Karen Hunter on How Pressure Forced a Reparations Commission Forward
In this clip, Karen Hunter revisits a previous discussion with Dayvon Love about Governor Wes Moore’s veto of legislation to create a reparations commission.
Hunter reminds listeners that accountability does not end with disappointment. “If you said this is what we want to get done, you don’t let it go,” she says, framing persistence as a civic obligation rather than a choice.
That persistence paid off. Maryland lawmakers have now overridden the governor’s veto, approving the reparations commission, and Hunter is quick to place the moment in context.
“This is civic 101,” she notes. “Voting… that’s the least you can do.” Hunter adds, “Politicians are not our friends. They are there for our rights and resources and we have to demand things of them.”
Joined by Love and Sadiq Ali, Hunter leads an observant discussion on how sustained pressure, organized leadership and patience can transform community demands into legislative power.
“We lack patience. We expect things to happen overnight, which is why we play the lotto. You could build your own lotto if you just took some time and invested properly.” - Karen Hunter.