Michael Steele, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party and former Lieutenant Governor of the state with Representative Gene Ward

Steele Keynote Speaker at Lincoln Day Dinner

Michael Steele grew up on the streets of Washington, D.C. He has been recognized as one of the finest Lieutenant Governors in America. "He successfully partnered faith, community and volunteer organizations to assist the needy citizens in the state of Maryland," said Representative Gene Ward, after speaking with Steele at the Hawaii Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner in the Coral Ballroom at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

"My mother was a single parent who refused government assistance because she didn't want the government to raise her children," said Steele. "We were poor but the household was rich in understanding," he continued.

As the keynote speaker, Steele stated that the modern civil rights struggle included changing and augments the perseverance to act. "Hope without action is an empty sentiment," said Steele.