Panel highlights the legacy of redlining and how past injustices exacerbated current heat and flood risks while urging the state legislature to take action 

ANNAPOLIS, MD – To call attention to reparative policy action needed to address the legacy of redlining and compounding climate and racial injustices in Maryland, the Legislative Black Caucus and Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund convened over 100 stakeholders yesterday for a virtual conversation. Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins was joined by Dr. Sacoby Wilson from the University of Maryland, Jacqui Patterson from the Chisholm Legacy Project, LaTricea Adams from Black Millennials 4 Flint, and Brittany Baker from CCAN Action Fund for the panel, “From Redlining to RENEW: Advancing Reparative Justice in Policy & Practice.” The panel called on Maryland’s legislature to override the vetoes of both the RENEW (Responding to Emergency Needs and Extreme Weather) climate cost study bill and the Maryland Reparations Commission bill, pressing forward with these critical measures to directly address climate vulnerability alongside the historic harms of inequitable government practices.

“We can no longer ignore the direct line between redlining and the disproportionate impact of climate change on Black communities,” said LaTricea Adams, Founder, CEO and President of Black Millennials 4 Flint. “This actionable conversation is about confronting this reality and charting a path towards environmental and reparative justice through policy and practice.”

The event took place against the backdrop of troubling new reports, as recent data revealed that more Marylanders died from extreme heat this summer than in any year in the past decade, and President Trump again denied federal disaster aid for catastrophic flooding in Western Maryland. 

“When we talk about environmental and climate justice, we are not just talking about our urban areas; we have some stark EJ issues in our rural areas too,” said Dr. Sacoby Wilson, Founder and Executive Director of CEEJH INC.,  “The only Black river keeper in the country is in Patuxent; it is not just the urban heat island issues. We have EJ and climate justice issues across the state of Maryland.”

Experts explained that the practice of redlining — systematically denying mortgages and investment in predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods — has left lasting scars, compounding climate risks and limiting access to recovery resources. Participants discussed how advancing policies like the RENEW climate cost study bill and a state-level Reparations Commission are both necessary to build real climate resilience and justice.

“As we face extreme heat, record storms, and repeated denials of federal assistance, Maryland must act to protect frontline communities and repair historic harm,” said Brittany Baker, CCAN Action Fund Maryland Director. “The RENEW Act represents a concrete step toward protecting frontline communities and ensuring our policies are informed by the true costs of climate inaction. We are proud to partner with the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and local champions who are leading the movement for real equity in climate action.”

“If we come together, we will be able to bring these bills to fruition,” said Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, as she closed the event.

CLICK HERE to view a recording of the event.

This event was sponsored by the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund, Center for Engagement Environmental Justice and Health (CEEJH INC.), The Chisholm Legacy Project, Young, Gifted, and Green, Progressive Maryland, South County Environmental Justice Coalition, Third Act Maryland, Nature Forward, No Boundaries Coalition, Out for Justice, Maryland Sierra Club, Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Food and Water Watch, and Climate Justice Wing.

The coalition is encouraging concerned Marylanders to send their lawmakers a message of support for the veto overrides at the CCAN Action Fund website. 

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund is dedicated to driving change in public policies at the local, state, and national levels to address the climate crisis. Through voter education, lobbying, and participation in the electoral process, we seek to advance our country’s leadership in the global movement toward clean energy solutions — focusing our efforts primarily in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. We know that a vibrant democracy is central to our success so we work to defend democratic integrity wherever we can.