The rioting in Baltimore, sparked by the death of Freddie Gray in police custody, leads to uncertainty in the safety of residents, as well as the future of race relations in the city.
I sit down with one resident of Baltimore, Corey Johnson, in his Hampden home to discuss exactly how he has been affected by the current events in the city.
We discussed the change in feel of his own community during the protests and riots, and how the National Guard’s presence may have helped to deter rioting. Many stores all throughout Baltimore were closing early, riot-proofing, and completely shutting down.
“It’s weird seeing it in your own town,” Corey said about seeing the heavy military presence in his neighborhood and many surrounding communities. “It looks like you’re in a war zone.”
Baltimore, as any native of “Charm City” would know, is a city of many drastically different communities living side by side. There are many different racial communities, there are developed neighborhoods, there are faith-based areas, and there are run-down slums, all living together, but in separate geographical factions. Many attribute the racial powder keg of Baltimore’s ignition on this fact. In some ways, Baltimore does not support some of its own neighborhoods, while providing special attention to other communities.
In a sense, many of Baltimore’s own residents feel betrayed. The Freddie Gray incident simply served as a “final straw” for many of the residents of West Baltimore. And although six police officers were indicted over his death, love and proper leadership appear to be the only thing that can put Baltimore on a better track.
Devin McLaughlin 