Every action is a step toward collective liberation.  As we celebrate Juneteenth, we reflect on the enduring fight for freedom and justice for Black Americans. Juneteenth is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. Our struggle is not over. Discrimination, economic inequality, and social injustice continue to plague our communities. Yet, our resilience and determination to overcome these obstacles must remain unwavering. We are on the frontlines of this fight at the 7/10 Black Workers Center, which we launched just last year. . We stand with Black workers who are navigating a system that too often seeks to marginalize them by advocating fiercely for fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities. Wee have made great strides in just a year, especially in our support for formerly incarcerated Black individuals striving to rebuild their lives against tremendous odds. Our grants program and pre-apprenticeship job readiness program are a testament to our commitment to economic equity. These ongoing initiatives equip Black organizations and workers with essential training, mentorship, and resources, paving the way for sustainable, well-paying jobs. Currently, we are successfully working alongside many partners and workers in this life-changing initiative. As we continue to expand, forming new partnerships with diverse workforces to provide grant funding, and individuals we work with directly to empower and prepare for the workforce, we need your support to grow the community members we can assist.    DONATE NOW

                                     Let's turn the spirit of Juneteenth into action. Together, we can create lasting change

                                     that uplifts our  community. Thank you for your support.

                                     In Solidarity,

Shannon Talbert

Progressive Maryland Black Workers Center Organizer

Last week, Governor Moore made a significant move by pardoning more than 175,000 marijuana convictions. This action will positively impact an estimated 100,000 individuals. This executive order makes Maryland the first state to issue mass pardons for cannabis paraphernalia-related convictions. We hope this is just the beginning of more positive changes to come following inequities of past criminalization. 

With the official start of summer last week too, Progressive Maryland is enthusiastic about our summer base-building efforts as we ramp up to launch our November election campaign. 

As we enter the final week of June, check out the Pride events section of the memo to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. 

Read on for ways to get involved and for news you can use. Plus, stay safe and cool in the global warming heat! And as always, remember to respect and thank essential workers who work outside in the summer temperatures.

The most important issue for Marylanders this week is being actually cool, not just trendy. If you work outdoors or in tough spaces, better look out for yourself -- state agencies are still muttering over what kind of help to offer you (by insisting that your employers take responsibility for it).  In states where the worst of the heat wave has already come and gone, politicians are found to be busy telling other people what to do (for instance, Ten Commandments in each school's classroom, and displayed at 11 x 14 inch size or larger, thankyouverymuch).

In addition to the heat, Maryland leaders and activists are thinking about money, as always -- the Blueprint for educational improvement, the costs of the state's climate plan, and light rail on the next-version Key Bridge (as well as the revived Red Line in Charm City) are all getting a workout. Even in summer. Stay tuned to News You Can Use.

As we kick off this week's memo, we are thrilled to see the growing recognition and celebration of Juneteenth across the nation, especially here in Maryland. This celebration of freedom and community is picking up momentum, and we're proud to be part of a state that honors this significant day. Be sure to check out our Juneteenth Jubilees section for a roundup of celebrations happening statewide. And as we continue to celebrate Pride Month, there are still plenty of events happening so be sure to check those out as well.

June is also African American Music Appreciation Month, established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to honor the invaluable contributions of African American musicians across all genres. Look at the "Rhythms of June" section for events celebrating the rich legacy of Black musicians throughout Maryland.

As always, we have a packed agenda this week, with updates from our issue campaigns and taskforces. Read on to stay informed and for ways to get involved!

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Maryland's usually compliant Public Service Commission says "no" to Exelon conglomerate's local minions; Gov. Moore will pardon 175,000 (!) marijuana "offenders" and the summer weather finally emerges from its lair and gets our attention. Plus doctors join the picket line, more or less, and it is getting harder to hire police. It's News You Can Use.

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Most of what we see going on in Maryland is pretty much housekeeping as Wes Moore continues to put some shape on a successful but haphazard Assembly session. Other legislative outcomes, especially in red states, are scarier. And the just-finished elections for the European Parliament, though disconnected from any national elections, show a scary authoritarian trend too, as we hear from People's Action. Struggles are ahead, no doubt. Information improves your luck, so give a look at our News You Can Use collection every week, just to keep up.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time for us to focus on the importance of mental well-being. This month is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues, advocating for mental health policies, and supporting those who struggle in silence. Let's take this opportunity to educate ourselves and our community, fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized.

Read on for exciting updates on our task force initiatives and issue campaigns.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Costs of living -- can't keep track of them. Just when you are feeling good about a just-signed state law protecting against excessive electricity costs, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission decision raises the ante (and the costs) for our region. We've all been waiting for prices to go down along with inflation, but somehow the big merchants didn't catch on. Why should they when they can reap extra profits and hope nobody notices? Well, surprise, big merchants are losing market share as consumers catch on. Now the prices are coming down. Good work, savvy consumers. Plus: we don't want to compare Maryland's teachers and the coveted rockfish, or striped bass -- but both are in short supply and measures are being taken, or at least proposed, to remedy that. And signs of recovery from the Key Bridge disaster are showing up, one by one. There's more, too, from states and cities around the US, and national trends (why are we setting records for how long we keep our cars?) It's all News You Can Use.