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WDC Newsletter — February 1, 2026

“We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr. 

“If we want a beloved community, we must stand for justice.”
— bell hooks

The above quotes are favorites of mine and are especially apt in these fraught times as we commemorate Black History month. Throughout February we have the opportunity to pay special attention to the people and events in the history of the African diaspora, including civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and Black feminist and poet bell hooks. There are innumerable lessons to be learned from Black History that can help us hold on to “infinite hope” and propel us to build a “beloved community,” a vision expressed by Martin Luther King, Jr. for a societybuilt on justice, equal opportunity, and love, where poverty, racism, and violence are eradicated through nonviolent means. That vision has urgent resonance today and should continue to spur us to collective action to achieve it. 

Additionally, important lessons are contained in American literature and nonfiction by a myriad of Black authors. Because I’m a book nerd, I want to highlight two books of several that have had deep staying power for me. I highly recommend them for their profound brilliance and humanity. 

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin. This slim book, published in 1963, packed a wallop with Baldwin’s personal examination of the legacy of racism. The Atlantic’s review in my paperback version describes it this way: “So eloquent in its passion and so scorching in its candor that it is bound to unsettle any reader. As a novelist and writer of uncommon talent, James Baldwin plunges to the human heart of the matter.” 

The Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson, tells the epic story of the Great Migration of nearly six million Black citizens from the South to northern, midwestern, and western cities between 1915 and 1970. It is vivid, narrative nonfiction and makes history come alive, illuminating the story of Black citizens whose journeys transformed our nation.

May we all read and learn. May we all have a meaningful Black History Month. May we all continue to strive to build our beloved community. 

Cynthia Rubenstein

With the Maryland General Assembly two-and-a-half weeks into its session, WDC’s advocacy is already well underway.

We have submitted testimony in support of eight critical bills, including: anti-masking legislation, the Path Act, the women’s prerelease center, graduate student unions, better data collection and reporting on bullying and harassment in our schools, special elections, and a bill to remove firearms from domestic abusers under temporary restraining orders. 

In coming weeks, we expect to support legislation to protect our civil rights, our environment, and our neighbors and to speed our transition to green energy, more affordable housing, and universal access to care and healthcare. 

We are heading to Annapolis on February 4th to advocate in person. It’s not too late for you to get in on the fun! REGISTER HERE.

To learn about what our subcommittees have been working on, CLICK HERE.  

Wednesday, February 4, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
To register, CLICK HERE. 

Join Us on Feb. 28 for this important discussion about charging children as adults in criminal cases.

Confining children in adult prisons and jails has, among other negative outcomes, been associated with a 30% increased risk of mortality during early to mid-adulthood (ages 18-39 years). Nationally, Black children are four times more likely to be charged as adults; in Maryland, 77% of children charged as adults are Black. 

Legislation this session seeks to reduce the charging of children as adults. SB 323, The Youth Charging Reform Act, is sponsored by Senators Smith, Hettleman, Love, Muse, Sydnor, and West; the cross-filed bill is HB 409 Delegates Bartlett, Toles and Lehman. Similar legislation was introduced in the last session. With the Chairs of both the Senate Judicial Proceedings and House Judiciary Committees as sponsors, the legislation could pass this session.

WDC is sponsoring this event to discuss the extent to which children are charged as adults, its implications for health, welfare and safety, and how the legislation would limit its use. The panel will include Senator Will Smith, Georgetown Law Professor Kristin Henning, and Eddy Ellis of the Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth. Olinda Moyd, Vice President of the Sentencing Project Board, will moderate. It will be an informative discussion about an issue we all need to understand. To register, CLICK HERE.

Wednesday, March 11, 10am-4pm, in Annapolis
Organized by the Data Center Reform Coalition

We are urging state lawmakers to take action on the unchecked, exponential growth of data centers in Maryland. WDC is a member of the Coalition.

For more information. Sign up to lobby here.

Watch the video. "What Does Maryland's Deficit Mean for Key Programs?" a discussion with Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Del. Marc Dorman (D16) held on January 6. 

The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) has an open seat for a male/non-binary* member representing Maryland Legislative District 9A. The successful candidate will complete the unexpired term ending in November 2026.

Please visit mcdcc.org/d9a-vacancy2025 for more information about this vacancy and details on how to apply.

Democratic Party Gender balance rules stipulate that each legislative district’s two MCDCC members may not be of the same gender. The incumbent D9A member is female so the open seat must be filled by a male or non-binary.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to Host Community Forum on Data Center Legislation and Policies on Tuesday, Feb. 3

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich invites residents, community organizations, climate and environmental activists, and residents to attend a community forum on data centers from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Leggett Executive Office Building (LEOB) auditorium. The LEOB is located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. Residents and stakeholders can attend the forum in person or CLICK HERE to participate virtually. 

Councilmembers Luedtke, Friedson, Glass Introduce Climate Resiliency Legislation

The bill would expand flood mitigation, heat resilience, and infrastructure protection with community partners and Montgomery County Green Bank

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 20, 2026—Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke, Andrew Friedson, and Evan Glass introduced legislation today to strengthen Montgomery County’s response to climate change. Bill 2-26 - Taxation - Fuel-Energy Tax-Amendments will provide the Montgomery County Green Bank with additional flexibility and resources to support critically needed climate resiliency projects.

To learn more about this bill, CLICK HERE.

Other Government Resource Websites

Join the Weekly Zoom Chat with Indivisible Co-founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, who will help you wade through the week’s news, answer your questions, and provide timely calls to action. Webinars are held every Thursday, 3 - 4:00 p.m. EST.

Register HERE.

Downtown Nasty Women Social Group (DNWSG) has created “Trusted Sources,” a fact-based news source because they believe legacy media has failed the pro-democracy movement. DNWSG believes staying informed is an act of resistance. CLICK HERE for the current list of “Trusted Sources."

Community Activism

By joining WDC, you are building community and political muscle with other Democratic members, clubs, and allies to elect Democrats and support progressive Democratic policy goals. WDC is excited to work with each of you, as we advocate for our WDC priorities, and present our Speakers Programs, Community Education Panels, social events, and service projects. And you'll be privy to our very own "WDC Members Only" Facebook page. Join us by clicking HERE!

If you're already a member and haven't already renewed, you can do so online HERE. You may also mail your $35.00 annual dues ($25 for members 35-years-old or younger) payable to "WDC" to: WDC, PO Box 34047, Bethesda, MD 20827.

WDC needs you! Can you help us in one of these positions? Not sure what a position entails? Come try it out—no obligation!

Membership Co-Chair
Events Committee Member
Finance Committee Member
Advocacy Committee Members

To learn more, please contact Cynthia Rubenstein and make sure to use the subject line: "Volunteering with WDC."

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