(The Slice): Wes Moore was sworn in as Maryland' s first African American governor, taking his oath on a Bible owned by abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The 63rd governor of the "The Free State" reclaimed the governors mansion for Democrats, as successor to Larry Hogan. The political newcomer ran on the promise to improve climate, protect abortion rights, build generational wealth and "leave no one behind."
Moore's speech was dotted with historic references as he made history, becoming only the third Black person to run a state. Moore's running mate, Aruna Miller, also made history as the first immigrant and first Asian American elected statewide.
Maryland is home to slave Emancipator Harriet Tubman, inventor Benjamin Banneker, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and where Francis Scott Key penned the national anthem. It's reputation on the national stage is But in his speech Moore said his election to the highest post in the state is not about making history; it's about moving forward.
An Oxford educated author, combat veteran and father of two, Moore defeated Dan Cox a hard conservative.
Oprah Winfrey who started her media career in Maryland and suported 44-year-old Moore as a candidate, attended Wednesday's inauguration. She praised the state and sits Marylanders will be even better with the new governor at the helm.
"I feel lifted up and encouraged that Black talent has been recognized and has an opportunity to come forward," Duval Patrick, the second Black governor in Massachusetts said in an interview with The Associated Press after the ceremony. VIrginia's Doug Wilder was the first Black governor in America.
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