Miller Addresses 2023 Legislative Wins And Democracy At South County Democratic Club Speaker Series

By Kristina Townsend // PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAOUL DENNIS

Additional Reporting By Raoul Dennis

On June 6, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller served as special guest at the South County Democratic Club’s (SCDC) Speaking Series June 6.

The event took place in the quiet neighborhood home of a prominent former Maryland official in Temple Hills (District 7).

The event was a who’s who of nearly 150 members within county politics – past, present and future leaders. Against the backdrop of a summer breeze kissed afternoon, nearly two dozen tables set on the lawn provided all audience members a front row experience as speakers addressed the audience from an elevated balcony (See South County Democratic Club host committee and sponsor box below).

In her welcoming remarks, Prince George’s County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (D-Dist. 7) reminded guests of the grace and strength within her district.

“It’s wonderful to see you all here,” Oriadha said. “Too often people overlook what we have here in District 7. I’m very proud that the Lt Governor is here today.”

Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay (D-Dist. 6) addressed the power of the diversity of the council and its complementary reflection to the Moore Administration.

“We reflect the strength and diversity of immigrant communities on the council and at the state level,” Blegay said.

Courtney Green, president of the South County Democratic Club, said empowering the SCDC and informing the community of the importance of the democratic process are goals of the speaker series.

Maryland Del. Jamila Woods sang “Alabaster Box” to open the occasion with her spiritual grounding and powerful voice.

“The purpose of the speaker series is feature special guest speakers of significance that will promote democratic empowerment as well as advance the goals and objectives of the Democratic Party,” said Green when asked about the occasion.

Lt. Miller did not disappoint, delivering a speech of encouragement and empowerment to her audience and speaking of the achievements she and Governor Wes Moore have accomplished since taking office. “We ran on a campaign to never leave anyone behind,” Miller said. “We are trying the best we can to do that. During the first 100 days, we went to every single jurisdiction in the state of Maryland and met people where they are. We're listening to their concerns and what's important to them. Marylanders not only have great solutions [as to how] we can address the biggest challenges ahead of us, but they want to be part of the solution. It's been so inspiring to meet Marylanders in every single jurisdiction and hearing their ideas.”

This was how she summarized their first 100 days in office: “We introduced 10 pieces of legislation into the General Assembly, and every one of these bills passed with bipartisan support,” Miller said. “Two, we wanted to make sure our cabinet looked exactly like the state of Maryland. Because of that, we have the most diverse cabinet ever in Maryland's history, where 50% of our cabinet secretaries are people of color, 50% are women, and 29% are women of color.”

Lt. Governor Miller also spoke of the Serve Act, a program meant to help high school graduates: “We also want to make sure that we create Maryland to be a state of service. One piece of legislation that we passed is the first in the nation, and that is The Serve Act, which would encourage high school graduates coming out of school [to serve]. The Serve Act would give youth an opportunity much like a hands-on work experience. For one year, they would come to the state of Maryland. The state would pay them $15 minimum wage. If they complete the program for one year, they get a stipend of $3,000, and they get to choose the area that interests them the most. Whether they want to go into education or health care or transportation or environment, whatever it may be, that’s the area that we will pair them up with.”

She went on to say how this bill also helps reduce child poverty, allowing the rising of minimum wage to $15 an hour for January 2024.

Miller reminded guests of the journey to the office.

“Look, Wes Moore and I, when we started this journey, it was an improbable journey,” Miller reflected. “I can tell you that. When we got on a ticket together, there were lots of people who said, ‘I don't know about this ticket.’ In fact, I had an individual, several of them in fact, that came up to me and they said, ‘I want to support your ticket, but your ticket is a little unusual.’ I said, ‘Really? How's that?’ They said, ‘Well, both of you…two people of color?’ I said, ‘You know, you're right. Wes Moore and I are rather colorful individuals. I totally agree with you!’

I know exactly what they were saying. They were saying that Wes Moore being Black and me being Brown, this ticket would never win. Maybe they did have a justification for that because here's the thing, a ticket like this has never won in the United States of America, but you all made it happen.”

Miller called on guests to remember that giving back is the source of her motivation.

“One of my favorite quotes says that the two most important days of your life are the day that you're born and the day you understand why. What that means is when you find out what your purpose in life is. I know when I look at every one of you, we know one of our purpose in life is to give back to our community, to lift others up that don't have the same opportunities as we do, to be empathetic and compassionate in every day, in every way. That's what I am proud that Governor Moore and I are doing together, but we cannot do this without you right there beside us.”

The Lt. Governor said it’s important to press forward and not relax.

“There's a saying that says that success is not owned, it's leased, and the rent you pay is the hard work you do each and every day for that,” Miller said. “That's why I want to thank you for the rent you're paying every day to keep our democracy alive. Thank you for having me here this evening. Thank you for inviting me to gorgeous Prince George's.”

Dr. Juanita Miller introduced the elected officials across the lawn with swag and, at points, tender emotion for members of the next generation of leaders she mentored.

Admirably, Miller took time to thank everyone who had attended and everyone who had made everything leading up to the event possible, including Courtney Green, and former Maryland state senator and Secretary of Aging and Gloria Lawlah, among many others.