Wes Moore is now the first Black governor in Maryland state history following his inauguration ceremony on Wednesday.

The historic inauguration took place at noon on the steps of the state capitol in Annapolis and drew roughly 5,000 people. Moore took the oath of office using two bibles: his grandfather’s, and one that once belonged to the abolitionist Fredrick Douglass, who was born into slavery in Maryland.

Ahead of the swearing-in, Moore participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Annapolis City Dock – one of 42 slave-trading ports across the country where Africans forced into slavery were sold in the United States. He was joined by several Black leaders in the state, including U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume of Maryland’s 7th Congressional District.

Aruna Miller was sworn-in as lieutenant governor, making her the state’s first woman of color and the first immigrant to hold the office. Among those in attendance was Oprah Winfrey, who introduced Moore before his inaugural speech.

“The man has worn many hats but the work he’s done – the work he has always done – that has never changed,” said Winfrey.

Moore thanked attendees and made promises of policy changes to address race and income inequality throughout the state.

“Today our opportunity to begin this future is so bright, it is blinding. But only if we are intentional, inclusive and disciplined in confronting challenges, making hard choices, and seizing this opportunity in front of us,” said Moore. “For too long we have left too many people behind. We know it is unacceptable that while Maryland has the highest median income in the country, 1 in 8 of our children live in poverty.”

Moore, a veteran and the son of an immigrant parent, ran an election campaign with the promise of supporting progressive policies like raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour. He defeated Republican Dan Cox in November, bringing an end to eight years of Republican leadership under previous Gov. Larry Hogan.

Festivities for the inauguration will continue through the evening with musical performances. Tickets are also being sold for an inaugural ball at the Baltimore Convention Center.