September 2017 - The Archive Site for The Baltimore Times

Elon Musk wants to fly you anywhere in the world in less than an hour

Elon Musk predicts rockets will one day be able to fly people from New York to Shanghai in just 39 minutes.

Musk’s company, SpaceX, is developing a huge spacecraft to colonize Mars. It could also be used much closer to home.

Speaking at a space conference in Australia on Friday, Musk said the company had looked into applying the technology to whizzing people to different places on Earth in insanely fast times.

“The results are quite interesting,” he said as a video showed a simulation of people boarding a rocket in New York that blasted off into space and then came back down to land in Shanghai.

“The great thing about going to space is there’s no friction, so once you’re out of the atmosphere … it’ll be smooth as silk, there’s no weather,” Musk said.

Most journeys between points on this planet will take less than 30 minutes, he predicted, and none should take longer than an hour.

In an Instagram post after the presentation, Musk said the cost per seat “should be about the same as full fare economy in an aircraft.”

Musk teased the idea at the end of a presentation about SpaceX’s plans to land cargo ships on Mars in 2022. Spaceships carrying people should follow by 2024.

The company is developing a giant reusable rocketship for those missions — called BFR, or Big Falcon Rocket. Inside the company, it’s nicknamed the “Big F–king Rocket.” It plans to start building the first one by the middle of next year.

That’s the same rocket that Musk says could be used to zoom people from city to city on Earth, traveling as fast as 27,000 kilometers per hour (17,000 mph).

Unlike the Mars missions, Musk didn’t offer any indication of when these super-fast journeys could become a reality.

He’s not the only billionaire aiming to speed up travel.

Richard Branson has said he wants to perfect a “rocket plane” to transport people between cities on Earth via space. Branson, who’s pursuing his space ambitions through Virgin Galactic, has forecast that the trip from New York to Sydney could one day take 30 minutes.

Musk also has plans to build an underground “hyperloop” network that can shuttle commuters between New York and Washington, which are about 230 miles apart, in 29 minutes.

— Sherisse Pham contributed to this report.

Faith leaders across the country encourage congregations, communities to register to vote

Washington D.C — To mark National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, faith leaders with the nation’s largest faith-based grass roots organization are helping their congregations and community members learn about their voting rights and encouraging them to register to vote.

PICO National Network is also urging elected officials to make access to voting easier, noting that the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity has done more to encourage voter suppression than anything else.

“The right to vote is sacred and one of the first things we can do to protect it is to ensure everyone in our respective networks is registered to vote,” said Bishop Dwayne Royster, political director for PICO National Network.

National Voter Registration Day, first observed in 2012, offers a prime opportunity for faith leaders to encourage people to counter voter-suppression trends on display in communities across the country by engaging their communities in voter education and outreach efforts.

The American Civil Liberties Union noted that since 2008, various states have enacted laws “to make it harder for Americans— particularly black people, the elderly, students, and people with disabilities— to exercise their fundamental right to cast a ballot.”

“Like our ancestors before us, we continue to fight for our right to create a true democracy about and for the people, a right to declare our God-given voices to champion the cause of the widow, the stranger, the sick, the children and ALL the people who are the most vulnerable in our society,” said Phyllis M. Hill, Southeast regional

director of PICO National Network’s Live Free Campaign. “We must vote, talk about voting, build systems and structures that make it easier to vote, and create strong vehicles—organizations and institutions—to make the vote matter long term. Voter Registration Day isn’t about one day. It is, however, a reminder to engage and build with our various communities to make our Kingdom Come.”

Maryland Collects: Jacob Lawrence at the Reginald Lewis Museum

In a fitting birthday tribute, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture presents “Maryland Collects: Jacob Lawrence.” The exhibition consists of 50 fine art prints and three artist books by artist Jacob Lawrence from collections in and around Maryland. The exhibition opened on September 9, 2017, and will be on display through January 7, 2018. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is located at 830 East Pratt Street in Baltimore.

Photos by Ursula V. Battle

Lawrence, one of the best-known artists of the 20th century, was a painter, storyteller, visionary, poet, social commentator and educator, renowned for his portrayals of African American life, most notably, in Harlem. Lawrence, who passed away in 2000, would have turned 100 on September 7.

