By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
In honor of her unwavering dedication to public service and transformative leadership, Senator Angela D. Alsobrooks has been named the 2024 AFRO Person of the Year.
Credit: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Alsobrooks, a visionary with a commitment to equity, officially became the first Black person to represent the state of Maryland in the U.S. Senate on Jan. 3.
“I’m honored to be named AFRO Person of the Year. As the daughter of two working class parents, I was taught to care for others and to fight for the American Dream. I have dedicated my life’s work to Maryland families, and I’m proud to continue serving on their behalf,” said Alsobrooks.
The swearing is the latest milestone in a career defined by firsts.
In 2010, Alsobrooks became the first woman to serve as state’s attorney for Prince George’s County, where she prioritized victim advocacy and community-based crime prevention. Her election as county executive in 2018 further cemented her status as a pioneering figure in Maryland politics. She’s ready to make change via her seat in the U.S. Senate and colleagues, community members and fellow elected officials are overjoyed to see what she has in store for the state of Maryland and the nation at large.
Del. Malcolm Ruff (D-Md.- 41) believes Alsobrooks’ election into the U.S. Senate is a reflection of the work she’s been doing for nearly three decades.
“I’m incredibly proud of Senator Angela Alsobrooks for making history as the first Black U.S. Senator from Maryland. This accomplishment is not just a personal victory for Senator Alsobrooks, but a monumental moment for our entire state and country,” said Ruff. “Her rise to this office is a testament to her hard work, integrity and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Maryland.”
There is much to be anticipated with Alsobrooks stepping into her position as Maryland’s first Black Senator. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and her problem-solving skills have made her a sought-after leader.
Earlier this year, Alsobrooks spoke with the AFRO while on the campaign trail and noted that education, affordable housing and reproductive rights are at the top of her agenda.
“The first piece of legislation that I will co-sponsor is the Women’s Health Protection Act, because I believe that we should codify in federal law the right to access abortion care and the right to offer it,” Alsobrooks told the AFRO. “This is a fight that I think we have to take on, because it is not just abortion care, reproductive rights and freedoms– we’re talking about contraception that is now under attack by this Republican Party.”
The journey ahead of Alsobrooks is one that both she and her supporters are certain she can handle. Her results-oriented record speaks for itself and shows that she is capable of collaborating with and combatting Republican representatives and their right wing agendas. Alsobrook noted that she’s no stranger to working with opposing sides to assure the people of Maryland and now America, are prioritized at the end of the day.
“I’ve had to work with people I didn’t agree with to get things done. That’s the way that we work,” she said. “In the Senate, I will be prepared to work across the aisle. It’s important that we not demonize people who see an issue differently, but that we are able to find things that we both care about. Look for common ground and issues that we are able to succeed in together. I’ll be looking to work with people who don’t agree with me.”
CREDIT: AP Photo / Brian Witte
She solidified her stance during her acceptance speech on the evening of Nov. 5, noting that she plans to serve all Marylanders.
“To those Marylanders whose support I’ve yet to earn, I may not have won your vote but I want you to know that I hear your voice and I will be your senator too,” she said.
Alsobrooks told the AFRO she is on a mission to “improve access to health care and education, to build an economy where Marylanders have the opportunity to support their families with dignity, and to fight on Capitol Hill to preserve the liberties this nation promises us.”
Ruff spoke to Alsobrooks’ strong collaborative skills, sharing that she is definitely someone who can bridge the gaps amongst parties to assure the job gets done.
“As we face a challenging political landscape with the incoming Republican trifecta, I have every confidence that Senator Alsobrooks will continue to fight tenaciously for the priorities that matter most to our communities,” said Ruff. “From expanding economic opportunity for our most vulnerable populations to protecting our civil rights and securing a sustainable future. Her ability to build bipartisan coalitions, coupled with her deep understanding of the issues that affect working families, will serve her well as she navigates the complexities of Washington.”
Alsobrooks has been a prominent voice on the national stage, advocating for policies that address systemic inequities and climate resilience. Her selection as AFRO Person of the Year underscores her status as a trailblazer and a source of inspiration for many. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that bold, inclusive leadership can drive change and build a brighter future for all.
“Her strong leadership skills, deep understanding of policy and commitment to her constituents will be key to navigating and achieving her goals. I hope she will continue advocating for equity, economic opportunity and social justice, all while finding ways to build bipartisan support for meaningful legislation,” said Maryland Del. Mike Rogers (D-Md.-32) “Given her track record as Prince George’s County Executive, where she demonstrated an ability to get initiatives completed, I have confidence in her ability to effectively drive change and represent the interests of all Marylanders.”
Credit: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore also spoke to Alsobrooks’ work ethic and dedication to serving the people. The first Black governor of the state was one of the Alsobrooks’ first supporters, and he endorsed her in October of 2023 for her new role.
“Angela Alsobrooks has been a dedicated public servant to the people of Prince George’s County for the past six years as county executive and the eight before that as state’s attorney,” said Moore. “We look forward to continuing our work together to uplift Maryland families, protect fundamental freedoms and build a brighter future for our state in her new role as U.S. Senator.”
Her pledge to break down barriers, implementing change and redefining trajectories has already taken her so far, but it seems to still be her motivation as she transitions into this new chapter in her career.
“In [2026] America will celebrate its 250th birthday and in all those years over 2,000 people have served in the United States Senate and only three have looked like me,” she said. “I want to salute all of those who came before me, whose sacrifices and stories I will continue to carry with me. From the bottom of my heart I thank each and every Marylander; to serve this state– my hometown, is the honor of a lifetime.”
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