John-John Williams IV

Gabriela Hernandez Marquez, an undocumented immigrant, speaks at an event announcing Anne Arundel County’s pursuit of a Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America. The designation will position Anne Arundel as a leader in immigrant inclusion, joining more than two dozen communities across the U.S. and becoming only the third local government in Maryland to achieve this distinction. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)

Is a welcoming Maryland ready for an increase in its immigrant populations?

Maryland is preparing for an influx of immigrants looking for less hostile living conditions than in other less-welcoming states.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is seen during a press conference about the Key Bridge collapse in Dundalk, Maryland on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

The Baltimore Banner

Racists called Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott a ‘DEI mayor.’ Here’s how he responded

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“We know what these folks really want to say when they say DEI mayor,” Scott told The Banner. “They really want to say the N-word.”

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown at a news briefing on April 5, 2023

The Baltimore Banner

Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes member suspended after anti-Israeli posts

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Attorney General Anthony Brown has suspended a member of the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention, citing personal social media posts that he said “risk disrupting the work and mission of the Commission.”

Michael Silver, a Pigtown resident, poses for a portrait in his neighborhood on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. He said he's hurt and angered by the spike in antisemitic incidents in Maryland in 2022.

The Baltimore Banner

Antisemitic incidents nearly double in Maryland in 2022 over previous year, audit finds

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Harassment and vandalism accounted for most of the spike, which gave the state the 10th highest number of antisemitic incidents in the country in 2022.

Jody Davis poses for a portrait next to her white ensemble worn by first lady Dawn Flythe Moore at the swearing-in ceremony of her husband, Gov. Wes Moore, at Jody Davis Designs in Baltimore, Saturday, March 4, 2023.

The Baltimore Banner

Black businesses enjoy unexpected bump from Wes Moore’s historic inauguration

John-John Williams IV

First lady Dawn Flythe Moore says the inclusive efforts made during the event are in line with the new governor’s priorities and will be indicative of his administration.