By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission (MLTRC) has released its final report, outlining 84 recommendations for the state to reckon with its enduring legacy of racial terror lynchings and marking the culmination of six years of research and public hearings. The commission hosted a virtual briefing on the report—released […]
Tag: Governor Wes Moore
Posted inMaryland Government
Lester Davis speaks on first 100 days as chief of staff for Gov. Wes Moore
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com It’s been a little over a month since Lester Davis, former vice president and chief of staff for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (Carefirst), took over as Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s chief of staff. Davis brings more than a decade of public service experience, including serving as deputy chief of staff for […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council releases 2025 annual report
The Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council’s new report outlines a $100 million plan to demolish and renovate more than 2,000 vacant properties. The initiative aims to revitalize Baltimore’s neighborhoods and reduce long-standing housing blight.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore sees progress on gun violence
Baltimore’s recent drop in gun violence, including a record-low number of homicides in April, signals progress driven by focused intervention strategies like the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS). Experts warn, however, that cuts to federal funding and growing online threats could undermine fragile gains. Leaders are calling for sustained investment, youth engagement and statewide collaboration to keep the momentum going.
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 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 inPrince George's County News
Braveboy takes oath of office as Prince George’s County executive on Juneteenth
Aisha Braveboy was sworn in as the 10th Prince George’s County Executive on June 19 at the University of Maryland, with notable guests like Gov. Wes Moore and actor Taraji P. Henson in attendance. In her speech, Braveboy emphasized openness, community involvement, and immediate priorities such as clean streets, unity in government and support for local businesses.
Posted inDMV News
No justice, no (Montgomery County) Juneteenth
The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition (BACC) is urging a full boycott of Montgomery County’s official Juneteenth celebration at BlackRock Center for the Arts, calling it a hypocritical display by leaders complicit in ongoing racial violence and erasure of Black history. Instead, BACC invites the public to attend “The People’s Juneteenth” on June 19, a grassroots event honoring ancestors buried at the desecrated Moses African Cemetery and spotlighting local racial justice issues.
Posted inOpinion
The case for reparations in Maryland: What happens now?
Ryan Coleman is former president of the Randallstown NAACP. This week, he addresses the best ways to ensure a prosperous future of Black Marylanders.
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore signs order to reform in-custody death investigations in Maryland
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order to reform in-custody restraint-related death investigations following an audit that exposed serious failures within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The order establishes a task force, directs case reviews, and advances oversight and transparency to rebuild public trust and ensure accountability.
Posted inBaltimore Events
Preakness Stakes 150: And they’re off!
The Preakness Stakes are run each year as the second jewel in the Triple Crown, a series of prestigious horse races in Kentucky, Maryland and New York, respectively. This year’s race will take place on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course.
Posted inHBCU
Governor Moore delivers commencement address at Lincoln University
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore delivered the May 4 commencement address at Lincoln University, honoring the legacy of his grandfather—an alumnus forced to flee the U.S. as a child—and urging the Class of 2025 to embrace patriotism by shaping a better future. Moore, a military veteran and author, emphasized gratitude for past sacrifices and the responsibility of graduates to lead with purpose and unity.