Our Legacy: African-American aldermen have long served the city

Last Nov. 1 marked 145 years since slavery was abolished in Maryland. It has been two years since the City of Annapolis wrote its version of an apology for slavery.

According to that resolution, the week prior to Nov. 1 is set aside for activities that are to reflect the African experience. This year the City Council invited me to provide reflections on one of its own, the former slave and alderman Wiley H. Bates.

As I looked around the room, I saw nothing there to honor the legacy of all the African Americans who have served this city. So, although I had been asked to speak about Bates, I also took a minute to reflect on...