October 2015 - Page 4 of 14 - The Archive Site for The Baltimore Times

Deltas, Alphas partner with Men Aiming Higher to mentor boys

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On October 24, 2015, the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Men Aiming Higher (MAH) will kick off a free program called EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) to help boys in Anne Arundel County. The program, geared toward boys ages eight to 18, offers tutoring, community service projects, career planning, college tours and many other activities on a monthly basis. EMBODI will end with a Young Men’s Conference in May of 2016.

The Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has served the local community for over 67 years.

Claudia A. Postell, president of the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. explained that approximately 75 young men are expected to participate. Postell has worked with EMBODI for about seven years. This year marks the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s third year partnering with the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to extend EMBODI’s reach. Additionally, a new partner was added.

“The kickoff on October 24 will be the first year that we have the additional partner, Men Aiming Higher. That is an opportunity to further our outreach and impact in Annapolis and surrounding communities,” Postell said.

The Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has served the local community for over 67 years. Postell explained that EMBODI is a signature program that was designed under the leadership of Cynthia Butler-McIntyre— the 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The Delta Academy focuses on supporting younger girls, while the Delta GEMS addresses of the needs of adolescent girls, but the plight of African American males had not officially been addressed before the creation of EMBODI.

“There were so many issues that impacted young black males, so as a result of that, EMBODI was a program that she [Butler-McIntyre] devised and chapters have been implementing this program since 2008,” Postell said.

Through EMBODI, the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. normally focuses on supporting boys ages 11-17. Through this year’s joint effort, boys as young as eight are invited to participate. In Postell’s opinion, a highlight of EMBODI is the college tours. Positive role models help boys to start thinking about their future plans.

“A lot of young men are striving to make something out of their lives,” Postell said.

Postell added that EMBODI is most successfully implemented when partnering with other male-based organizations. According to the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s website, the Alpha Academy Mentoring Program (AAMP) is designed to “build, develop and enhance young African males into become men of distinction.” In 2010, AAMP reportedly opened to boys in grades three to five. It evolved to reach greater audiences over the years.

Last summer, Darius A. Stanton was involved in the launch of the MAH Annapolis chapter. MAH is a Prince George’s County based nonprofit supporting the development of at-risk young men, founded by Delegate Darryl Barnes. Stanton also kicked off the Annapolis Arts, Sports and Leadership Academy (AASALA), which is aimed at youth ages 8-14. He and other contributors are honoring their commitment to continue working with students who participated in AASALA. Stanton noted that partnering with other organizations through EMBODI is a way to reach additional children who need support and resources.

“We promised to continue what we were doing in the summer this school year. This is the continuation of that,” Stanton said. “We want our young people to be exposed to as many positive role models that are in various professions that they can learn from.”

Parents of boys who would like to inquire about the EMBODI program can email aayouthleadershipacademy@gmail.com.

Dysfunction exacts a cost

Earlier this month, The Economist, a renowned British weekly, ran an editorial advocating an end to the U.S. dollar’s supremacy as the world’s chief currency. The magazine offered several economic motives and one supremely political one. “For how long,” its editors wrote, “will countries be ready to tie their financial systems to America’s fractious and dysfunctional politics?”

I want to be blunt here. Congress’s inaction on a host of important issues— its inability to deal with our problems— is doing real damage to our country. It undermines our ability to lead in the world and causes undue economic and social hardship at home.

What strikes me hardest about that sentence in The Economist is that it reflects a sobering truth: people both at home and abroad now accept that our current unworkable politics shows no sign of changing and could intensify. We are getting a reputation as a nation that cannot deal with many of its problems.

The truth is always complex. You will find plenty of mayors, governors, state legislators, and even federal officials who don’t have the luxury of gamesmanship; they confront problems and solve them, often with great creativity. Those who discount us forget that we have a deep bench.

