Wes Moore blocks slavery reparations study in Maryland

In Maryland, on Friday, May 16, 2025, Governor Wes Moore announced his veto of a bill aimed at establishing a commission to study the feasibility of slavery reparations. The decision was met with immediate disappointment from the Legislative Black Caucus, which had prioritized the bill during this legislative session, gaining substantial support including a 101-36 vote in the House and a 32-13 vote in the Senate. Governor Moore, the state's first Black governor, argued that after numerous studies conducted over nearly thirty years, it is time to shift focus towards actionable solutions, such as addressing the racial wealth gap and improving access to home ownership and education. His veto letter highlighted recent progress made in Maryland regarding Black political representation, emphasizing the need to uplift Black families and combat existing disparities. Historically, Maryland has witnessed the rise of prominent Black politicians, including a Black attorney general and a Black state House speaker. The governor's stance reflects a growing urgency among some leaders to address systemic inequalities rather than initiate further studies on the legacy of slavery. In his statement, Moore emphasized the importance of concrete actions over additional research, though the Legislative Black Caucus criticized the veto as a missed opportunity to directly confront and repair historical injustices faced by Black communities. The reparations bill encompassed measures such as monetary compensation, property tax rebates, and assistance programs aimed at closing racial disparity gaps. After years of study and debate, advocates argue that now is the time for Maryland to take decisive steps towards reparative justice.