Tenure

Elected to the Maryland Senate in November 2022. Member of the Senate since January 11, 2023. Member of the Senate 2007-2019.

Current Assignments

2023 Vice Chair, Rules Committee

2023 Judicial Proceedings Committee

2023 Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR)

2023 Joint Committee on Federal Relations

2024 Executive Nominations Committee

2023 Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland

Past Senate Service

Judicial Proceedings Committee, 2013-2019, 2007-2010; Finance Committee, 2010-2012; Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight, 2011-2019; Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing, 2007-2014; Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 2007-2010.

Public Service

State Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2023-.

Memberships

South County Economic Development Association; Prince Georges' Community Ministries; Southern Maryland Ministers Alliance.

Awards

Outstanding Citizen Award, Baltimore County Chapter, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Community Service Award, Howard County Council; Community Service Award, Baltimore County Executive.

Biographical Information

Born April 17, 1958 in Baltimore, Maryland; Morgan State University, B.A., History, 1981; Wesley Theological Seminary, M.Div., 1984; Howard University, Doctor of Ministry, Church and Community Development, 1991; Founder and Senior Pastor, Ark of Safety Christian Church, Upper Marlboro; Former Senior Pastor, Gibbons United Methodist Church, Brandywine, Maryland; Former Pastor, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Ellicott City, Maryland; Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, Catonsville, Maryland; Youth Program Coordinator, Washington East District, Baltimore-Washington Area Methodist Conference; Teacher and Lecturer, United Methodist School of Christian Growth; Married.