Yet if you look ahead at the next few months, it’s hard to avoid a sinking feeling. The leadership battles put the Congress in even greater disarray just before a series of critical fiscal deadlines. Congress has to raise the debt ceiling by early November. It needs to craft a long-term budget deal. It has to come up with a multi-year plan for highway spending. It needs to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, which helps American businesses sell their goods overseas. It has to decide what to do with a series of tax breaks that are due to expire. These things will not happen without a great deal of turmoil.

That’s because congressional politics today are bewildering, free-swinging, unscripted, and unprecedented. I can’t figure out how so many members of Congress reached a point where they cannot accept the fundamental political reality of our times. You need 60 votes to move legislation in the Senate, along with 67 votes to override a veto in the Senate and 290 votes to do so in the House. With the White House controlled by one party and Congress controlled by the other, those numbers are the fundamental fact of legislative life. They force a choice on members of Congress: to protest, make speeches, and strike ideological positions; or to govern. Too many members are opting for the first choice.

Yet if we’re to get out of this mess, the starting point is to recognize the political reality of divided government. The parties have a right to their own hopes and aspirations, but they also need to take seriously the responsibility to govern. They need to find a way past the unhappiness and anger that are evident in the country at large.

Given the seriousness of our problems and the lack of progress on the policy agenda Congress is supposed to handle, there’s really only one way forward: through negotiation and compromise. This has never been easy— learning to compromise on the issues without compromising one’s own principles— but it’s especially challenging now, when I worry that striking a deal has become a lost art.

Still, certain steps seem obvious. The congressional leadership must let the Congress work its will. Members should be allowed to vote straightforwardly on the major policy issues of the day, without leadership manipulating the process to control the result. The House should reject the Hastert Rule, under which a majority of the majority caucus is required to bring a bill to the floor. And both houses need to stop the outrageous use of huge omnibus bills adopted by short cutting time-tested regular order procedures.

If Congress does not learn to compromise and negotiate, the country is headed for even deeper trouble than we are currently in. U.S. world leadership will slip, our ability to deal with economic and social issues at home will

deteriorate, and the electorate will become even more embittered. Our future is in Congress’s hands. It would be nice if they recognized it.

Lee Hamilton is a Distinguished Scholar, Indiana University School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Governor Larry Hogan announces transit plan for Baltimore City

BALTIMORE — Governor Larry Hogan recently announced $135 million in targeted investments to transform and improve transit throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area.

The multi-phase plan will create an interconnected transit system, known as BaltimoreLink, and includes redesigning the entire local and express bus systems throughout Baltimore and adding 12 new high-frequency, color-coded bus routes that improve connections to jobs and other transit modes.

Life in Baltimore: Young Baltimorean attains goal of becoming a scientist

Baltimore native Tonya N. Taylor, Ph.D. knew she wanted to be a scientist from a young age because she wanted to help her brother who had cerebral palsy.

A graduate of St. Paul’s School for Girls, Taylor completed her undergraduate studies majoring in chemistry at Duke University. In 2010, she graduated from Emory University receiving Ph.D. in molecular and systems pharmacology. Currently Tonya works in medical affairs at Shire Pharmaceutical in neuroscience.

“Ever since my mother helped me with my first science fair project in the first grade, there has never been any other option for me,” Taylor said.

Her interest in neuroscience stemmed from her brother who had cerebral palsy. While studying pharmacology in graduate school, she was fortunate to have an amazing graduate adviser who encouraged her to think creatively and pushed her to work harder than she thought she could. He encouraged her to question, accept mistakes and keep experimenting.

Until 2014, Taylor pursued a career in academic science studying Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases using mouse models of both diseases. Last year, she decided to switch career paths to work in medical affairs for a pharmaceutical company, Shire. As a medical science liaison, she meets with researchers and doctors to learn about the needs of patients, facilitate scientific exchange, and educate healthcare providers on disease states. This career change has allowed her to make a bigger impact on patients’ lives.

