(Excerpted from Cambridge Mayor Lajan Cephas Bey’s reading of a City Council proclamation)
I just wanted to use this opportunity just to give thanks and appreciation for the service of Reverend Cephas, also the former mayor of the town of Hurlock. Reverend Cephas is from Cambridge. He grew up in Cambridge in the historic Pine Street District. He was one of the first students to be integrated in the new Cambridge High School. So we have a lot of great facts, so I'm excited to read this proclamation so that we can honor our local hero, Reverend Charles Effis.
Reverend Charles Cephas Senior is a lifelong Eastern Shore leader whose public life reflects deep commitment to community, advocacy, faith, and service. ...Reverend Cephas made history as one of the first black students to graduate from the then, newly desegregated Cambridge High School in 1967. Reverend Cephas' excellence and track during his high school athletic career brought honor to Cambridge and Dorchester County, setting of records which remain unbroken to this day.
According to family and community accounts, Reverend Cephas competed against individuals who later became Olympic and NFL greats. After Cambridge High School chose not to sponsor his selected trials and relay opportunities, Reverend Cephas' family believed in him and self-funded the trip, demonstrating a faith, sacrifice, and determination that often stands behind greatness.
Reverend Cephas devoted 26 years to elected service and leadership in the town of Hurlock, serving more than two decades in the town council, including the term as council president, before making history as Hurlock's first Black mayor in 2021. And Reverend Cephas' leadership has been rooted in love for people, coalition building, and practical progress founding Ministers and Citizens for Change to unite ministers and residents and advocacy for positive change.
Reverend Cephas' public service has included courageous advocacy for dignity and humane treatment within the justice system, including opposing the Queen Anne County's chain gang policy that critics describe as cruel, and reminiscent of slavery. And whereas beyond public office, Reverend Cephas has served Dorchester County in multiple roles, including as a realtor, mortgage broker, police officer in Wicomico County, demonstrating a life built on discipline, responsibility, and care for others. Reverend Cephas embodies the enduring truth of holding fast and guides on changing hand, showing that when others choose not to invest in your potential, you must stand in faith and invest in yourself.
