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As Black History Month comes to a close, I take great pride in my position as the lone Black woman on the Montgomery County Council. This month, I have supported Black-owned businesses, educators, students, healthcare workers, community organizations, and more. One of my favorite moments was visiting Robert Frost Middle School, where the school hosted me for their Black History Month program, with the evocative theme, “Dream Beyond The Ordinary.” Spending time with young and motivated individuals is always inspiring, and I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with them and tour their school.
 As a former educator, I appreciated seeing their school's great resources. Mental health was the number one issue we heard from students about, and it is also a focus area of mine on the Health and Human Services Committee and as the Lead for Eliminating Disparities in Public Health. I will continue to advocate for the safety and well-being of our students while inspiring them to dream beyond the ordinary. My journey exemplifies the importance of diverse, inclusive leadership dedicated to serving the community.
The State of Black Business in Montgomery County
In March, the county is expected to receive a disparity study that will determine whether there is racial and gender business discrimination in the markets where the county does business – both in the public and private sectors. This month, I spoke at multiple events to support small and minority-owned businesses by spreading the word about the upcoming Disparity Study and encouraging business owners to submit feedback on how the county conducts business. The inaugural Black Business Expo at The Universities at Shady Grove featured over 50 Black-owned businesses and nonprofits. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to share and learn more about the Office of Procurement’s Minority, Female Business (MFD) Program and how we can continue to invest in our diverse small business sector. Furthermore, I participated in an insightful panel discussion on Dec. 23 with my colleagues, Council President Andrew Friedson and Economic Development Chair Natali Fani-Gonzalez, covering the state of Black business in Montgomery County. Thank you to M&T Bank for hosting in collaboration with The Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, and the Montgomery County Black Collective.
 Intersectionality in Health Education
Black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) communities experience discrimination due to multiple intersecting identities, making intersectionality vital. On Feb. 23, I was honored to celebrate and recognize MCPS's own Dr. Cara Grant and Dr. Troy Boddy with a proclamation on behalf of the Council for releasing their book, Intersectionality in Health Education. The book aims to prompt readers to have honest and timely conversations to reflect on our current state of health education. Health literacy is crucial in understanding the impact of racial disparities on modern society and achieving optimal health outcomes. This book covers many timely topics for ongoing discussions, and I applaud Dr. Cara Grant, Dr. Troy Boddy, and everyone involved in writing it. I look forward to reading my signed copy and encourage individuals to order their copies immediately!
  With Dr. Daryl C. Howard Co-Author, Chapter 7
Commemorating African Americans and the Arts
The theme for this year's observance of African Americans and The Arts inspires me to recognize and celebrate prominent Black Americans who have made history through their artistic expression. At the Council, we commemorated the occasion by bringing together Black leaders in Montgomery County and recognizing Angela Ingram, a local folklore educator and professional dancer; Levi Robinson, a local award-winning artist; and Kenneth Smith, a Montgomery Blair High School social studies teacher who leads a hip-hop history and culture class. I also spoke about artists such as Bob Marley, who was born in my home country of Jamaica and spread messages of hope, justice, and unity through his music and his biopic film that premiered this month; the late Chadwick Boseman, who brilliantly captured the plight of Blacks in America through adaptations like “42” and “Thurgood Marshall”; and Taraji P. Henson, who creatively highlights the struggles of women in male-dominated fields in movies like Hidden Figures and The Color Purple. Finally, I was proud to recognize the Gasaway sisters at the Minds in Motion Black History Month celebration for their incredible work, inspiring leadership, creativity, and passion for Black history in our youth through fun performance arts.
 Black History Month at the Governor’s House of Maryland
It was a special occasion to celebrate Black History Month at the Governor’s House and unite with Black leaders across Maryland. We will continue supporting Maryland’s First Family, Dawn and Wes Moore, Maryland’s first Black Governor in the state’s 246-year history and the only black Governor serving in the United States! We will lead the way in closing the racial wealth gap, lifting folks out of poverty, and advancing economic opportunity for all Marylanders.
 
S.M.A.R.T. Updates Around The County
Community Service Award from the Korean Association of Maryland
I thank the Korean Association of Maryland, President Dr. Hyunsook Choi, and Judge Chung Pak for inviting me to their annual Lunar New Year celebration and awarding me this year’s Community Service Award, which focuses on advancing the rights and interests of the Asian American and immigrant communities in Montgomery County and Maryland. At their Annual Gala, I also celebrated the Lunar New Year with the Taiwan Benevolent Association of Greater Washington. I joined my Council colleagues and the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center for their Lunar New Year celebration at Westfield Montgomery to celebrate the Year of the Dragon!