Dr. Taylor is a member of the Society for Neuroscience and the Healthcare Businesswoman ‘s Association. She has volunteered with local middle and high schools judging state science fair competitions. She enjoys assisting with local and state science fairs because it provides the opportunity to encourage more children to pursue careers in science.

She has received several awards and fellowships including the Neuroscience Scholars Program, Society of Neurosciences; a pre-doctoral National Research Service Award from NIH; and Emory Graduate Diversity Fellowship, Emory University.

Dr. Taylor is the daughter of Kenneth and Pearlie Taylor. She has been able to travel and live abroad during her career and always uses it as a way to learn more about people and learn other perspectives.

Taylor says she lives her life according to the words of author Henry Miller who wrote: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”

Marsean Oyler returns to Baltimore with cast of ‘Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic’

At just 21, Marsean Oyler brings Disney characters and stories to life on ice, along with a cast of talented performers. From October 28, 2015 to November 1, 2015, Oyler will perform at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore City in the Feld Entertainment production— “Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic.”

Oyler joined Feld Entertainment—the producer and presenter of Disney on Ice—in 2013.

If the Knoxville, Tenn. native had not fallen in love with skating at the age of 13, or auditioned live to join Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic, Oyler would probably be in school studying to be a nurse anesthetist. Like many young adults Oyler’s age, playing video games, eating out at restaurants, going to see movies and shopping are some pastimes that Oyler considers to be fun.

The part of Oyler’s life that is not typical of most young adults is the rare opportunity to tour all over the United States and internationally, while creating memories that will last a lifetime for audiences who love all things Disney. Oyler is a true performer at heart. Landing a double flip is a favorite memory. It is just one indication of Oyler’s commitment to deliver impressive performances that will make audiences want to return to see the performer wow them again. The skater is willing to earn to a successful career, by doing what it takes to make dreams come true.

“This is my third tour with them [Disney] this year,” Oyler said. “It’s just really great. It just shows that it doesn’t matter where you come from, what you look like or who you are. People come to see the skating and that’s what it’s all about. The come for the performance and the entertainment.”

Oyler has grown accustomed to hitting the road for seven to nine month long show tour adventures with his “tour family.” According to Oyler, being away so long makes returning home that much better, when the time to head back to Tennessee finally arrives.

As a part of the ensemble of “Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic,” Oyler entertains excited children who fill arenas for a chance to see their favorite characters brought to life before their eyes. During performances, Oyler often spots adults dressed up as their favorite characters, too. Sometimes they come alone to experience the magic of watching the performers spin, flip, do cartwheels and showcase other daring moves in colorful costumes on ice. Helping families and nostalgic adults relive memories of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Disney Princesses, such as Cinderella, Rapunzel requires the combination of unique ability and skill to deliver timeless stories.

“We have something for everyone. It’s a classic show. We have a lot of characters like Pinocchio and a lot more contemporary characters such as Nemo and Elsa and Anna and the whole Frozen gang,” said Oyler, “We really do have a fast-paced, energetic [marching band] opening number that I think everyone will like.”

Learning all of the new choreography when first joining the show was Oyler’s toughest performance challenge. The longtime love of skating helped Oyler to meet the challenge of the new opportunity.

After being introduced to skating, Oyler trained at Knoxville Figure Skating Club and knew that skating professionally was a long-term goal. When the performer’s parents said to choose between skating or continuing to take gymnastics lessons, Oyler chose skating and was well supported by family friends and coaches like Konstantin Baradakov.

The Disney performer advises children who have a dream, or who desire to do something like skating, to work hard and give it their all if it is what they want. Oyler also reminds everyone that it is never too late to find a passion and successfully achieve a dream.

“I started skating when I was about 13. I was a late bloomer,” Oyler said. “My friend was [taking] hockey lessons and he invited me to come with him so I did, and I loved it ever since!”

For more information, performance time and to purchase tickets, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit: www.ticketmaster.com.

