Forum to Focus on ‘State of Black Montgomery’

A forum hosted by the African American Democratic Club of Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Young Democrats will bring state and local leaders together to address the “State of Black Montgomery” at the Silver Spring Civic Building on Feb. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Gov. Martin O’Malley, Congressmen John Delaney, John Sarbanes and Chris Van Hollen, County Executive Ike Leggett, and Montgomery County Council President Craig Rice are expected to attend the event.

Panel topics at the forum will include empowering and engaging youth, increasing political participation, addressing social justice issues and advancing economic power.

“There are many groups that joined together to organize this forum and I think the issues we will talk about need to be addressed,” said Montgomery County Council President Rice.

“These are not new issues, but not enough is being done to advance them—especially considering what we have available today in Montgomery County. There is a much better chance of getting many perspectives—and trying to find answers—when we are discussing these things in one place. A forum like this one will enable many people to participate in the discussion and I am looking forward to being part of it,” he said.

Find more information on the event here.

About Valerie Bonk

Valerie Bonk is a multimedia reporter and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media (MCM).

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