source: Instagram
There are so many emotions and thoughts running through my head right now, it’s hard to find a place to start. I’m so angry at the injustice many minorities across the country face on a daily basis. I’m also pissed I had to turn on the news and see my mother’s street being looted and full of riots.
Baltimore is my home and a place that gives me so much pride. It’s a city that comes to life and has so much to offer in the areas of culture and history. Now it’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons as the world pays more attention to the ignorant acts of a few foolish folk, and not the underlying issues like the death of Freddie Gray and police corruption. It’s truly a shame when a peaceful movement that lasted a week is overshadowed by a day’s worth of stupidity. How does looting a cell phone and liquor store bring justice to a situation? What does burning down a pharmaceutical resource and senior center do for your cause?
Absolutely nothing.
While I am very happy no one lost their life in the chaos, it makes me sad to think about those in my mother’s neighborhood who–once again–must pick up the pieces after a riot. There are so many elders and generations of Baltimore residents who have told stories about the riots of 1968 and how it took decades for things to get back to how they were. In some cases, they never did. Sure a business is not as important as a life, but when you live in an area with limited resources as is, the last thing you need is to take several steps back. Access to groceries and much-needed medication will now become a hassle, and for what? As much as things have been heating up in the city’s pressure cooker, nothing good comes from destroying your own community. Small business owners are the hardest hit and bigger corporations we’d love to see tend to shy away from rebuilding.
It’s a lose/lose situation.
source: Instagram
Regardless of what happened yesterday, I’m very hopeful we’ll get back to the Charm City I know. Anyone who lived in the area back in the 90’s can attest to how much things have changed for the better. Yes there’s definitely room for improvement (that’s obvious), but we have been taking steps in the right direction. Many residents who grew up in Baltimore now hold important positions to try and create change. Baltimore is no longer the murder capital of the country and has actually seen a major reduction in crime.
Unfortunately we do have a history of police corruption that includes settlements for undue force and reports of sexual assault while in custody. Like many other police departments across the nation, we need reform and a basic consideration for all lives in order for our communities to work together.
Speaking with my mother last night, there was much the news did not capture (as expected). So many elders and community figures took to the streets in efforts to become a barrier between police and those who sought to entice them. In most cases, they were successful in de-escalating situations and getting people indoors. She even told me of an incident where a few people jumped a news anchor on her block that thankfully wasn’t reported on air.
I don’t know where we go from here and unfortunately I am states away and pregnant. I can’t get on a plane and help. There’s been a positive community reaction to the poor decision made by those who feel riots and looting are the only way to express themselves.
Right now the world is watching, and more importantly, our children see what’s happening. Will our message be a justification of criminal behavior because we don’t have justice? Or will we push harder to funnel our efforts through the proper channels that can affect change? It’s a difficult battle that’s in store, but nothing new. Unfortunately history does continue to repeat itself with certain situations, but now is the time to look to those who have been through the struggle and can give advice on how to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m confident we can continue to build up our great city and live in the changes we fight so hard to see.
This issue goes beyond our city limits. Let’s use this platform to set the standard, not the stereotype.
Believe.
