By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer
The fifth annual AFRO High Tea was held in Baltimore on April 22. Maryland’s finest came together for a sold out event that was held at Martin’s West. Women adorned large hats, lacy gloves in a display of divine femininity, and men donned their best suits and ties.
The AFRO was happy to honor four of Maryland’s leading ladies.
Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Speaker of the House, Rep. Adrienne A. Jones and First Lady Dawn Moore were all recognized for their service.
Jones is the first Black woman to serve in her position in the state and shared what her experience in politics has been like during her acceptance speech.
“I’ve been in the Maryland General Assembly since 1997 and I know how far we’ve come. When I first served in the legislature, there weren’t a lot of women— particularly women who look like me,” Jones shared. “Now more women in general and women of color in particular are leading in Maryland than ever before.”
The honorees chosen for recognition are trailblazers and the first of their kind to serve in their respective positions. Each honoree was awarded a customized, framed cover of the AFRO American Newspaper with their own story and image front and center.
Moore thanked the AFRO in her speech, noting how necessary the publication has been to the preservation and creation of Maryland’s rich, Black history. She also let it be known that her appreciation goes beyond her husband’s administration and that the AFRO has been vital during her political tenure as well.
“The AFRO is a historic institution that isn’t just preserving history or reporting on it– but actually making it,” said Moore. “The support of the AFRO helped my husband, myself, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and our team build a coalition of change makers who are dedicated to moving our state forward and leaving no one behind.”
“As we love saying “the AFRO got it right,” continued More. “But my love for the AFRO isn’t just about this administration. I’ve been in service for a long time and every step of the way the AFRO was a key leader and key partner– a source of knowledge and truth.”
Both the young and old were in attendance to celebrate and honor these women. Agnes T. Ray was the oldest guest in attendance, at 99 years old.
“It was a lovely lovely affair. Every minute was joy,” Ray told the AFRO. “I thoroughly enjoyed myself!”
