Reporter Jeffrey Ballou added that Moore took his oath of office using a Bible belonging to his grandfather and one Frederick Douglass once owned.

History. @iamwesmoore becomes the 63rd governor of the U.S. state of Maryland in the senate chamber. His wife @DawnFlytheMoore holds both a bible belonging to Frederick Douglass from @MetropolitanAME and one belonging to his grandfather. Screen grabs from @marylandpubtv pic.twitter.com/0yxQ40DV77

— Jeffrey Ballou (@jpballoujourn1) January 18, 2023

A public address followed the swearing-in ceremony. After being introduced by Oprah, Governor Moore gave a hopeful and future-oriented speech setting out his vision for his time as governor. “This journey has never been about making history,” Governor Moore declared. “It’s about marching forward.” The governor added that “today is not an indictment of the past. Today is a celebration of our collective future.”

Wes Moore has made history as Maryland’s first Black governor.

After the formal swearing in, Moore was introduced by Oprah Winfrey to a crowd of roughly 5,000 people gathered in front of a building historians say was built with enslaved labor. https://t.co/1RgOZuYoRj pic.twitter.com/9ZjxyQ1sit

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 18, 2023

Even with Oprah’s introduction and Moore’s rousing words, the governor’s son, James, stole the show. During the ceremony, many people posted the heartwarming video of the younger Moore leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Governor Wes Moore’s son James, leads the pledge of allegiance. ⁦@wjz⁩ pic.twitter.com/0wyEV9uTQD

— Avajoye Burnett (@AvajoyeWJZ) January 18, 2023

Young James’ appearance capped an inauguration that was overfilled with joy and promise for those in attendance and everyone following the events online. Twitter user @Runnergal4Life summed up the sentiment of several Maryland residents and Black people, commenting, “I’m so proud to be a Marylander today!!”

Our new First Family! 🥰

I’m so proud to be a Marylander today!! @iamwesmoore pic.twitter.com/t4bKoBrhsA

— Runnergal4Life 💉💚💕🐝✊🏽🌻 (@BlueWave215) January 18, 2023

wes moore

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