The Paradox of Francis Scott Key

Rona Kobell • December 16, 2022

The Paradox of Francis Scott Key

Environmental justice is not only about incinerators and power plants next to communities of color – though it is definitely that. It is also about looking at the history of our land, and the characters who owned it, used it, and ruled over others. We often look at them as benevolent, but the more we unpack the history around them, the more we can see that their actions and statements did real harm to the Black community, free and enslaved.

One of the best examples of such a complicated figure is Francis Scott Key. His influence remains in Baltimore, and his song continues to lead the nation’s patriotic activities. But who was he, really?

The paradox of Francis Scott Key: Was he for or against freeing enslaved Black citizens?

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Reel Rewards Returns for 2026 Season with New Bounty Tiers

By Laura Quigley • March 24, 2026

Baltimore, MD – The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) is excited to announce the return of Reel Rewards , a community-powered program that promotes sustainable fishing practices and helps control invasive species in the Baltimore Harbor. The 2026 season will run from April 25 to July 18, 2026 , and brings with it updated bounty tiers and continued opportunities for community engagement and environmental impact. This season, Reel Rewards features bounty tiers that support local anglers while providing gut content data that can be used by scientists and environmental managers. Participants are encouraged to catch invasive species like Northern Snakehead, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish within the program boundaries, and bring the fish to designated drop-off locations on specific days. In return, fishers receive $10 for each fish head turned in, $10 for logging a picture of what’s inside the fish’s stomach, and $10 for each cleaned fish filet per fish to be re-used as bait. Reel Rewards is hosted by EJJI, funded by South Baltimore Gateway Partnership and the Maryland Whole Watershed Program , and in partnership with Reimagine Middle Branch and the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland . This unique collaboration brings together community voices, environmental researchers, and conservation advocates to tackle real ecological issues while uplifting Baltimore’s fishing communities. Registration is now open at: https://www.ianglertournament.com/ejji-reel-rewards-2026 For updates, official drop-off days and locations, and more details about participating, visit: https://www.ejji.org/reel-rewards . If you are with a community group or organization who would like to plan a joint event or educational engagement, contact EJJI at: veronica@ejji.org About EJJI The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental justice and community empowerment. Through storytelling, collaborative outreach, and hands-on programming, EJJI connects Baltimore communities with the researchers, policymakers, and advocates working on environmental justice issues in their neighborhoods. Contact: Veronica Malabanan Lucchese Environmental Science Program Manager, EJJI veronica@ejji.org ###