Dayvon Love is public policy director for the Baltimore-based think tank Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. This week he discusses how conservative political forces have historically promoted policies that harm Black communities while claiming to act in their best interests. For example, advocates for harsh sentencing often cite protecting victims while ignoring how such policies disproportionately fuel mass incarceration. Such right-wing stances reflect a broader indifference—or even hostility—toward the systemic oppression faced by Black people.
Category: Maryland Government
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland residents and leaders commemorate anniversary of Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse
One year after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, Marylanders gathered to honor the lives lost and reflect on the resilience of their communities. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding the bridge by 2028, emphasizing the need for continued economic recovery.
Posted inBaltimore News
State of Maryland announces grant funding for economic development projects for Baltimore’s most-disinvested residential and commercial corridor in West Baltimore
The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) has awarded over $6.5 million in its second round of grant funding to 19 recipients, including minority-, women-, veteran-, and returning citizen-led businesses, as part of its 15-year revitalization strategy for West Baltimore. With a total investment of $21.2 million over the past two years, WNADA continues to drive economic growth, support local businesses, and improve community services along the West North Avenue corridor.
Posted inMaryland Government
MEJC launches inaugural report detailing drivers of mass incarceration
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown released a report March 13 to address the historical roots and drivers of mass incarceration and the racial disparities within it. The report highlights inequities such as the fact that Black Marylanders make up around 30 percent of the […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Crossover Day marks progress for Maryland’s Second Look ActÂ
Maryland lawmakers worked through crossover day, passing key bills, including the Second Look Act, which allows certain offenders to petition for reduced sentences. Despite strong opposition from House Republicans, the bill now moves to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee for further review.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Wes Moore provides update on budget negotiations as deadline draws near
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) reaffirmed his commitment to tax code reforms and economic competitiveness while ruling out a sugary drink tax and business-to-business taxes in the FY 2026 budget. With a $3 billion deficit looming, Senate leaders anticipate deeper cuts, while Republican lawmakers remain skeptical about potential tax hikes.
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Maryland Democratic Party’s cold war
Dayvon Love is director of public policy for the Baltimore-based think tank, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. This week he speaks on infighting within the Democratic Party.
Posted inMaryland News
Governor Wes Moore outlines vision for Maryland’s economic growth, federal worker support and FBI relocation
Maryland Governor Wes Moore hosted a highly anticipated telephone town hall with over 5,000 of the state’s constituents on March 18. The town hall meeting, which focused on key topics such as economic growth, support for federal workers, the relocation of the FBI headquarters and veteran benefits, served as an important opportunity for Moore to update Marylanders on his administration’s progress and future plans.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland first lady Dawn Moore announces inaugural Preakness Festival
The inaugural Preakness Festival, announced by Maryland first lady Dawn Moore and state officials, will take place from May 10-15, celebrating Maryland’s historic Preakness Stakes with a mix of cultural, entertainment and equestrian events. Designed to boost economic impact and community engagement, the festival will feature concerts, farm tours and fundraisers, while renovations at Pimlico Race Course prepare for a revitalized future for the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.
Posted inMaryland Government
New legislation would create commission to review and assess racial disparities in criminal justice
State Del. Charlotte A. Crutchfield (D-Md.-19) is sponsoring legislation that would establish a commission to study racial disparities in Maryland’s criminal justice system.
Posted inMaryland Government
Deadline looms as Maryland caucuses push for key diversity and equity bills
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com One week before the Maryland General Assembly’s crossover deadline, six legislative caucuses held a historic joint press conference. On March 10 the legislators came together to advocate for policies promoting diversity, equity and economic stability. If the bills they support do not pass by the deadline, they are unlikely to […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Braveboy and White win Prince George’s County special election primary for County Exec
Democrat Aisha Braveboy and Republican Jonathan White won their respective county executive races in Prince George’s County and will face each other in the special general election on June 3.
