As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth , every day we’ll highlight a Black Marylander who helped shape our state and nation. From poets and pianists to Members of Congress and Supreme Court Justices — these Marylanders broke barriers in pursuit of a more just society.

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An author, abolitionist, and activist, Frederick Douglass is considered one of the greatest orators in American history. After escaping enslavement, he fled to NY and started a career as a prominent abolitionist. He dedicated his life to the fight for human rights.

An artist whose sound defined a generation, Billie Holiday’s unique style of Baltimore blues won her four Grammy Awards and led to her induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. She is widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz and blues artists of all time.

Thurgood Marshall was a titan in the fight for equal justice under the law. During his storied career, this Baltimorean successfully argued the Brown v. Board Supreme Court case, served as US Solicitor General, and then became the first Black Supreme Court Justice.

. @SpeakerAJones is the first woman and Black Speaker of the Maryland House. A fighter for our people, Speaker Jones has championed education equity, racial justice, and economic opportunity. She is also the first Black woman to serve as House Speaker Pro Tem.

A leader of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman dedicated her life to the abolitionist movement and providing opportunity to those formerly enslaved. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a spy and a scout, and was the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war.

For #BlackHistoryMonth , we're highlighting an influential Black Marylander every weekday. This week we recognized:

• Frederick Douglass
• Billie Holiday
• Thurgood Marshall
• Speaker Jones
• Harriet Tubman

Scroll up to see who we highlighted

There has been no greater champion of Baltimore and its people than Congressman Elijah Cummings. The son of sharecroppers, Rep. Cummings fought for civil rights, a moral government, and our very democracy. Before his passing, he served as Chair of the House Oversight Committee.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lucille Clifton’s work emphasized the endurance and strength of the African American community. As Maryland’s poet laureate from 1979 to 1985, she won the prestigious National Book Award for Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems.

A scientist, inventor, and writer — Benjamin Banneker helped survey the land that would become the District of Columbia. As an essayist, he advocated for abolition; sending a letter to Secretary Thomas Jefferson urging aid to create better conditions for African Americans.

Frances Harper was an American poet, abolitionist, and teacher. She helped form the American Woman Suffrage Association. Harper published the first short story written by an African American woman and focused her writing on racism, feminism, and classism.

Born in Maryland, William C. Goodridge helped conduct the Underground Railroad between New York, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia. Originally enslaved, he gained his freedom at 16, became an entrepreneur, and was one of York’s wealthiest citizens.

For #BlackHistoryMonth , we're highlighting an influential Black Marylander every weekday. This week we recognized:

• Elijah Cummings
• Lucille Clifton
• Benjamin Banneker
• Frances Harper
• William C. Goodridge

Scroll up to see who we highlighted

Born in Baltimore, Pauli Murray was a civil rights and women’s rights activist. She was the first African American to receive a JSD from Yale, the first Black woman to be ordained an Episcopal priest, and founded the National Organization for Women.