Tavis Smiley, TV host of “Tavis Talks” on PBS and author of the book “The Covenant With Black America” made a guest appearance along with Princeton professor, theologian, activist and prolific author, Dr. Cornel West to the Black Town Hall Forum inspired by Smiley’s book. The Forum was located at the Montgomery College Takoma Park\Silver Spring Campus Health Sciences building and was held to discuss and address issues in the Black community of Montgomery County. Political Candidates running for County Executive, County Council and State Delegate as well as the school board all showed up for this miraculous event. Candidates were posed with questions concerning zoning, economic development, schools, county budget and transportation.

Commentary: The Silver Spring Scene had the honor of meeting and listening to speeches by Tavis Smiley and Cornel West as well answers from candidates on issues that not only affect the Black community but everyone in the entire county.