“This started out as new signature series, which was a show we do every three or five years,” said Charles E. Bethea, Chief Curator/Director of Collections & Exhibitions for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. “We decided to start off our new series by honoring the 100th birthday of Jacob Lawrence, who was born on September 7, 1917. The planning for this started 10 months ago, and was curated in-house.”

He added, “We want people to enjoy the show anesthetically, and hopefully delve deeper into the pieces themselves. With the work Jacob Lawrence was doing, he really wanted to educate the masses, and to contribute to the African American history not readily taught in school.”

The exhibition was assembled from local collectors, and features prints reflecting the vivid colors and simplicity of form seen in Lawrence’s earlier paintings. The collection offers a visual overview of Lawrence, who is credited as being one of the greatest narrative story painters of the 20th century.

“Lawrence set out to inspire and uplift in a tangible way,” said Bethea. “There are 50 prints here from 19 collectors. Each of these pieces tells a story. Some have narratives on them that give insight into his thought and creative process.”

For more than 50 years, Lawrence transferred pieces of himself and his experiences onto his paintings, prints, murals, and even costume designs. A keen observer of Harlem during its stimulating renaissance and devastating Great Depression, Lawrence used the city to express the character and identity of African American urban life.

His compositions captured historical events of African American history not taught in school, as well as unheralded scenes of modern urban reality. He was the first Black artist to be represented by a New York Gallery (1941) and the recipient of numerous honors and awards during his lifetime. His work is included in public and private collections around the world.

“Lawrence’s works reflect his experiences,” said Jacqueline Copeland, director of Education & Visitor Services for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. “He absorbed all of those experiences and put it in his art work. He was a prolific artist, storyteller and griot. He had a spirit of generosity, and was generous with his art. We think anyone who comes to see this collection can relate to the pieces here. People will also be attracted to the brilliance and color in all of his works.”

She added, “He continued to produce works until his death in 2000. We have an amazing body of work on display, and people will really be wowed by what they are going to see.”

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum will also host a series of programs and events in connection with the exhibition. They include: Saturday Fun: Printmaking for Kids on Saturday, September 16th at 11 a.m.; The Joy and Pain of Collecting Art later that day at 1 p.m. Jacob Lawrence Family Day on Saturday, October 7 at noon; and Dollar Day Celebrates Jacob Lawrence on Saturday, December 9 at 11 a.m. For additional events and information, call (443) 263-1800 or visit www.lewismuseum.org.

Navy Veteran from Baltimore competes in Invictus Games

By Saturday, September 30, 2017, retired Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder will know if he earned a medal from the Invictus Games in Toronto, which began on Saturday, September 23. However, with or without a medal, the veteran from Baltimore will count as a winner.

Snyder is among the 550 military competitors from 17 nations who compete across a dozen adaptive sports at the annual Invictus Games— the only international sporting event for wounded, ill and injured service members.

Created by Prince Harry and sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover, officials said the games use the power of sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation.

For Snyder, a multi-medal winner in swimming events at the Paralympic Games, he ’s looking forward to competing in Toronto.

“I have seen this initiative grow from the beginning, and it’s great to see what it’s become,” Snyder said. “I was able to spend a little time with Prince Harry in Colorado Springs at the Warrior Games in 2013 when the seeds for the Invictus Games were sown, and it will be a distinct honor to compete this year for the first time.”

The Olympic and Paralympic movements have been immense sources of inspiration for Snyder and being a part of them over the past five years have pushed him to expand his perception of what he is capable of.

“They have helped me to see how communities unified under common ideals that work together can be so powerful and have such a positive impact,” Snyder said.

Joe Eberhardt, the president and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, North America, LLC, says his company proudly sponsors the games because of its ongoing commitment to supporting veterans.

“We feel strongly that it is important to support our service members from the athletic arena to the workplace,” Eberhardt said.

Snyder, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, went on to deploy to Iraq as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He then deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

After six months of assault operations, Snyder suffered a severe injury by an explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED), which led to complete vision loss.

