Dear Friends:

The events of the past weeks require a response — from each of us as individuals, from our community and from the country. The need for racial justice in this state and across the country has never been clearer and its absence has been starkly visible in the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery and the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on communities of color. Racial bias, implicit or explicit, has no place in a civilized society.

As we look to reopen Maryland, we must ensure that we address the reasons that underlie the disproportionate impact on our communities of color, creating policies that move us forward and address the need for equity across our state. You can read more at https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/06/17/frosh-virus-unequal-devastation-in-communities-of-color-must-guide-the-response/.

I remain committed to racial justice. I hope you will stand with me.