The Caucus of African American Leaders in Maryland has unanimously voted to petition the state government to rename the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was destroyed in a recent accident, due to Key’s ownership of slaves and controversial views on race. They are urging Governor Wes Moore and the General Assembly to consider renaming the bridge after Rep. Parren J. Mitchell, a prominent Black Marylander who served in Congress. The bridge collapse on March 26 has prompted discussions on plans to rebuild it, as it was a heavily trafficked route in Baltimore.
In addition to seeking to rename the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the caucus is also recommending that the Sen. Frederick Malkus Memorial Bridge be renamed after Gloria Richardson, a civil rights leader. This suggestion will be shared with Governor Moore, and further discussions will take place at a quarterly meeting with him. The caucus is also advocating for a memorial to the six Latino workers who lost their lives in the bridge collapse. The renaming of the Sen. Frederick Malkus Memorial Bridge after someone associated with the civil rights movement aligns with the caucus’s goal of honoring individuals with positive legacies.
Francis Scott Key, the namesake of the bridge in question, was the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner” but also owned slaves and held racist views. As a lawyer, Key was involved in cases where Black Americans sued for their freedom, although he later advocated for the removal of Black people from America. The Star Spangled Music Foundation has argued that Key’s words about Black Americans being inferior have been taken out of context. The decision to rename the bridge is seen as a way to acknowledge and rectify historical figures with problematic pasts.
The proposal to rename the Francis Scott Key Bridge reflects a broader trend in Maryland of addressing controversial historical figures and structures. In 2017, a statue of Roger B. Taney, the author of the Dred Scott decision, was removed from the state house in response to petitions from groups like the Caucus of African American Leaders. Governor Larry Hogan honored this request, showing a willingness to listen to and act upon the concerns of Black residents in the state. The renaming of the bridge is seen as part of a larger effort to create a more inclusive and respectful public space.
The campaign to rename the bridge after Parren J. Mitchell is rooted in his legacy as a bridge-builder between the African American community and society at large. Mitchell’s contributions to civil rights and representation for Black Marylanders make him a fitting choice for the bridge’s new name. Carl O. Snowden, the convener for the Caucus of African American Leaders, expressed optimism about the proposal, recognizing that changes like this take time but can ultimately be successful. Maryland’s history of addressing controversial figures and symbols suggests that the renaming of the Francis Scott Key Bridge could be a step forward in acknowledging and honoring diverse perspectives.
