Olszewski Announces Black History Month Conversation Series

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

“Black History Month provides an important opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the successes of Black leaders and communities, as we also renew our commitment to ending racial disparities and promoting a more inclusive county,” Olszewski said. “Together, we will continue breaking down barriers, confronting racial injustice, and promoting more equitable communities. I look forward to talking with Black leaders about their successes, and the work ahead.”

Olszewski will engage four history-making leaders in a conversation about their successes, the barriers they have faced, and the path forward.

UMBC President Dr. Freeman Hrabowski
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

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

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

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

More on Baltimore County's Black History Month Conversation Series Speakers:

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.

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.

Baltimore County Council Chairman 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.

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 the County Executive’s Twitter.