A swimmer, Snyder returned to the pool as part of his rehabilitation and eventually earned a spot on the U.S. Paralympic National Team for swimming.

He has competed in two Paralympic Games earning five gold medals and two silver medals. At the 2013 Paralympics in Brazil, Snyder broke a world record in swimming, a mark that had stood for over 30 years.

The return to the water remains a high point for Snyder.

“It wasn’t necessarily the act of swimming that was cathartic; it was returning to a mode of self-improvement, a mode where my family and friends had seen me before, and a mode where I could compete, and eventually succeed,” he said.

Military personnel are imbued with a strong sense of purpose or mission during their indoctrination and sometimes the worst part of an injury is the perception that they can no longer fulfill their duty, Snyder said.

“Duty, purpose, and mission can be restored through competition and the power of sport,” he said. “And, this can be immensely cathartic for wounded, ill and injured service members. At least, that is what my experience has shown me.”

Further, Snyder says his injuries have healed and he has adapted to a point where the consequences are not a daily consideration.

“It’s just who I am,” he said. “The U.S. has come a long way since Vietnam, and I believe that our homecoming veterans are treated very well. It’s great to be able to share this sentiment with our allies, and celebrate our service. Most often, the only time we spend with our friends abroad are in war zones and battlefields, so it will be nice to share some fun in the wonderful city of Toronto.”

Parents and Students reminded to check out college tax benefits

ANNAPOLIS — With school now in session, the Internal Revenue Service reminds parents and students about tax benefits that can help with the expense of higher education. Two college tax credits apply to students enrolled in an eligible college, university or vocational school. Eligible students include the taxpayer, their spouse and dependents.

American Opportunity Tax Credit

•The American Opportunity Tax Credit, (AOTC) can be worth a maximum annual benefit of $2,500 per eligible student. The credit is only available for the first four years at an eligible college or vocational school for students pursuing a degree or another recognized education credential. Taxpayers can claim the AOTC for a student enrolled in the first three months of 2018 as long as they paid qualified expenses in 2017.

Lifetime Learning Credit

•The Lifetime Learning Credit, (LLC) can have a maximum benefit of up to $2,000 per tax return for both graduate and undergraduate students. Unlike the AOTC, the limit on the LLC applies to each tax return rather than to each student. The course of study must be either part of a post-secondary degree program or taken by the student to maintain or improve job skills. The credit is available for an unlimited number of tax years.

To claim the AOTC or LLC, use Form 8863, Education Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits). Additionally, if claiming the AOTC, the law requires taxpayers to include the school’s Employer Identification Number on this form.

Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, is required to be eligible for an education benefit. Students receive this form from the school they attended. There are exceptions for some students.

Other education benefits

Other education-related tax benefits that may help parents and students are:

•Student loan interest deduction of up to $2,500 per year.

•Scholarship and fellowship grants. Generally, these are tax-free if used to pay for tuition, required enrollment fees, books and other course materials, but taxable if used for room, board, research, travel or other expenses.

•Savings bonds used to pay for college. Though income limits apply, interest is usually tax-free if bonds were purchased after 1989 by a taxpayer who, at time of purchase, was at least 24 years of age.

•Qualified tuition programs, also called 529 plans, are used by many families to prepay or save for a child’s college education. Contributions to a 529 plan are not deductible, but earnings are not subject to federal tax when used for the qualified education expenses.

To help determine eligibility for these benefits, taxpayers should use tools on the Education Credits web page and IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov.

Keep A Copy of Tax Returns

Taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return for at least three years. Copies of tax returns may be needed for many reasons. If applying for college financial aid, a tax transcript may be all that is needed. A tax transcript summarizes return information and includes adjusted gross income. Get one from the IRS for free.

The quickest way to get a copy of a tax transcript is to use the Get Transcript application. After verifying identity, taxpayers can view and print their transcript immediately online. The online application includes a robust identity verification process. Those who can’t pass the verification must request the transcript be mailed. This takes five to 10 days, so plan ahead and request the transcript early.

