Educate, Empower, Protect: Building Resilient Schools and Communities

Moderated by Delegate Edith Patterson

This workshop will address the critical challenges and opportunities in ensuring educational equity for Black students, focusing on virtual learning, school safety, and culturally responsive teaching. Moderated by Del. Edith Patterson and featuring educators, parent advocates, and student leaders, the session will explore the impact of book bans, curriculum censorship, and DEI rollbacks. Panelists will share practical tools and strategies for parents, teachers, and students to protect Black history, advance innovative supports, and strengthen afterschool and tutoring programs. Participants will leave empowered to defend educational equity and foster safe, inclusive, and enriching learning environments.

Weathering the Storm: Protecting and Building Black Wealth in Uncertain Times

Moderated by Senator Antonio Hayes & Delegate N. Scott Phillips

Black Marylanders are bearing the brunt of today’s economic challenges, from widespread layoffs to rising housing and food costs. To meet this moment, Black families need practical strategies and tools to protect and build wealth.

This workshop will explore ways to safeguard and grow Black wealth while expanding access to economic opportunities. Moderated by Senator Antonio Hayes and Delegate N. Scott Phillips, and featuring Black business leaders, financial experts, and workforce trainers, the session will cover timely financial strategies, job and workforce development, small business growth, and intergenerational wealth planning.

Participants will walk away with actionable insights to navigate the current economy, strengthen financial security, expand business opportunities, and build sustainable economic futures for Black communities.

Progress Made: Closing the Gap and Advancing Health Equity & Justice in Maryland

Moderated by Senator Malcolm Augustine & Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk

This workshop will examine critical progress being made to address health disparities affecting Black women and Black communities in Maryland, focusing on HIV, diabetes, sickle cell disease, and breast cancer. Moderated by Del. Peña-Melnyk and Sen. Malcolm Augustine, the session will feature leading public health advocates, medical professionals, community navigators, and Black women’s health leaders. We know the stats – how are we addressing them? Panelists will highlight Maryland-specific data, share practical strategies to expand access and prevention, and advances in solutions at the state and federal levels. Together, participants will gain actionable tools to help close health equity gaps and drive systemic change.

Civil Rights & Justice in Action: Turning Anger into Organized Power

Moderated by Senator Shaneka Henson & Delegate Stephanie Smith

This town hall will examine the current threats to civil rights and social justice affecting Black communities, from proposed benefit cuts and workplace challenges to protest suppression and federal policy rollbacks. Moderated by Del. Stephanie Smith and Sen. Shaneka Henson, and featuring leaders from HBCUs, advocacy organizations, and government, the discussion will highlight practical strategies for protecting rights and safety. Panelists will provide tools on “Know Your Rights,” workplace protections, and protest safety, while helping participants channel concerns into organized, actionable power. Attendees will leave equipped to implement a measurable 90-day response plan that advances justice and accountability in their communities.

Equity in Action: Energy Access and Environmental Justice

Moderated by Senator Benjamin Brooks & Del. Regina Boyce

This workshop will explore the intersection of energy policy, environmental justice, and economic opportunity for Black communities. Moderated by Del. Regina Boyce and Senator Benjamin Brooks, and featuring energy policy advocates, community leaders, and Black environmental justice organizations, the session will address energy affordability, clean energy jobs, and environmental racism. Panelists will provide strategies to protect families from rising utility costs, expand minority-owned access to renewable energy contracts, and advocate for community engagement on environmental hazards. Participants will leave empowered with tools and actionable steps to advance climate justice, economic equity, and healthier communities.