By Kendra Bryant
Special to the AFRO

Baltimore’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) hosted its 32nd Civil Rights Breakfast on Oct. 17, kicking off the 2025 Civil Rights Week.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott opens the Civil Rights Week with a call to action to Baltimore citizens.“As you know, redlining began here in Baltimore at the desk I sit at today,” said Scott. “Our city has always stood on the frontlines of fighting for justice. If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” Credit: Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen

“The past few months have shown that the Office of Equity and Civil Rights is needed more now than ever,” said former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “We are witnessing the resurrection of Jim Crow.” 

Led by WMAR 2 News reporter Ja Nai Wright, the event brought together city leaders, lawmakers and activists to address issues in today’s democracy.  

“We celebrate civil rights, but let’s not just talk about it but be about it. This is the fight to keep our history, both the good and the ugly,” said OECR Director Amber Greene. “Equity is not a bad word. It’s about fairness and putting people first. I believe with my whole heart there’s enough for everyone. Enough food, housing, opportunity.”

Building on the message of equity, Mayor Brandon M. Scott addressed the challenges the U.S. faces and Baltimore’s role in overcoming them. 

The Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) offers commissions for women, the disabled, and a newly renewed program for veterans. Veterans Adobolia Buford (far left), Andre Johnson and KeSean Johnson represent the OECR Veterans Commission. Credit: AFRO Photo / Kendra Bryant

“Media platforms are pumping the right-wing agenda into our living rooms and phones,” said Mayor Scott. “I learned from my uncle a long time ago, you either do politics, or it will do you.”

According to the Berkeley Library, in 1967, the FBI quietly unleashed a covert surveillance operation targeting civil rights groups and leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Many of the informants were Black. 

“It’s very crystal clear – as the kids would say – ‘who’s the oops,’” said Mayor Scott. “We cannot repeat history. We must be wiser and know that the enemy will use people who look like us to help them regain power.”

Baltimore’s own civil rights leaders, including Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall and Juanita Jackson Mitchell, the first Black woman to practice law in Maryland, were honored.  

“You can’t walk the streets and talk about civil rights without mentioning her legacy,” said U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks of the venerated attorney. “I am a part of her legacy. Her work and her legacy allow me to represent this great state.”

Community leaders were awarded the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) Impact Award, recognizing their efforts to positively impact Baltimore. John Wesley (far left), Aracely Stafford, John Barber, Honorable Clarence “Tiger” Davis, Lisa Kelly, Professor Chaz Arnett, Viola Woolums, Janice Jackson, Danielle Burton, Amber Greene, Marco K. Merrick, representative of Maureen Sweedney Esq., Jill Muth (right end) Credit: AFRO Photo / Kendra Bryant

Local leaders received the Community Leaders to Watch Award and the Impact Awards for their efforts to create change in Baltimore.

“The unhealed wounds that this country has not healed continue to fester,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume, D-Md-07. “We should not stop only when we are free, but when all are free.”