Governor Wes Moore to address Maryland legislative group during November weekend

Maryland’s legislative calendar includes an annual gathering for its Black lawmakers and business allies. The 2026 Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland event is scheduled for November 6 and 7.

The schedule begins on Friday, November 6, with free virtual community workshops. These online sessions focus on the issues and legislation contained in the state's Black Agenda. The Maryland Black Caucus Foundation, which hosts the weekend, designed these workshops to provide residents with a direct line to policy discussions.

On Saturday, November 7, the event moves to Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel. From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., business and government leaders will attend the Business Over Breakfast forum. This networking session is open to Black entrepreneurs, executives, and policymakers.

Delegate N. Scott Phillips, who chairs the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, said the group faces evolving federal policies and contracting requirements. He noted that these changes create new opportunities for minority-owned businesses while presenting economic challenges. Delegate Karen Toles and Everette Browning, chair of the Maryland Lottery Commission, will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Walter Simmons of the Department of Social and Economic Mobility, Chike Aguh of the Kapor Center, and Don Cravins of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

Governor Wes Moore will deliver the keynote address at the Saturday evening awards gala. The VIP reception starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a live auction from 8:00 to 11:30 p.m. U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Senate President Bill Ferguson, and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk have been invited to offer greetings. Journalist Megan Rivers will serve as the emcee.

The gala will present specific awards to legislators and community figures. Senator Charles E. Sydnor III will receive the Senator of the Year award, and Delegate J. Sandy Bartlett will receive the Delegate of the Year award. Ufouma Agarin will receive the Chairman’s Award, while Senator Joanne C. Benson will receive the Legacy Award. Chairwoman Jheanelle Wilkins will receive the Maverick Award.

The Maryland Black Caucus Foundation will also recognize business and government partners. Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk will receive the President’s Harriet Tubman Award. Verizon will receive the Outstanding Business Partner of the Year award. Jody Davis of Jody Davis Designs will receive the Small Business of the Year award. Secretary Atif Chaudhry of the Department of General Services will receive the Government Partner of the Year award. The Honorable Sheila Dixon of Bethel Empowerment & Wellness Center and Eric Ravenell Hawkins of Operation Earnies Plate will receive Community Service Awards. Tickets for the gala are sold out, though registration for the Friday workshops and discounted tickets for Saturday's breakfast remain available.