KSB, a proudly Black, gay candidate for Annapolis City Council, Ward 3, endorsed by National LGBTQ organization
Annapolis, MD (6/1/21), LGBTQ Victory Fund—the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ people to public office—endorsed Keanuú Smith-Brown for Ward 3 Alderman of Annapolis. This endorsement signals Victory Fund’s confidence that he is best-positioned to take the council seat. Smith-Brown would be the first openly gay alderman in the city’s history. Jeremy Browning, a community leader in Annapolis, Gabriel Acevero, District 39 Maryland State Delegate, and Scott Cecil, Ward 2 Councilman of Mount Rainier, also shared their endorsement of Smith-Brown.
“LGBTQ Victory Fund is proud to endorse Keanuú Smith-Brown for Annapolis Alderman of Ward 3,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “Keanuú brings a fresh and experienced perspective to Ward 3 and Annapolis. Through common-sense reforms, he will improve the city and protect the rights of LGBTQ people. When he wins in November, Keanuú will make history as the first openly gay member of the Annapolis City Council, and we are confident that he will make Annapolis a model of equality and justice for Maryland, the country, and the world.”
After being endorsed, Smith-Brown emphasized in honor, “We must unite to ensure that equality, justice, and freedom is secured for all. The time has come to free all people from prejudice, punishment, and judgment. I will work to dismantle bigotry while advocating for policies that positively impact LGBTQ+ persons within our city.”
“Keanuú will unify the City of Annapolis on the council,” said Browning. “I’m excited to support a progressive, out, and proud candidate who is passionate about our communities and serves as a strong role model for all.” Browning led Annapolis’ first annual pride parade and festival in 2019 and has since continued his work on LGBTQ issues. As co-chairs of LGBTQ+ for Keanuú Smith-Brown, Browning, and LGBTQ leader, Naomi Ratchet, will be hosting a Love with Pride and Unity Drag Brunch on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 11:30 AM.
Delegate Acevero said, “I’ve known Keanuú for years; he’s a leader who listens and has a progressive vision for his city. I’m proud to endorse his candidacy for Ward 3 Alderman in Annapolis. As a Black, queer, state elected official, I understand the importance of visibility and LGBTQ+ representation at all levels of government. His campaign represents that. But, he’s not running to make history; he’s running to make a difference.”
“Often, those who are called to public service have had to overcome obstacles and barriers”, said Councilman Scott. “This struggle perfectly equips them to dismantle the oppressive systems surrounding us and to pursue opportunities for the communities they grew up in. I believe this is true of Keanuú Smith-Brown. As a queer, Black man, I am excited to enthusiastically endorse him for Ward 3 Alderman. The time has come for new, progressive, bold leadership.”
LGBTQ people remain severely underrepresented in government nationwide—holding just 0.18 percent of elected positions despite representing at least 4.5 percent of the U.S. population, according to Gallup. As an openly LGBTQ+ leader, Smith-Brown will be an unwavering voice for prosperity on the Annapolis City Council. His priorities in office will focus on saving our Families, Finances, and Future.
Victory Fund will promote Smith-Brown’s endorsement among its hundreds of thousands of supporters nationwide. More information about Victory Fund can be found at victoryfund.org.
To learn more about Keanuú Smith-Brown and his campaign, including how to donate and volunteer, please visit ksbward3.com.
Click HERE for high-resolution photos of Keanuú.
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