Community Note & Meetings/ News/Angela Alsobrooks Has Raised Nearly $2 million
Community Note & Meetings/ News/Angela Alsobrooks Has Raised Nearly $2 million
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Community Notes
I believe I decided to add a “Community Notes” section about two months ago. One reason for including this category is so you can hear directly from certain community members. Community opinions or solutions to problems are an endorsement from The Intersection. But, again, it is just a chance for you to hear the resident’s thoughts on a particular subject.
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Jonathan White is a Prince George’s County resident who often posts to a Nextdoor group about crime in the county. Mr. White has outlined a 12-point strategy that he believes could help curb crime.
In my view, addressing the escalation of violence requires a multifaceted and collaborative approach. Here are constructive ways to tackle the issue:
1) Community Engagement and Empowerment: Cultivate a sense of community through neighborhood events, town halls, and forums promoting open dialogue and collaboration.
2) Power: Empower community members to actively address local issues and contribute to solutions.
3) Youth Outreach and Programs: Invest in programs offering positive alternatives for youth, such as after-school programs, mentorship initiatives, and recreational activities. Create opportunities for job training and internships to help young people develop skills for a better future.
4) Education and Awareness: Implement educational initiatives focusing on conflict resolution, anger management, and the consequences of violence. Raise awareness about the impact of violence on individuals, families, and the community through public campaigns and educational programs.
5) Policing: Law Enforcement and Community Policing: Strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community through community policing strategies. Promote transparency and accountability within the police force, addressing concerns and building trust.
6) Mental Health Services: Increase access to mental health services, particularly for individuals at risk of engaging in violent behavior. Collaborate with mental health professionals to address the root causes of violence and provide support to those in need.
7) Employment Opportunities: Work with local businesses and organizations to create job opportunities, especially for individuals at risk of involvement in criminal activities. Support entrepreneurship and small business initiatives that contribute to economic development.
8) Support for At-Risk Families: Provide resources and support for families facing challenges such as poverty, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Strengthen social services to assist families in crisis and prevent situations that may lead to violence.
9) Restorative Justice Programs: Implement restorative justice programs focusing on repairing harm, rebuilding relationships, and reintegrating individuals into the community. Explore alternatives to traditional punitive measures, emphasizing rehabilitation and community involvement.
10) Collaboration Between Agencies: Facilitate collaboration between various government agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, and community groups to pool resources and expertise. Develop a comprehensive, coordinated approach to address the underlying causes of violence.
11) Data-Driven Approaches: Use data to identify crime hotspots, patterns, and trends, allowing for targeted and effective intervention strategies. Evaluate the impact of implemented programs and adjust strategies based on data-driven insights. Addressing the escalation of violence requires a sustained and collaborative effort from the entire community. By focusing on prevention, intervention, and community building, it's possible to create positive and lasting change. It's crucial to promote awareness, engage the community, and advocate for comprehensive solutions to counteract any perception of neglecting these issues. This involves fostering open dialogue, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing evidence-based strategies to address the root causes of violence. It requires a collective effort from the community, local authorities, and organizations to create meaningful change.
12) Leaders: Lastly, we need leaders and not self-interested politicians. Having leaders rather than self-interest politicians is crucial for the well-being and progress of any society. True leaders are driven by a commitment to the greater good and the welfare of their constituents, prioritizing the needs of the community over personal gain. Leaders possess a vision for the future, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to inspire others towards a common goal. In contrast, self-interested politicians may prioritize their advancement, personal gain, or the interests of a select few. Genuine leaders foster unity, inclusivity, and social cohesion, working to address the diverse needs of their constituents. They make decisions based on ethical principles, long-term sustainability, and the betterment of society as a whole. In contrast, self-interested politicians may compromise the integrity of governance, erode public trust, and contribute to social divisions. Therefore, the presence of true leaders is indispensable for fostering a thriving and harmonious community.
Community Meetings
When: Saturday (February 10) 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST
Location: 199 Duke of Gloucester St Annapolis, MD 21401
Link: t.ly/rflOU
Progressive Maryland is thrilled to announce the 2024 Power Summit: We won't be denied! Not when it comes to winning on our issues and building power in the state. This is our annual in-person Member Assembly.
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Prince George’s County Memorial Library
PGCMLS will be closed on Friday, January 19, due to inclement weather.
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Animal Volunteer Orientation
Date: January 20, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.
We are looking for volunteers to help walk and socialize dogs, play with cats, assist with feeding animals, stuff treats, cleaning, office work, off-site events and more!
If you are interested in volunteering, please come to our facility to learn more about the volunteer program - no RSVP needed. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older to work directly with animals.
For more information, come to the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC), visit our website at www.princegeorgespets4us.com or call 301-780-7200.