‘The Christians’ Comes to Baltimore Center Stage

The cost of challenging one’s beliefs, the responsibility of leadership, and the distance that exists when people of strong convictions and common faith discover that they might not believe the same thing takes “Center Stage” with the production, “The Christians.” The stage play opened Thursday, September 14, 2017, and runs through Sunday, October 8, 2017, and is the theater’s first production of the 2017/18 Season.

Does absolute tolerance require tolerance of the intolerant? Can a divided head find a way to lead? When the stakes are eternity, what happens if your pastor is wrong? These are some of the questions raised in The Christians, which features singing by the Greater Baltimore Church of Christ Choir (performing Sep 7–17); Community Choir of Baltimore Center Stage (performing Sep 19–Oct 1); and New Psalmist Baptist Church Choir (performing Oct 3–8).

Courtesy Photo: Richard Anderson

Greater Baltimore Church of Christ Choir

“The Christians specifically examines leadership and faith,” said Baltimore Center Stage Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah. “Faith is fundamentally what we have all been discussing since 9/11. The church in this play is a metaphor for our communities and our country.”

He added, “What happens when you no longer trust those you have entrusted to lead you? I’m thrilled to bring this production to Baltimore and for Center Stage to serve as a convener of many more conversations about leadership…in Baltimore, in Maryland and in our country.”

Baltimore’s Center Stage’s Associate Artistic Director, Hana Sharif is directing the production, which boasts a majestic set converting the venue’s Pearlstone Theater into a modern-day megachurch.

“It has been incredible,” said Sharif. “Night after night, the audience has responded. I don’t think there is anyone who has walked away without affirmation of their experience or belief system or questioning it. The charge for us was to be a place where everyone felt they had access to this journey and experience. I wanted people to connect no matter what walk of life or religion they come from.”

She added, “That is the fabric of Lucas Hnath’s work. There are a lot of Bible verses in the play. He went as far as to choose translations from different versions of The Bible— some not being part of the mainstream. He wanted to create a patch of work that examined different aspects of Christianity. We used that as a filter for how we looked at the work and in creating the tapestry of the church. This piece really allowed us to have a beautiful sense of community connectivity.”

During its run, there will be activities aimed at engaging theatergoers in conversation. This includes “Table Talk” for impromptu, audience-driven conversations, as well as post-show panel discussions with leaders from different faiths and opportunities to meet the actors.

Courtesy Photo

Howard W. Overshown The Christians examines leadership and faith.

“We also have a very diverse cast,” said Sharif. “The show and the audience has been a wonderful representation of the City of Baltimore. This show tackles such essential questions. Religion is used as a metaphor to address questions regarding leadership and sacrifice. We are dealing with such things right now in the arena of politics and economics.”

She added, “This play helps us to navigate our way through questions relating to humanity. This is a beautiful compelling story that I hope that everyone twill have an opportunity to enjoy.”

Baltimore Center Stage is a professional, nonprofit institution committed to entertaining, engaging and enriching audiences through bold, innovative and thought-provoking classical and contemporary theater.

To purchase tickets for The Christians or for more information, visit www.centerstage.org or call the box office at (410) 332- 0033.

Five local charities receive GM Foundation grants

WHITE MARSH, Md. — On Saturday, September 23, 2017, the General Motors Foundation in partnership with GM’s Baltimore Operations team provided a $40,000 grant to five local charities. Eric Shelhorn, the new GM Baltimore Operations Plant Manager made the announcement during the plant’s 7th Annual Classic Car Cruis’in.

The charities receiving the grants are: Maryland United Way, $10,000.00; The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, $10,000.00; Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, $10,000.00; Maryland Food Bank, $5,000.00; and Baltimore American Indian Center, $5,000.00.

Maryland State Senator Kathy Klausmeier attended the event and gave out proclamations to each of the recipient organizations for their efforts, and to General Motors for consistently helping those in the community in which their employees work and live.

The car show raised $1,645 for the White Marsh Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company. Last year, General Motors donated six acres of Baltimore Operations land to the organization to build their new facility.

