The Prince George's County Council convened on February 25, 2025, to celebrate Black History Month, focusing on the historical contributions and achievements of African Americans in the county. The meeting highlighted significant figures and events that shaped the local community and emphasized the importance of representation and progress.

The session began with a tribute to notable historical figures, including George, a Buffalo Soldier and the first Black officer in the U.S. Army appointed in 1884. The council also recognized Peter Mills, the last verified American born into slavery from Prince George's County, who passed away in 1972. These discussions underscored the county's rich history and the struggles faced by its Black residents.

Council members addressed the historical lack of educational opportunities for Black and brown children in the county, referencing the ten schools funded by the Freedmen's Bureau, which were often inadequate one-room buildings. They noted the absence of high schools for Black students in the region and celebrated the establishment of some of the first Black high schools in the county.

The council highlighted the current demographic and economic successes of Prince George's County, which boasts a population of over 960,000 residents, with 60% identifying as Black or African American. The county is recognized as one of the most affluent African American majority-led counties in the nation, with a projected growth rate of 4,000 to 5,000 new residents annually over the next five years. The discussions emphasized the county's strong labor force and above-average household incomes, attributing these successes to effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The meeting also featured historical references to influential figures in labor and civil rights, such as Mary McLeod Bethune, A. Philip Randolph, and Bayard Rustin, who made significant contributions to education, labor rights, and civil rights advocacy. The council acknowledged the ongoing struggles for recognition and dignity faced by domestic workers, as highlighted by Dorothy Lee Bolden, and the emerging leadership of figures like Christian Smalls in organized labor.

In conclusion, the council's discussions during the Black History Month program not only celebrated the historical achievements of African Americans in Prince George's County but also reinforced the importance of continued advocacy for equity and representation in all sectors of society. The meeting served as a reminder of the county's progress and the ongoing commitment to honoring its rich history while striving for a more inclusive future.