Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Campaigning in the time of Covid 19 has its challenges but I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received since launching my campaign for re-election last December. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, signed up, volunteered, donated, or helped us spread the word! I’ve always believed in our community and what we can achieve together. Knowing that so many of you believe in that as well, keeps me motivated to work hard for our City every day.
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February: Black History Month |
I can’t let this month go by without acknowledging the history and achievements of African-American families and residents who have contributed to the life and growth of our city, and to the fight for civil rights and justice for all.
From our earliest days, when the fabric of Annapolis was largely built by enslaved Africans, to the many generations of leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs who played vital roles in the development of our City and the struggle for justice and equality, the story of our Black Community is inextricably part of the Annapolis story.
To mark Black History Month, we have highlighted many of these stories and achievements on the City Website. We are also flying the flags of the African Diaspora downtown. The flags include countries and territories from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, North America, Central America and North Atlantic Islands. The flags honor the origins and cultural heritage of our African-American community, their struggles, achievements and contribution to our city.
One of my goals as Mayor is to ensure all residents know they are valued, and have a voice and a role to play in the life and direction of our City. Listening and learning is an essential first step to achieving that kind of real and sustainable change. Black History Month gives us a great opportunity to listen, learn and affirm the rich contribution of Black residents to the life and growth of Annapolis and their vital role in shaping our future. Listening and learning are also things that lie in the power of all of us, no matter what our circumstances – throughout this month and all through the year.
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5 Friends – Our Grassroots Outreach
Over the past few months, I’ve been reaching out through a grassroots, word-of-mouth campaign called ‘5 Friends’. I have been contacting supporters and asking them to act as a coordinator and identify five like-minded friends. Once we are closer to the primary, the coordinator contacts his/her friends and reminds them to vote. I think of it as a socially-distanced form of door-knocking that’s allowed me to connect personally with many residents and supporters. We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response and the fringe benefit has been the opportunity to hear first-hand people’s concerns and suggestions.
Last week, we reached a big milestone: I’ve now made calls to 500 contacts about engaging five of their own friends and contacts. This means 5 Friends has reached out to 2500 residents who actively support our vision. A huge thank you to everyone who has signed up!
I also want to thank the people who’ve helped drive 5 Friends – in particular McShane Glover who’s worked quietly and hard to set it up and who’s kept me on track making calls over the past months. Couldn’t have done it without you McShane! I’d also like to thank our Five Friends Director, Tony Martinez for steering the coordination, and everyone in my team who has helped with different aspects of the program.
Thank you all!
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Would you like to be part of 5 Friends?
I’m reaching the end of my personal contact list but I'd love to keep growing the 5 Friends network and maintain the positive momentum. We are currently planning the best way for more supporters join us in this Get Out the Vote effort. In the next week or so, we will be sending out specific information on 5 Friends and how you can be a part of it.
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Virtual Campaigning is in!
In these pandemic times, we can't yet do much in-person campaigning but we are making up for that with a series of virtual (online) events.
Thanks to all who've participated in our virtual events so far: our launch event in December and last week’s Q&A session with young Annapolitans. If you weren’t able to join us, you can watch the video of each event:
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Stay in touch
Know someone who'd like to hear directly from Gavin?
They can sign up for updates at
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Donate
Your support makes all the difference to our grassroots campaign. Thank you!
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