Medicare’s fall open enrollment period runs October 15 through December 7

Everyone with Medicare should review their choices during the Fall Open Enrollment Period, according to the Medicare Rights Center, a national, nonprofit consumer service organization. Even people who are currently happy with their plan should do so, because plans make changes to their benefit packages every year.

The Fall Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. During this time, people with Medicare can make changes to their health and drug coverage options without restriction. They have the right to make as many changes as they need.

“This open enrollment season is especially important in light of today’s news that there will be no Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) for next year,” said Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center. “People with Medicare should take the time to evaluate their plan choices and select the plan that best meets their health and financial needs.”

While there will be no COLA, the Part B premium is expected to increase significantly for some people with Medicare, including new enrollees, individuals not collecting Social Security benefits, and beneficiaries already paying higher premiums. State Medicaid programs will also pick up these higher premium costs for people with both Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, the Part B deductible is expected to increase to $223 for all beneficiaries, most significantly affecting those who lack adequate supplemental coverage.

Baker added, “We urge Congress to act quickly to halt expected increases in Part B costs. Older adults and people with disabilities cannot shoulder these unprecedented increases, especially those living on low and fixed incomes. Half of all people with Medicare are living on annual incomes of $24,150 or less.”

To date, almost 100,000 people have signed a petition sponsored by the Medicare Rights Center and allied partners urging Congress to act swiftly to bring down these unprecedented increases.

Besides weighing the cost of coverage, Medicare beneficiaries need to be aware of other possible changes to their current plan, including to provider and pharmacy networks or other coverage rules. People with Medicare should refer to their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which they should have received on or before September 30, 2015 which details any such changes. While reviewing their options, it is important for people with Medicare to contact the plan to confirm information about costs and coverage, and once beneficiaries select a plan, they can enroll by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

For more information about increases in Part B premiums and the hold harmless provision, visit Medicare Interactive.

For more detailed information about the Fall Open Enrollment Period, visit: http://www.medicarerights.org/pdf/fall-open-enrollment-resource-for-journalists.pdf.

National Aquarium announces return of “Pay What You Want Day”

As part of its continuing effort to extend community access to Marylanders, the National Aquarium announced the return of “Pay What You Want Day” on Sunday, November 1, 2015. Made possible with the generous support of T. Rowe Price, Maryland residents will once again be allowed to donate an amount of their choice for Aquarium admittance.

“We’re pleased to offer opportunities for our community to visit for less, through programs like this and many others,” said John Racanelli, National Aquarium CEO. “Our conservation mission starts at home, and ensuring that our local residents can visit their aquarium and connect with their 20,000 aquatic neighbors is one of our top priorities.”

The National Aquarium welcomed more than 7,500 people to its first-ever “Pay What You Want Day” on January 11. Pay What You Want Day is part of the National Aquarium’s continuing effort to encourage Marylanders to reconnect with the world’s aquatic treasures and commit to protecting the Chesapeake and all aquatic habitats. Other opportunities include:

*The Aquarium’s Half-Price Friday Nights program presented by M & T Bank, which offers guests special pricing on Friday nights after 5 p.m.

*Maryland Mornings, which launched in 2012 and runs from September through February, providing Maryland residents who visit before noon Sunday to Friday $10 off adult tickets and $5 off senior/children tickets

*Dollar Days, where visitors can enjoy a $1 admission fee for two days every

December in conjunction with many other local cultural organizations.

For more information on the National Aquarium’s community programs, or to plan your visit, go to aqua.org/youraquarium.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day campaign working with HBCUs to raise awareness

WASHINGTON — Just as students are returning to campus embarking on new classes, student activities and volunteerism, the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) campaign is giving students an active role in raising awareness of the message “Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Involved, and Get Treatment.”

The Student Ambassador Program will accept applications from students who are interested and committed to addressing challenges surrounding HIV/AIDS on their college campuses. This work is more important than ever as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that African Americans and blacks account for 47 percent of the nation’s new HIV infections. Moreover, among the African American and black communities, persons aged 15-24 years old comprise 27 percent of new HIV diagnosis in 2013, an estimated 5,868 diagnoses. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to play a significant role in social change around the country surrounding this epidemic.