 Student Member of the Board (SMOB) Finalists
Congratulations to this year’s Student Member of the Board (SMOB) finalists: Samantha Ross, a junior at Montgomery Blair High School, and Praneel Suvarna, a junior at Clarksburg High School. Ms. Ross and Mr. Suvarna emerged from a pool of eight students, voted on by more than 400 middle and high school delegates who attended the 47th SMOB Nominating Convention at Watkins Mill High School. They both spoke at our Youth Advisory Council meeting on Monday about their interests and vision for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Students can vote for Ms. Ross or Mr. Suvarna on Apr. 17!
 Gaithersburg Book Festival’s 15th Anniversary
The Gaithersburg Book Festival hosted a special event with former two-time U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. This year is their 15th anniversary and a celebration of their mission to foster an interest in reading, writing, and literary conversation. I look forward to presenting a proclamation to the GBF in April in anticipation of their 15th annual book festival on May 18, 2024. We are committed to improving literacy rates and appreciate all the Gaithersburg Book Festival offers to support this endeavor.
 CM Sayles with MD State Senator Cheryl Kagan, Mayor Jud Ashman
Supporting MCPS Summer RISE and Workforce Development
My team attended the MCPS Summer RISE Host Summit to learn more about the resources and support they provide. I commend the MCPS staff and WorkSource Montgomery's work to expand the program and commit to ensuring that young people can access opportunities outside the classroom. This program prepares students for college and career readiness and motivates them to contribute to a thriving Montgomery County. There is still time for hosts to register. More to come as we continue working with the Summer RISE program and WorkSource Montgomery on exciting initiatives like the Career Advisory Program they recently launched along with MCPS, Montgomery College, and the Universities at Shady Grove.
  Honoring the Memory of Melanie Diaz
On the first anniversary of the Arrive Silver Spring fire, we honored the life of 25-year-old Melanie Diaz, who tragically died in the fire. My heart is with her family and all who knew the kind person she was. I support the Melanie Diaz Fire Safety Act that Delegate Lorig Charkoudian sponsored in the Maryland House of Delegates. I am also a co-sponsor of Council Vice President Stewart’s legislation, introduced on March 5, requiring apartment complexes to notify Tenants of the risks of living in a building without sprinklers.
 Grand Opening of the Silver Spring Aquatic and Recreation Center
On Saturday, the brand-new Silver Spring Aquatic and Recreation Center officially opened! The project is located in the Central Business District of Silver Spring and took many years to materialize. It is part of a Public-Private Partnership with the Housing Opportunities Commission and the Lee Development Group. I cannot wait to see all the excellent services it will provide our residents.
 47th Anniversary of the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation
I congratulate Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and my good friend Ms. Anita Neal Powell on the 47th Anniversary of Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and the 19th Anniversary of Leroy E. Neal African American Research Center at their annual Black History Month celebration. For decades, the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation has done exemplary work to record and share the rich history of Montgomery County's African American leaders and communities. As a long-time member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, I have seen firsthand Ms. Powell’s passion for educating our community on the significant contributions of activists like Leroy Neal and the family matriarch Anita and countless other Black community leaders who have left their mark on our county’s history.
Legislative Corner
Committee for Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund
I joined Councilmembers Kristin Mink and Will Jawando to introduce a bill to create a commission to support communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis enforcement. I thank Comptroller Brooke Lierman and our state partners for their dedication to investing cannabis revenue in our local economy. The creation of this commission is a significant move toward aiding communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. These resources will assist in reducing recidivism rates and providing opportunities to build a better future.
Opioid Fund and Youth Violence Prevention
On February 7, we held a Government Operations and Health and Human Services joint committee session to discuss two special appropriations: The first allocation of $3,088,862 in Opioid Abatement Funds following a legal settlement with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies. In Maryland, the number of opioid-related deaths has steadily increased starting in 2008. These funds will go towards treatment, harm reduction, community engagement, and public awareness strategies. The second appropriation of $96,000 for a Youth Safety Initiative Contractor calls for us to bolster the County’s ongoing response to youth safety concerns, including the opioid and fentanyl crisis, crime prevention, substance use disorder, treatment services, and response strategies. I wrote a memo to the County Executive commending him for this appropriation and advocating for $50,000 additional funds to coordinate and promote youth safety interventions.
Meet Our New Chief of Public Health Services
I join my colleagues in welcoming the County’s new Chief of Public Health Services, Dr. Nina Ashford. Dr. Ashford has a passion for eliminating health disparities and improving health outcomes. Her experience will be invaluable to the Department of Health and Human Services as we address our most significant public health challenges.
Pushing for MCPS Transparency
On February 8, the Education and Culture and Audit Committee held a joint work session to discuss three reports from the Office of the Inspector General: November 29, 2023, about the Investigation of Misconduct Allegations Against Dr. Joel Beidleman; January 8, 2024, about the Investigation of Misconduct by Senior MCPS Officials; and January 23, 2024, about MCPS Complaint Processing. We remain committed to seeking accountability and transparency so our students, teachers, and faculty feel safe at school and have the resources needed to succeed and thrive.
