As of just past noon today, Maryland Democrats Wes Moore and Aruna Miller dropped their titles of elect and were sworn in as governor and lieutenant governor of the state.
Moore is now Maryland's first Black governor and Miller is now the first woman of color. Miller is an Indian American woman who is an immigrant.
To listen more about Miller's story, check out her interview with WYPR's Midday here.
To learn more about Moore's story, check out his interview with WYPR's Midday here.
Moore was joined by other Black leaders just before the swearing in ceremony, which included Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume, Attorney General Anthony Brown, former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, and former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, who was the second Black governor elected in the nation's history in 2006. Virginia's Douglas Wilder was the first Black governor elected in 1989, and Moore is the nation's third.
Former NAACP president Ben Jealous, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and former Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend were present during the event.
Moore took the oath of office using a Bible once owned by Frederick Douglass, a Marylander who escaped slavery on the state's Eastern Shore before going on to become an author and famed abolitionist.
Maryland Speaker of the House Adrienne A. Jones shared the following statement during the inauguration on Wednesday afternoon.
"This is a historic moment for Maryland," Jones said. "Today’s inauguration demonstrates that Marylanders are ready to embrace a new path forward with the most diverse leadership of any state in the country."
Missed the speech from Gov. Wes Moore during the ceremony? Don't have time to listen? Read the prepared remarks below.
Catch a recap of WYPR's Midday with Tom Hall to listen back to the inauguration here.
Want to follow along with the WYPR News team on their journey in Annapolis, Maryland during the Wes Moore administration inauguration ceremony?
Keep scrolling.
Join us now! https://t.co/gK2y5Y6ibh
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
Even bigger star power for the introduction of @iamwesmoore’s inaugural address. What was long rumored is true @Oprah will introduce him #mooreinauguration #MDPolitics #Maryland pic.twitter.com/OT4Eer7gO5
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
Former Governor Bob Ehrlich #MooreInauguration #MDPolitics #Maryland pic.twitter.com/lqnsV9SY6T
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
Among those here today former Lt. Governor and RNC chair Michael Steele #MooreInauguration #MDPolitics #Maryland pic.twitter.com/fKq6Svq9up
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
Gov-elect @iamwesmoore & @Lt.Gov-elect @arunamiller walk into Government House ahead of #MooreInauguration #Maryland #MDPolitics pic.twitter.com/DxzEDnPaSt
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
More music for #MooreInauguration #MDPolitics #Maryland pic.twitter.com/22TeAY3jSv
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
#MooreInauguration #MDPolitics pic.twitter.com/9ywEJ6Wrnh
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
More music ahead of #MooreInauguration #MDPolitics #Maryland pic.twitter.com/EC247GUmab
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
More sights on #MooreInauguration day #MDPolitics #Maryland pic.twitter.com/DDX8ylFhFC
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
Chris Tucker #MooreInauguration #MDPolitics #Maryland pic.twitter.com/y93lCLDhuR
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
Getting ready for @iamwesmoore #inauguration #mdpolitics pic.twitter.com/W3INLb8dLY
— Rachel Baye (@RachelBaye) January 18, 2023
Still waiting for the speakers but enjoying some musical performances. Also hearing reports that @Oprah has joined the festivities. https://t.co/48on8Prhkk pic.twitter.com/Q8ZnWGc8RC
— Rachel Baye (@RachelBaye) January 18, 2023
That’s Oprah in front. Chelsea Clinton has her back to the camera and is blocking former Gov. O’Malley. pic.twitter.com/5cPfNSYCSI
— Rachel Baye (@RachelBaye) January 18, 2023
.@AACoExec kicks things off pic.twitter.com/DZYEdSe7hm
— Rachel Baye (@RachelBaye) January 18, 2023
Gov @iamwesmoore finishes his ceremonial swearing-in followed by a 19-gun salute & flyover by #Maryland National Guard #MooreInauguration #MDPolitics pic.twitter.com/gvoexa3cgH
— Matt Bush (@MattBushMD) January 18, 2023
...This story continues. Read the rest at The Baltimore Banner: Wes Moore’s inauguration: Live updates
Good morning, Annapolis, and welcome to @BaltimoreBanner’s coverage of the inauguration of @iamwesmoore and @arunamiller. Follow this thread for updates. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/stzHMy8zTC
— Pamela Wood (@pwoodreporter) January 18, 2023
Mayor Brandon Scott arriving at inauguration. Photo by @WintrodeBrenda! pic.twitter.com/1bWVGyC8Ho
— Cody Boteler (@codyboteler) January 18, 2023
WATCH LIVE VIDEO: Wes Moore and Aruna Miller are taking the oath of office https://t.co/EzbLSGAVO6 pic.twitter.com/mrDmQe6GAU
— The Baltimore Banner (@BaltimoreBanner) January 18, 2023
WYPR and The Baltimore Banner have a joint operating agreement that allows the nonprofit organizations to work collaboratively to deliver quality journalism across the region. To learn more about the partnership, click here.
Prefer to watch live? Stream online through Maryland Public Television at noon.
Associated Press reporter Brian Witte contributed to this story.