Annapolis, MD (November 25, 2025) – On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Anne Arundel County hosted “A Day of Acknowledgment: Confronting the Legacy of Slavery” which resulted in a formal apology from County Executive Steuart Pittman on behalf of Anne Arundel County Government for its role in the institution of slavery and its profound, lasting impact on Black communities.
“I could not leave this office without acknowledging the harm and trauma that our county government caused to generations of Black residents by supporting the institution of slavery and other forms of racism that followed,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “As County Executive, and as a direct descendant of Anne Arundel County enslavers, we collectively offer our inadequate and long-delayed, but deeply felt apology, and pledge to never allow this history to be forgotten as we work together toward atonement.”
The morning program focused on a historical overview of precolonial life, the lives of enslaved individuals, emancipation, and the legacy of slavery in Anne Arundel County. This portion was hosted by Chris Haley, Director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland for the Maryland State Archives, and featured reflections from community leaders.
The historical overview was followed by remarks from Carl Snowden, Convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders, who shared why the organization requested this apology from the county government. Mr. Snowden introduced County Executive Pittman, who reflected on his own family history and issued a formal apology on behalf of Anne Arundel County Government. The county’s apology will be added to the collection of exhibits at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum in Annapolis.
“This event happened because of collaboration and partnership. We worked alongside community organizations, local historians, and descendants of enslaved people to ensure this acknowledgment was delivered with integrity and deep empathy,” said Asha Smith, Director of Anne Arundel County’s Office of Equity & Human Rights. “This is not the end of the conversation, the apology is a start. Our Office of Equity and Human Rights looks forward to the work ahead.”
In partnership with the Maryland State Archives, the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, and Lyndra Marshall the event featured visiting exhibits for attendees to continue to learn about our local history, including the Sesquicentennial 1864 Maryland Slave Emancipation Quilt, Lord Ligonier Advertisement, Portrait of Charity Folks Bishop (1793-1877, c. 1850), and “Flee! Stories of Flight from Maryland.”
"Merriam-Webster defines apology as 'an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault.’ I believe that is exactly what County Executive Pittman achieved on Saturday,” said Chris Haley, Director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland. “In response to the Caucus of African American Leaders' request, he initiated this program to recognize and apologize for the horror of slavery without diluting it. Deniers typically dismiss America’s race-based system with references to 'a different time' or 'a worldwide practice'—but this event boldly rejected that notion. This event stated: This was wrong; we were wrong to condone it; this is how it affected Black people and their descendants; and we regret that it happened in our county. Now, let's look at what programs and actions we can offer or build to make things better. I am honored, proud, and so inspired to have been asked to be a part."
“County Executive Pittman is the first and only County Executive to have his government acknowledge and apologize for slavery,” said Carl Snowden, Convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders. “He should be commended for taking this courageous, bold act.”
Following the morning program, two discussions were held in the afternoon to turn the focus towards repair and reconciliation. First, a panel discussion entitled “Opportunities Now!” featured Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, Anne Arundel Community College Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Dr. Kellie McCants-Price, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Amy Gowan, and Arundel Community Development Services Program Manager Daryl Pratt.
This conversation highlighted existing local programs that are designed to address disparities in wealth and education. This was followed by “A Conversation About Reparations” with Dr. Andre M. Perry, Senior Fellow and Director at the Brookings Institution.
To view a recording of the event, click here.
