speaker of the House. She’s in the 10th state legislative district. Sen. Ben Brooks has now replaced the iconic Sen. Delores G. Kelley, the godmother of Baltimore County politics. And we have the two newbies, Del. Veronica White and longtime business lawyer and Black-owned business advocate Del. N. Scott Phillips. And all of this is great! Northwest Baltimore County is loaded with political power, including Sen. Charles Sydnor, another lawyer. Again, all of this is fine.
But here’s the issue: our bench is shallow.
We don’t have enough young Black people stepping up to lead in Baltimore County politics. And that must change.
Let’s be real — politics determines who gets what, when, and where. And the “what” is economic resources — which are always finite. There’s only so much tax money to go around.
That’s why this matters: Black residents make up 30% of Baltimore County’s population. Randallstown, like Baltimore City, is predominantly Black. That means we contribute a significant share of tax dollars to both the county and the state. But if we don’t groom, prepare, and position our next generation of leaders, those critical decisions will be made by people outside of our community. And whose fault will that be? Our own. Because we weren’t ready.
Right now, Councilman Julian Jones is preparing to run for County Executive. That raises a crucial question:
Who do we have ready to step into his shoes?
I’ve heard the full range of opinions — good, bad, and in between — about Councilman Jones. But personal opinions aside, we need to ask: who’s on deck to run for the 4th Councilmanic District seat? Who are we preparing? Who are we backing? Who’s being mentored right now to lead later?
Because if we’re not preparing our people, you better believe someone else is preparing theirs.
Randallstown, it’s time to pass the political football — strategically, intentionally, and with the future in mind.
