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This is not the end of our demand for an apology. This is the rejection of a lie.

Before anyone spins the truth, let the people know what really happened.

➡️ September 9, 2024 – Fourteen Old Fourth Ward residents, six supporters testify about the harms of Annapolis’ Urban Renewal on their families, businesses, and community. Eighty-five people in total show up as the Coalition for Atonement and Repair for the Old Fourth Ward.

➡️ September 2024 – Mayor Gavin Buckley meets with CAR and personally asks for a formal apology to be drafted by the community of the Old Fourth Ward descendants. 

➡️ October 2024 – CAR submits the first apology resolution, grounded in truth and the voices of over 35 Old Fourth Ward descendants.

➡️ February 2025 – The City of Annapolis Office of Law returns a redacted version that deletes any City accountability. CAR rejects it.

➡️ March 2025 – CAR requests a work session with the City Council. CAR submits a second revised version; City Council holds a work session about the apology without inviting CAR or any descendants.

➡️ May 2025 – The City Council cancels a second work session they had scheduled with CAR. 

➡️ July 2025 –  Several CAR members testify at the City Council meeting that the apology process has been stalled. The Mayor, once again, publicly stated, “We apologize as a City Council. So, I want to go on the record that we apologize. And, we will keep working to draft an apology that is acceptable to all parties.”

➡️ July 2025 – The City of Annapolis Office of Law returns another stripped-down version. Sections about “acknowledgement of harm,” “apology and regret,” and the very identity of descendants are deleted.

➡️ August 26, 2025 – CAR requests that the Alderman withdraw the resolution. Not because we no longer want an apology—but because we refuse to accept one that dishonors the truth and disrespects the descendants of the Old Fourth Ward.