Hawks react to the Historic Inauguration of Governor

On Jan. 18, Wes Moore was sworn in as the 63rd governor of the state of Maryland, becoming Maryland’s first Black governor. Members of the UMES community were present including President Heidi M. Anderson, nearly 20 students from student and community organizations including Men of Distinction (M.O.D.), Young Men of Distinction (Y.M.O.D.), Women of Respect, Tact and Honor (W.O.R.T.H.), a Young Women of Respect, Tact, and Honor (Y.W.O.R.T.H.) and Young Elites of the Eastern Shore West to East Coast Aviation Network (Y.E.E.S. W.E. C.A.N.).

Staff members McCoy Curtis and Sheila Curtis were instrumental in organizing this experience for the students. Undergraduate students and an alumna who were present react to the momentous day in history.

“Seeing Wes Moore being inaugurated as Maryland’s first Black Governor was a very profound moment in my life as a young man of color. Governor Moore is the first Black governor to be elected in my life time and only the third in history. The image of him being sworn in will forever be remembered in my mind with the reminder that I too, a young black man with a major care for my community, can one day lead at such a high level like the governorship. He broke the barrier and I’m excited to see what he and his team will do next.”

Quinton Smith

“The inauguration of Governor Moore, being a first in his position, will not be easy yet his tenacity to guide and transform Maryland residents to achieve more stability is an amazing opportunity to bridge the multiple gaps in Maryland amongst the varying ethnicities and populations while being a beacon for all generations because of his abundant visions and significant years of community executive leadership advocating for accountability, equality and prosperity alongside his Lieutenant Governor, Aruna Miller and her devotion to accessibility pathways for education, employment and transportation.”

Tranita Barnett

“Receiving an invite to be part of this historical day was truly a blessing to me. Not only was I given the opportunity to be in attendance, I also was able to lend a helping hand to those coming in from all corners of Maryland. Seeing those people and their happy faces let me know that they too were very appreciative to be given this blessing. From start to finish, there was only high positive energy. My team and I were very pleased to see how good things turned out. Big shout out to my organization Men of Distinction (M.O.D), as well as Women of Respect, Tact and Honor (W.O.R.T.H), YEES WE CAN, and more!

Gov. Moore’s inauguration showed me that Maryland, and the United States as a whole, is growing in a positive direction. Being the first Black governor of Maryland and the third Black governor in the country is big by itself. He is setting an example for young Black men. I can’t wait to see what new growth we will have in this term!”

Charles Smith III

“Being a part of such a historic occasion was momentous. After reading the Other Wes Moore in my freshman English class back in the fall of 2015, I knew Governor Moore would be extremely special, not just to the people of Baltimore (which was mentioned in the book because he was raised there) but to the people of Maryland. Being an HBCU graduate, witnessing the first Black Governor of Maryland get inaugurated was touching. It gave people like me who want to go into politics the hope to continue to strive, to believe, and to triumph over any obstacles that may confront me. His grace is an inspiration to us all. I am more eager than before to reach my goals professionally. He may be the first but he will not be the last.”

Aajah Harris