A robust and timely panel discussion titled "What Does Justice for All Look Like?" was held Wednesday, April 9, at Cole Cinema on the campus of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, drawing local community members and students for a thought-provoking conversation on the state and future of civil rights in America. This forum was a follow-up to last fall’s panel discussion, "The Civil Rights Act in Southern Maryland: Yesterday, Today, and for Tomorrow." That program, featuring distinguished speakers from various community sectors, commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and its legacy in Southern Maryland.
Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Democracy, the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (OCOE), Historic St. Mary’s City, Historic Sotterley, the St. Mary’s Branch of the NAACP (#7025) and the United Coalition for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), the event served as a platform for reflection and community engagement around pressing issues of justice, equity, and inclusion under the new administration.
Molly McHugh '25, an intern with OCOE, skillfully moderated the discussion. Panelists included:
- Brandon Russell, Member of the Maryland Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, Board Member of Pride Southern Maryland (Pride SOMD), and Founder of Informed St. Mary’s
- Rashida Ogletree-George, Esq., Deputy Chief of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General Civil Rights Division
- Mia Bowers, President of the NAACP St. Mary’s County Branch (#7025) and Executive Director of Community Mediation of St. Mary’s
Each panelist brought unique perspectives rooted in lived experience, advocacy and public and governmental service. Topics included the evolving definitions of civil rights, the impact of political leadership on marginalized communities, and the real-world application of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice principles in institutions and everyday life. The wide-ranging discussion explored past progress, present challenges and future possibilities.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session, during which attendees engaged panelists on issues close to their hearts—from local challenges in St. Mary’s County to national policy trends. For more information about future events or how to get involved in social justice and civic engagement initiatives, please contact the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Contact: community@smcm.edu
240-895-5017
