Delegate Nicole Williams Newsletter 02/14- Black History Month: Mayor Malinda G. Miles
Dear Neighbors and Friends -
Our Governor and Lieutenant Governor are upholding their promises for a more inclusive future in Maryland! On Thursday, February 9th, they held a press conference with several Maryland legislators regarding reproductive health in Maryland. They announced their support for a package of bills, including Delegate Hill and I's proposed legislation HB0808 - Reproductive Health Protection Act. Their efforts are a monumental win for our state, especially in the current political climate where reproductive healthcare rights are under attack. Governor Wes Moore continues to make positive history in our state.
-Nicole
Black History Month Highlight: Mayor Malinda G. Miles
Our next Black History Month Highlight is the former mayor of Mt. Rainer, Maryland, Malinda G. Miles. Mayor Miles made history as the longest-serving mayor in the history of Mt. Rainer, committing herself to lead the town for 16 years. Before her tenure as mayor, she made history as the first black woman elected to City Council in 1987 and served for over ten years. During her time in public service, Mayor Miles has:
created and sustained needed committees, including youth and recreation;
created Mt. Rainier Bike Corp in collaboration with city youth;
senior programs and a morning walking program,
Mt. Rainer Community Garden Committee,
Mt. Rainier Green Team;
Wrote a grant to start the first Community Tool Shed that supports residents with equipment/tools/appliances;
formed liaisons with several county and state officials, faith-based communities, residential managers, and two elementary schools for a host of holiday activities, food baskets, and emergency needs
Emergency shelter, transportation, medical and financial aid
She is a prime example of a Black Marylander who has and continues to demonstrate excellence in public service within Prince George's County. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to us all to get involved in our local communities.
Black History Month Events in District 22
The celebration of excellence does not stop within this newsletter! Check out these February events within District 22 and more within Prince George's County to stay educated on black empowerment and to uplift your community:
Janice the Griot Presents: "Passage to Freedom" A Black History Month Storytelling Experience"
Friday, February 17, 6-7:30 pm.
Black History Month: Cultural Program
February 19, 2023, 2:30 PMā- 4:30 PM @Greenbelt Community Center
Call a Bus Day Trip, Montpelier Art Center Exhibition
February 22, 2023, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Free Family Film at the Old Greenbelt Theatre
Sunday, February 26, movie TBD. FREE
Legislative Updates
Here is the summary of another bill hearing that I am sponsoring this session:
HB0533: Criminal Procedure - Location Information - Exigent Circumstances (Kelsey Smith Act for Maryland)
This bill will be heard on Tuesday, February 21st in the Judiciary Committee and the Economic Matters Committee.
Synopsis:
Expedites the search for missing persons by requiring cell phone carriers to provide limited cellphone data to law enforcement during emergency situations.
Spotlight: Civically Involved Youth in District 22
On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, I had the pleasure of meeting Alan Morales, a high school sophomore who is a student at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. He came into the House of Delegates to testify for the passage of HB0451 in front of the House Judiciary Committee.
Delegate Nicole A. Williams 2023-24 Scholarship
The 2023-2024 scholarship application is now available! Applications will be accepted from now until April 7th, 2023. You are eligible for the scholarship if:
If you currently attend or will be attending any college or vocational school in Maryland next year
If you live in District 22 (to check, visit www.mdelect.net)
If you have at least a 2.5 GPA
Click here for more information on how to apply, as well as the link to the official application. Make sure that all parts of your application are complete before you submit it for consideration. Award winners will be announced in mid-May. Best of luck to everyone applying!
Article of the Week
If you do not have a quiet and safe work environment close to home to take a Zoom call for work or to write emails to clients, you are in luck! The Hyattsville Business Center Co-working Space recently opened to provide necessary amenities for virtual work, such as high-speed wifi, in-house computers, complimentary basic office supplies, and more. For more information, read this article from the Hyattsville Wire!
Love is in the District...22!
Today is Tuesday, February 14th, better remembered as Valentine's Day! Take the time to show appreciation for anyone important in your life, regardless of your relationship status. Here are a few simple ways to show your friends, family, significant other, and other loved ones that you care about them:
Telling them "I love you for (insert favorite qualities about them here)", preferably face-to-face or over a quick phone/video call.
Set aside quality time with whoever you want to celebrate the holiday with together.
Quality time can be anything you choose, from a short phone call to getting lunch, to spending the entire evening together doing your favorite activities.
If you can afford it, buy them a gift to show a token of your appreciation. It does not have to be expensive or grand, but the gift you buy should feel personal to the recipient so that it feels special.
COVID-19 Update
According to the CDC, COVID-19 Community levels are measured as Low, Medium, and High. At this time Prince Georgeās County is measuring at the level of Medium. Older adults (50 years and older), and individuals who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical or cardiac conditions should take necessary precautions to stay safe. Please click here to find the closest COVID-19 testing facility near you in Prince George's County.
Resources Redefining Public Safety
Mediation
If you are in need of conflict resolution and want an informal process to reach a win-win situation, consider reaching out to the Prince George's Community Collaborative Resolution Center! They are a division of Community Mediation Maryland (CMM) that provides free mediation services to all residents of Prince George's County. Their mediators are trained volunteers from the community who can resolve a conflict or situation at any stage. For more information:
Call: 301-690-0116
Email: pgresolutionscenter@gmail.com
As you may know, dialing 9-1-1 is the number to call when you need help and are in immediate danger. When dialing 2-1-1, you can receive information on immediate mental health support, hate-crime support, senior assistance, food and shelter support, and much more. Also, note that this information is provided in multiple languages. To learn more, please click here to explore Maryland's 2-1-1 site.
Housing Resources
Prince George's County Department of Housing Community Development 2023-2024 Affordable Housing Portfolio:
If you are currently facing housing or rental concerns due to financial hardship, the organizations listed below can provide some support:
Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund offers support mortgage relief, weatherization, housing counseling, and legal services.
Housing Counseling Services Inc. offers a variety of MD housing and rental assistance resources including but not limited to housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, utility assistance, and veteran support services
211 Maryland's database can connect you with local programs and resources, call 2-1-1 to speak with an Information and Referral Specialist or visit their website
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