Decisions made on Capitol Hill resonate through our local streets, impacting everything from federal infrastructure funding to the protection of our civil rights. In April, we elevate our focus to the federal level. Representing Greenbelt in the halls of Congress is a vital responsibility, and with the 2026 Primary approaching, now is the time to hear directly from those who wish to be our voice in Washington. Join us to engage with the candidates vying to represent Maryland’s 4th Congressional District.

Invited Candidates Include:

• U.S. House of Representatives (MD-04): Incumbent Glenn Ivey and Primary Challengers.

Format: Candidates will provide brief introductory statements regarding their 2026 federal legislative priorities. Following the remarks, the floor will open for a Q&A session. To ensure a productive dialogue, attendees will be provided with index cards upon arrival to submit their questions, which will be vetted and read by the Vice President to cover a broad range of community concerns.

Meeting Agenda for April 19th General Body Meeting

Regular Meeting Agenda

Date: April 19, 2026 | Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Greenbriar Community Building

Presiding: James Whipple, President

I. Call to Order & Business Session (2:00 PM)

• • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Approval of Minutes
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Officer & Committee Reports
    • Membership update.
    • Labor Day Festival committee brief.
  • New Business
    • Finalizing the "Call for Questions" for the April Candidate Forum.

• Announcements:

• • Pay your Dues
  • Movie Night at New Deal Cafe - Monday, April 20th
  • Next Meeting

II. Candidate Interactions (2:30 PM)

• Free Interaction with Candidates and Members

III. Candidate Forum (3:00 PM, hard stop at 5:00 PM)

• Introduction: Welcoming candidates and explaining the seats that are being pursued.

• Rules of Engagement: Explanation of rules for responses, time reminders, and rules for rebuttals.

• Moderated Q&A: 
  • Attendees please write questions on the provided index cards.
  • Pat, Vice President, will vet and read questions to ensure a broad range of community concerns are addressed.
• Closing Statements: (5 minutes per candidate)

IV. Closing (Immediately Following Q&A)

• Closing Remarks
• Adjournment

Understanding the mechanisms of the past is essential to safeguarding our democratic future. As part of our ongoing commitment to civic education and historical awareness, the Eleanor & Franklin Roosevelt Democratic Club is proud to sponsor this month’s Reel and Meal at the New Deal Cafe.

We will be viewing a focused episode of the "Behind the Dictators" series centered on Benito Mussolini. This screening explores the rise of Italian Fascism, the tactical erosion of democratic institutions, and the socio-political conditions that allowed authoritarianism to take root.

Event Details:

• Film: Behind the Dictators: Mussolini

• Format: The evening begins a brief address to the attendees by the President of the EFRDC. Afterwards we will play the screening of the documentary, followed by a community-led discussion. We invite participants to share their reflections on the historical parallels and the importance of civic vigilance in modern governance.

Join us for an evening of film, food, and vital conversation as we reflect on the lessons history offers for our work today. For more information on the Reel and Meal series and menu options, please visit the New Deal Cafe event page.

Leadership in the Governor’s Mansion shapes the vision for Maryland’s future, from our statewide economy to our healthcare and climate goals. In May, we shift our focus to the top of the ticket. As we prepare for the 2026 Primary, this is a vital opportunity to hear from the leaders seeking to helm our state’s executive branch. Join us to engage with the candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor as they outline their roadmap for Maryland.

Invited Candidates Include:

• Governor & Lt. Governor: Wes Moore & Aruna Miller, and Eric S. Felber & LaTrece Hawkins Lytes.

Format: Candidates will provide brief introductory statements regarding their 2026 legislative priorities. The floor will then open for a Q&A session featuring questions pre-selected by the Board to cover a broad range of community concerns.

Juneteenth is more than a commemoration of freedom—it is a call to continue the work of perfecting our democracy. In June, we are honored to host a special session dedicated to the intersection of historical justice and modern civil rights. We will be joined by James Williams Jr., a key figure in the Greenbelt Reparations Commission and former Chief of Staff to the late Congressman John Lewis. Drawing on his years of experience alongside the "conscience of the Congress," Mr. Williams will discuss the commission's progress in Greenbelt and the ongoing national struggle to protect the right to vote.

Special Guest Presentation:

• James Williams Jr.: Director of Federal Relations at ACS CAN and veteran legislative strategist.

Format: Our guest will provide a keynote presentation on the current roadmap for local reparations and the status of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Following the remarks, the floor will open for a Q&A session featuring questions pre-selected by the Board to ensure a deep and productive dialogue on equity and justice in our community.