Annapolis voters will have a chance to hear directly from candidates for mayor and city council on issues of reparative justice at a public forum hosted by the Coalition for Atonement & Repair (CAR) on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The event will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, located at 31 W. Washington Street in Annapolis.
Organizers describe the event as “for the people, by the people,” and aim to provide a platform for community members — particularly those most impacted by historical and ongoing harm — to engage directly with those seeking elected office. The forum will focus on key issues including affordable housing, economic equity, criminal justice reform, cannabis justice, and community safety.
“All certified candidates for mayor and city council, as of July 16, have been invited to participate,” said Reverend Dr. Mark A. Wainwright, minister at First Baptist Church, member of CAR, and forum moderator. “When justice is at the heart of politics, the community becomes more engaged, informed, and motivated to participate.”
Confirmed attendees include mayoral candidates Jared Littmann and Rhonda Pindell-Charles. City council candidates include Ben Bramsen and Harry Huntley (Ward 1), Karma O’Neill (Ward 2), Debbie Odum and Keeanu Smith-Brown (Ward 3), Janice Allsup-Johnson and Coren Mackell (Ward 4), Brooks Schandelmeier (Ward 5), Rob Savidge (Ward 7), and Frank Thorp (Ward 8).
The event will feature a panel of reparative justice advocates and community leaders who will moderate questions and collect community input. Participants include Timothy Boston of Report Annapolis News, public historian Briayna Cuffie, CAR core member Lynda Davis, and facilitator Ahsun Powell of the Capitol Accountability Project. Community testimony will be integrated into the discussion, and candidates will be given timed opportunities to respond to key topics.
Voter registration will be available on-site, and a virtual option will be offered through Zoom with advance registration.
CAR Chairwoman Cynthia Carter said the forum highlights a continued commitment to addressing historical injustices, particularly those related to urban renewal efforts that displaced communities in Annapolis’ Old Fourth Ward. “Past injustices are linked to the present-day issues, and this election forum includes a new generation of organizers committed to truth, justice, and repair,” Carter said.
Founded in 2023, the Coalition for Atonement & Repair is a grassroots organization working to address the lasting impacts of discriminatory government policies through actions including restitution, compensation, and public accountability. For more information, visit http://www.CAR4Justice.info.
