(AURN News) – Maryland lawmakers have overridden a veto by Gov. Wes Moore to greenlight a slavery reparations commission. In May, the governor vetoed the bill, arguing that enough research already exists on slavery’s harms and that leaders should skip further studies and move directly to concrete solutions.
The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and other supporters disagreed, insisting the state needs a public plan first. Now, a 23-member volunteer commission will take shape to examine government actions from 1877 to 1965, including segregation, redlining, and widening racial and wealth gaps.
The panel’s recommendations could include formal apologies or cash payments, tax breaks, tuition assistance, debt relief, homebuyer grants, and child care for Black residents most affected. With nearly one in three Marylanders being Black, supporters are hailing the move amid nationwide attacks on diversity efforts.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