This year, the GM Foundation will provide $2 million in funding to nearly 200 organizations in 45 plant cities. Since 1976, the General Motors Foundation has donated nearly $1 billion to U.S. charities, educational organizations and disaster relief efforts worldwide. In 2016, the company began transitioning from a U.S.-focused, foundation-based giving model to a global social impact strategy to promote economic growth around the world.

Perspectives in Pink: A Call to Action During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Pink ribbons will soon be in bloom to mark October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of this month, here’s some information about breast cancer as well as a few ideas to guide your thoughts and actions during the coming days and weeks.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. About one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), nationwide in 2017 an estimated 252,710 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 40,000 women and 400 men die from breast cancer. Maryland has the sixth highest death rate for breast cancer; the ACS estimates that in 2017, 5,250 women in Maryland will be diagnosed and 820 women will die from the disease.

Courtesy Photo

Breast cancer affects different groups of women in different ways. White women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than any other racial group; however African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than any other racial group. Younger women diagnosed with breast cancer tend to be diagnosed with more aggressive forms of the disease.

In recent years, there have been major developments in the science of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, which have led to improved outcomes and increased survivorship. There are nearly three million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today.

Early detection is key! A woman’s chance of surviving breast cancer is increased by early detection. Screening mammography is currently the best available tool for early detection of breast cancer. For most women, screening mammography should start between the ages of 40-50 years old. Women should individually discuss with their doctors the best age to initiate screening and how often screening should be repeated. In addition to regular screening, if a woman notices breast changes such as a lump, swelling, skin changes, pain or nipple discharge, she should see a doctor right away. Though these changes may not mean cancer, a doctor can help determine the cause.

People often wonder about the risks for developing breast cancer. The leading unavoidable risks for breast cancer are: Being female (however, men can get breast cancer too), getting older, race/ethnicity, personal history of breast cancer and family history of breast cancer. Changeable risks for breast cancer include obesity, lack of regular physical activity, smoking cigarettes and consumption of large amounts of alcohol.

Although breast cancer outcomes have improved in recent years, there is room for further improvement especially here in Baltimore. By being informed, encouraged and empowered about breast cancer, you can help make a difference.

Be Informed: Know your individual risk for breast cancer and the behaviors that you can change to decrease your risk. Know your family history and make sure to share this information with your doctor.

Be Encouraged: There are more breast cancer survivors living today than ever in history. Early detection certainly saves lives.

Be Empowered: During the month of October, choose at least one action that you can take towards bettering breast cancer outcomes in our community. Maryland’s highest death rates for African-American women are in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

•Lower Your Risk For Breast Cancer— Optimize your health by starting an exercise routine. Consider walking in one of Baltimore’s Breast Cancer Awareness walks this October to get you started. If you smoke, make it a priority to work on quitting, and be mindful of the amount of alcohol you drink.

•Be An Advocate— Advocate for yourself or someone close to you. Talk to your doctor about when you should start screening and if you are due for your mammogram, call and schedule your appointment today. If you are up to date with your screening, check with a daughter, sister, mother, friend, neighbor or co-worker to make sure she is too.

•Make Time For Yourself and Your Health— Whether you are busy taking care of children, have a calendar full of meetings and calls, or are self-employed with limited insurance, you must make time for yourself and your health. If you are overdue to see your doctor, schedule your appointment today.

•If You Need Help, Say Something— If you do not have a regular doctor or health insurance, take advantage of programs such as the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Baltimore City Cancer Program (BCCP) to get your screening mammogram. BCCP offers no-cost breast cancer screenings to uninsured residents of Baltimore City. BCCP can also help insured individuals who need financial assistance, assistance with scheduling their appointments or transportation for their mammogram. For more information about NO COST mammograms call the Baltimore City Cancer Program at 410-328-HOPE (4673).

Your awareness can lead to conversations and your conversations to actions that improve breast cancer outcomes in Baltimore and beyond. Be informed. Be encouraged. Be empowered.

Dr. Shana O. Ntiri is the Medical

Director, Baltimore City Cancer

Program, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive

Cancer Center

Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival in Annapolis continues to grow

Annapolis is a well-known tourist destination in Maryland where out-of-towners can be found browsing in boutiques, strolling on brick-topped sidewalks leading to the United States Naval Academy or navigating through the narrow streets along City Dock admiring the yachts and powerboats.

