Making a Difference: Celebrating our Frederick County Professionals

By Latrice Lewis

Carter G. Woodson announced the first Negro History Week in February 1926, to coincide with President Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass's birthdays. Black History Month became official in 1976 when President Gerald Ford decided we needed to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” 

Black History Month (BHM) is a celebration that resonates with everyone, given the rich history of contributions of Blacks/African Americans throughout American history. Let’s take a brief look at a bit of history that may have influenced our daily lives, particularly in business and workforce development, within Frederick County (FC). First, let's delve into some history:

  • Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955): Bethune was an educator, political leader, and founder of Bethune-Cookman University. She was a strong advocate for education and workforce development, particularly for African American women. 

  • Dorothy Height (1912-2010): Height was a civil rights and women's rights activist who worked towards economic empowerment for African American women. She served as the president of the National Council of Negro Women and focused on improving education and employment opportunities. 

  • George Washington Carver (1864-1943): A renowned scientist and educator, Carver focused on agricultural innovations. He developed alternative crops to cotton, such as peanuts and sweet potatoes, encouraging sustainable farming practices and providing economic opportunities. 

This month we take pride in recognizing the invaluable contributions of Black professionals in our community, that impact workforce development initiatives and the business community.

Recognition and Contributions: BHM serves as a time to recognize acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions of African Americans in various fields, encompassing both the workforce and the broader community.

 
 
 
 

  • Jason Lee, Lee Building Maintenance: Jason Lee is the chief executive officer of Lee Building Maintenance, a commercial cleaning company on the cutting-edge of innovation. Lee leads strategy and growth for the Frederick, MD-based business, which was named to the 2022 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the United States. Active in the Frederick community, Lee sits on the Board of Directors for Frederick Health, Woodsboro Bank, as well as BSCAI. Read more about Jason Lee, CEO, Lee Building Maintenance.

  • Kavonte Duckett, Vice-President, County Council/District 4: a 7th generation native of Frederick, graduated from Tuscarora High School and Frederick Community College (FCC). He was FCC’s President of the Student Government Association and Student Representative on the Presidential Search Committee. Kavonté made history, becoming the first African American elected to Frederick County Government.  After being sworn in, he was elected as the Vice President of the Council. Read more about Vice-President Kavonté Duckett - District 4.

Inspiration & Role Models: Showcasing Black professionals offers a sense of inspiration, especially those in the workforce/your organizations, to pursue their goals and aspirations, fostering a sense of empowerment and perseverance.  

  • Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek, President, Frederick Community College: Dr. Cheek earned a Bachelor of Arts in business management at Tennessee State University, a Master of Business Administration at the University of Dayton and a Doctor of Education at the University of Texas at Austin in the Community College Leadership Program. In 2016, she was chosen by the Aspen Institute for its Presidential Fellowship, a national leadership program for community college presidents. “Dr. Cheek is an inspiration and one of the most influential leaders in the community college movement,” said Gov. Moore. “She is a champion for our students and our educators with a vision that is not only welcome, but necessary."  Read more about Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek: Frederick Community College Names Next President; Governor Moore Attends Inauguration of Frederick Community College President Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek.

  • Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson, Superintendent, FCPS: Dr. Dyson is focused on raising expectations and achieving results to create favorable outcomes for all students. She embraces a “you said, we did” approach to student, employee, and community feedback. Dr. Dyson is dedicated to listening and acting with intention. Dr. Dyson is honored to serve as superintendent in her home state and in the community where she earned her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Hood College in Frederick. Dr. Dyson also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Towson University and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland at College Park. Read more about Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson.

In conclusion, it's essential to remember that African American history is an integral part of American history, and we are privileged to highlight this intersection of past achievements with present-day contributions from some of Frederick County's "history-makers."

Jessica Mills