When I sought public office, I called for serious, common-sense, community-driven solutions. I warned that failure to act boldly would lead to chaos — and now, in July 2025, we’re seeing exactly that.

In just one week, 27 people overdosed in a single Baltimore neighborhood — a horrifying figure that should shake every public official to their core. According to Baltimore Police, the first wave of overdoses occurred in Penn North on July 11, and then again on July 18, when officers responded around 8:55 a.m. to multiple 911 calls about suspected overdoses along West North Avenue. Five individuals were rushed to area hospitals in serious condition. Two others were revived with Narcan but refused further treatment. One simply walked away after on-site assistance.

This is unacceptable.

Penn North — located at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Avenue — is infamous not just for the open-air drug market that has festered for years, but as the flashpoint of the 2015 Freddie Gray uprising. Yet despite the visible presence of mass transit police, a substation for the Baltimore Police Department and squad cars routinely stationed at this exact intersection, drug dealing continues in broad daylight. It’s as if this corner has been abandoned to destruction — as though it’s meant to stay broken.

We cannot allow this to continue.

Mayor Brandon Scott held a press conference following the most recent overdoses, promising expanded naloxone distribution, 24/7 treatment access and possibly mobile treatment centers. But while these efforts are well-intentioned, they fall short of the decisive action needed to end this crisis.

The truth is this: Baltimore doesn’t need more press conferences — it needs a cleanup. It needs enforcement, real-time intervention and full-on accountability for the dealers and traffickers poisoning our people. This isn’t about criminalizing addiction — it’s about stopping those who prey on the addicted and leave death in their wake.

At the federal level, we’ve seen real leadership work on this as well. President Donald Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law, permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. Surrounded by families whose lives were shattered by fentanyl, he called the bill “another defeat for savage drug smugglers and cartels.” That’s the kind of historic action we need to replicate here in Baltimore.

Let me be clear: The opioid epidemic is no longer a distant health issue — it’s a war zone in our own backyard. And we can’t afford more inaction. We need police accountability, community intervention, drug court reforms and neighborhood restoration plans backed by policy, not platitudes.

Penn North is more than a headline. It is a historic neighborhood that deserves to be remembered not for tragedy, but for triumph.

We need to clean up this corner. We need to restore its dignity. And we must act — now — before more lives are lost.

Christopher Anderson is a third-generation Baltimorean, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a community advocate. He is chairman of the Maryland Black Republican Council and a member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee. He has run for Congress and the Baltimore City Council.

Critics of the Trump administration continue to voice their concerns, but when we evaluate the administration’s early actions objectively, it’s clear that there has been significant progress.

Illegal border crossings have reportedly declined, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection data showing a drop in monthly apprehensions compared with peak levels in 2022. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has also enacted cost-cutting measures projected to save taxpayers billions over the next decade through procurement reforms and more efficient contracting.

On the international front, President Trump has pushed for stronger trade terms with China. While a finalized tariff deal has yet to be signed, both countries have resumed high-level talks, and early indications suggest movement toward a more favorable balance for the United States.

Critics point to Trump’s foreign policy decisions, such as recent deals with Middle Eastern allies, as reckless. However, supporters argue these are strategic partnerships that strengthen America’s global influence and defense networks. One controversy involves the deportation of a Salvadoran national, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who has since been returned to the United States to face criminal charges. While opponents claim due process was violated, the administration maintains that the removal complied with existing immigration laws.

It’s important to acknowledge that not everyone will agree with President Trump’s pace and approach. Some fear that his aggressive push for rapid policy change could lead to mistakes. But fears are not the same as failures. We should judge the administration based on results, not speculation.

There was once a time in American politics when, regardless of who was elected, citizens hoped for the success of the presidency. Unfortunately, because Trump is not a career politician, some critics seem more eager to predict his downfall than support his efforts to succeed. This mindset only deepens national division.

While President Trump previously stated he would work toward ending the war in Ukraine, recent meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggest that peace may take longer than hoped. Negotiations are ongoing, and the United States remains engaged diplomatically with both Ukraine and Russia.

Meanwhile, political stunts, such as Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen traveling to El Salvador in an attempt to reverse the deportation of Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was deported there, highlight some of the partisan theater that overshadows real progress.

