April 10, 2024 – Historic Sotterley will be proud to host a virtual moderated panel of exceptional young professionals to discuss the topic “How far have we come, and where do we need to go?”.

2024 has been proclaimed Maryland Year of Civil Rights as we commemorate the 60^th anniversary of the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights Act was a milestone in American democracy and justice, dismantling Jim Crow laws and paving a way for racial and gender equality, but with all the progress made, equality is still something that eludes many in our nation.

Tonight’s panel will discuss how they view the progress that has been made in the previous 60 years, and the challenges that they feel we still see face today, despite the effects of this groundbreaking legislation. Are there solutions for some of these challenges, and if so, are we up for making the changes necessary?

This is a free virtual event, but registration is required

Register here

Jaelon T. Moaney is the deputy director of the Starr Center for the Study of the American at Washington College. He is an interdisciplinary visionary, ruralist, historic resource steward, and civic change agent with deep roots in the Maryland Eastern Shore. As a descendant of founding Black families in Kent and Talbot counties, he carries forward a legacy of resilience and innovation, evidenced by his appointment by Gov. Wes Moore to the MD Commission on African American History & Culture. Jaelon’s commitment to producing scholarship centering life on, and along, Chesapeake Bay tributaries has garnered prestigious awards and recognition, including the Sentinels of the Republic Prize in Government and the Gaius C. Bolin 1889 Prize in Africana Studies. With a decade of experience as a national leader in the preservation movement, he has successfully advocated for legislative measures such as the designation of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area. Additionally, Jaelon actively invests in future generations through his involvement with educational initiatives like The Needle’s Eye Academy and serving on various boards including the Williams-Mystic Alumni Council and the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation.

Phoebe Tate is a Senior at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where she majors in English with a minor in Educational Studies. Fueled by her passion for Language Arts, she is dedicated to fostering a love for learning in others. Phoebe is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in English with the goal of obtaining a Master’s in Teaching. Outside of class, she immerses herself in reading, design, sketching, creative writing, and exploring various subjects including English, Science, Math, and History. Her internship at Historic Sotterley over the summer has deepened her lifelong interest in inclusive history, and she is currently focused on her St. Mary’s Project, which involves adapting Slave Narratives into a graphic novel. Phoebe finds immense joy in conducting research for her project and sharing the rich history of the site with others.

Roderick Lewis is currently Senator Ben Cardin’s Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland Field Representative. In 2019, he graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a BA in Political Science. While in high school and college, he worked on local campaigns, including for Delegate John Bohanan, and has been active in the St. Mary’s County NAACP Chapter. Roderick also interned in Congressman Hoyer’s District office and was a legislative intern in Annapolis for St. Mary’s College through the 2018 General Assembly session. He has served on the St. Mary’s County Democratic Central Committee and currently serves on the Charles County Democratic Central Committee.  After graduation, Roderick worked in the St. Mary’s College Admissions Office and helped recruit future Seahawks during the challenging pandemic cycle. Today, Roderick resides in Waldorf, Maryland with his husband Ivan their two cats, Laura and Scrappy, and their dog Bentley.

Kelsey R.M. Bush, hailing from Lexington Park in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, boasts a diverse academic and professional background. With a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in Political Science and Sociology/Anthropology, as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Bush currently serves as the Community Affairs Liaison for St. Mary’s College. Prior to this role, he held positions such as Interim Chief Diversity Officer at the college and spent two decades working in various capacities for St. Mary’s County Government, focusing on youth-related initiatives, grant monitoring, and collaboration on community issues. Bush’s extensive involvement includes appointments to the Historic St. Mary’s Commission and the Maryland Commission for African American History and Culture, along with membership in numerous boards and committees dedicated to youth, family, and historical preservation efforts. Residing in California, Maryland, with his family, Bush remains deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life and fostering inclusivity in his community.