(ANNAPOLIS – April 18, 2026) — The 2026 Maryland General Assembly session wrapped April 13 with a mix of landmark victories, historic overrides, and at least one painful stall — each with direct consequences for Black communities across the state. From the ballot box to the courtroom to the housing market, here’s what mattered most. Maryland Voting Rights Act (SB 255) Passed in the final minutes of the session, the Maryland Voting Rights Act is the year’s most significant civil rights legislation. The law prohibits racially discriminatory voting systems and district maps, targets at-large election structures that have historically diluted Black voting strength, and gives communities new legal tools to challenge local election changes in court. For a state with one of the highest concentrations of Black eligible voters in the nation, this is a fundamental protection of Black political power — and it almost didn’t make it across the finish line. Reparations Commission (SB 587) — Veto Overridden This one had drama. Gov. Wes Moore vetoed the bill to establish a Maryland Reparations Commission — a move that stunned advocates and the Legislative Black Caucus alike. Lawmakers overrode that veto. The commission will study harms tied to slavery and discriminatory policies, recommend specific remedies including potential financial redress, and begin delivering reports in 2027. Advocates are clear-eyed: the study is not the end goal. Implementation is. But getting the commission established at all — over a sitting governor’s objection — is a historic step. Juvenile Justice Reform Maryland passed meaningful reform limiting when youth can be automatically charged as adults. Black youth are disproportionately funneled into the adult criminal system, and this legislation keeps more young people in the rehabilitative juvenile system where they belong. It is one of the session’s most immediate policy changes for Black families — and one of the quietest wins. Ending 287(g) Agreements Lawmakers moved to end 287(g) agreements that deputized local law enforcement as federal immigration agents. For Black immigrant communities — often overlooked in the broader immigration debate — this matters enormously. Advocates have documented how racial profiling under these agreements falls heavily on Black and Brown immigrants regardless of status. Ending them is both a policing reform and an immigrant rights victory. The PACE Act (SB 475) The Protecting Artists’ Creative Expression Act limits the use of rap lyrics and other creative work as criminal evidence unless directly tied to a specific crime. It passed the Senate 32-10. For years, prosecutors have weaponized Black artistic expression in courtrooms — this bill pushes back. It won’t make national headlines, but ask any Black family in Baltimore what it means when their kid’s music becomes evidence. They’ll tell you. Housing Equity The Legislative Black Caucus drove forward measures targeting appraisal bias — the systemic undervaluation of Black-owned homes and Black neighborhoods that has robbed generations of wealth. Proposed reconsideration processes modeled after the federal VA Tidewater Initiative give homeowners a path to challenge discriminatory appraisals. The racial wealth gap runs directly through homeownership.…
Bless the Lord for traveling mercies, grace, and unity. Look at the love! Watch full video on YouTube
Jody’s fashion career began not far from the awards. It was a full circle moment. Watch full video on YouTube
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I love, love, love a hustler-an entrepreneur-someone who has the heart, the nerve, the audacity, the hunger to make something … Watch full video on YouTube
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Join Us for the Largest Black History Month Kickoff in Baltimore County! Underground Railroad Commemorative Walk @ Emmarts Date: February 1, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM | Location: Historic Rolling Road, Baltimore County Celebrate the rich history of the Underground Railroad and honor the courage of those who sought freedom by joining this commemorative walk along historic Rolling Road. About Emmarts United Methodist Church Emmarts United Methodist Church served as a safehouse during the Underground Railroad movement and continues to be a historic symbol of African-American resilience and freedom. Established in 1872, it remains a cornerstone of the community, preserving its legacy through outreach and education.
Email nominations by Feb. 7, 2025, to doni@bmorenews.com. This cohort will be recognized at the Black Wall Street EXPO 2025 on Feb. 22nd, 10:30 am, at the Downtown Cultural Arts Center in Baltimore at 401 N. Howard Street. Doni Glover
(WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 25, 2025) – Once again, Voices in the Public Square shines a spotlight on the breadth of talent and experience within the Black conservative community, proving that the right side of the aisle is rich with dynamic voices and impactful leaders. This week, BPALiveWire celebrates Lynne Patton, whose leadership and wise counsel within Trump’s first administration was invaluable. The White House announced that Patton will serve as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Minority Outreach, where she will be charged with ensuring that President Trump continues to build upon his historic Election Day support from Blacks,…
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(ANNAPOLIS, MD – January 24, 2025) — Today, Delegate Ashanti Martinez (D-New Carrollton) introduced a House Joint Resolution reaffirming Maryland’s unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a cornerstone to access to the American Dream. Co-sponsored by 25 members of the Maryland House of Delegates, Delegates Acevero, Addison, Alston, Fair, Fennell, Guzzone, Hill, Kaiser, Kaufman, R. Lewis, McCaskill, Pasteur, Phillips, Roberts, Ruff, Ruth, Simpson, Solomon, Taveras, Taylor, Turner, Vogel, Wilkins, Woods, and Young—the resolution emphasizes the importance of DEI in promoting opportunity, prosperity, and shared success for all Marylanders. “For generations, the American Dream has been a beacon of…
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BLACK DI COLLEGE ATHLETES MUST SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR PROPOSED $2.8B NIL SETTLEMENT BY 1/31/25 Black athletes have been essential in building Division I basketball and football into a multi-billion-dollar industry. The NCAA is on the brink of settling two cases for approximately $2.8 billion in connection with certain antitrust claims involving name, image, and likeness. Due to limited advertising specifically to Black audiences, the settlement threatens to leave some deserving Black athletes with nothing. The estimated average payment for each football and men’s basketball player is $91,000, up to $280,000. If you are, or know, a Black college athlete who…
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