This article first appeared here in the Washington Post on December 6th.
Democrat embraces teaching the legacy of systemic racism as he campaigns to be Maryland’s first Black governor
John B. King Jr. released his first campaign ad in Maryland’s Democratic primary race for governor on Monday, addressing critical race theory and calling systemic racism “the truth.”
King’s ad highlights his family’s ascension from slavery to his post in President Barack Obama’s Cabinet and draws contrasts with conservative leaders who have decried critical race theory as bigoted.
“Some far-right politicians want to erase my story,” he says.
The 60-second Web ad, backed by what King’s campaign said was a “six-figure” media purchase, builds on his campaign theme of using education to bridge gaps in wealth, justice and health that put many of Maryland’s Black families at a disadvantage. In the ad, King says “the truth” is that those gaps “are tied to the history of slavery.”
“As a teacher, school principal, and President Obama’s secretary of education, I know that truth matters,” King says in the ad. “We’re strong enough to acknowledge injustice and see the power of progress.”
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