“As a proud product of an HBCU, I know how HBCUs play a vital role in our response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic by educating students and preparing the next generation in efforts towards promoting prevention, testing, treatment and care. These efforts are particularly important for HBCUs to mobilize and engage because young African Americans are significantly affected by the impact of HIV and AIDS, but we can be the greatest game changers,” Amber Mazyck, a recent graduate of Bethune Cookman College and student ambassador, lends her voice in the discussion on student involvement in raising awareness around HIV/AIDS.

NBHAAD’s HBCU Initiative provides student communities access to outreach materials and resources for HIV/AIDS education, testing, and treatment. Student ambassadors will be empowered to create safe spaces at events, so students have the freedom to discuss topics related to HIV/AIDS in black communities in a supportive environment. Student Ambassadors’ creativity and innovative spirit will help in planning events and hosting activities for the Annual February 7th commemoration of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Student Ambassadors may also provide information on local testing sites and linkage to care opportunities for those living with HIV/AIDS and/or newly diagnosed. Student Ambassadors participating in the program will have ongoing professional development and public health resources from local, regional and national public health entities, particularly in HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and support.

Participating in HIV/AIDS awareness efforts position ambassadors to have a direct impact in encouraging others to make wiser and safer decisions. Student ambassadors are empowered to coordinate activities in collaboration with other organizations, faculty, and health centers. Some suggested activities to increase awareness are health fairs, town hall meetings, candle light vigils, fashion shows, and social media engagement.

Social media greatly influenced past HIV/AIDS awareness efforts, serving as a major component at HBCU campus events. Indeed, Fort Valley State University held a two-day event in observance of NBHAAD, which provided free HIV testing and information about HIV/AIDS wherein social media played a central role. Many inspirational events held throughout the country on black college campuses sparked conversation, raised awareness, and integrated social media in innovative ways.

“We have learned how to engage students to spread the word [about HIV]. You must have something of substance before students will follow you or retweet. It’s about finding the balance between educational and personal messages. We encourage students to speak about HIV as they would any other topic via general conversation. Social media is a way student’s get information in real time,” said Joell Royal, Project Coordinator for Howard University’s SHOP Project.

The goal is for the Student Ambassador initiative to be an even greater success in the 2015-2016 academic year by engaging more college campuses and recruiting additional students to get involved. The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Strategic Leadership Council (NBHAAD SLC) plans to make an even greater presence as it comes off the heels of its 15th year anniversary. By receiving the latest information and resources on HIV/AIDS in the African American and Black communities, those with undiagnosed HIV infections, and those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS will have the tools to live longer, healthier lives with consistent, accessible linkage to care and treatment services.

The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day initiative encourages students to apply for the student ambassador program before the closing deadline of January 9, 2016. For additional information and/or guidance, visit: www.nationalblackaidsday.org/

RAMBLING ROSE: Happy Halloween!

Hello my dear friends, as you can see, the leaves are turning brown and falling off the trees, and outdoor plants are turning to dead sticks. I believe fall is here and winter is on its way! As you see from my photos there is still a lot going on. Pull out your fur coats from storage ladies, and guys get your long johns out of the winter closet. In the meantime enjoy the cool, crisp weather.

Charles Faison and Darlene Douglass are the Masters of Ceremony at the Farewell Black & Gold Scholarship & Award Ball for the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund on Sunday, October 25, 2015. For tickets, call 410-833-9474.

Darlene Douglass

Justin Thomas, 1997 recipient of the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund returns to Baltimore as a national recording artist with his band to perform at the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund Black & Gold Ball on October 25.

MarvaD Events & DJ KennyD will host an Adult Costume Cabaret on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the Diamondz Events Hall at 9980 Liberty Road in Randallstown, Maryland. Entertainment provided by the Panama Band. For ticket information, call 410-599-9159.