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Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Meeting
Date: January 22, 2024 to January 22, 2024
Times: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monthly Board Meeting will be held at 9200 Basil Court, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Largo, MD 20774. The meeting will also be available via Go-To-Meeting. If you would like to join, please email mkcrawford@co.pg.md.us for meeting information. If you are unable to join via Go-To-Meeting, you can dial into the tele-conference: Dial In Phone#: 1-866-899-4679 Participant PIN#: 819-222-557. If you have questions, or if you have a disability and require an accommodation please contact the Housing Authority of Prince George's County at (301) 883-5531 or TTY (301) 883-5428.
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Human Rights Commission Meeting
Date: January 22, 2024
Times: 5:30 p.m.
This regularly scheduled meeting of the Human Rights Commission will be held over Zoom. The Zoom link is on the open agenda. Please contact the Clerk at JMCochran (at) co.pg.md.us or 240-328-4145 with any questions.
Agenda Monday January 22 2024 (open).pdf
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Board of License Commissioners Preliminary Matters
Date: January 23, 2024
Times: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Preliminary Matters 1-23-24.pdf
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Board of Registration for Electricians Meeting
Date: January 23, 2024
Times: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
January 23, 2024, Board of Registration for Electricians Meeting - Agenda.pdf
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Cable Television Commission Meeting
Date: January 24, 2024
Times: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Cable Commission governs the County's cable franchises, including Comcast and Verizon. We assist customers with complaints about:
service quality
billing and credits
service interruptions and outages
damage from construction issues
We meet on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. Any changes will be posted to the County website.
Visit the Cable Commission online
Cable Commission Meeting Agenda - January 24 2024.pdf
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Apply Today: Neighborhood Planning Academy
Dates: Wednesdays, April 3 to May 15
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Duration: Seven weeks
Format: Six virtual sessions via Microsoft Teams; the final session will be held in person
Graduation and presentations: May 15, location TBD
The Spring 2024 session of the Neighborhood Planning Academy will span seven weeks, taking place on Wednesdays, April 3 to May 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The first six sessions will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams, providing a flexible and accessible learning experience. The final session will be an in-person graduation, featuring project presentations that showcase your skills and knowledge as they relate to your community.
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The Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project Meeting
Time: Jan. 20, Saturday 2-4 p.m.
Location: virtual (link)
Community News
Resurfacing this article that intersects with public safety, community memory, and solutions.
One Community-Based Organization Carves Out Spaces So DMV’s Youth Can Thrive
Excerpt: The anti-violence, after-school/community-based program, “Rolling Away From Violence” was organized by Tiera Bratton, social entrepreneur and CEO of Opportunities For Deserving Children, a non-profit organization that creates extracurricular and mentoring programs for children living in communities that are politically marginalized. This particular community-based/after-school program gives children a safe space to play and engage with peers and mentors. Bratton’s organization kicked off its first event in May – when carjackings and murders were steadily on the rise.
In D.C., and Prince George’s County, carjackings and homicides have risen, but other crimes have declined. City and perhaps county leaders have taken similar approaches to tackling crime: youth curfews (which have proven not to work) and more police presence in violent areas of the city.
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Angela Alsobrooks Sets Maryland Fundraising Record for U.S. Senate Bid
Excerpt: Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who’s now running for U.S. Senate, posted another record-breaking quarter late last year, raising $1.78 million in the fourth quarter — the largest fourth-quarter fundraising haul from donors of any candidate in Maryland history.
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Health, education among top priorities for Legislative Black Caucus
Excerpt: Expanding the authority of the state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board is among priorities for the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland during the 90-day session, members said Thursday.
Jennifer White Holland (D-Baltimore County), who announced the caucus’ agenda during a press conference, said the proposed legislation will be called the Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for All Marylanders Act.
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Moore executive order separates youth issues from crime prevention office
Excerpt: Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced Thursday the creation of a new office that he said will take the next step in efforts to combat childhood poverty in the state.
Moore signed two executive orders that cleave the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim’s Services — created in 2020 through an executive order signed by then Gov. Larry Hogan (R) — into two entities. One, the Governor’s Office for Children, will focus on issues of childhood poverty, education, and justice in Maryland.
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Gas Explosion in Southeast D.C. Levels Convenience Store, Injures One
Excerpt: A gas explosion on Marion Barry Avenue SE destroyed a convenience store Thursday morning, causing minor injuries to one person hit with flying debris and requiring the rapid evacuation of over a dozen toddlers at the day care next door, along with dozens of people working in buildings nearby.
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Maryland’s 2024 Business and Tax Climate
Excerpt: Montgomery County and Prince George’s have been on a faster timeline than the rest of the state to raise their local minimum wage.
Amid the budget crunch, one revenue stream has been shown to bring consistent returns: cannabis. The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) reported over $700,000,000 in cannabis sales in just the first year of legalization. 1,708 applications were received for the state’s 179 social equity cannabis licenses, with 99 of those applications coming from Prince George’s.
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