Council Connections

COUNCIL RECOGNIZES ‘THE ART OF TRAILBLAZING’ DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION 

The Prince George’s County Council, on February 27^th, held its Annual Black History Month Celebration “The Art of Trailblazing,” honoring special guests who uniquely personify the bold pursuit of new paths forward. The day’s event began with a dynamic dance presentation from the Kettering Middle School Spanish Immersion “Lady Cougars” Step Team. The audience was also treated to a very special performance by Sweet Honey in the Rock, a three-time grammy nominated acapella ensemble founded in 1973 comprised entirely of women who illustrate the realities and histories of Black women in America as musical missionaries of equality, empowerment and education, peace, love, solidarity.

The County Council presented proclamations to four honorable trailblazers.

Ben’s Chili Bowl was founded in 1958 by Ben Ali and his wife Virginia Ali as a means to provide affordable meals to the diverse community of Washington D.C., especially during a time of racial segregation. Council Members presented a proclamation to Virginia Ali, recognizing the legacy of Ben’s Chili Bowl and its contribution to the “Art of Food” that feeds the soul and heart of the African American community.

Centenarian and District 3 resident Mattie Lee Coleman was recognized for the “Art of Aging,” attributing her long life to eating whole, well-balanced meals and growing up without fast food. Born in 1918, Ms. Coleman has experienced the social progress of our nation, from watching the Ku Klux Klan ride through her neighborhood to the election of the first Black President and first Black woman to serve as Vice President. The proclamation was accepted on her behalf by Great-granddaughter China Summers. 

In 1967, Alonzo Daniel Black, Jr. made history as the first Black Police Officer in Prince George’s County. He was also elected as the first Black Sheriff in Prince George’s County in 1998. His accomplishments and perseverance through adversity paved the way for today’s Black leadership in law enforcement and public safety, including Police Chief Malik Aziz and Sherriff John Carr who joined Council Member Harrison to present the proclamation.

The Honorable Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland, who was recognized as the first Black Governor of Maryland, the third Black Governor in the nation, and a compassionate leader of the great state of Maryland. The commendation was accepted on his behalf by Dr. Antwan Brown, Governor’s Office of Community Affairs.

COUNCIL RECEIVES RENT STABILIZATION TASK FORCE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

To protect tenants from excessive rent increases by limiting the amount landlords can raise rents, the Council passed CB-007-2023 last year, legislation proposed by District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha. In tandem with the measure, a working group was established to study more permanent rent control solutions and during session on Tuesday, February 27th, Council Members received a Rent Stabilization Task Force Report and Recommendations Briefing from Equitable Housing Solutions Director, Bithia Ratnasamy Palmer and members of her team, providing updates on their collaboration with the workgroup and project team recommendations. Executive Appointments to the Commission on Common Ownership Communities were also unanimously approved during Tuesday’s session.

The County Council, sitting as the District Council on land use matters, convened on Monday, February 26^th.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUPPORTS STATEWIDE BILLS The Council’s General Assembly Committee convened on February 27th to take a position on statewide bills impacting Prince George’s County under consideration by the County’s House and Senate Delegation. Among the statewide bills receiving committee support include HB 1441 Early Childhood Education – Publicly Funded Pre-K Programs and HB 1157/SB 937 Grow Your Own Education Grant Program. HB 924/ SB 1126 Transportation – Regional Transportation Authorities and HB 1319 Internet Gaming – Authorization and Implementation were held for further discussion.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM ARE THE FOCUS OF EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

Community colleges play a critical role in providing affordable, accessible education, offering diverse opportunities for individuals to gain skills and knowledge vital for career advancement and socio-economic mobility. Prince George’s Community College is the region’s premier center for dynamic teaching and learning, and on Monday, February 26^th, President, Dr. Falecia Williams provided members of the Council’s Education and Workforce Development Committee (EWD) with a briefing focusing on outcomes and achievement, workforce development, scholarships, and Capital Budget Projects.

EWD  members then turned their attention to a Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Briefing, receiving an overview program impacts and plans for the 2024 program year.

COUNTY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR KAREN CAMPBELL

The Prince George’s County Council bids a fond farewell to longtime Communications Director Karen D. Campbell, who retired from the Legislative Branch effective March 1st.  Director Campbell has managed the communications needs of the County Council and Legislative Branch for 30 years.  As she embarks on this new and exciting chapter of her journey, the County Council expresses heartfelt gratitude for her immeasurable contributions and unwavering commitment over the past thirty years.  Karen’s legacy will continue to guide and inspire us as we navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. To read the press release on the retirement of Director Campbell, click HERE.

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR COMMUTER BUS RIDERS

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)  has proposed reductions to  its commuter bus service.  Most of the impacted bus routes are outside of Prince George’s County, but a few may impact commuter bus riders in the County.   MTA is holding five public hearings – three virtual and two in-person) on the proposed changes between March 18^th  and 27^th.  Public comments will be accepted through April 29, 2024.  To learn more about the proposal or how to participate in the public hearings,  please visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus2024

COUNCIL MEMBER KRYSTAL ORIADHA HOSTS BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT

District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha’s B7ack on B7ock event had a great turnout with an amazing network of local artists, vendors and entrepreneurs. The event was in partnership with State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy and also featured a panel on Black Maternal Health. Thanks to all who attended!

COUNCIL MEMBER WALA BLEGAY HOSTS TRAFFIC TOWN HALL AND MBE/NONPROFIT SYMPOSIUM

Council Member Wala Blegay hosted a traffic town hall to address concerns about road safety in District 6 and share findings from the District 6 Road Infrastructure Survey. Delegates Kent Roberson and Denise Roberts, legislative representatives from District 25, and Sen. Alonzo Washington were in attendance and extended support for ensuring safer communities. Representatives from Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Pepco also attended. Council Member Blegay also recently held an MBE & Nonprofit Symposium at Bishop McNamara High School. Rosie Allen-Herring, President and CEO of the United Way of the National Capital Area, was the keynote speaker, and the featured guest speaker was Heather Iliff, President & CEO of Maryland Nonprofits. The panel included representatives from Prince George’s County Council Office of Finance, Office of the Comptroller of Maryland, Employ Prince George’s, the Economic Development Cooperation, WSSC Water, MDOT, FSC First, Fair Chance, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and the Bowie Business Innovation Center. More than 200 businesses and nonprofits were represented.

CHAIR JOLENE IVEY VISITS FLOWERS HIGH SCHOOL

Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) was provided with an opportunity to hear more about  the amazing programs being offered at “Mecca of Excellence,” Charles Herbert Flowers High School. Principal Dr. Gorman Brown invited the Chair to see firsthand the amazing programs for our youth, from Science and Technology to Fire Cadet initiatives. She also received an inside look at students in their classrooms as they learned about Women Studies, Journalism, and even Civil Engineering.

COUNCIL MEMBERS HAWKINS AND FISHER TESTIFY IN ANNAPOLIS

General Assembly Committee Chair Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) and Vice Chair Wanika Fisher (District 2) have been working with state legislators and testifying on behalf of the Council for bills that have been heard in their committee.

March 5 - General Assembly Committee - 9:00 AM - DETAILS

March 5 - County Council - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

March 5 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 11:30 AM - DETAILS

March 5 - Sitting as the District Council - 11:45 AM - DETAILS 

March 7 - PHED Committee - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

March 7 - HHSPS Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page