By Sandtown-Winchester Community Association
(BALTIMORE – August 29, 2023) – Your presence is requested at the Wednesday, August 30th Sandtown-Winchester Community Meeting at Sharon Baptist Church, located at 1375 N. Stricker Street, Baltimore, MD 21217.
This all-important meeting is long overdue. There are many things that are happening every day that many of us are unaware of. It’s time to fix that!
Despite some of the negative news and stereotypes often portrayed by those who do not live here, Sandtown-Winchester residents have a whole lot to be proud of and a whole lot to celebrate. We know that our community is just as blessed as any other because of the people who live and work here.
Despite being overlooked, castigated, and often not afforded other communities – those of us who live here make this community. Although people from other parts of town drive by and throw trash out their car windows, there are people like Guy and Mr. Footes who make it their business to keep the neighborhood cut and clean.
We know that while some people engage in illegal dumping in our community, we know that we can call Linda Lomax’s ace, Mr. Mark Hunter, and he will come and help us clean up our bulk trash issues. For the uninitiated, Ms. Lomax works for our Baltimore City Councilman John Bullock and she is a force to be reckoned with in terms of helping people.
Clearly, keeping Sandtown-Winchester strong depends on partnerships. At tomorrow’s meeting, some of our partners will be present, including the Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore Department of Housing. We will have elected officials present, including our State Senator Antonio Hayes. Further, a representative from the GVRS program will be present.
MONSE (Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement) launched the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) in partnership with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) and the State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO). According to the City of Baltimore, “This proven strategy aims to address the norms perpetuating violence in Baltimore by focusing resources on individuals identified as being at the highest acute risk of involvement in gun violence. GVRS, also known as focused deterrence, is a nationally recognized approach that has the strongest formal evaluation record of any violence prevention initiative designed to reduce homicides and non-fatal shootings.”
Also, former Sen. John Pica will be speaking on behalf of the Salvation Army of Central Maryland. They will be bringing their headquarters to Sandtown-Winchester. Mind you, this has been a long haul. However, thanks to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott – this project is moving forward! And we are excited.
Our facilitator will be Danise Jones-Dorsey.
Last thing. This is not a gripe session. This is about the sharing of information. Period.
There are individuals like Inez Robb, former Delegate Roxanne Prettyman, and Eric Stephenson who have worked hundreds of hours on behalf of our community to make things safer, cleaner, and greener … literally.
The spirit of Ms. Tina Thompson comes to mind. That little woman could rock the world with her advocacy for our babies. The proud Fulton Avenue resident did not play and demanded the absolute best for this community. And let’s not forget Marsha Bannerman and Jerry Cross. These people saved many lives. They love our people, they love our babies, and they want the best for us.
See you in church!