Maryland Gov. Wes Moore recently announced new Just Community investments aimed at closing the racial wealth gap in the state.
Announced on Juneteenth, the new plan invests $400 million in communities that have been disproportionately affected by exclusionary policies. The latest plan builds upon the 2024 Just Community Legislation Act, which provides monetary relief to communities impacted by redlining, increased rates of incarceration, greater exposure to environmental and health hazards and urban renewal projects.
Through the investment, over 400 communities across 17 different counties and Baltimore will be given equal opportunities to address legislative systemic oppression.
Communities were chosen through a scoring system that considered factors such as priority funding, homeownership, property value trends, closeness to superfund sites, rates of exposure to lead-based paint and rates of asthma amongst older residents.
The money will officially be distributed on July 1, along with 7,000 additional pardons for cases of cannabis possession.
“We know the racial wealth gap affects all of us. It hurts our economy; it restrains job growth and it limits our potential as a state,” said Gov. Moore in a statement. “If you want a growing economy, you have to make sure it is an inclusive one. We cannot afford to simply ‘meet’ about the situation before us and delay progress—we need action. Together, we are going to continue the work of repair with action that delivers results.”
On the same day that the announcement of the new Just Community funds was made, the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus continued to highlight the need for reparations to truly address the state’s racially discriminatory policies. At a virtual town hall meeting, members of the non-profit reiterated that the racial wealth gap can only be closed by providing reparations.
The group also drew attention to Gov. Moore’s previous veto of a bill that would have established a reparations committee in the state. Last month, he denied the passing of a bill that would have launched a two-year study investigating how the state’s citizens have been impacted by racial inequity and enslavement.
Supported by the Legislative Black Caucus and Democrats, the bill would not have immediately taken any action, but would have provided statistics in support of developing future reparations plans.
The bill still has a chance to come to fruition as the Maryland General Assembly can choose to override the governor’s veto.
“I think we need to push as forcefully as possible against what’s happened with this veto, to have it overturned as we would if it was anyone else in elected office,” said the president and CEO of Associated Black Charities, Chrissy Thornton, per the Baltimore Sun.
“I think we’re in a moment where we have to be courageous and speak to accountability — no matter who’s in the seat.”
