Torch has passed

Last week, voters in the 43rd District choose to say goodbye to a veteran state senator and elected someone from a different generation (“Mary Washington claims victory in Maryland Senate race against Joan Carter Conway,” July 6).

The incumbent, Sen. Joan Carter Conway, deserves our gratitude and respect for her service. Indeed, she fought electoral battles in times when African Americans were assaulted at the polls. And, for an AfricanAmerican woman to be appointed chair of the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee was nothing short of a miracle.

To Ms. Conway, many, many, many thanks for your service, wisdom and sacrifice. You forged a path for upcoming African-American women to understand that they have a well-deserved place at the table of democracy. Indeed, Del. Mary Washington stands on your shoulders. You’ve set the bar high and pass a baton heavy with accomplishments that benefit us all. On bended knee, we pour heartfelt libations to you as our mentor.

To Delegate Washington, congratulations on your accomplishment. We salute your courage in challenging a revered public servant. I’m certain that you appreciate the solid foundation that she’s provided for you. You have huge pumps to fill (I’m sure at times Ms. Carter must have felt as if she were walking on stilts). We’ve entrusted our futures to you. While we support you, we’ll hold you accountable and will remember the campaign pledges as you take on this task in a time when Baltimore (and Maryland) needs your intelligence, wisdom and innovation in solving its problems.

To both of you: Marylanders, and most importantly our young people, are witnessing the manner in which you handle this transition. You will set the tone for generations to come. Remember he ancient proverb of the Kikuyu people, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” Please be mindful and move through it with wisdom and grace.

Now, we’ve many grave issues to attack and unity in this battle is the only way to succeed!