Statements like those from Congressman Kweisi Mfume, who called for the arrest of Trump and Elon Musk, only serve to inflame tensions and distract from measurable achievements.

The national economy is showing resilience, outperforming many state economies, including Maryland’s. Instead of resisting federal leadership, states might benefit from adopting similar fiscal and regulatory strategies to enhance local growth and reduce deficits.

It seems at times that America has grown so used to dysfunction that progress feels unfamiliar — even unsettling. But this is a pivotal moment. If we can learn to embrace progress, reduce unnecessary political conflict and focus on real results, we can all share in a more prosperous and stable future.

Let us not fear success. Let us adapt to it, grow with it, and ensure that it reaches every corner of this great nation.

Christopher Anderson is a third-generation Baltimorean, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a community advocate. He is chairman of the Maryland Black Republican Council and a member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee. He has run for Congress and the Baltimore City Council.

Black Marylanders — who make up nearly a third of the state’s population — are being hit the hardest by rising electric bills, inflation and an economy that continues to stack the deck against them. Instead of focusing on financial discipline, Moore has massively expanded the state’s workforce, despite a historic budget shortfall. Meanwhile, the House of Delegates has rejected any meaningful cuts, opting instead to push forward expensive initiatives without a plan to pay for them.

The economic mismanagement under this administration stands in stark contrast with Gov. Larry Hogan’s tenure. Hogan inherited a $5 billion deficit from the O’Malley administration but left office with a $6 billion surplus. Rather than take accountability, Moore has dismissed this surplus as a “sugar high” from pandemic-era federal funding. But the truth is clear: Maryland was on solid financial ground before Moore took office, and now, Black communities are at risk of suffering the most from the consequences of his administration’s tax hikes.

Moore’s latest budget proposal includes tax cuts for some while raising taxes on Maryland’s highest earners. But here’s what that really means for Black Marylanders: When businesses are taxed more, they cut jobs, wages and benefits — opportunities that Black workers disproportionately rely on to move into the middle class. When costs go up, it’s Black families and small business owners, many of whom are already struggling, that feel the weight the most. Sales tax increases, property tax hikes and other hidden fees make everyday life even more unaffordable.

Raising taxes to cover reckless spending doesn’t fix Maryland’s problems — it makes them worse. The wealth gap will grow, Black-owned businesses will struggle even more, and the same communities that have historically been underserved will continue to be left behind. It’s no surprise that Moore’s approval rating has dropped 6 percentage points since January.

Maryland doesn’t need more spending and higher taxes — it needs a government that prioritizes responsible leadership and economic policies that work for all residents, especially Black communities. If Moore truly wants to uplift Maryland’s most valuable residents, he must stop passing these tax burdens on to those who can least afford them.

Christopher Anderson is a third-generation Baltimorean, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a community advocate. He is chairman of the Maryland Black Republican Council and a member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee. He has run for Congress and the Baltimore City Council.

Take, for example, the recent appointment to the State House of LaToya Nkongolo by the Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee. On Jan. 3, Nkongolo was selected to fill the seat vacated by Del. Rachel Munoz in District 31, which includes Pasadena, Severna Park, Millersville and Severn. This marks Nkongolo’s first foray into public office, but her experience as a therapist and advocate for education reform makes her a compelling figure. In 2024, Nkongolo ran for the Anne Arundel County Board of Education, aiming to address the critical need to improve reading and math scores in local schools. Her professional background underscores the GOP’s growing focus on health, education and community resilience.

Nkongolo is not alone in this trend. In 2020, the Washington County Republican Central Committee nominated Brenda Thiam to fill a vacancy in the Maryland House of Delegates. Thiam, an educator with a Ph.D. in special education and expertise in working with children with autism, became the first Black Republican woman in the Maryland General Assembly. Her appointment was hailed as a historic moment for the Maryland Republican Party.

Both Nkongolo and Thiam bring unique and much-needed perspectives to the General Assembly. Thiam’s work in special education has provided her with firsthand insight into the challenges faced by Maryland’s most vulnerable children, while Nkongolo’s experience as a therapist positions her to address critical issues in mental health and community well-being. Together, these women represent a new wave of leadership that prioritizes practical, community-focused solutions over partisan rhetoric.

