Today, we are highlighting the Honorable Judge James H. Taylor, the first African American Circuit Court Judge in Prince George's County:

Below is a brief biography of Judge Taylor featured in the publication "A Salute to Black Judges in the Maryland Judiciary" published in 1988:

"Born in Elkridge, Maryland, in 1926, Judge James H. Taylor attended Howard County public schools. Following his discharge from the United States Army Air Corps, Judge Taylor attended Howard University in Washington D.C. for three years, and then received his Juris Doctorate Degree (J.D.) in 1953 from American University, Washington College of Law and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1956. After a seven-year career as a Citizenship Examiner for the United States Department of State (1950-1957), Judge Taylor engaged in private practice for a Prince George's County law firm (1957-1963). He was appointed Master for Juvenile cases for the Prince George's County Juvenile Courts in December 1963 after serving as an Assistant State's Attorney, Prince George's County Office of State's Attorney (1963-1966). Appointed Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George's County in 1969, Judge Taylor remained on the bench until his retirement in October 1987. An active member of several civic, community, and fraternal organizations, Judge Taylor, is a member of the Washington College of Law Dean's Council and the Prince Georges's County and Monumental City Bar Associations. A resident of Prince George's County, Judge Taylor, is currently engaged in private law practice."

Judge Taylor passed away on October 31, 2012, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

While we cannot fit Judge Taylor's full list of achievements and background into this post, we encourage all residents to take the time to further research this important figure in the County's history and learn about the racial barriers and obstacles he overcame. Many thanks to the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library for their assistance in gathering the background information & articles for this post.

St. Mary's Beneficial Society Hall:

St. Mary's Beneficial Society Hall was constructed in 1892 by African American members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Upper Marlboro. The Hall is an excellent example of a multi-purpose building constructed for African Americans. The building served as a meeting place, social and political center, and house of worship for African Americans living in a segregated society.

Even before the Civil War, free African Americans in Upper Marlboro attended St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. After the Civil War, freedmen struggled to establish homes and livelihoods. African American churches and societies provided community and support networks. In 1880, with assistance from white parishioner William A. Rhode, African American members of St. Mary's Church founded St. Mary's Beneficial Society.

Founding members included Matthias Simmons, Stephen Perry, James Forbes, and Dominic Quander. The Society purchased a lot across the road from the church in 1887, and the lodge opened in 1892. St. Mary's Beneficial Society was a combination of social service and insurance organizations that provided financial assistance and other services to its members. Members between the ages of 16 and 50 paid a $5.00 membership fee plus monthly dues. A corresponding "Children's Society" for those between the ages of one and 16 collected lower dues.

The society provided sick benefits of $2.50 a week to its members for up to eight weeks. The Society also provided lump-sum payments of $100 to the families of deceased members. Upon the death of a member, all other members paid one additional dollar to replenish the treasury. The officers of the society, called "marshals," rode horseback to notify members of illnesses and deaths and helped conduct funerals. Members were required to attend Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and to attend all funerals.

The building is still standing serving as a law office, located at 14825 Pratt St, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772.

For more information visit: https://mht.maryland.gov/nr/NRDetail.aspx?NRID=1478

Today, we are highlighting the historic 2018 Town elections:

In January 2018, the Town of Upper Marlboro residents (by a large margin) elected its first African-American citizens to the Board of Town Commissioners. Pictured left to right, Wanda Leonard, Linda Pennoyer, and Tonga Turner were elected. Tonga Turner was also selected as the Town's first African American Mayor/President, and Wanda Leonard as the first Town Commissioner. Wanda Leonard would also be the Town's 2nd African American Mayor.

Check Out The Town of Upper Marlboro

February Newsletter