Courtesy Photo

Young dancer from Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company performs

Maryland’s state capital is also known for its exciting festivals and events. The 28th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival was held Saturday, September 23, 2017 and was no exception to the excitement many look forward to experiencing in Annapolis.

The 28th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival honors the legacy of Kunta Kinte, one of 98 slaves brought to Annapolis aboard the ship Lord Ligonier in 1767 and the main character in Alex Haley’s book, Roots. The festival also highlights and celebrates African-American history which continues to play an equally memorable part of exploring the culture of Annapolis.

Courtesy Photo

These festival goers visited the face painting booth.

Just around the corner from the place where slaves were brought to Annapolis in chains, families, friends, and solo travelers made their way toward sounds of African drum beats, the smell of freshly cooked fish and ribs, and an assortment of festival sights. Live animals and face painting gained attention from young children. Everything from colorful African clothing, books, empowering t-shirts, colorful art, crafts, and jewelry filled tables that were lined up neatly in rows.

As the sun began to heat up a small yet busy town, 52 African Americans from New York City, N.Y. stepped off a long tour bus to partake in the festivities. Janifer P. Wilson— founder of Sisters Uptown Bookstore— organized the excursion. Wilson owns the only black-owned bookstore in Harlem. The unique community resource center for the exchange of information and ideas has been in business for 17 years. Wilson heard about the 28th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival and wanted to support it. Her group visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, before heading to the area where Kunta Kinte was said to have arrived on the Lord Ligonier ship in 1767.

“The energy of the festival is profound. We love gathering with our people in the spirit of our ancestor. We have a rich culture and once we embrace the history of ancestors and world history, we will be freedom,” Wilson said while standing in Susan Campbell Park. “Knowledge is the key to our freedom.”

Visitors such as Selina Lokko and Maikan Kone stumbled upon this year’s festival. While looking at colorful jewelry, Kone said that history is right up her alley. The women who are like sisters traveled from Va. and planned to see Carr’s Beach in Annapolis.

After looking at townhouses in the place where African-Americans once enjoyed performances of up-and-coming entertainers in the era of segregation, Lokko and Kone found their second destination. The friends described the event as fantastic. Lokko and Kone remarked that they would put it on their calendar for next year and spread the word out about it.

“It’s just that huge umbilical cord, that thread among all of us. It’s just really one world, one people, one love,” Kone said, referring to like-minded people who embraced history at the festival. “I just love it.”

Jan F. Lee, who served as festival chair of the 28th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, explained that the number of festival attendees, volunteers, and vendors all increased this year. She noted that over 5,000 attendees made their way to Annapolis for the cultural event.

The planning committee for this year’s event consisted of eight volunteers and 30-40 people volunteered on the day of the festival. Approximately 80 vendors participated. Lee affirmed that that this year’s goals were met.

“A few of the main goals were to have the community stage for more engaging and educational entertainment, to have more volunteers, and to have more vendors, which we accomplished. With the support of Anne Arundel Community College, we were able to have the community stage. We received a positive response from vendors— a significant number having vended with the festival in years past that wanted to participate again. And we added a few members to the committee and received more support from people that wanted to volunteer,” Lee said after the festival. “Next, we want to continue to grow and add more to the festival so that people will learn and enjoy. We want to continue to improve the festival experience.”

Dawn Kirstaetter appointed to lead Advancement and Strategic Partnerships at BCCC

BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) has appointed Dawn Kirstaetter as vice president for Advancement and Strategic Partnerships at the college.

Kirstaetter is the former Deputy Mayor of Health, Human Services and Education from 2014-16; chief operating officer for Associated Black Charities (ABC); and a veteran nonprofit leader in the fields of public health and youth and family services.

In her new position, Kirstaetter will oversee fundraising, scholarships, alumni affairs, communications and marketing in addition to helping the college build strategic partnerships with public and private sector organizations. She will serve as the college’s primary liaison to the Mayor’s Office, City Hall and city agencies.