Nkongolo’s appointment also highlights a broader shift within the Republican Party in Maryland. By selecting her over more established GOP figures, the Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee signaled a commitment to diversifying its leadership and embracing candidates who reflect the changing needs and demographics of the state. This move aligns with a growing recognition that the future of the party lies in leaders who can bridge divides and bring fresh perspectives to the table.

As Maryland continues to grapple with questions of equity, trust and governance, leaders like Nkongolo and Thiam offer a blueprint for what is possible. Their appointments are not just milestones for representation but also indicators of a Republican Party that is evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century. These Black conservative leaders bring unconventional yet common sense solutions to issues ranging from education reform to health care access, demonstrating that meaningful change often comes from unexpected places.

This Black History Month, let us celebrate the contributions of Black conservative leaders in Maryland. They are not just breaking barriers but also reshaping the narrative about what leadership looks like in our state. Their rise is a testament to the power of diversity, innovation and determination — and a reminder that history is still being made.

Christopher Anderson is a third-generation Baltimorean, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a community advocate. He is chairman of the Maryland Black Republican Council and a member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee. He has run for Congress and the Baltimore City Council.

President-elect Donald Trump’s advisers have made their intentions clear that cities and states that refuse to assist in mass deportation efforts risk losing federal funding. Tom Homan, Trump’s pick for “border czar,” recently said on Fox News that jurisdictions refusing to comply with federal immigration enforcement could see significant financial repercussions. Baltimore, under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Scott and Police Commissioner Richard Worley, has taken a defiant stance, vowing not to allow city law enforcement resources to be diverted toward immigration enforcement. Similarly, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has echoed this sentiment, citing the county’s 2020 Liberty Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers, regardless of the severity of the crime committed.

At first glance, these positions may seem principled — an effort to ensure that Baltimore and neighboring counties remain welcoming, inclusive spaces for all. But beneath the surface lies a troubling reality. Prioritizing ideological defiance over pragmatic cooperation with federal authorities could inadvertently endanger the very communities these leaders are sworn to protect.

Crime in Baltimore remains an ever-present crisis. Our city consistently ranks among the most violent in the nation, and residents are desperate for meaningful change. It’s undeniable that immigration enforcement is a deeply polarizing issue, but the potential loss of federal funding — resources that support vital public safety initiatives, housing programs and social services — would deal a significant blow to Baltimore’s already strained infrastructure. More importantly, a refusal to coordinate with federal authorities may create unintended vulnerabilities. Law enforcement agencies depend on cooperation at all levels to address organized crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking, all of which are often tied to cross-border operations. By drawing hard ideological lines, we risk leaving gaps in our enforcement strategies that criminals are more than capable of exploiting.

Claud Anderson of the Harvest Institute has long argued that immigration policies disproportionately impact Black Americans. According to Anderson, failing to consider the socioeconomic consequences of mass immigration on historically marginalized communities is both immoral and unconstitutional. Black Americans, who remain the nation’s most vulnerable demographic, continue to face systemic barriers to economic mobility. Ignoring these realities, he warns, only exacerbates inequality and creates fertile ground for increased crime and social unrest. The concerns raised by Anderson aren’t rooted in xenophobia or anti-immigrant sentiment — they stem from a recognition of historical injustices and a demand for accountability in policymaking. Baltimore’s leadership must not dismiss these perspectives as mere talking points; they deserve thoughtful consideration as we chart a path forward.

No leader wants to appear aligned with a presidential administration whose policies they fundamentally oppose. Mayor Scott and County Executive Ball are in challenging positions, tasked with balancing their personal convictions with their duty to protect their constituents. But true leadership often requires uncomfortable decisions and a willingness to put the safety and stability of the community above political optics. Cooperating with federal authorities on immigration enforcement doesn’t mean abandoning Baltimore’s values. It doesn’t mean turning our backs on vulnerable immigrant families or embracing draconian policies. What it does mean is finding a middle ground — a pragmatic approach that prioritizes public safety while advocating for humane and just enforcement practices.

