Maryland Governor Vetoes Slavery Reparations Commission
By Brian Witte, Associated Press
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced Friday his decision to veto a proposed commission aimed at studying potential reparations for slavery in the state. The first Black governor of Maryland, Moore stated that while the decision was tough, it was essential to pivot from studies to actions addressing racial disparities.
In his veto letter, Moore commended the legislative efforts behind the bill but emphasized the necessity of focusing on practical solutions to narrow the racial wealth gap, enhance homeownership, and support entrepreneurs of color. He highlighted the progress made in Maryland over recent years, including the presence of high-ranking Black officials, such as U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Maryland’s Black attorney general.
The bill, introduced by the Legislative Black Caucus, aimed to address a painful history through measures such as official apologies, monetary compensation, and various forms of assistance to Black communities. The Legislative Black Caucus expressed profound disappointment in Moore’s veto, stating it was an opportunity lost for Maryland to acknowledge and address historical injustices.
The measure garnered significant support in the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, passing the House 101-36 and the Senate 32-13. This overwhelming support raises the possibility of an override, contingent on the legislature’s next session.
Moore’s veto is part of a broader strategy, as he believes the state has conducted extensive studies on slavery over the past decades. While he acknowledged the work and scholarship already contributed by Marylanders on the legacy of slavery, he stressed that the focus must now shift to actionable reforms to uplift Black families in the state.
As the conversation around reparations evolves, similar initiatives are being pursued elsewhere, including California and New York City. The broader discourse reflects a growing recognition of the need for reparative justice across the nation.
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