By AFRO Staff

On the evening of Jan. 18 Governor Wes Moore welcomed more than 10, 000 supporters from around the country to help him celebrate in his new role. 

The governor spoke to the crowd, danced with his family and made his way to festivities happening on multiple levels of the Baltimore Convention Center, located on the same Pratt Street where slaves were once marched to Fells Point for transport. 

Grammy-award winning artist Maxwell crooned the crowd on one floor while Baltimore’s own Dru Hill got the crowd moving in an upstairs ballroom. Members of the Divine Nine were seen repping their organizations, while HBCU grads proudly “swagged” and “surfed” into a truly historic night. Chris Tucker got the crowd laughing and Indian dancers graced the stage in full traditional dress, a nod to the newly sworn-in Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller’s heritage. 

Governor Wes Moore’s inaugural celebration– the People’s Ball– was truly a spectacular affair, as Maryland’s First and Second Families made the night a perfect blend of culture and class. 

Photos by Stephen Hopkins and James Fields

  • During the People’s Ball, artist Demont Pinder painted a portrait of Gov. Wes Moore
  • DJ D-Nice had played a curated mix of songs during the Ball
  • Stacey Eadie, Cindy Penn, and Jaree Johnson
  • Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy and Debra Hurd
  • Singer, Maxwell was among the performers at the People’s Ball.
  • Singer, Raheem DeVaughn wasamong the performers at the People’s Ball.
  • Governor Wes Moore had his son, James, by his side every step of the way on Jan. 18, sharing laughs and soft moments during both the swearing in ceremony and the evening ball. (Photos by Stephen Hopkins)
  • First lady Dawn Moore addresses the crowd gathered for the People’s Ball on Jan. 18 inside of the Baltimore Convention Center. (Photos by Stephen Hopkins)
  • Reno West (left), Noel Lagay, Ciera Payton, Thaddeus Payton, Sharon Alston, and Dennis Glover
  • Host of Urban One’s 93.9 WKYS, DJ Quiksilva
  • Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen
  • Gov. Wes Moore and his wife Dawn Moore share a slow dance during the ball.
  • Diane Hocker, Lenora Howze and Dana Peck represent the AFRO American Newspapers at the ball.
  • Gov. Wes Moore celebrates his inauguration with over 10,000 guests from around the world.
  • Chris Tucker, who was spotted earlier in the day at Moore’s swearing in ceremony, praised the great change that has come to Maryland at the People’s Ball. (Photos by Stephen Hopkins)
  • Internationally known artist Maxwell performs hits like “Bad Habits” and “Pretty Wings” for the crowd gathered to celebrate Maryland’s first Black governor. (Photos by Stephen Hopkins)
  • Gov. Wes Moore hugs his son James Moore as he welcomes the guests at the ball.
  • Wife of Gov. Wes Moore, Dawn, who invited Moore and her son James to the center stage.
  • Maryland’s First Lady and Governor, Dawn and Wes Moore, along with Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and her husband, David Miller. (Photos by Stephen Hopkins)

Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member –subscribers are now members!  Join here!