By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO
The Dec. 4 announcement of the resignation of Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Adrienne A. Jones from the post was met with widespread commendation for her exemplary leadership. Jones has dedicated over half of her 31-year tenure to leadership roles, serving as Speaker Pro-Tem for 16 years under her predecessor Speaker of the House Michael Bush.
“My best wishes to Speaker Adrienne Jones as she plots the next chapter in her life,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07). “Adrienne’s leadership as Speaker and her guiding example will be sorely missed. Fortunately for the people of Maryland’s 10th District, she remains their legislative voice, with vision and vigor, but most of all she remains a friend to so many of us.”
Chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee, Delegate Jocelyn Pena-Melnyk (D-District 21) recalls nominating Jones for speaker, noting her fairness and consensus-building.
“She led us through COVID,” Pena-Melnyk said, adding that as Speaker, “Jones was strong yet quietly led, avoided micromanagement, voiced unpopular opinions when needed, implemented bias training, and provided opportunities for many of us. I appreciated her lessons and am pleased she will continue serving Maryland’s 10th District and sharing her wisdom.”
Dr. David K. Wilson, Morgan State University President, recalls Jones’ leadership as impressive, quiet, intelligent, confident and astute.
“As the first woman and first Black person to hold the Speaker’s gavel, Delegate Adrienne Jones made history and she met that moment with aplomb and distinction. She led with purpose, integrity and honesty,” Wilson said.
He further praised her role in championing the resolution of Maryland’s longstanding HBCU lawsuit, securing a $577 million settlement.
“That investment served as a critical down payment toward equitable funding for the state’s four HBCUs and helped usher in a new era of fairness and opportunity,” Wilson said. “I personally applaud her deep understanding of the importance of positioning Maryland to remain competitive nationally and globally in education, innovation and economic vitality.”
The HBCU leader further credited Jones with supporting his efforts to secure $80 million in funding for Jenkins Hall, which houses Morgan State’s behavioral and social sciences programs.
“It was a privilege to have her as a partner in progress during this transformative period in Morgan’s history,” he said, adding that “Speaker Jones knew how to get things done.”
State Sen. Antonio Hayes, who represents Baltimore City’s 40th District, recalls Delegate Jones’ leadership in steering legislation for the capital budget in the House. While she was an advocate for Baltimore County, which she represents, she was also a strong advocate for Baltimore City.
“Her legacy and impact as the first African American Speaker of the House will uplift Black Marylanders for decades, starting with her proclamation of a ‘Black Agenda,’” Hayes said. “She boldly tackled real estate discrimination by addressing appraisal bias. In her career and as a legislator she has advocated for small and minority-owned businesses. She will remain a leader in the House as she continues to represent Maryland’s 10th District.”
Tyrone Taborn, publisher, chairman and CEO of Career Communications and the creative force behind STEM City USA, said, “As a business owner and technology leader, we will miss Speaker Jones’ leadership because she understands technology and the need for our state and country to be more inclusive.”
Delegate Melissa Wells (D-District 40) recalls Speaker Jones’ leadership as “transformative and historic” for Maryland and Baltimore City.
“Her legacy of equity, opportunity and community investment will endure,” she said.
“As chair of the Baltimore City Delegation in Annapolis, I am grateful for her unwavering commitment to strengthening our communities and uplifting Baltimore’s priorities,” concluded Delegate Wells.
Delegate Malcolm Ruff (D-District 41) said, “Speaker Jones will forever be known in the history books as a pioneer and grand stewardess for a better Maryland. In just six years alone, she’s whipped votes for some of the most consequential pieces of legislation we’ve seen in our State House.”
Those pieces of legislation include but are not limited to: The Racial Justice Agenda platformed by the largest state legislative Black Caucus in the nation, The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (the Kirwan Plan), The Police Accountability Act, The Climate Solutions Now Act, The Time To Care Act (for paid family and medical leave), the codification of reproductive autonomy into the state constitution, the legalization of cannabis, which was accompanied by restorative justice measures to combat the failed “war on drugs,” and so much more, Ruff said.
He concluded, “I’m so grateful to have been sworn in by the first female and Black speaker in Maryland state history and to have received her mentorship all throughout my tenure.”