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Friends,
Our team and our community held our breath throughout the trial of Derek Chauvin. Yesterday, we exhaled a sigh of relief that our legal system held this officer accountable for the murder of George Floyd. And yet, we understand that this verdict does not equate to justice. It does not restore the lives of countless Black Americans killed by state-sanctioned violence. It does not relieve the daily injustices inflicted upon Black and brown citizens by a racist system. It does not change the fact that Baltimore’s police budget massively outstrips our investments in community wellbeing, and is the highest police budget per capita in the country.
Acclaimed author, D. Watkins shared this sentiment in his article in Salon on April 17:
“If Derek Chauvin is convicted, it will not erase hundreds of years of enslavement, oppression and racism dumped on Black people of the past, present, and babies who aren't even born yet. Unborn Black children in America will be guaranteed to feel the effects of racism. It is a traditional part of the Black American experience. Would I be happy if Chauvin is convicted? Absolutely. Will I feel like equality will finally be granted to Black people in America as a result? Absolutely not.”
Baltimore organizers like Organizing Black, remind us that tonight is “Taxpayer’s Night”--an opportunity to hold the city accountable for our budgets to reflect our values. They are calling for greater investments in community wellness and alternative first responders to community crises.
This is a pivotal moment to advance accountability and investment in Baltimore.
We also recognize that we all receive these headlines differently and people play a wide variety of roles in investing in and uplifting Baltimore communities. Last week, we celebrated the world premier of Dark City Beneath the Beat on Netflix.
The film showcases the vibrancy of Baltimore’s music, dance, culture, neighborhoods, and people. We love seeing people who have invested decades of their lives to positive change in this city featured on a global platform. Our Medium story this week, “May We Forever Do Our Thing” profiles Olu Butterfly Woods who is featured in the film. Olu has served as a longtime cultural curator in Baltimore and has been instrumental in supporting generations of young people and artists. Huge congrats to filmmaker TT the Artist and all who are featured in the film.
Read on for resources to plug in, invest, get inspired, stay connected, and take care.
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