Author: Demetrius Dillard

The Baltimore City Office of Civil Rights and Wage Enforcement (BOCRWE) launched a new series of community dialogues entitled, “Can We Talk?” The inaugural event was held in the Curran Room at Baltimore City Hall on March 12, 2019. The first of the series was a presentation by Lawrence Brown, Ph.D., an assistant professor in Morgan State University’s School of Community Health and Policy, entitled, “Mapping Baltimore Apartheid in the Ongoing Quest for Civil Rights.”

Public information officer for BOCRWE, John Milton Wesley, the originator and coordinator of the community talk series, felt impelled to have Dr. Brown as the first presenter of the series because unfair housing practices have been such a prominent issue in Baltimore City.

“I felt like there was a need to have a one-on-one conversation with the communities across Baltimore,” Wesley said. “The idea was to create a series in which the people who support [Baltimore community] organizations could speak directly to the Office of Civil Rights.”

Free and open to the public, there was a decent-sized group of inquisitive community members present to take part in the introductory discussion.

Suzanne Haley, a racial equity trainer and community organizer, who attended the gathering says she was sought insight on the topic of housing discrimination after reading some of Brown’s articles.

“I’m just interested in peeling back the layers and changing the lens of the way we see what we see,” said Haley, an Ellicott City resident. “I’m curious about the devastation that I see in Baltimore, and so the presentation today helped me to get a clearer lens of what I’m really looking at.”

The destruction of black neighborhoods was created by policies— social algorithms that were enacted to determine what parts of the city received capital funding from the federal government.

As a result of which, black families were uprooted and pushed out. Plus the construction of major highways in the region displaced numerous black families and businesses, according to Dr. Brown whose research examines the impact of historical trauma on community health.

Another focus of Dr. Brown’s presentation was James Preston, the Mayor of Baltimore from 1911 to 1919, considered by many as one of the city’s most blatantly racist politicians for proposing and passing legislation that displaced black communities.

Dr. Brown also underlined a program called “Hope VI,” a plan originally drafted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1992 under the Bill Clinton Administration. This piece of legislation was designed to revitalize the worst public housing projects into “mixed-income developments” in the nation’s major cities, but instead resulted in the displacement of countless black families and establishments, furthering a process known as gentrification.

The word “apartheid” was used repeatedly throughout his presentation to denote the deleterious effects that housing discrimination has had on Baltimore’s black population. He also spoke to the audience about racial bias in the mainstream media, pointing out documented headlines from past Baltimore Sun articles with phrases like “Negro Invasion,” “Infiltration of the Negro,” and “Emergency War Fund” whenever black people moved into traditionally white neighborhoods.

Moreover, Brown cited research finding that more of Baltimore City’s budget is spent on the police force than other important areas like community redevelopment, arts, education, housing, roads and public transportation.

To conclude his in-depth lecture, Dr. Brown presented what he feels is a feasible solution for the number of problems he highlighted, which was a $3 billion Racial Impact Bond— somewhat of a reparatory budget, which calls for more funds to be allotted to vital areas that will help to rebuild black communities adversely affected by gentrification and other inequitable housing policies.

During the panel discussion after Dr. Brown’s presentation, the topics of fair housing; infrastructural systems used to rebuild underprivileged communities; solutions to gentrification; challenging local government and policy makers were discussed.

The “Can We Talk?” series will be held at various locations across the city in the months ahead. The discussions will explore a variety of subjects important to the citizens of Baltimore and issues impacted by the work of the Office of Civil Rights.

Upon leaving the podium, Dr. Brown encapsulated his presentation by urging community members and leaders to take a firm stand against the deplorable inequities that have had such a grave impact on the city.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, along with community partners and local public officials, hosted a community forum to educate the public about the new Marijuana Prosecution Policy and to discuss the impact of marijuana convictions on the black community in particular, as well as to provide an update regarding the policy implementation and the State’s Attorney’s Office’s work in Annapolis.

“Court In The Community: Rethinking Marijuana Prosecutions” forum held at Baltimore City Community College on February 27, 2019 in the campus’s Fine Arts Auditorium was fashioned to yield spirited, informative exchange about the much-needed policy change drafted by Mosby.

“We learned through extensive research that prosecuting marijuana cases has no public safety value, erodes public trust and is a costly and counterproductive use of limited resources,” Mosby said in a statement. “For these reasons, I have announced that my office would no longer prosecute marijuana possession cases regardless of weight or an individual’s criminal history.”

However, the State’s Attorney’s Office will still prosecute possession of marijuana with intent to distribute if there is overwhelming evidence.

Mosby opened the evening by reiterating her policy (introduced on January 29, 2019), adding that first-time drug offenders will have the chance to be admitted to the Aim to B’More program, an alternative to incarceration for low-level felony drug offenders.