Sports Tourism
It was great to hear from the Sports Advisory Committee for the first time in the Economic Development and Education and Culture joint committee session on sports tourism. We also heard from representatives of MCPS Athletics, Montgomery Parks, Maryland SoccerPlex and Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse, the Maryland Sports Commission, and Visit Montgomery. Sports are an integral tool for our economy and well-being, and I look forward to advancing recommendations to improve the sports tourism industry in our county.
 Upcoming Meetings of the Health and Human Services Committee
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Thursday, February 29, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bill 42-23, Health and Sanitation - Menstrual Products in Public Restrooms - Required; Resolution to adopt Bill 42-23, Health and Sanitation - Menstrual Products in Public Restrooms - Required as a Board of Health Regulation; Bill 44-23, Human Rights and Civil Liberties - Prospective Employees - Health Care Privacy (joint with Economic Development Committee)
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Monday, March 4, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CIP - Western County Recreation Center (joint with Planning, Housing, & Parks Committee)
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Monday, March 4, 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. CIP - Health and Human Services
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Thursday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CIP - Health and Human Services (joint with Education & Culture Committee)
Upcoming Meetings of the Economic Development Committee
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Thursday, February 29, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bill 42-23, Health and Sanitation - Menstrual Products in Public Restrooms - Required; Resolution to adopt Bill 42-23, Health and Sanitation - Menstrual Products in Public Restrooms - Required as a Board of Health Regulation; Bill 44-23, Human Rights and Civil Liberties - Prospective Employees - Health Care Privacy (joint with Health and Human Services Committee)
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Monday, March 11, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Office Market Follow-Up; Restaurant Sector Follow-Up
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Wednesday, March 13, 9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Tour - Loudon County Farm Alcohol Program: Begins at Lovettsville Community Center, 57 E Broad Way, Lovettsville, VA 20180; Long Stone Farm, 8212 Long Lane, Lovettsville, VA; Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville, VA; Hillsborough Vineyards and Brewery, 36716 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro
General Assembly Session 2024
I have been following and supporting numerous legislative priorities this Maryland General Assembly session:
I am also closely monitoring the following bills: Just Cause Eviction, Universal Expansion of School Meals, the Parren J. Mitchell MBE Prime Contracting Act, the Access to Care Act, and the Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024. At a time when we are fiscally constrained, we must do all that we can to find creative solutions to solve our county’s most significant issues and inequities.
National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Legislative Conference
The 2024 National Association of Counties Conference was a grand success. I attended in Washington, D.C., and had the opportunity to network with federal, state, and local legislators around the country. I was eager to share a detailed list of priorities requiring national attention. I had a great time visiting Rep. David Trone’s office, and I thank his office for welcoming me!
Upcoming Events
February 29: At the Crossroads of Black History & Womanhood
I look forward to participating in a virtual panel discussion to conclude Black History Month hosted by the African Affairs Advisory Group, African-American Advisory Group, and Caribbean-American Advisory Group. Register here.
March 2: MoComCon
The eighth annual Montgomery County Public Libraries free comic convention, MoComCon, postponed earlier this year, will be held from 10 a.m.–5 pm. on Saturday, March 2, in Germantown. One of the largest free comic conventions in the Mid-Atlantic area, it will take place at the Germantown Library and BlackRock Center for the Arts.
March 3: 5th Anniversary Celebration of the Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project
Join the Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project for its 5th anniversary on March 3, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville. Share ideas for moving forward as we explore local Black history and broaden our outreach throughout Montgomery County.
March 6: Landlord Lunch & Learn
On behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services, Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH) formally invite you to an afternoon event where landlords can learn about all programs and departments in a one-stop shop. Presenters will share essential information about housing subsidy programs, resources, and landlords' rights and responsibilities.
March 8: Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Join the six Councilwomen on International Women’s Day, Friday, March 8, 2024, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts at 9:00 AM for an exciting “Breakfast and Banter” event celebrating Women's History Month.
March 9: MCPS Girls Summit
Girls in grades six through 12 can explore a variety of mental health and self-care issues during the March 9 Girls’ Summit sponsored by Montgomery County Public Schools at Northwood High School in Silver Spring. Those interested can register here.
March 13: Sports Tourism Panel
RSVP to join Visit Montgomery for a panel discussion on the importance of sports tourism in Montgomery County, facilitated by Matt Libber, Executive Director of the Maryland SoccerPlex.
March 17: Action in Montgomery Universal Pre-K Action
Join Action in Montgomery for an afternoon to advocate for universal pre-K at Harmony Hills Elementary School. Together, attendees will hear from parents and the community about the need to expand pre-K spots and find creative solutions to expand pre-K in our county.
Community Resource Hub
Yours in Service,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
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