By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO
On Friday, Nov. 17, the 66-member Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, led by its Chairperson Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Md.-20) held six virtual workshops during the 28th Anniversary Legislative Weekend. Multiple topics at the forefront of Black Marylanders were discussed, such as health in the Black community, higher education opportunities at historically Black colleges and universities and roads into the cannabis industry. Equitable housing and environmental justice were also discussed.
“We bring together Maryland’s political, business, and civic-minded leaders, for education, fellowship and recognition,” said Zina Pierre, Ph.D., president of the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation (MBCF).
The foundation is the fundraising arm of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. MBCF supports the activities that take place throughout the year and especially during their weekend of activities.
On Nov. 18, the Black Caucus Foundation hosted nearly 300 people at the annual “Business over Breakfast” event held at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore. Featured at the breakfast was a fireside chat, moderated by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. Panelists included Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson and former delegate, now Assistant Secretary of Transportation, Antonio Bridges.
The panel focused on minority contractual participation and goals for the state. The state minority enterprise goal is 29 percent, a goal that the state hasn’t reached in over a decade.
Bridges reminded the audience that the Department of Transportation is the state agency for minority certification. Anderson says the agency is looking for more ways to partner with minority companies and to see them grow as majority contractors.
Awards handed out at the “Business Over Breakfast” event included Outstanding Business Awards to Gregory Steve Proctor Jr., of G.S. Proctor and Associates, and Motorola Sales Manager Bruce Fryer.
The weekend closed out at Maryland Live! Casinos with a gala, as the foundation handed out several awards during the short program that included the following: Delegate and Senator of the Year Awards to Del. Stephanie Smith (D-Md-45) and Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-Md-47), respectively. The Chairwoman’s Award went to Cigna Vice President of Government Affairs Kimberly Robinson and the Legislator Service Award was bestowed upon former chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Darryl Barnes and former Delegate Tony Bridges. The Community Service Award went to Arnold Place’s founder and director, Tracy Arnold Nixon. The list of honorees also included, Major Pete Smith, who earned the Community Service Award with his Toys for Tots initiative.
State leaders and event organizers expressed praise for those who helped the two-day event happen and spoke on next year’s plans.
“I want to thank the leadership of Dr. Zina Pierre, [whom] I’ve had the honor of working very closely with these last few months. She is truly a testament to being visionary and getting the work done. We have had an amazing and wonderful weekend,” said Wilkins. “Our promise is that in 2024, this Black caucus is coming back bigger, bolder and with an even more robust agenda for the state of Maryland focused on our five priority areas.”