By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and first lady Dawn Moore attended a demolition ceremony for the old Pimlico Race Course that hosts the iconic Preakness Stakes annually in West Baltimore on Aug. 21. Demolition is expected to conclude by the end of the year, with construction for the new race […]
Category: Maryland Government
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland’s forgotten victims: Shedding light on the state’s lynching legacy
Since 2018, the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project has worked to uncover the state’s legacy of racial terror, documenting dozens of lynchings that were long ignored or forgotten. Its leaders say reckoning with these truths is essential to healing—and to preventing history from repeating itself.
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland lawmakers denied entry to Baltimore ICE facility
Maryland lawmakers were blocked from inspecting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding areas during a scheduled oversight visit to the Baltimore Field Office on July 28. ICE officials cited directives from headquarters, sparking outrage from the delegation and drawing a comparison to the historic targeting of Black Americans by Rep. Kweisi Mfume.
Posted inPrince George's County News
In Prince George’s County, Sheriff Carr leads with service, not sirens
During a recent segment of “Behind the Badge with Sheriff Carr,” a new podcast that airs in the Greater Washington Area, host Taylor Thomas, left; Prince George’s County Sheriff John D.B. Carr; Franklyn Malone, CEO and founder of 100 Black Fathers; and Lamont Bunyon, president of 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County discuss a range of issues related to youth and family, including how to keep children engaged and out of trouble, preparing youth for employment and identifying resources to reduce the effects of mental illness and domestic violence within families.
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Scott and Maryland’s Capitol Hill delegation address record lows in crime rates, fight against cuts in federal funding
Mayor Brandon Scott and members of Maryland’s congressional delegation gathered at Baltimore City Hall to highlight record-setting crime reductions and express unified opposition to looming federal funding cuts, including those affecting Medicaid and education. Officials praised the city’s public safety progress and pledged to fight against harmful budget decisions from the Trump administration that threaten vulnerable Baltimore communities.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Facing pressure from Black voters, Democrats detail fight against 47th president’s agenda
With the 47th president back in office and rolling out sweeping policy changes, U.S. senators address Black voters who are demanding to know how Democrats are pushing back. In response, U.S. Senate Democrats point to legal challenges, grassroots engagement, and judicial appointments as evidence they are actively fighting on multiple fronts.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland governor announces hiring freeze to mitigate budget cuts
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced a statewide hiring freeze starting July 1 to address a $121 million budget cut imposed by the General Assembly, drawing criticism from citizens and Republican lawmakers. The move, seen as conflicting with Moore’s recent efforts to support unemployed federal workers, includes additional cost-saving measures like voluntary separations and eliminating vacant positions.
Posted inGovernor Wes Moore
Gov. Moore announces first Road to Careers funding recipients to promote high-skill workforce development
Gov. Wes Moore has announced the first $4 million in Road to Careers grants, aimed at training nearly 1,200 Marylanders for high-demand construction and transportation jobs. The initiative targets historically underserved communities, offering wraparound services to support career development and help close the racial wealth gap.
Posted inPrince George's County News
PG Council adopts $5.8B budget, prioritizing health and re-entry programs
The Prince George’s County Council has adopted a $5.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, focusing on core services, education, safety and infrastructure amid financial challenges. It includes funding for the Black Maternal Health Fund and various community programs.
Posted inMaryland News
Governor Moore declares State of Preparedness to enhance government coordination amid extreme heat forecast
Governor Wes Moore signed a State of Preparedness to protect Marylanders from a potentially hazardous heat wave, urging them to stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable family members and friends to ensure their safety.
Posted inMaryland News
Governor Moore unveils $400M initiative to reduce racial wealth gap on Juneteenth
On Juneteenth, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the $400 million Just Communities initiative to combat the racial wealth gap by prioritizing investment in historically underserved neighborhoods impacted by redlining, mass incarceration and economic exclusion. He also issued nearly 7,000 additional cannabis possession pardons, underscoring his administration’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting economic equity across the state.
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore announces Schiraldi’s departure from DJS and new acting secretary
Gov. Wes Moore has replaced Vincent Schiraldi as Maryland’s juvenile services chief and appointed Betsy Fox Tolentino as acting secretary to lead the troubled agency through a critical period of reform.