The stakes are too high for Baltimore to become a political battleground in a larger national conflict. Federal funding supports essential programs that our residents rely on daily. Cooperation with federal agencies enhances our ability to combat crime at its roots. And above all, leadership requires the courage to rise above partisan divides and make decisions rooted in the best interests of the people. Mayor Scott, Commissioner Worley, and Executive Ball have a responsibility to ensure that Baltimore does not become collateral damage in a fight over immigration policy. Now is not the time for grandstanding or political defiance — it is a time for leadership, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of every resident in our city. Baltimore deserves better. Let’s not let politics stand in the way of progress.

Christopher Anderson is a third-generation Baltimorean, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a community advocate. He is chairman of the Maryland Black Republican Council and a member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee. He has run for Congress and the Baltimore City Council.

For decades, students in marginalized communities have been underserved by schools that fail to provide the foundation necessary for upward mobility. Inadequate educational opportunities for Black and Hispanic students perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality. The current system, dominated by teachers’ unions and bureaucratic policies, leaves families with little say in how and where their children are educated. This must change.

The solution lies in empowering families with choice. Charter schools and school voucher programs can offer alternatives to the failing status quo. Families, not the government, should decide what is best for their children. Education should be a ladder of opportunity, not a dead end.

The numbers tell a sobering story. In Maryland, only 12.1% of Black students and 11.9% of Hispanic students are proficient in math. Baltimore City, where systemic oppression is most acute, had the lowest overall math proficiency rate in the state at just 10.2%. While some herald the modest improvement from last year’s 8.8%, the reality is grim — 90% of Baltimore’s students who took the state math exam are not proficient. This is not just a statistic; it is a crisis that limits the potential of an entire generation.

When children are not given the tools to succeed in school, their options as adults become bleak. Many are left to face futures marked by low-wage jobs or involvement in crime. Without intervention, the cycle of systemic oppression continues. Families in Baltimore City — and across the country — deserve better.

While Maryland’s math proficiency rates are improving statewide, Baltimore City continues to lag behind its regional neighbors like Anne Arundel and Baltimore County. This disparity is not just a failure of governance; it is a betrayal of the children who depend on public education to unlock their potential.

We must demand accountability from those who oversee these systems. In 2022, Jovani Patterson, a former City Council candidate and Baltimore public school parent, took the district to court, alleging mismanagement, false reporting of enrollment and a failure to enforce truancy rules. Patterson’s lawsuit highlights what many families have long known: The system is broken, and those in power are not delivering on their promises.

As we move forward into a Trump era, there is hope for transformative change. A federal push for school choice could empower families nationwide, providing the flexibility and resources necessary to escape failing schools. Should national leaders, including a future president, take up this cause, they could spark a revolution in education.

Baltimore’s children cannot wait for incremental progress. They deserve bold, immediate action. By investing in school choice, holding educational institutions accountable and prioritizing student success over politics, we can finally begin to dismantle the systemic oppression that has held so many back for so long.

The fight for equality starts in the classroom. Let’s give families the tools they need to succeed and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. The time to act is now.

Christopher Anderson is a third-generation Baltimorean, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a community advocate. He is chairman of the Maryland Black Republican Council and a member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee. He has run for Congress and the Baltimore City Council.

Despite shifting to the right in recent elections, Black voters — especially Black women — continue to be the most loyal demographic for the Democratic Party. But why? What do we know that the rest of the nation doesn’t? In a political landscape dominated by identity politics, it seems we’re voting for symbolism rather than tangible results. Case in point: Vice President Kamala Harris, touted as a champion of the Black community who we’re expected to rally behind as if she’s a panacea for our challenges.

The time has come to break free from the cycle of supporting a party that’s not delivering real change for Black America. Too many of us are still caught up in the politics of representation, where the mere appearance of progress, such as having a Black woman in the White House, seems enough to secure our vote. But the reality is this “woke” agenda is getting us nowhere. It’s time to shift back to our original conservative values, ones that prioritize family, education and self-reliance — values that can help elevate our communities and put us on a path to real empowerment.

