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February 9th, 2024
Dear Neighbor,
The Freedom to Read Act
I'm incredibly proud to have authored the Freedom to Read Act, which was read across the desk in the House in early February. Alongside my partner and cross-file in the Senate, Majority Leader Senator Nancy King, it is long past time we protect our libraries' collection and librarians from censorship and the erasure of history, people, and their stories. The importance of this legislation has been recognized by Speaker Adrienne Jones, with its inclusion in her Decency Agenda of 2024. I want to thank the dozens of advocates who have worked with me for months on this legislation. I'm looking forward to sharing updates on this bill with you throughout the session!
You can reach me by emailing my office at Dana.jones@house.state.md.us!
"Few of Many" Awards; Uplifting Black History
I had the pleasure of attending the “Few of the Many'' awards organized by the Caucus of African American Leaders, County Executive Steuart Pittman, and many others. This event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase amazing artists and community leaders at one of the largest Black History Month celebrations in the County!
It's imperative that we take time to reflect and honor the incredible lives and contributions of so many Black Americans, whose work and influence has safeguarded history, fought for justice, and fostered empowerment.
As the month goes on, I will be highlighting the accomplishments of some amazing Black individuals and their impact on Annapolis and Anne Arundel County through my Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to check it out!
HB 522 - Priority Bill for the Women’s Legislators of Maryland
I am honored and grateful to the Women’s Legislators of Maryland for officially making my bill, HB 522 Public Schools - Student Telehealth Appointments - Policy and Access a part of our 2024 Priority Legislative Agenda!
Telehealth services play an important role in expanding care to address the increasing need, and for many middle and high school students it is the most efficient and effective way to receive care. Access to telehealth services can help increase school attendance, school safety, and learning outcomes. However, students seeking telehealth appointments often need to take those appointments during the school day, and at present, some school districts are preventing this from taking place.
HB 522 will allow students to take telehealth appointments in school, where they are. Telehealth services support our children emotionally, physically, educationally, and socially. We must remove as many barriers as possible to students who are attempting to receive care, and HB 522 works to remove those barriers.
To stay tuned on the status of this bill, click here!
Honoring the Legacy of Wiley H. Bates
February 2nd, was a landmark day in Annapolis! After decades of being referenced as "Bates Middle School", Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) celebrated one of the all-time great Annapolitans, Wiley H. Bates, by officially unveiling the school's full name as Wiley H. Bates Middle School.
Thank you to Principal Katherine Hicks for her leadership as she lobbied to honor his legacy on full display at the front of the school. An amazing moment, and a well deserved honor for everything Mr. Bates did, and his legacy continues to do, for our community. I also want to thank the amazingly talented eighth graders, led by local Femi the Dry Fish, for their original performance that honors the school's namesake!
For more information about Wiley H. Bates’s story and impact, click here!
The Joy of Connecting in Annapolis!
There are many exciting things about being in session, but one of the things I look forward to most is getting to sit down and hear the individual stories of those who advocate on critical issues for Maryland. The past month, I’ve received so many special visitors and would love to share with you who has come my way!
Moms Demand Action - MD met with me, a wonderful group of dedicated advocates fighting to end gun violence! I thank them so much for their advocacy work and believe that together we can make a difference. I’m proud to be working alongside them!
Learn more about them here. ❤️
Friends and family of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) paid the Maryland General Assembly a visit for their “Lobby Night” event! I look forward to seeing them more this session!
Click here for more. 💚
Everyday is a day to celebrate higher education! I had the pleasure of meeting with amazing students and advocates from Anne Arundel Community College and Coppin State University. I greatly appreciate them taking the time to speak with me and share their priorities as students. I finished the day with a bill hearing on my legislation, HB 427, that will increase capital funding for critical infrastructure improvements to all 16 of Maryland's community colleges.
To follow the progress of this bill, and my legislative agenda, please visit here! 💛
🌱AACPL Plant Swap & Tea!☕
🌱🌺Calling all plant enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting your green journey, join AACPL on Saturday, February 10th at 2:30 p.m. at Severn Library for a fantastic plant swap!
Meet fellow plant lovers, share your passion and take home a new plant or cutting for your collection. 🌻Don't worry if you don't have a plant to bring – everyone is welcome! Mingle, chat about your leafy friends and enjoy hot tea and light refreshments provided by the library.🌸
Save the date for a plant-filled afternoon! More Info HERE!
Scoutin’ Out the MD General Assembly!
Thank you so much to the amazing AOLs and Webelos from Edgewater Cub Scout Pack 815 for visiting me on a busy Monday night in Annapolis! I was so happy to share with them some insight into my work, and answer all their questions about the legislative process. Looking forward to seeing them return as pages and future Delegates!
Black History Month with AACPL!
February is Black History Month, a month-long celebration of African American history and the rich culture and achievements of the Black community.
It is also a time to honor the generations of African Americans who fought for freedom, civil rights and racial justice in our country.
Anne Arundel County Public Library observes Black History Month this February by sharing books to read, providing resources to learn from and hosting events that celebrate Black perspectives and pay tribute to African American heritage!
Celebrate Black History Month at your local library by attending fun, educational events!
Enjoy a high-energy, uplifting African drumming and poetry performance with Nyame Nti West African Drummers and Drum Dr. Dot.
Experience the sights, sounds and culture of West Africa as you take an imaginary visit to Kofi’s Village.
Take a journey through history as we explore the brilliance of Black History’s groundbreaking geniuses, learn how to research African American genealogy and uncover Frederick Douglass’ connection to Highland Beach, an historical town in Anne Arundel County.
Discover the remarkable stories of African American women of the Civil Rights Movement, such as activists Ruby Dee, Angela Davis, Daisy Bates and Ruby Bridges.
Join Ranger Tim from The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park to learn about the vital roles of Black Jacks and iron furnaces on the Underground Railroad.
Explore the origins and evolution of popular dance forms that originated in the African American community.
Visit the Black History Month events calendar for a complete list of programs.
Enrich your knowledge of Black history and culture using the library’s digital resources!
Stream films that highlight the history and heritage of the Black community using Kanopy.
Learn about the experience and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media using our Black Life in America database.
Delve into the lives of historical and contemporary Black figures like Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sojourner Truth using our Biography database.
Explore information on Black history, identity, culture, activism and more using our Diversity Studies and Opposing Viewpoints databases.
Discover the history of the African diaspora, historical African American perspectives and more using our U.S. History and World History databases.
Choose your next read from AACPL’s lists of books on Black History!
Download African American Literary Classics in eBook and eAudiobook formats to enjoy instantly using Overdrive/Libby.
Looking for more books written by Black authors? Use NoveList’s “Advanced Search” feature to generate a list of books by African Americans.
You can follow me on Facebook, X, and Instagram to learn about volunteer opportunities, community resources, legislative updates and much more. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact my office by email at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3211.
Stay safe and healthy,
Delegate Dana Jones
District 30A, Annapolis & Anne Arundel County