After providing a descriptive overview of her policy and presenting the State’s Attorney’s 2019 Legislative Agenda, Mosby introduced the panel: Michael Collins, director of the Office of National Affairs of The Drug Policy Alliance; Susan Francis, deputy director of the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; Sonia Kumar, staff attorney, ACLU of Maryland; Olivia Naugle, legislative coordinator for the Marijuana Policy Project; Chief Deputy State’s

Attorney Michael Schatzow; and Caryn York, executive director, Job Opportunities Task Force.

The panelists, all of whom have backgrounds in social justice and community activism explained why Mosby’s new Marijuana Prosecution Policy is so important to the Baltimore community because in the past it appeared that there was “one set of laws for black residents and another set for white residents.”

The panel pointed out that the racially biased enforcement of laws and petty drug charges have led to barriers for employment, housing and education, among other opportunities.

The audience had the opportunity to participate in the discussion during the question and answer portion of the forum, which followed the panel discussion.

Other concerns raised during the community forum included public health, public safety, mental health, overdose treatment, policy reform, the job industry, cannabis business industry, racist policing and imminent marijuana legalization in Maryland.

Past forums— held on a quarterly basis over the past four years— covered topics such as domestic violence, rebounding from a criminal conviction and sexual assault. They were geared to helping the community to break down barriers of distrust and explaining the intricacies of the criminal justice system, according to Mosby.

“We wanted to really be able to ensure that people really understood what the policy was. There was some confusion in light of the fact that the police department indicated that they were still going to arrest people, but I’m not going to be prosecuting people,” Mosby said following the event. “I think it was really important for us to make that distinction and clarification for folks, as well as to understand the collateral consequences and the role that the community plays.”

More than half of the Maryland state prison population is comprised of individuals charged with nonviolent drug offenses, according to panelist Caryn York, executive director, Job Opportunities Task Force.

“I am here because we are so reliant on the criminal justice system to address drug use and possession, it’s now become a workforce challenge,” said York, explaining how communities have suffered hindrances to employment due to being over policed and underserved. “The significance [of today’s forum] is that we’re talking about these issues in a global manner, it’s not so nuanced. We’re actually talking about how we can change it and not keep things the same.”

Mosby, who assumed office in January 2015 says the primary purpose of the Court in the Community forum was to gain the trust of the community.

“One of the things that we attempt to do is that we have to rebuild the trust of the community. We rely on the community. And so when you have discriminatory enforcement of certain laws, and you have laws that are applicable to white folks that are different from black folks, all that does is exacerbate distrust,” Mosby said. “What we’re attempting to do is to say ‘we have one standard of justice in the city of Baltimore’ and if the police department are going to enforce laws discriminatorily, that’s something that we, as the State’s Attorney’s Office, will not be complicit with.”

Toyota Motor North America, in efforts to be more than just a car company, demonstrated its commitment to ‘enriching lives one step at a time’ and serving local communities by donating winter boots and socks to families in need through its “Walk In My Boots” community outreach program.

After showcasing an assortment of vehicles at the Baltimore Auto Show, Toyota partnered with The Salvation Army of Central Maryland to give several families—some of whom were from The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Franklin Square and Middle River—175 pairs of Bogs waterproof insulated boots and Smartwool socks fashioned to protect the wearer’s feet from harsh weather conditions at the Salvation Army Warehouse on East 29th Street on Feb. 16, 2019.

“Winter can be the hardest season for low-income families. While many programs offer winter coat giveaways, a person’s feet are often left vulnerable as many are often forced to use local modes of transportation such as taking the bus or walking in harsh elements,” says a statement released by The Salvation Army and Toyota.

“When temperatures drop below freezing, or the snow and rain take center stage, people are at severe risk for hypothermia to set in and consequences can be fatal. Having the proper footwear can help keep feet dry, comfortable and warm for longer periods of time.”

Before the giveaways, officials from Toyota and The Salvation Army gave heartfelt remarks and expressed how elated they were to be a part of a philanthropic partnership designed to give back to less fortunate families in Baltimore City and surrounding areas.

Quinetta Cooper and her four children were one of the special, spotlighted families presented with boots during the program.

“It’s truly a blessing to have received these boots and to be surrounded by great people,” said Cooper, a resident of Middle River. “It’s just a pleasure to be here.”

Also in attendance was special guest speaker, comedian and Baltimore native MESHELLE, who gave words of encouragement to the audience.

Alva Adams, the founder of Walk In My Boots, said the program started in 2011 after she saw a need to give back to the underprivileged communities who might have undergone hardships in extremely frigid weather conditions. The event began in Detroit and has been in Baltimore since 2017, she said.

