The Guy T. Hollyday Memorial Justice and Reparations Initiative will support Black-led justice work
Baltimore— Jan. 25 — Yesterday, Memorial Episcopal Church unanimously approved an act of reparations with the creation of the Guy T. Hollyday Memorial Justice and Reparations Initiative seeded a withdrawal of $50,000. The figure represents roughly 10% of the endowed wealth of the parish. The parish will add an additional $50,000 from its operating budget. The church has committed $500,000 to justice and reparations over 5 years.
“Since 2017 this parish community has focused on uncovering the truth of our past and studying the true impact that Memorial inflicted on our neighbors through housing segregation and redlining, disenfranchisement of Black voters, and inequity in school and youth programs here in Baltimore. As a faith community dedicated to social justice, we acknowledge how our history has shaped our present reality. This initiative is one more step toward repairing that harm,” said Rev. Grey Maggiano, Rector.
While many believe that the “past is in the past,” the current congregation of a church formed as a memorial to slave-owners acknowledges that as a parish, city and country we are not far removed from that past. In fact, the current congregation includes both Rev. Natalie Conway who discovered her ancestors were enslaved by the family of the founders, and Steve Howard, an indirect descendant of that same family. Both have shared their stories and helped the congregations and others on a path toward healing.
In addition to deep study and conversation about the legacy of past actions, the church has removed plaques dedicated to the founders, covered art within the sanctuary, and commissioned a local artist to create a piece for outside the church commemorating the families enslaved by the founding rectors. The physical changes remind the parish that Memorial of this century will not be like the past. The financial reparations, the Guy T. Hollyday Memorial Justice and Reparations Initiative, will be invested in community partners that are doing justice-centered work to undo inequality in housing, education, environmental justice and civic engagement.
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About Memorial Episcopal Church
Memorial is a Justice-Focused, Jesus-Centered Community in the heart of Baltimore. Memorial seeks to be a diverse and inclusive home for all those seeking a deeper relationship with God. We strive to follow Christ's commandments by actively working to make each other, our community, city and world better. Located at 1407 Bolton Street, all are welcome to participate in services. Services are at 8am and 10:30 am on Sunday and are currently live-streamed due to COVID-19.
https://www.memorialboltonhill.org
About Guy T. Hollyday
Guy T. Hollyday was a living embodiment of the work of Justice and Reparations. A short tenure as a city housing inspector after World War II opened his eyes to the gross inequalities and inherent racism in Baltimore. Guy became a staunch advocate for justice: working for Civil Rights, advocating for the LGBTQ movement, and supporting ex-offenders. Guy taught GED classes in the city jail, and encouraged his students to write and share poetry. He continued those classes after their release and helped hundreds of returning citizens find their voice. Guy was also a tireless advocate for environmental justice; identifying sewage dumps in Baltimore’s waterways and the lack of trees and greenspace in Baltimore’s poorest communities.
