By Reuben Greene,
Special to the AFRO

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum was teeming with service providers and supporters of Gov. Wes Moore. The speaker series entitled “In Their Own Words” was hosted by non-profit United Way of Central Maryland and sponsored by DLA Piper Law Firm. The event served as an opportunity to hear directly from Moore’s vision for a new Maryland. 

Prior to his speech, Moore was praised for the diversity of his cabinet and exceeding expectations within his short time in office. 

“I’m grateful to walk around the halls of this building reflecting on the strength of where we come from but also knowing how promising our future is,” said Moore. “We are working to ensure that all young people see this society as a place for them too.”

A short address was given by Johnathan Butler, a mentee of the BridgeEDU program and recent Coppin State graduate. Butler, spoke about the program and how it provided him services such as career counseling, financial aid counseling and academic support when he felt there would be no alternative future or support.

The Governor gave deep thanks to the leadership of United Way and praised the organization’s President Franklyn Baker for his commitment to impact Baltimore City. Moore cited how everyday citizens are working together and servicing the needs of their local community in major ways. 

“The power to impact the world doesn’t often come with a job description but, it comes with a passion point,” said Moore. “You cannot have a thriving Maryland, if you don’t have a thriving Baltimore.”

Moore’s talking points focused on the significance of his proposed budget and how it aims to benefit the state in education, affordable housing, mental health support and economic mobility for the working class. 

“The reason why we support organizations that focus on the abundance of insecurities in Maryland is because people fall through the cracks,” said Moore. “If we do not fix these systems, we will eventually find ourselves cleaning up the derby. How do we address the breakage? How do we ensure that it doesn’t take luck to become successful?” 

Moore went on to underscore the need to advance equity, opportunity and access across Greater Baltimore. He shared the historic and systemic oppression faced by minority communities has resulted in unequal access to resources and opportunities, perpetuating poverty and limiting upward mobility. 

The governor said he plans to prioritize policies and initiatives that address these inequities in turn creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where all individuals have the chance to succeed and contribute to their fullest potential. 

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