By Doni Glover, Publisher
(BALTIMORE – May 21, 2024) – Dear Black Politician: Real talk. I am not interested in helping you build a royal legacy for you and your family. I support and vote for you because I believe you understand our issues better than anyone else. I know you are well-versed in Black history within the political realm, especially here in Maryland. You are undoubtedly aware of the impact of landmark decisions and amendments such as the Dred Scott Decision, Brown vs. the Board of Education, Plessy vs. Ferguson, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, and current legislation aimed at supporting Black people, including the 29% minority business enterprise goal across 70 state agencies.
I trust that you understand the contributions of leaders like Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, Prince George’s County Executive Wayne Curry, Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, and Congressman Parren J. Mitchell in advancing Black business. You are also likely familiar with Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke’s pioneering efforts to decriminalize drug abuse long before it became a widely accepted concept.
While we appreciate your positions, the pressing question for today’s Black leaders is: What does your tenure mean for the empowerment of Black people? And you can’t respond with the notion that our Black elected officials serve all people. We know that. But we also know that when others hold power, they typically work to empower the members of their immediate group.
So, what are you doing to ensure that your position translates into tangible benefits for our community?