Action:
Tell Wes Moore To Sign SB 587- Maryland Reparations Comission
Andy’S Position
A debt is owed. Action is required. SB 587 is a chance for Maryland to lead.
SB 587, sponsored by Senators Muse, Augustine, Brooks, and M. Washington and backed by the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, would establish a statewide Reparations Commission—and we need Governor Wes Moore to sign it into law.
The commission would “study and make recommendations relating to appropriate benefits to be made to individuals whose ancestors were enslaved in the State or were impacted by certain inequitable government policies”
We know that too often, "study bills" or “commissions” are used to stall real action. And we know politicians talk about reparations when they’re not in power—then delay once they are. But this bill is different. It’s stronger, more specific, and structured for real follow-through, if there is a governor willing to lead on this issue.
Here’s why this bill matters:
1. This is not a symbolic commission—it’s built for action.
SB 587 requires the commission to go far beyond vague recommendations. It mandates:
Historical research and analysis
Economic and policy data collection
Concrete, actionable policy proposals
This is the type of serious groundwork needed to turn moral calls for repair into concrete economic policy. Even before laws are passed, this work will move Maryland forward in reckoning with its history—and building a more just future.
2. This bill locks in a political timeline—and sets the stage for reparations policy to be part of the 2026 and 2028 elections.
If signed now, the commission must present preliminary recommendations by January 2027, and final recommendations by November 2027. That means reparations policy will be one of the first things the next governor of Maryland has to act on
It also means the 2028 Maryland General Assembly session—right as the Democratic presidential primaries begin—will include real debate on reparations, grounded in data and driven by communities.
Signing SB 587 doesn't just start a process. It builds pressure for action. It creates a moment where elected leaders will have to take a stand.
As a Green Party candidate for governor, this issue is deeply important to me, because reparations have been part of the Green Party platform for decades. I look forward to reparations being a central topic of debate in the 2026 election—and beyond.
Add your voice.
Send a letter to Governor Moore urging him to sign SB 587 and publicly support reparations. You can use our template letter—or share your own story.
Resources
Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle-In Search of Black Power Podcast-Reparations Policy in Maryland
How to Send Your Letter to Governor Wes Moore about SB 587
Thank you for taking action to support SB 587, the bill to establish a Maryland Reparations Commission.
Personalize Your Message (Optional):
The letter is ready to send as written—but you are encouraged to add your own personal experience, reflections, or testimony about why reparations matter to you. Your voice helps strengthen the message.
Say More (If You Choose To):
The letters do not mention voting in the 2026 gubernatorial election or any future elections. But if this issue is important to you and will influence how you vote or organize, feel free to say so.
After You Send Your Letter:
Share the campaign with others who support reparations.
Stay tuned—we’ll keep you updated as the bill moves forward.
Together, we can help make sure Maryland takes real steps toward justice.
Letter language
Dear Governor Moore,
I urge you to sign SB 587, the bill establishing the Maryland Reparations Commission.
The commission would “study and make recommendations relating to appropriate benefits to be made to individuals whose ancestors were enslaved in the State or were impacted by certain inequitable government policies”
A debt is owed, and action is required.
This bill offers a pivotal opportunity for leadership in addressing the lasting impacts of slavery and systemic inequities in our state. Supported by the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus and sponsored by Senators Muse, Augustine, Brooks, and M. Washington, SB 587 demonstrates a committed effort toward justice.
While study commissions can sometimes serve as a means to delay action, SB 587 is structured with clear mandates: comprehensive data collection, historical analysis, and the development of specific policy recommendations. By signing this bill, you ensure that by January 1, 2027, preliminary findings will be presented, followed by final recommendations by November 1, 2027. This timeline positions reparations as a central topic in the 2028 legislative session, aligning with the onset of the Democratic primary season and emphasizing Maryland's leadership on this critical issue.
I respectfully request that you sign SB 587 into law and publicly affirm your support for reparations. This action will not only honor the work of the Legislative Black Caucus and the bill's sponsors but also demonstrate a moral commitment to rectifying past injustices and promoting economic equality in Maryland.
Sincerely,