May 8

May 8 In It Together

An Interview with Vice-Chair Councilman At-Large Calvin S. Hawkins, II, On Supporting Community Relief Efforts During COVID-19 Pandemic

Prince George’s Suite Magazine & Media sent several questions to At-Large Prince George’s County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins regarding his work participating in several food drives in the wake of COVID-19. We asked him about the work now and the trend for the near future. Below are his responses. PHOTOS: COURTESY THE OFFICE OF COUNCILMEMBER CALVIN HAWKINS

1. How many food and mask events have you participated in this year?

I have participated in 17 different efforts combined in various food and mask giveaways. This weekend I am hosting a Mother’s Day Food Giveaway in partnership with the County Executive’s Office, Patriots Technology Training Center, G.S. Proctor, City of Seat Pleasant, City of Glenarden, Town of Fairmount Heights and Town Capital Heights, and a number of other community partners to provide fresh groceries and meats to 500 families in Seat Pleasant.

2. As more people will be needing assistance in the months ahead, is there a plan for how you will continue providing food and supplies?

My colleagues and I have supported the County Executive’s comprehensive plan by contributing $100,000 towards the $1.2M effort to address food insecurity in Prince George’s County during COVID-19. Going forward, I personally will continue to focus on the most heavily impacted inner beltway areas who have fallen on hard times and seniors who are among the most at-risk for the virus.

Calvin Hawkins on a food drive in April 2020

3. How will you push state and federal representatives to do more?

I will continue to support elected state officials in pushing for the Governor to give Prince George’s County our fair share of PPE and testing while being extremely vigilant of flattening the curve as we near the re-opening of the economy. I am also calling on our elected federal officials to support releasing racial/ethnic data related to positive cases and mortality rates as a result of COVID-19. I will also continue to work alongside the County Executive and my colleagues to give significantly more consideration of the existing health disparities by supporting the allocation of more funds towards health and human services.

4. Do you believe that other states are opening too soon (why? Why not?) and won't that impact Maryland once the travel season gets started?

Prince George’s County is a unique and special place that encompasses everything from vineyards to waterfronts and undoubtedly attracts many residents and travelers alike. The County Council is working together with the County Executive and her team as we follow ongoing executive updates from the Governor and the CDC. While the County is not yet ready to fully open, we are still encouraging people to stay home and stay safe. The Administration, with the support of the County Council, is working diligently to put plans in place to open safely while still helping residents who are facing current challenges as a result of COVID-19. However, I remain firm in approaching all of my decision with a mindset of pushing the question of “Is the economy more important than people’s lives?”

5. What other upcoming dates and events are on your calendar?

Next Thursday (5/14/20) I will be jointly hosting my second virtual town hall with my colleague Councilmember Sydney Harrison titled, “Virtual Town Hall – Where Do We Go From Here?” (Register at https://bit.ly/2L8Areg ) This opportunity will provide residents the ability to hear and ask questions of medical experts and health policy analysts on the next steps going forward as we continue to work to overcome this battle with the Coronavirus.