“Anything that Toyota can do to help families, to help communities to get to their dreams, to accomplish their dreams—it just makes us feel really, really great as a company,” said Adams, the director of multicultural business and strategy and dealer relations with Toyota Motor North America.

Officials from Toyota (top to bottom) Tim Hale, Nicole Fortune, Alva Adams, Paige Barton along with MESHELLE pose with Quinetta Cooper and her four children, recipients of new Bogs waterproof insulated boots as part of the ‘Walk In My Boots’ community outreach project.

“It makes us want to continue to do more in the community; to help build their confidence, to help build their self-esteem, to let them know that we’re behind you. You know, let’s start our impossible together, let’s go places together.”

In addition to Detroit and Baltimore, Toyota holds annual Walk In My Boots giveaways in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

JoAnne Clatterbuck, a resident of the Woodberry neighborhood in Baltimore, showed up with her two grandchildren and a great grandchild to receive boots and socks.

“It means a lot. Like I said, my daughter belongs to the Salvation Army and they’ve helped me out a lot with the children, with the grandchildren. I’ve always appreciated that.”

Furthermore, Toyota presented a $15,000 check, along with an additional $10,000, to The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, enabling the organization to continue its support for less fortunate children and families.

“By Toyota offering these high-quality boots for [our clients], not only does it stretch the life of their own shoes but they’re able to walk in the winter with comfort and not have to worry about walking in wet shoes. So, I think it means a lot” said Gene Hogg, the area commander of The Salvation Army of Central Maryland.

At the conclusion of the program, participants were served a buffet luncheon prepared by Black Tie Caterers, courtesy of Toyota. Children received various coloring books that were signed and distributed by Munson Steed, CEO of Steed Media and founder of Rolling Out Magazine.

According to Hogg, the funds donated to The Salvation Army will go to the programming involved in the organization’s Boys & Girls Clubs located in Franklin Square, Middle River and Glen Burnie.

Erricka Bridgeford, a noted social activist in Baltimore City and co-founder of Baltimore Ceasefire 365, received a new vehicle by MileOne Autogroup after openly expressing the burden of being without reliable transportation. The 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan was presented to Bridgeford not only as a token of appreciation for her contributions to the community but was given in response to Bridgeford’s need for a new vehicle.

The SUV was presented to Bridgeford during a special ceremony with Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh and MileOne Autogroup CEO Steven Fader at the Motor House in Baltimore City on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.

“A few weeks ago, I told God I didn’t have anymore fight in me,” Bridgeford said with emotion after Fader handed her her new car keys. “I just want to thank everybody who shared, who donated, who sent me inbox messages and who called me,” Bridgeford expressed, also thanking Fader and MileOne, Mayor Pugh, local media, her partners in CeaseFire and the organizers of the event.

A GoFundMe page was organized on January 22, 2019 on behalf of Bridgeford after she spoke out publicly about the stress associated with a lack of dependable transportation to carry out work necessary for her organization. More than $12,000 was raised from 240 people in only a week, and organizers of the page stopped taking donations after receiving a call from Heritage.

Cody Elizabeth Handy, a Baltimore schoolteacher and advocate of Baltimore Ceasefire; and Michelle Belfie, a social entrepreneur, organized the brief celebratory event.

“I am ECSTATIC to announce that your generosity in this GoFundMe campaign caught the attention of Heritage, part of the MileOne Autogroup, in a very big way!,” Bridgeford wrote on her GoFundMe page. “They have decided to GIFT me a car, because so many people cared that I have reliable transportation. Heritage recognizes that transportation is transformational.”

According to Bridgeford, all of the extra funds collected through the GoFundMe campaign will be used for the maintenance fees of her new vehicle and Baltimore Ceasefire 365.

“I read recently about the effort to raise funds for Erricka so that she can purchase a vehicle that will allow her to continue to expand the mission of Baltimore Ceasefire,” Fader said in a news release. “In visiting the GoFundMe page, I quickly realized that this was something we could provide to Erricka and that would allow all of the generous support she received from others to help fuel the programs and activities of Baltimore Ceasefire.”

Mayor Pugh took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to support Bridgeford.

“It’s so good to see great stories being told about the people and the hearts of the folks who are in our city,” Pugh said as she acknowledged Bridgeford’s diligent efforts to reduce gun violence in the city.

Moreover, Bridgeford received a certificate of recognition from Pugh.

“This car means a lot to me because it means that I’ll be able to get around without being worried about breaking down anywhere,” said Bridgeford who was named the 2017 Marylander of the Year by the Baltimore Sun.

“To just be able to get around to do outreach and peace trainings, and in the schools with the students and staff— it’s just amazing,” she continued, explaining that she frequently travels throughout Maryland to conduct mediation and conflict management training.

The West Baltimore native who has dealt with a number of issues with her most recent vehicle, including a hazardous gas leak said, “This means freedom for me.”