Making Something Good Come Of It
County And State Leaders Discuss Opportunities In ‘Protest to Policy’ Panel Discussion
Hear Key Points Of The Discussion By Clicking Audio Bars (5). View on YOUTUBE
In the wake of protests around the nation calling for systemic change in policing, organizers established “From Protest to Policy” as a bridge the gap between elected officials and the community through discussions about high priority issues.
The July 8 session covered topics ranging from community policing to police presence in schools. Leaders took questions from residents aired by moderators Ashley Sharp and Christopher Stevenson.
“We felt that this was important because oftentimes residents want to get more involved but they don’t know how and we wanted to empower the average person,” Sharp says. “Awareness of injustices is raised through pressure but in order to have true change it requires setting (or upsetting) roots to a better foundation to build upon.”
Comments and discussion can be heard via audiobars below.
About the Moderators
Ashley Sharp
Ashley Sharp is Deputy Chief of Staff to Vice Chairman Councilman At-Large Calvin Hawkins of the Prince George’s County Council. She is a 2020 New Leaders Council Fellow, a 2018 Forty Under 40 inductee, a member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. She is also a business owner and member of the Market Fresh Gourmet team. She is passionate about educating the community on civic engagement and food insecurity in communities of color. She also serves as programming chair for the Prince George’s Social Innovation Fund Board of Directors. Previously, she served at both State and Federal levels of government for Prince George’s County elected officials focusing on constituent services and drafting policy and is a graduate of the University of MD - College Park.
Christopher Stevenson
With his deep-rooted love and passion for his community, Christopher Stevenson serves on the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee serving Legislative District 24. As a Central Committee Member, one of Chris’ main responsibilities is as an activist in his district. Within this platform, he has facilitated voter registration drives to ensure more residents are signed up to vote and make it to the polls, he’s implemented food drives and free food distributions for county residents before and during COVID-19, he’s led marches to support black and brown communities and is also passionate about helping the poor where he’s raised thousands of dollars for our most marginalized community. He has worked for every legislative field of government and has helped draft legislation that concentrates on public safety, education, healthcare and environmental matters. He currently serves as the Senior Policy Manager for 1199SEIU, the largest healthcare union in America.
- Rep. Anthony Brown
Retired Army Colonel and Congressional representative for Maryland District 4 representing Prince George’s County and parts of Anne Arundel County. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Armed Forces Committee and serves as a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and on the House Ethics Committee.
- Sen. Joanne Benson
State Senator for District 24 and Chair of the Senate Delegation in Annapolis and the Senate Rules (SRU) Committee. She also serves as a member of the Senate Finance Committee. She is a champion for senior citizens and youth in education and leads the “202 Coalition” in educating seniors in and around Capitol Heights at St. Margaret’s Church.
- Del. Darryl Barnes
State Delegate for District 25 and Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. He is an advocate for minority small businesses and runs the Bi-County Business Roundtable. He also founded Men Aiming Higher, a local non-profit that specializes in mentorship and career readiness. He currently serves on the House Ways & Means (W&M) Committee and in leadership as Deputy Majority Whip.
- County Councilmember Jolene Ivey
Prince George’s County Councilmember of District 5 and Founder of Mocha Moms, Inc. - Prince George’s County Chapter, a national non-profit support group for mothers of color. She was a former State Delegate and now uses her experience to serve as a County Councilmember on the Planning, Housing & Economic Development (PHED) Committee.
- Bladensburg City Councilmember Jocelyn Route
Newly elected public servant. She is a Social Worker by trade and has a passion for grassroots organizing. Her focus for the City of Bladensburg is to expand quality after-school programs for youth that are accessible to all families in Bladensburg.
