Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently made a bold move. Instead of forming another committee to study reparations, he vetoed the bill. Why? Because the research has already been done. He believes it’s time to act, not delay. At a speech at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Moore said, “We must focus on the work itself.” His message was clear: stop waiting for perfect solutions and start building real ones.
He’s zeroing in on areas where change can be felt: housing, education, and economic opportunity. For communities of color that have faced generations of inequality, this isn’t just policy. It’s personal.
Building a Black-owned business from the ground up
One of the most powerful tools to close the wealth gap is entrepreneurship. Moore understands that, which is why his administration awarded more than $815 million to Black-owned businesses in the past year. That’s not a small shift, it’s a complete pivot.
But it’s not just about handing out contracts. His team is also working to provide mentorship, access to capital, and technical support so that Black founders aren’t just starting businesses, they’re growing them. Because ownership creates independence. And independence builds wealth.
A strong foundation starts with housing and education
Moore’s plan includes big investments in affordable housing, because if people don’t have a place to live, they can’t plan. He’s also putting real money into HBCUs, including a nearly 60% increase in funding statewide. That means updated facilities, more scholarships, and better resources.
Get involved where you are
Moore isn’t doing this alone. He’s calling on all Marylanders to play a part. Support a Black-owned café. Join a local nonprofit. Talk to your city officials. Show up. Small actions build momentum. Real change doesn’t come from one leader. It comes from thousands of people working toward the same goal.
A message with meaning
On Juneteenth, Moore will return to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to announce the next phase of his plan. It’s a powerful choice, this is the land where Harriet Tubman once led others to freedom. Now, it’s where a new movement is taking shape.
Maryland is showing what focused leadership looks like. It’s time to stop studying the problem and start solving it. The moment to act is now.
Key Takeaways
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is taking action to close the racial wealth gap by focusing on housing, education, and economic opportunities for communities of color, rather than forming committees to study the issue.
- Impact: The racial wealth gap affects communities of color deeply, impacting their economic opportunities and independence.
- Action: Support Black-owned businesses through mentorship, access to capital, and technical support to foster growth and wealth creation.
- Empowerment: Engage in local initiatives and advocate for policy changes to build momentum and drive systemic change.
