By Deborah Bailey
AFRO Contributing Editor
Aisha Braveboy held her own Juneteenth celebration as she was sworn in as Prince George’s County’s 10th executive at her alma mater, the University of Maryland-College Park on June 19. Surrounded by a large crowd that included actor Taraji P. Henson, Gov. Wes Moore, faith leaders, local politicians, family and supporters, Braveboy received the oath of office in a festive event featuring speeches, music and messages of encouragement.
Braveboy set a tone of openness and inclusion, saying she would welcome the contributions of county residents and her peers in Maryland state government and the County Council.
“I will be open, I will be transparent and I will ask for your ideas. I should not and I will not be the only one with good ideas,” Braveboy emphasized.
“To the residents of Prince George’s County: We will have regular town halls because we have the most brilliant people anywhere in America here in Prince George’s County,” Braveboy added.
One of her most important collaborators, Gov. Moore, thanked Braveboy for being one of the first elected officials to endorse his candidacy for governor in 2022. He returned the favor in supporting Braveboy’s candidacy for Prince George’s County executive in a crowded Democratic primary in 2024. Moore opined that Braveboy is the right choice for the historic challenges before the nation, Maryland, and Prince George’s County.
“The challenges we’re facing are enormous. In this moment with so much on the line, we need County Executive Aisha Braveboy,” Moore said. “She doesn’t just understand the gravity of this moment, she understands the gravity of the assignment.”
Academy Award nominated actor Taraji P. Henson stopped by to encourage and connect with Braveboy and visit her home county, where she has recently initiated a youth mental health program with Prince George’s County public schools.
“I’m excited for our future. I’m excited for our partnership and Queen, I’m just proud of you,” Henson enthusiastically stated.
Henson recently visited Oxon Hill High School to speak with youth about mental health. Her foundation, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, founded in 2018, will fund an expansion of the program, bringing mental health programs to additional schools in District 8 of the county.
The tribute to Braveboy went to a new level for a government inauguration when the new county executive’s Sigma Gamma Rho sorority sisters took the stage, reciting chants from the sorority song book. As they sang “I Love my Blue and Gold,” each woman lay a gold rose on the stage.
Braveboy plans to announce a 100-day plan for her administration soon. She gave plenty of hints in her acceptance speech, however, mentioning keeping streets clean, uniting county government, bringing the new FBI headquarters to the area, increasing support for local businesses, and making sure public schools are open to the community.