After the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, a discussion has emerged, led by the Coalition of Concerned Freedmen, on not just physical rebuilding but ensuring social equity and honoring heritage in public works.
In the wake of the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, a significant and poignant debate unfolds concerning the future of this critical infrastructure. The Coalition of Concerned Freedmen, a group advocating for the descendants of U.S. chattel slaves and allies, has voiced clear concerns and demands in response to the event and the proposed rebuilding plans.
At the heart of the Coalition’s demands is the reinforcement of historic environmental and public works laws, notably the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1970 and the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976. The Coalition underscores the need for these regulations to be enforced strictly as they were intended, advocating for labor sourcing that prioritizes historically disadvantaged American citizens, particularly Black Americans, and explicitly prohibits the employment of illegal aliens in public works projects.
There are broader concerns beyond the structural demands, with the Coalition also speaking on the symbolic value of the bridge itself. Amid calls from some groups for the renaming of the bridge—currently named after Francis Scott Key, known for penning the U.S. national anthem ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’—the Coalition urges for a rededication that celebrates historical figures without erasing the complexities of America’s past. They propose a rededication that honors both Key and James Weldon Johnson, who composed the hymn ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’
The legislation cited by the Coalition has significant historical and contemporary relevance. NEPA, which was established amid the civil rights movement, aims to ensure that any federal project undertakes a thorough environmental impact review. This law came partially in response to the destructive impact of urban renewal projects on minority communities, which were often disproportionately affected by eminent domain and other federal actions.
The Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act similarly places requirements on public works projects to focus economic benefits on local communities and disenfranchised groups, mandating that a percentage of funds be directed to organizations led by African-Americans at the time of the law’s enactment.
These demands highlight ongoing debates about how public projects should be undertaken and who benefits from federal funding. The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge opens up discussions on infrastructure resilience, appropriate commemorations of historical figures, and the role of federal projects in economic and community development.
As these discussions unfold, the role of significant public works projects in societal healing and development becomes evident. They are not only about rebuilding physical structures but also about reinforcing community ties and addressing historical inequities. Ensuring that local communities, especially those historically marginalized, have a primary stake in these projects is crucial for their success and for fostering greater civic engagement and social equity.
The Coalition’s call to action underscores the importance of local involvement and the enforcement of laws designed to protect and uplift disadvantaged American citizens. Their activism is a reminder of the broader responsibilities involved in public infrastructure projects—not just to rebuild, but to do so in a way that honors and supports the very communities that these projects serve.
