The primary sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden appeared like a dwelling almanac of Prince George’s County politics — stuffed with lawmakers and politicians who got here out to pay their closing respects to former Sen. Tommie Broadwater.
Greater than 1,000 folks got here out to the service on the First Baptist Church of Glenarden and within the pews had been politicians spanning generations.
“He was the one who made the way in which for the entire Black Senators from Prince George’s County,” stated Maryland state Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-District 26). “He was in a position to come up in a system that was not all the time sort to folks of shade. He was the godfather of politics and all of us cherished him.”
The loss of life of Broadwater, the primary Black senator elected in Prince George’s County, sparked a multigenerational celebration. As “The Godfather of Prince George’s,” his life has acquired common reward for the good political developments he fought for many years.
“Tommie was right here for Black folks in Prince George’s County when that’s all we had,” stated former Maryland State Delegate and Prince George’s County Council member Jolene Ivey.
The day earlier than his funeral, the previous Glenarden Metropolis Councilman laid in state within the foyer of the County Administration Constructing in Higher Marlboro, not removed from his legendary property.
In an interview with The Informer, Choose Alexander Williams, the primary Black state’s lawyer elected in Prince George’s, gave reward to Broadwater whereas he was mendacity in state.
“Tommie was a superb group chief, a trailblazer, everybody admired him and we’re all honoring him at present,” he stated on the County Administration Constructing.
‘A Higher Folks As a result of Tommie Broadwater Got here Our Approach’
In interviews with numerous folks, many talked about his love for folks from all walks of life. On the funeral, his legacy was evident, because the lobby of the church was stuffed with a various array of people, simply as his constituent places of work and companies had been in previous a long time.
In a video proven previous to the service, Broadwater talked about how essential direct advocacy has been in reaching his targets.
“We’ve had a relationship with all of the governors,” he stated within the video, dressed immaculately in a enterprise swimsuit (Broadwater was additionally celebrated for his fashion). “We had been taken upstairs to speak. That’s been so essential for Bowie, for Morgan, and our HBCUs.”
Elder Bobby Henry of Metropolis of Reward Ministries started the service by studying Psalm 23 and the Rev. Henry P. Davis provided the opening prayer.
“God, we thanks for this reward of life. Thanks for loaning us Tommie Broadwater,” stated the First Baptist Church of Highland Park pastor in the course of the opening prayer. “We’re a greater folks as a result of Tommie Broadwater got here our approach. We don’t mourn his loss of life, however we rejoice his life.”
A few of the condolence letters that got here in had been from Prince George’s County Govt Angela Alsobrooks (D), U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Maryland), U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Maryland) and Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D).
“As a younger man going by means of the civil rights period, Tommie Broadwater took the baton ahead,” stated Congressman Mfume, who previously led the NAACP. “I used to be honored to be with my buddy one final time at a tribute. As all the time, he appeared nice.”
Congressman Ivey stated the senator’s life “was stuffed with large experiences, love and compassion that touched the lives of numerous people,” in a press release learn on the funeral.
“His political counsel was valued by quite a few politicians, together with me, and he supplied smart recommendation to future leaders,” Rep. Ivey continued. “His compassion won’t ever be forgotten, and his legacy will contact future generations. Might he relaxation in energy.”
The Maryland Normal Meeting despatched a memorial and a proclamation was made by the City of Fairmount Heights.
Former Prince George’s County Govt Jack Johnson likened Broadwater to one of the celebrated athletes of all time.
”He was the Muhammad Ali of Prince George’s County politics,” Johnson advised The Informer. “He was a fighter for the folks. He cherished the folks, he labored for them and he made a distinction for therefore many.”
At-Massive Prince George’s County Councilman Calvin Hawkins referred to as him the Marion Barry of Prince George’s County. With the familial ties of Prince George’s and D.C., and Barry affectionately known as the District’s “Mayor for all times,” Hawkins’ remark resonated as the very best of praises that may be bestowed on a group servant.
Delegate Nicole Williams (D-District 22) acknowledged Broadwater’s function as a barrier maker who knowledgeable her political journey.
“I wouldn’t be within the place I’m in at present had it not been for what he did for our county and our group,” Del. Williams stated as she was leaving the service.
Alsobrooks, who’s working for a Senate seat, additionally weighed in on Broadwater’s legacy.
“It says lots that Senator Broadwater was so beloved by his group,” the present County Govt stated. “He was a mentor and a buddy to so many people. He was additionally a barometer. He gave us the reality about what was happening and wanted locally.”
The printed program will be seen at fbcglenarden.org/funeralprogram.