Just in case you have heard rumors that I am closing down my organization, “The Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, Inc.” after almost 25 years, it is true. Due to the fact that I’m tired and my body is weak because of health issues, I have to let it go. I hate leaving the children who need me to help them financially to embrace their musical talent, and the veteran musicians who need to be recognized, but my health comes first. Don’t worry, in some way, shape or form, I will still be helping children and musicians.

I am proud of what I have accomplished so far without ever having a sponsor— I have given 104 children between the ages of 5-17 scholarships and have honored over 115 musicians, giving them their flowers while they can still smell them. I was able to do this with your donations and ticket sales for my annual Gospel Prayer Breakfast fundraiser every March, my Oldies but Goodies Crab Feast fundraiser every July and of course my Black & Gold Ball every October, which is the event where we present the children with their scholarships. You know who you are.

My dear friends, here is where I need your help. We still need your donations to help with the children’s scholarships. If you are unable to come to my event you can send your donation in the mail. Even better, purchase tickets to be at my last event at the “Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund Black & Gold Formal Ball” on Sunday, October 25 from 4-8 p.m. at the Forum Caterers. This will be a beautiful, elegant, and first class formal Black & Gold attire event. I am planning on going out with a big bang.

We are giving three lovely children financial scholarships who will perform for you at the Ball and we are honoring 16 musicians, entertainment promoters and music educators who will be there in person including; Brenda Alford, Charles Covington, Carlos Hutchins, Ellington Churchill, Gary Grainger, Gary Richardson, George Gray, Glen Grainger, John Milton Wesley, Steve Turner, Ralph Magwood, Sharon Dupree, Oliver Williams Ira Glover, Richard “Rick” Johnson and Gary “Rico” Barton. I know many of you know some of these people and they are overdue to be recognized.

For tickets to this event, contact me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com or you can go to my website: www.rosapryormusic.com to send donations or pay for tickets by credit card. Or you can just send your check to: 214 Conewood Avenue, Reisterstown, Maryland 21136. I thank you all for your love and support.

I am now out of space and out of time, remember if you need me, call me or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.

Ray Lewis discusses Atlanta murders, Baltimore riots in new memoir

There are few athletes who have the motivational ability that Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis does. Lewis has been through some of the highest moments in life as well as the lowest. He touches on all of those moments in his newly released book, “I Feel Like Going On: Life, Game, And Glory.”

In the book, he talks about one of the darkest times in his life, when he was accused of murder. Lewis will forever be linked to the unsolved mystery that occurred in Atlanta when two men were stabbed to death outside of a nightclub.

He recalls the story in a chapter of the book, simply called “Atlanta” He offers his own side of the story and shares some things that have gone untold.

Lewis explains what happened that night and that he was shocked when he realized the limo he was in was being connected to the murders.

Lewis also tells the story of redemption when he led the 2000 Ravens to their first Super Bowl victory. Fans in other cities called him a murderer when he took the field that season and many people protested when he was found not guilty. Through it all, Lewis kept his eyes on the prize and used the experience to build character.

Growing up wasn’t he easiest thing for Lewis. The book tells the story of how as a youngster he watched his mother suffer from abuse.

Lewis says he still carries a deck of cards to this day to remind him of how he coped with the anger that he felt when he witnessed the abuse. He would turn each card over and do pushups according to the number that was on the card. He would do ten pushups for every face card that he turned over.

Lewis has been a pillar of the Baltimore community, even after retirement. He led the Ravens into the community immediately after the riots after the death of Freddie Gray.

Lewis writes about how his city was turned upside down after the young man died in the custody of the Baltimore Police Department.

In a chapter called, “Postgame: My City is Burning,” Lewis describes how he was out in the community preaching the message of peace and patience. He worked to discourage the people from rioting in street.

There are few athletes who have the effect that Ray Lewis has had on the Baltimore. The two will forever be connected.