Press Article
Support Grows for Maryland Reparations Commission Bill as Rally Takes Place
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Advocates gathered at the governor’s residence on Friday urging Gov. Wes Moore to sign legislation establishing a commission to explore potential reparations for slavery in Maryland. The rally underscored the significance of the bill, which awaits a decision from the state’s first Black governor.
State Sen. C Anthony Muse, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that the legislation is focused solely on studying the issue, stating, “When is it the wrong time to study something? We need to study it, and we need to do it now.” He highlighted the importance of understanding racism’s enduring impact, a sentiment echoed by Gov. Moore in previous remarks.
While the governor has acknowledged the historical and structural effects of racism in Maryland, he has yet to articulate whether he will sign the proposal. His office did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding the bill’s status. Meanwhile, Carl Snowden, convener for the Caucus of African-American Leaders, expressed confidence in the bill’s future, suggesting the governor is weighing the political implications of his decision.
The legislation passed with strong Democratic support in the General Assembly, with a House vote of 101-36 and a Senate approval of 32-13—enough to override a potential veto. Proposed reparations include official apologies, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, and tuition waivers for higher education.
At the rally, Wanika Fisher, a member of the Prince George’s County Council, invoked the legacy of Thurgood Marshall, stressing the bill’s relevance in confronting structural racism linked to Maryland’s history. Maryland joins several other states exploring reparations, including California and New York City, as the nation grapples with its legacy of racial injustice.
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