Carrying the Bible belonging to the late Alderman William “Bill” Hall, Kavonte Duckett graced the stage on Monday to be sworn into Frederick County Council as the first elected African-American in Frederick County government.
Duckett took his oath with Sandra K. Dalton,
Clerk of the Frederick County Circuit Court.
From that point in the campaign, I made it very clear that my name may be on the ballot but this victory isn’t mine alone — this belongs to each of you. For all those who felt they did not have a seat at the table, this campaign was particularly important because now you do. – Duckett, County Council District 4
Read Duckett’s speech below:
Good morning Frederick County!
First and foremost give an honor to God who is the Head of my life; I am humbled to stand before you today as the first African-American elected into County government.
I am mindful of the shoulders that I stand on that have helped make this day possible. I thank my friend, my former councilwoman and now our County Executive, Jessca Fitzwater, for her support and commitment to the residents of District 4 over the last few years.
As most of you know, family is at the root of everything I do. The year 2020 was a year of tremendous loss for my family as it was for many others in this country. In February of 2020, my family lost my great-grandmother Dottie, followed by the loss of my great-grandfather Paul in June. While not [great] to say goodbye, I am forever grateful that they taught me the value of community and proof it takes a village to raise a child. It is because of their love, their patience and support, that I am able to stand in front of you today. The honor however, is not theirs alone.
Your voice, your issues, your challenges, your successes are just as important to me. I have not been elected to serve the few but to serve all residents of Frederick County. And I will do so with faith, honor, resiliency, integrity, empathy and understanding.
Today, I am excited to have the rest of my family and village in attendance. Special thanks to my wife, Chantell, our son, Micah, my mother Lynn and my father Charlie. The rest, while too many to name, I ask that you stand at this time so that you can be acknowledged.
Like many families we aren’t perfect; we argue, we fight, we disagree, but at the end of the day, we are stronger together. To my new family and colleagues, let’s leverage our diversity and build our similarities as we serve the community we each love.
A little over three months ago, I stood on this very stage to give remarks during the homegoing celebration of my mentor and friend, Alderman William G. “Pluck” Hall. While he is no longer with us and wasn’t able to witness the victory on this side, I am certain that he was singing and dancing on election night. He’d be especially excited to know that I took my oath of office using his personal Bible, so to his wife Alice, thank you.
For the next four years, I promise not to leave you alone. – Duckett, County Council District 4
From that point in the campaign, I made it very clear that my name may be on the ballot but this victory isn’t mine alone — this belongs to each of you. For all those who felt they did not have a seat at the table, this campaign was particularly important because now you do. I promise to not only have your backs but to also enhance and empower the voices of all residents of Frederick County.
I do not take lightly the job that is front of me and understand that not all District 4 residents voted for me. Your voice, your issues, your challenges, your successes are just as important to me. I have not been elected to serve the few but to serve all residents of Frederick County. And I will do so with faith, honor, resiliency, integrity, empathy and understanding. And for the next four years, I promise not to leave you alone. Thank you all, may God bless.
Among Duckett were the new County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and other county council members: Mason Carter, Jerry Donald, M.C. Keegan-Ayer, Renee Knapp, Steve McKay, and Brad Young.