The state of Maryland is believed to have one singular Confederate statue standing on public grounds — but thanks to the efforts of activists, that number may be zero soon.

Confederate statues act as reminders of the treasonous movement of people fighting to perpetuate slavery in America during the Civil War. The removal of these monuments has been a long process, but we’ve made significant progress in the state of Maryland and are very close to removing each of these symbols of white supremacy from public grounds statewide.

As a Black Marylander, I am encouraged by the immense progress we’ve made. Just a few generations ago, my great grandfather and his family were enslaved in Gaithersburg. These confederates, memorialized in statues, dreamed of a world where slavery would persist.

But instead, the descendant of enslaved Marylanders served in the cabinet of the first Black president, and now, has the chance to become Maryland’s first Black and Puerto Rican governor.

What we’ve accomplished thus far has been immense, but we have a long way to go. Systemic inequality still plagues our communities, and injustice is especially visible in areas such as the economy, access to healthcare, social infrastructure, environmental justice, and education.

I want to serve as Maryland’s next governor because I am committed to fighting for a more just and equitable future, where opportunity is accessible to all Maryland residents.

We have lots more to accomplish, and I’m ready to put in the hard work. But I can’t do this without you. Please, join our historic campaign by contributing today. →

Thank you,

John King
Democrat for Governor