Sen. Cory McCray Speaks on Public Service, Equity and Breaking Down Barriers
For Sen. Cory McCray, public service is more than just a career. It is a calling rooted in personal experience, community advocacy, and a relentless drive to open doors for the next generation.
Representing Maryland's 45th legislative district, McCray brings a unique perspective to his position that is shaped by his upbringing in Baltimore and his background as a union electrician.
"I feel like I'm blessed every day that I wake up," McCray said. "I feel like I get this unique opportunity to walk into my greatness, but I know that that's not given to everybody because of the challenges that we have around access and exposure."
McCray's legislative focus is heavily influenced by the realities young people face in their communities similar to the one he grew up in.
Rather than viewing policy through an abstract lens, he connects every budget decision and reform effort back to the everyday pressures carried by families and youth.
"I think that because of that lived experience, some of it being hard, but at the end of the day, there are a number of young people growing up the same way that I grew up," McCray said, "and how do I loosen some of that tension? Some of that pressure is super important to me."
McCray's commitment to easing systemic pressures translates into action by his work of with Furley Elementary. The school was sinking into the ground to the point where they had to perform an emergency evacuation, not entirely knowing when they would return.
The Maryland General Assembly was able to secure $32 million to build a brand new school that now has a dance studio, science space and full-size gymnasium. McCray describes this as one of his proudest accomplishments during his tenure.
"I would say every day, it just hits different," McCray said. "I think about how I serve and impact young people. At the end of the day, multiple generations will be impacted."
McCray believes that society has traditionally pushed a narrow definition of success, making it essential for adults to expose young people to a diverse range of oppurtunities, in order for them to choose their own future.
In his work and advocacy, McCray emphasizes expanding access and visibility to ensure that young people can see others who look like them and realize what options are actually available to them.
"I think that for so long, in this country, we've only programmed that you could be successful one way; and that was to go to one of our community colleges or universities," McCray said, "How do I create a space where all young people know what their plethora of options are and let them make the decision."
McCray's life and career serves as a sign of resilience, proving that early obstacles do not determine a person's ultimate destination.
Reflecting on the hardships of his upbringing in Baltimore, the multi-year journey of writing his book, and his daily dedication to public service, McCray emphasizes perseverance and the power of looking forward rather than dwelling on past limitations.
"Keep going," McCray said. "How you start does not always dictate how [you are going to] finish."
By SOFIA ARNAIZ
Editor-in-Chief
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