Black men of Baltimore respond to election of first Black governor in Maryland

By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer,
Report For America Corps Member,
tmcqueen@afro.com

The day after the historical win for then-Democratic candidate Wes Moore, Black male Baltimoreans weighed in on the monumental achievement.

“Wes Moore seems authentic, genuine and he shakes up the normal political landscape,” said Hasani James, a 47-year-old Baltimore native. “It’s impressive that a Black man with no prior experience won a public office.” 

Moore is a best-selling author, combat veteran and a small business owner among many other things. Even without political experience, he managed to garner notable endorsers like Oprah Winfrey and raise funds throughout his campaign. Paired with his strong stances on education, closing the racial wealth gap and protecting reproductive rights – he couldn’t be beaten.

James, a hotel manager, said he has hope that Moore can leave Maryland better than he found it.

“I’m very proud of Wes Moore,” said Harris. “I’ve lived in Maryland most of my life and never seen anything as remarkable – outside of Mayor Brandon Scott. Maryland is in good shape with Moore as governor.”

Moore is only the third Black governor to ever be elected into office in American history. 

According to the Pew Research Center’s decades-long cumulative data, Black leaders are experiencing an uphill battle across the U.S. 

In 1965, there were no Black U.S. governors and only five Black members of the House of Representatives. In 2019 there were still no Black governors in office, the latest being Black governor Deval Patrick, former governor of Massachusetts.

“I’m looking to see a crime reduction and an increase in the education rate. We need more retention in schools,” said Weaver.

Moore is expected to work closely with Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott to help reduce crime issues in Baltimore and is impassioned about reinvigorating Maryland’s schools.

“Congratulations to him for making history,” said Mercer. “I’m excited to see what he does as governor.”

Mercer continues, “It’s important to have a Black man in office because he can understand the needs of the Black community better than traditional officeholders can.”

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