The Maryland Black Caucus Foundation (MBCF) is gearing up to host its 29th Annual Legislative Weekend, themed “Advancing Access and Opportunity to Black Marylanders.” Scheduled for November 22-23, 2024, this highly anticipated event will take place at Maryland Live Casino and Hotel in Hanover and the Hotel at the University of Maryland in College Park.
With shifting political tides, the MBCF underscores the need to preserve and expand hard-won progress for Black Marylanders. Led by Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins (20th District) as its chair, the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland is one of the largest in the United States. The Legislative Weekend serves as a platform for policy innovation, community empowerment, and crucial dialogue around equitable access to opportunities in education, healthcare, housing, and more.
Registration for the event is open at 29thlw.eventbrite.com
This impactful gathering is designed for policymakers, community leaders, advocates, and citizens alike, offering diverse programming to inspire action and foster collaboration.
With over 1,000 attendees expected, citizens have a unique opportunity to engage with elected officials, industry experts and community leaders to discuss impactful legislation to support a brighter and more inclusive future.
November 22: Virtual Sessions
Engage with citizens, elected officials, subject matter experts, and industry leaders as we craft policy, provide industry updates, and discuss legislation that impact Black Marylanders. This full day of FREE Online Workshops (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) will cover a range of critical topics, including:
- 9:00am
Black Maternal Health Equity: Prioritizing Solutions for Health Disparities- Moderated by Senator Augustine, 47th District and Delegate Pena Melnyk, 21st District
- 10:15am
Protecting DEI and Race Programs in Small Business: The Case for Supplier Diversity- Moderated by Senator Hayes, 40th District and Delegate Phillips, 10th District
- 11:30am
Creating an Education Equity and Economic Pipeline: From Pre-K to Postsecondary Success- Moderated by Senator A. Washington, 22nd District and Delegate Steph Smith, 45th District
- 1:00pm
Strengthening the Vitality of Black Homeownership: Addressing Appraisal Bias and Barriers- Moderated by Senator Smith, 20th District and Delegate Holmes, 23rd District
- 2:15pm
Public Safety and Economic Opportunities: Addressing Disparities in Maryland’s Black Incarceration Rates- Moderated by Delegate Deb Davis, 28th District and Senator Muse, 26th District
- 3:30pm
Environmental Justice in Maryland: Equitable Access to Renewable Energy- Moderated by Senator Brooks, 10th District and Delegate Boyce, District 43A
November 23: Networking and Celebration
- Business Over Breakfast (9:00 AM – Noon, $150 per person): This morning event at the Hotel at the University of Maryland invites professionals and policymakers to share strategies for enhancing economic inclusion. It features keynote speaker Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chair of Exim Bank, moderated by Dereck E. Davis, Maryland State Treasurer, along with a distinguished panel of Maryland leaders, including:
- Bruce Gartner, Executive Director, Maryland Department of Transportation
- Y. Maria Martinez, Special Secretary, Maryland’s Office for Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs
- Troy Stovall, Chief Operating Officer, Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO)
- Awards Gala and Dinner (7:30 PM, $250 per person): Held at the MD Live Casino & Hotel, this elegant evening will bring together influential figures to honor achievements and inspire future progress. The event includes cocktails, dinner, and dancing to music by DJ Quicksilva, host of the Quicksilva Morning Show on Baltimore’s 92Q.
“The Maryland Black Caucus Foundation works tirelessly to champion policies that uplift Black Marylanders,” said Dr. Zina Pierre, Chair of the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation. “Through events like the Legislative Weekend, the organization fosters dialogue and collaboration, advancing a vision for a more inclusive and equitable Maryland.”
Join the MBCF in November to be part of this significant effort to drive meaningful change in the state. Register at 29thlw.eventbrite.com
Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland Awards:
Chairwoman’s Award:
Delegate Adrienne Jones
Speaker of the House
District 10
Senator of the Year Award:
Senator C. Anthony Muse
District 26
Delegate of the Year Award:
Delegate Aletheia McCaskill
District 44B
Exemplary Leadership Award:
Hon. Nick Mosby
President
Baltimore City Council
Maryland Black Caucus Foundation Awards:
Outstanding Business Awards:
Brian Pieninck
President & CEO
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield of Maryland
Emerick Peace
President
Keller Williams Preferred Properties of Upper Marlboro
Prince George’s County
President’s Harriett Tubman Award:
Dr. Aminta Breaux
President
Bowie State University
Community Service Awards:
Dr. Amin Flowers
Life Church Ministries
Baltimore, MD
Costello Wilson, III
Creating Opportunity Within Our
Community (COWOC)
Prince George’s County, MD
Trailblazer Award:
Bishop Craig Coates
Craig Coates Couture
Annapolis, MD
