- © 2024 Annapolis Home Magazine
- All Rights Reserved
When we were considering distinguished Marylanders for our cover story, Adrienne A. Jones immediately came to mind. Building on strength and intelligence rather than bravado, Jones has broken through to the highest levels of government. In 2019, after many years of faithful and noteworthy service, doing her job well earned her the position of Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates by a unanimous vote.
When we read in the Washington Post that Jones shies away from media attention, we were crestfallen. However, when she learned that we wanted to feature a leader who could lift us up during these truly challenging times, she agreed to an interview and allowed us to photograph her in the House chambers.
The first African-American and first woman Speaker in Maryland in history, Jones has had a long career in public service. A member of the House of Delegates representing Baltimore County since 1997, she has served on well over thirty task forces, committees, and commissions, and has received many honors for her public service. We thank her for her leadership and look forward to the upcoming year.
Annapolis Home: During your childhood and early development, who inspired you the most and why?
Adrienne Jones: If I were to choose one person who inspired me the most during my childhood and early development, it would be my late mother, Eula Mae Williams. I was her only daughter, growing up with four brothers. She wanted to make sure as a young girl growing into adulthood that I conducted myself properly. One of her most favorite sayings/words of advice was “Be yourself, or you will be by yourself,” meaning “Be authentic and don’t pretend to be something that you’re not”—words that I still abide by to this day. My mother also taught me the importance of obtaining a good education, doing for others through public service, and striving to be the best that I could be. I firmly believe it is due to my mother’s early support and inspiration that I hold the public service position I hold today as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates.
AH: You are the first African-American and the first woman Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. From your perspective, why is diversity important yet so hard to achieve?
AJ: Diversity is important because it offers a different perspective in dealing with the myriad issues that come before us in the Maryland House of Delegates. I would differ with you that diversity is so hard to achieve. As the 107th Speaker and first African-American and woman, I was pleased that our current members are more reflective of our State. This is, in part, thanks to organizations that assist and encourage women and persons of color to run for office. As a result, we have a record number of both women and persons of color in the Maryland House of Delegates.
AH: You have a blueprint to make Maryland a better place, with a particular focus on investing in schools. What will be your biggest hurdle?
AJ: The blueprint is a once-in-a-generation plan to revolutionize education in Maryland. It’s built on the principle that every child deserves the best education—regardless of zip code. Unfortunately, finding consensus on the price tag for that investment has been the problem. The blueprint is fully funded for the first 3-4 years. The biggest potential hurdle, therefore, would be funding in future years. However, I believe that eventually, there will be extraordinary returns on the financial investment we are making with the blueprint for Maryland’s future.
AH: What has the Coronavirus pandemic taught you professionally and personally?
AJ: Along with the Senate President, the COVID-19 Workgroup was established to focus on the delivery of critical services of state government during the crisis. We have worked collaboratively with Governor Hogan and his administration since the end of session in March.
I have seen how, despite some of our differences, we have come together as a community to support one another. I am especially proud of the encouragement that has been shown to those on the front lines of this battle—doctors, nurses, paramedics, caregivers, firefighters, and police officers whose daily focus is keeping us safe, and providing help and support to those who are affected by this pandemic and to their families.
Personally, I have adapted to communicating with my family through various social media venues and wearing a protective mask and gloves when I go to a public place. It also got me to be at home more than I have ever been before, and as a result, I have gotten some much-needed rest and some projects done around my house.
Annapolis Home Magazine
Vol. 11, No. 3 2020