Rudaw in East Baltimore as church senior center burns to ground
BALTIMORE, Maryland — Members of a Southern Baptist church in East Baltimore gathered Tuesday to look over the remains of a church-sponsored $16 million facility for low-income seniors burnt to the ground by rioters Monday.
Many blamed police brutality, racism and economic grievances as root causes of the riots that have overtaken the city.
“So much frustration because of injustices and inequality, lack of fairness and equalities and disadvantages of urban communities,” said church pastor Donte Hickman.
The arrest and death of Freddie Gray while in police custody has caused protests in Baltimore since mid-April, and mourners taking part in the burial ceremony of Gray took to the streets in the last two days, forcing the Maryland governor to declare a state of emergency and curfew after some of the protesters turned violent and began burning buildings, shopping centers and car dealerships Monday night.
“Nothing is bigger than death, but I think death sheds light on the decay and the corrosion that has been taking place in our city for a long time. I think his death shed light on and helps us to be empowered and excited about what life we can rebuild,” Hickman added.
According to local officials, 1,700 National Guard soldiers have been deployed on Baltimore streets to support police in providing security and stability in the city. More than 20 police officers have so far been hurt in the protests, and dozens of protestors have been arrested.
Hickman, however, showed optimism the mass public unrest might help officials and locals to better address problems and fix them. “There are so many things that cause this type of epidemic to occur rather than to fix the blame. I am looking about how we can eradicate the problem,” he said.
The pastor called on people with authority to take action by investing in the city. “It’s time for the mayor and governor to step up, and the president, and those who have resources and abilities, to invest in our community,” he continued.
The retirement facility—which was 60 percent finished—included apartments for seniors and employment services for the local community before it was set ablaze Monday night. It was scheduled to open in the fall and host 60 seniors.
Arthur William, 56, is disabled and has lived in the neighborhood since 1968. He was on the waiting list to be given one of the apartments, but his hopes were dashed when he saw the facility on fire. “I had put my name on the list to get into the building. Now it’s gone my hopes are gone,” he said. He added he recalled in his childhood riots were almost daily occurrences in the neighborhood in the 1960s.
“This is my life right here,” William said. “I saw riots coming through here in 1968 when riots were going on. My mom did not let us outside. Protests have been a part of my life.”
For their part, local officials said they sympathized with the local community, and said economic disparity was a root cause of the rioting.
“The economic situation is very sad. They need training and programs,” said Maryland State Senator Joan Carter, a Democrat who represents Maryland’s District 43 in Baltimore. “It hurts your heart for Baltimore city to be burnt and looted.”
Mica Artis, a 25-year-old student, was disappointed that some people exploited the protests for their advantage, and started damaging public property like the senior center aimed at improving the community.
“People were saying that you should not be upset about property damage. My parents were going to this church. What do you mean that you can't be mad about property damage?” she said. “This is my church, my neighborhood and my community!”
“The facility was something to better the community. We were not building a liquor store or anything like that, we were building a senior citizen home—a transition home—something to help better this neighborhood,” she continued.
Many members of the community believe today’s problems are caused by long-simmering frustrations passed from one generation to the next because of unemployment and poor education. They vented that contractors and companies are bringing in workers from outside Maryland to do local jobs.
“The reasons these things are happening in this city is because it’s not allowed opportunities. It’s lots of things being shut down—a lot of programs shut down, preparations ceased,” said Kevin Watkins, a 51-year-old heavy equipment worker currently pursuing a college degree. “Young people don't have anywhere to go. There is no job for them. Other contractors call other people from outside of the state and they give them the jobs and they don't give it to the young people because they don't meet the qualifications.”
Many blamed police brutality, racism and economic grievances as root causes of the riots that have overtaken the city.
“So much frustration because of injustices and inequality, lack of fairness and equalities and disadvantages of urban communities,” said church pastor Donte Hickman.
The arrest and death of Freddie Gray while in police custody has caused protests in Baltimore since mid-April, and mourners taking part in the burial ceremony of Gray took to the streets in the last two days, forcing the Maryland governor to declare a state of emergency and curfew after some of the protesters turned violent and began burning buildings, shopping centers and car dealerships Monday night.
“Nothing is bigger than death, but I think death sheds light on the decay and the corrosion that has been taking place in our city for a long time. I think his death shed light on and helps us to be empowered and excited about what life we can rebuild,” Hickman added.
According to local officials, 1,700 National Guard soldiers have been deployed on Baltimore streets to support police in providing security and stability in the city. More than 20 police officers have so far been hurt in the protests, and dozens of protestors have been arrested.
Hickman, however, showed optimism the mass public unrest might help officials and locals to better address problems and fix them. “There are so many things that cause this type of epidemic to occur rather than to fix the blame. I am looking about how we can eradicate the problem,” he said.
The pastor called on people with authority to take action by investing in the city. “It’s time for the mayor and governor to step up, and the president, and those who have resources and abilities, to invest in our community,” he continued.
The retirement facility—which was 60 percent finished—included apartments for seniors and employment services for the local community before it was set ablaze Monday night. It was scheduled to open in the fall and host 60 seniors.
Arthur William, 56, is disabled and has lived in the neighborhood since 1968. He was on the waiting list to be given one of the apartments, but his hopes were dashed when he saw the facility on fire. “I had put my name on the list to get into the building. Now it’s gone my hopes are gone,” he said. He added he recalled in his childhood riots were almost daily occurrences in the neighborhood in the 1960s.
“This is my life right here,” William said. “I saw riots coming through here in 1968 when riots were going on. My mom did not let us outside. Protests have been a part of my life.”
For their part, local officials said they sympathized with the local community, and said economic disparity was a root cause of the rioting.
“The economic situation is very sad. They need training and programs,” said Maryland State Senator Joan Carter, a Democrat who represents Maryland’s District 43 in Baltimore. “It hurts your heart for Baltimore city to be burnt and looted.”
Mica Artis, a 25-year-old student, was disappointed that some people exploited the protests for their advantage, and started damaging public property like the senior center aimed at improving the community.
“People were saying that you should not be upset about property damage. My parents were going to this church. What do you mean that you can't be mad about property damage?” she said. “This is my church, my neighborhood and my community!”
“The facility was something to better the community. We were not building a liquor store or anything like that, we were building a senior citizen home—a transition home—something to help better this neighborhood,” she continued.
Many members of the community believe today’s problems are caused by long-simmering frustrations passed from one generation to the next because of unemployment and poor education. They vented that contractors and companies are bringing in workers from outside Maryland to do local jobs.
“The reasons these things are happening in this city is because it’s not allowed opportunities. It’s lots of things being shut down—a lot of programs shut down, preparations ceased,” said Kevin Watkins, a 51-year-old heavy equipment worker currently pursuing a college degree. “Young people don't have anywhere to go. There is no job for them. Other contractors call other people from outside of the state and they give them the jobs and they don't give it to the young people because they don't meet the qualifications.”