Mayor Brandon Scott's Vision

(BBR)  Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland, has long been known as a hub for industry and commerce. However, in recent years, the city has struggled with crime and a declining population, leading to a less-than-ideal business climate. Enter Brandon Scott, Baltimore's young and dynamic mayor, who is leading efforts to revitalize the city and build it into a regional business powerhouse.

Scott, who was elected in November 2020 at the age of 36, has wasted no time in pursuing his ambitious agenda. He has already implemented a number of measures aimed at making Baltimore more attractive to businesses, including tax incentives for startups and small businesses, investments in infrastructure and transportation, and a focus on education and workforce development.

One of Scott's top priorities has been to increase economic development in the city. To achieve this, he has launched a number of initiatives aimed at attracting businesses to Baltimore and helping existing businesses grow. These include the Baltimore Together Economic Recovery Plan, which seeks to support small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Baltimore City Anchor Plan, which focuses on strengthening the city's major institutions to drive economic growth.

Scott has also been a strong advocate for investing in the city's transportation infrastructure. He has championed projects like the Red Line, a light rail system that would connect East and West Baltimore, and has pushed for improvements to the city's bus system. These efforts are aimed at making it easier for businesses to move goods and people in and out of Baltimore, and to create a more livable city for residents.

In addition to these economic and infrastructure initiatives, Scott has made education and workforce development a top priority. He has launched a number of programs aimed at providing training and job opportunities for Baltimore residents, including the YouthWorks summer jobs program and the Baltimore City Community College apprenticeship program. These efforts are aimed at creating a more skilled and productive workforce, which in turn will make Baltimore more attractive to businesses.

The results of Scott's efforts are already beginning to show. In 2021, Baltimore was ranked as the second-best city for startups in the United States by Inc. magazine, citing the city's low cost of living, strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, and supportive government policies. The city has also seen a surge in venture capital investment, with startups raising a record $545 million in 2021, up from just $20 million in 2015.

But Scott knows that there is still work to be done. Baltimore faces significant challenges, including a high crime rate and a struggling public school system. However, he is committed to addressing these issues head-on, and to building a brighter future for Baltimore and its residents.

In conclusion, Mayor Brandon Scott is leading the charge to build Baltimore into a regional business powerhouse. Through his ambitious economic, infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives, he is creating a more attractive and livable city for businesses and residents alike. While there is still much work to be done, Scott's vision for Baltimore is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when leaders prioritize economic growth and invest in their communities.

Americans have had many ages of identity politics

(BBR) Identity politics has been a part of American society for many years, and it has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the country. From the struggles of the civil rights movement to the ongoing battles over LGBTQ+ rights and immigration, identity politics has been a driving force behind many of the key political debates and struggles of the past several decades.

At its core, identity politics is about recognizing and acknowledging the diverse and often intersecting identities of people in society, and advocating for policies and practices that support their rights and interests. This can take many different forms, from advocating for affirmative action and equal pay for women and minorities, to fighting for marriage equality and protections for undocumented immigrants.

Despite the many successes of identity politics over the years, it has also been a source of controversy and division. Some critics argue that it encourages a sense of tribalism and division, and that it can be used to justify discriminatory policies and practices. Others contend that it is a necessary tool for ensuring that all voices are heard, and that it is an essential component of a healthy and inclusive democracy.

Regardless of where one falls on this debate, it is clear that identity politics will continue to play an important role in American politics for the foreseeable future. As the country becomes increasingly diverse and as new groups continue to emerge and assert their identities and interests, identity politics will remain a key tool for achieving social justice and progress.

Ultimately, the success of identity politics will depend on the ability of advocates to effectively balance the competing interests and demands of different groups, and to work towards a shared vision of a more just and equitable society. While there will undoubtedly be challenges and setbacks along the way, the ongoing struggles for equality and justice demonstrate that identity politics is a powerful force for positive change in American society.

Her appointment aims to honor the legacy of the late activist, scholar, and educator Ronald W. Walters.

Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams has joined the faculty of Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Abrams, 49, has been appointed the Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics at the historically Black university, the school announced Wednesday, NPR reports.

Her appointment aims to honor Walters’ legacy. His 25 years as a Howard University professor were marked by his leadership and expertise in issues of race and politics. It was his activism that influenced the organizing of the country’s first lunch-counter sit-in in Kansas in 1958, according to The Washington Post.

During the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s two presidential campaign bids, Walters served as campaign manager and consultant. Walters died in 2010 at the age of 72.

“I am honored to serve as the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics, having had the privilege of knowing and learning from Dr. Walters,” said Abrams in the university’s news release.

In her new role, “Abrams will foster interdisciplinary collaborations across the University on critical issues of race and Black politics,” per the news release, “especially those issues that affect Americans of the African diaspora.” Also, she will facilitate the Ronald W. Walters Speakers Series, which will feature invited guests on a variety of topics.

“Stacey Abrams has proven herself an essential voice and eager participant in protecting American democracy — not just for certain populations, but for everyone with the fundamental right to make their voices heard,” Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in the news release.

Abrams’ multi-year appointment will begin in September.

“As the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair, Ms. Abrams’ selection not only honors the work and legacy of renowned political strategist and scholar Dr. Ronald Walters, it expands on that legacy by bringing Howard students in dialogue with a contemporary candidate whose work has directly influenced today’s political landscape,” Frederick said in the statement.