Governor Wes Moore on Pardoning 175,000 Cannabis Convictions and Supporting Black Communities

Addressing Historical Injustices

• ✊ Governor Wes Moore asserts that knowing one's history is knowing one's power, emphasizing that his presence in rooms is earned, not a result of benevolence or diversity initiatives.
• 📚 He criticizes the Trump administration for divesting from black communities, dismantling minority business programs, and banning books about history, stating this is done to suppress knowledge of power.

Investing in Minority Communities

• 💰 The governor highlights significant investments in Maryland, including over $1.3 billion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), a nearly 60% increase.
• 🤝 More than $800 million in state contracts have been awarded to black entrepreneurs and black-owned businesses in Maryland.

Largest Mass Pardon in US History

• 📜 Moore proudly announced signing the largest single mass pardon in U.S. history, pardoning 175,000 cannabis convictions.
• ⚖️ This action is framed as a necessary step to address the consequences of criminalization when discussing the benefits of legalization.

Measuring Success Through Results

• 🎯 The fight for the future is happening now, not in the future, and success will be measured by tangible results.
• ✅ These results include raised wages, created jobs, built homes and bridges, and changed lives, rather than just resistance or loud advocacy.