(BALTIMORE – October 27, 2025) – In the early 1970s, West North Avenue was alive with Black enterprise. I remember Ike Dixon Insurance, the beauty salons, the barbershops, the eateries — the heartbeat of our neighborhood.
Fast-forward to more recent times, and only a few Black-owned businesses remain. My cousin Jamal ran Jamal’s Hauling in the 1800 block between Monroe and McKean. He loved his community deeply, and his business was one of the last to go after his passing.
Everyone’s Place stands tall as a true staple. I remember when Nati started — from a street vendor to a book distributorship emperor. Neal Carter has also been a constant, building a different kind of empire centered on employment and housing. Nobody cares more about Penn-North and Sandtown than he does. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
Bishop Kevin Daniels is doing great things at St. Martin’s. Annie Hall, President of the Penn-North Community Association, continues to fight for the neighborhood. William C. Brown Funeral Home, Senator Antonio Hayes, and developer P. David Bramble — all are playing their part in this beautiful renaissance of West North Avenue.
We are, whether we realize it or not, witnessing a New Baltimore — one that finally respects and reinvests in the roots of its people. Never before has West North Avenue seen this level of attention, development, and hope. I know I haven’t — and this street is where my family’s story began.
So when I see The Mill on North at 2636 W. North Avenue, I see more than a building. I see a symbol of possibility — something our community should’ve had decades ago.
And here’s what gets under my skin:
Black people are the most loyal voting bloc in the Maryland Democratic Party. We should have received this kind of attention long ago — from Democrats.
I won’t belabor the point, but I will say this: it’s a damn shame that it took a Republican to see the need first. The Democratic Party in Maryland must do better by Black people. Forget the fancy Black Caucus events and historical firsts — we need real service.
And for that, I commend Senator Antonio Hayes for seeing the need and helping to fulfill a long-overdue commitment to a community that has always been loyal.
