Congressman Hoyer Hosts 43rd Annual Black History Month Breakfast
Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer (D) hosted the 43rd annual Black History Month breakfast alongside co-Chair Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans in the arts, from Phyllis Wheatley to Denzel Washington and Langston Hughes.
This year, Radio One founder and celebrated media mogul and businesswoman Cathy Hughes served as the special guest at the breakfast. Hoyer noted Hughes as the first Black woman to chair a publicly traded company during his introduction.
Hoyer noted some of his proudest moments working with and supporting local Black leaders, such as Gov. Wes Moore, and emphasized his continued goals in fighting for African American Marylanders and justice for all.
“Representing the interests of Prince Georgians and Black Marylanders in Washington remains one of my highest priorities. Whether it was co-founding the Black Maternal Health Caucus, or bringing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to the House Floor and passing it in 2020, I’ve long been committed to delivering real solutions that positively impact the lives of my constituents,” said the high-ranking Congressman.
He also touted some of his most recent accomplishments for the state and Prince George’s County.
“Most recently, I’ve been proud to lead efforts alongside Gov. Wes Moore, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, and other members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation to deliver on the Biden-Harris administration’s Executive Order racial equity by bringing the new, consolidated FBI Headquarters, and the many good-paying jobs that come with it, to Greenbelt.”
The annual breakfast has included some special guests over the years, Hoyer noted, and Hughes’ presence continued the tradition.
“Some of my favorite memories include hosting my friend and brother Congressman John Lewis, then-Senator Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and our own Governor Wes Moore in 2023,” said Hoyer. “The conversations we’ve been lucky enough to have with these leaders are always inspiring and I’m thrilled to have trailblazing businesswoman and media mogul Cathy Hughes as our special guest in 2024.”
Congressman Ivey Honors Celebrated Abolitionist, Marylander Frederick Douglass
On Feb. 14, Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) introduced a resolution to celebrate native Marylander and freedom fighter Frederick Douglass.
He offered a short speech on the House floor to argue for the resolution.
“Frederick Douglass dedicated his life to furthering the cause of freedom in the United States. Few Americans have shaped our nation so profoundly and permanently as Frederick Douglass did. To this very day, Douglass’s message and principles remain a guiding light for our country as we continue to seek fulfillment of our nation’s promise and potential for justice and equality,” said Ivey during his speech.
He lamented Douglass never receiving proper commendation from Congress while alive.
“Although the immeasurable impact of Frederick Douglass elevated him to the pantheon of the greatest Americans, he has never received a proper, official commendation from Congress for his contributions to our nation,” Ivey said. “It is long past time for Congress to bestow this honor upon an American whose indelible influence is still felt today and will continue to be felt for years to come.”
During a ceremony at the Douglass historic home in Southeast, D.C., Ivey awarded a plaque to Douglass’ five-times great nephew Tarence Bailey, in recognition of his ancestor’s lasting legacy. If the congressional honor is awarded, Douglass’ medal would be displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Northwest, D.C.
Douglass’ numerous accomplishments include escaping from slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, delivering international speeches decrying the horrors of slavery, and providing counsel to former Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. He was also the first Black journalist granted access to the Capitol Gallery.
To tour the Douglass family home in Anacostia, sign up here.
Former Gov. Hogan Announces for U.S. Senate on Filing Deadline; Democratic Race Still Close
On the last day for candidates to file for state or federal office, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced his intention to run for the seat. Democrats currently have a 51-49 majority in the Senate, and Hogan, admittedly recruited for the Senate seat by Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell (R), is aiming to flip that chamber.
Hogan is undoubtedly the strongest possible Republican candidate for the Senate with his name recognition and crossover appeal to Democrats and independent voters. He consistently maintained high approval ratings as governor, including among Democrats, and was the first Republican governor to be re-elected in Maryland in decades.
With Biden receiving over 60% of the vote in 2020, Hogan would have to outperform the Republican presidential nominee by nearly 20% in order to win the general election.
In the most recent head-to-head polling, Hogan is tied with Rep. David Trone (D- Md.) with each candidate at 42% while he leads Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) with 44% to her 39%.
Hogan was also leading the current Republican Senate primary.
The Democratic primary is in a dead heat, with neither of the two major candidates yet reaching over 50% in any polling.
Alsobrooks launched her first TV ads, spotlighting her understanding of the needs of everyday Marylanders, in the Baltimore media market shortly after Hogan entered the race.