Under a potential new Trump administration, identity politics will likely remain front and center. But as Black Americans, we risk being dismissed if we don’t evolve with the times. While many of us shifted to the right in this last election, we’re still far behind the rest of the nation in terms of political evolution. The focus on race relations, while important, is outdated and increasingly irrelevant to many Americans who are more concerned with economic development, crime reduction and a strong national infrastructure. Meanwhile, Black voters seem locked in an endless cycle of voting for a party that promises progress but delivers little beyond symbolic gestures.

Let’s face it: The current state of Black political engagement seems trapped in an antiquated narrative of victimhood. For example, most Black women are one-issue voters, primarily driven by abortion rights, a single-issue concern that affects only a small segment of the population. And many older Black men, particularly those over 65, are still clinging to outdated views on race relations and identity politics. The result is a stagnation that’s holding us back from meaningful progress.

We need to ask ourselves: What are we actually getting for our vote? Is it enough to see a few Black faces in high places, or do we demand policies that actually improve our quality of life — better schools, safer communities and robust infrastructure? These are the real issues facing Black Americans, and if we continue to vote based on symbolic representation rather than tangible change, we’ll remain stuck in a cycle of unfulfilled promises.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that other racial and ethnic groups are moving forward by voting based on issues that affect their economic prosperity, personal freedoms and national security. It’s time for Black Americans to do the same. We need to stop being swayed by flashy performances or emotional appeals and start demanding meaningful, data-driven policies that will improve our communities.

If we don’t, we’ll find ourselves more disconnected from the rest of the nation, with our concerns reduced to a relic of outdated rhetoric. The Black vote must evolve from a tool of symbolic support to a lever for real, lasting change. It’s time to stop letting identity politics define us and start defining what matters: a better future for our children, our families and our communities. Let’s get serious about the issues that affect us all — and demand policies that reflect our values and needs.

Christopher Anderson is a third-generation Baltimorean, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a community advocate. He is chairman of the Maryland Black Republican Council and a member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee. He has run for Congress and the Baltimore City Council.

Mayor Brandon Scott has criticized the proposal, calling it “short-sighted and naive,” and warned that it could bankrupt the city and hinder essential public services like fire, EMS and waste management — services that have already faced challenges. Armstead Jones, director of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, said only the City Council holds the authority to legislate on local tax rates.

Baltimore City’s property tax rate stands at $2.248 per $100 of assessed value — more than twice the rate of Baltimore County’s $1.10 and higher than any other county in Maryland. This tax disparity has created significant barriers to growth, making it harder for residents to afford to live in the city and for businesses to invest and thrive. The elevated property tax has deterred much-needed investments in areas such as residential renovations and the redevelopment of vacant properties. For decades, the city’s residents have borne the burden of a tax system that exceeds those of neighboring counties.

In a majority-Black city that’s seen a history of systemic racism, these tax policies that burden Baltimore’s Black population are rightly under growing scrutiny. The rejection of the property tax reduction measure echoes past controversies, such as the Baltimore Gas and Electric conduit deal with the city that could cost residents hundreds of millions of dollars, where residents’ concerns were similarly dismissed. The refusal to lower property taxes continues to drive residents, especially seniors, out of the city.

When will the leadership of the city’s Democratic administration deliver real change in areas like crime, education and taxation? Baltimore’s elected officials, year after year, fail to address these systemic issues, all while accusing residents of being at fault for the city’s struggles. This narrative, which blames Black residents for problems that persist under government inaction, is both misleading and harmful.

Renew Baltimore’s proposal would not have compromised essential services but would have provided much-needed financial relief to residents. Despite paying disproportionately high taxes compared to surrounding counties, Baltimore residents continue to suffer from underfunded services, failing schools and high crime rates. These ongoing disparities raise questions about how city funds are being allocated and why surrounding counties, with lower taxes, face fewer of these issues.

We should all be joining the call for an end to these inequities, for leaders to listen to their constituents and for Baltimore’s elected officials to be held accountable for perpetuating a system that places a heavier financial burden on Black residents. These policies serve the interests of those in power, while the community continues to bear the costs of systemic racism and corruption.

Christopher Anderson is a third-generation Baltimorean and a community advocate. He is a member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee and is running for election to the Baltimore City Council.