One of the beautiful things about living in a more vital world is that events are now available to a wider audience. Our county has scheduled a series of conversations with local leaders who have had a national or global impact. I am fortunate to have worked with three (3) of the four who are participating this month during my professional and volunteer career. I am so excited to share this chance fir you to get to know them.

Tonight, my friend and councilman Julian Jones will talk about the successes of Black people in our community and the path forward to achieving equity in today’s society. I invite you to join us for tonight’s conversation. Please see the schedule list in this post.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced a Black History Month Conversation series, engaging African-American leaders across Baltimore County in a dialogue about the successes of African-American leaders and the work ahead to promote a more equitable and inclusive County.

UMBC President Dr. Freeman Hrabowski spoke last week. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, was named UMBC’s first Black president in 1992. A child-leader during the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Hrabowski is regularly recognized as one America’s most influential leaders, and he was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Under his leadership, UMBC has been recognized as a model for inclusive excellence.

Baltimore County Council Chair Julian Jones: Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Baltimore County Council Chair Julian Jones is the first person to serve twice as Baltimore County Council Chair. As a member of the County Council Jones has championed legislation to advance equity, supporting the SMART Policing Act, which enacted reforms to the Baltimore County Police Department, and the HOME Act, which banned housing discrimination by source of income. A career public servant, Jones served 36 years as a firefighter in the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, retiring as Division Chief.

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones: Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones is the first Black woman to serve in her leadership position. Serving in the House of Delegates since 1997, Jones was also the first Black woman to serve Speaker Pro Tem. In her 37-year civil service career, Jones was the first Executive Director of the Baltimore County Office of Fair Practices and Community Affairs. She is the Founder of the Annual Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival, now in its 21st year.

Board of Education Chair Makeda Scott: Thursday, February 25, 2021
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Makeda Scott, chair of the Baltimore County Board of Education, is the first Black woman to hold her role. A communications professional with decades of experience in government and nonprofit work, Scott has held leadership roles with the Baltimore Housing Authority, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and as Director of Communications for U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes.

Each conversation will be livestreamed on Baltimore County Government’s Facebook page and on theCounty Executive’s Twitter account.