New Media Coverage Following First Meeting of Maryland Commission on the House of Reformation

We are glad to see that media coverage has followed the first meeting of the Maryland Commission on the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children. We’d like to draw your attention to three recent news pieces, each featuring family members of boys who had died and were buried in unmarked sites.

Through the incredible genealogical work headed by Malissa Ruffner, our Forgotten Children Initiative has been contacting potential living relatives of these children. Earlier this summer, we hosted the first Family Gathering of these relatives. The two-day gathering centered family voices, historical truth, and collective remembrance. It reflects the Forgotten Children Initiative’s commitment to restoring dignity, naming harm, and supporting families who were denied answers for generations. And to ensuring that tragedies like this never happen again, with children in today’s youth justice and child welfare systems getting the services and supports they need.

The work continues, and with the voices of the families now finally being heard, these boys will never be forgotten.

If you’re interested in learning more and engaging with the Initiative, we highly encourage you to consider attending our upcoming America’s Youth Justice Story national forum on September 10th. Alongside a panel of family members, forensic anthropologist Erin Kimmerle, we’ll also be hosting an author interview with Tananarive Due, author of The Reformatory, and debuting a short film about the Forgotten Children. You can learn more and register here.

New Media Coverage Following First Meeting of Maryland Commission on the House of Reformation

At least 230 Black boys died in jail. Their families want answers — and justice

Commission to assess tragedy of Black youth at former reform school holds first meeting

‘Still grieving’: Inquiry begins of ‘hundreds’ of graves at former juvenile detention site