Close Menu
BmoreNews.com
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Editorial/Op-Ed
  • The Glover Report
  • Black Wall Street
  • Video
Trending
Delegate Scott Phillips speaks at 104th Commemoration of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, 5.31.25

Delegate Scott Phillips speaks at 104th Commemoration of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, 5.31.25

Régine René-Labrousse to be Recognized at Black Wall Street NOLA, June 5th, at 2 Phat Vegans

Régine René-Labrousse to be Recognized at Black Wall Street NOLA, June 5th, at 2 Phat Vegans

Deshauntia Benn to be Recognized at Black Wall Street NOLA, June 5th, at 2 Phat Vegans

Deshauntia Benn to be Recognized at Black Wall Street NOLA, June 5th, at 2 Phat Vegans

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
BmoreNews.com
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Editorial/Op-Ed
  • The Glover Report
  • Black Wall Street
  • Video
Newsletter
BmoreNews.com
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Editorial/Op-Ed
  • The Glover Report
  • Black Wall Street
  • Video
Home » The Sandtown-Winchester Community: A Call for Transparency and Community-Driven Initiatives
Editorial/Op-Ed

The Sandtown-Winchester Community: A Call for Transparency and Community-Driven Initiatives

Staff ReporterBy Staff ReporterNovember 4, 2023273 ViewsNo Comments4 Mins Read
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Telegram LinkedIn Tumblr Email Copy Link
Follow Us
Google News Flipboard
The Sandtown-Winchester Community: A Call for Transparency and Community-Driven Initiatives
Photo Source: http://cutssandtown.org/news/

By Doni Glover, Publisher

(BALTIMORE – November 4, 2023) – In the heart of West Baltimore lies the Sandtown-Winchester community, a place with a rich history of faith-based and community-engaged efforts aimed at bringing about positive change and development. The community, often overshadowed by its more prominent neighbor, Penn-North, has seen its fair share of challenges and triumphs over the years. However, recent developments in the Sandtown-Winchester area raise questions about transparency, community involvement, and accountability in the name of progress.

The story of Sandtown-Winchester begins in the 1990s when a surge of investments from nonprofit organizations and foundations ushered in a new era of hope and possibility. The Sandtown-Winchester Transformation Project, aptly named Community Building in Partnership, brought together various organizations and community partners, all working diligently to address the community’s pressing needs. The Nehemiah Project, a housing development initiative, remains a testament to the positive impact that community-driven efforts can have on revitalizing neighborhoods.

Fast forward to 2015, and Sandtown-Winchester found itself thrust into the international spotlight following the tragic events surrounding Freddie Gray. The community, which had witnessed its fair share of neglect over the years, suddenly became the epicenter of media attention. Politicians who had long been absent from the community began to make appearances, and promises of support were made. The eyes of the world were on Sandtown.

It is essential to understand that Sandtown is technically distinct from Winchester; the west side of Fulton Avenue is Sandtown and the east side – where Rev. Derrick Dewitt’s church, Mt. Calvary is located – is Winchester. Although the two have been combined for City Hall purposes of organization, Sandtown has a unique vibe and culture of its own, and it is the larger part of Sandtown-Winchester by far.

In the aftermath of the Freddie Gray unrest, a new group of clergy resurrected the acronym CUTS, which stands for Clergy United for the Transformation of Sandtown-Winchester Community Development Corporation (http://cutssandtown.org/). Originally, CUTS stood for Clergy United To Save Sandtown. However, concerns have arisen about the organization’s activities and its commitment to the Sandtown community. Dewitt is the chairman of CUTS and often boasts about how many boards he is on in Sandtown.

One notable development involves the Sandtown Center, which was supposed to receive part of a substantial investment of $1.5 million from U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, aimed at historically underserved communities. Residents now question the progress of the Sandtown Center, as the building it was meant to occupy at 1409 Presstman Street remains bricked up, and no permits have been pulled since 2021. This lack of visible progress raises concerns about transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, the tax-exempt status of “Clergy United for the Transformation of Sandtown-Winchester CDC” has been revoked by the IRS, adding another layer of doubt about the organization’s intentions and its ability to serve the community effectively.

Long-time residents and community activists have voiced their skepticism about CUTS and its operations. Some community leaders question the authenticity of individuals who do not reside in Sandtown speaking on behalf of its residents. The lack of community-driven initiatives and input from those who call Sandtown home is a cause for concern.

Community-driven development efforts are crucial to ensure that the unique needs, strengths, and aspirations of the Sandtown community are addressed effectively. The voices of Sandtown residents, including college-educated homeowners, business owners, and active members of the community, should be heard and valued in the decision-making process.

What’s most egregious is how CUTS, under Dewitt’s guise, has usurped Sandtown’s brand when technically his church is not even in Sandtown. Further, the only Sandtown church represented on the CUTS board of directors is St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. This is so disingenuous. It has the appearance of clergy working to capitalize off of the poverty in Sandtown.

In conclusion, the Sandtown-Winchester community has a storied history of resilience and community-driven initiatives. The recent developments and concerns regarding the Sandtown Center highlight the importance of transparency, accountability, and community involvement in development efforts. It is essential that those who live in Sandtown have a say in shaping their own future and that the community’s rich history and culture are acknowledged and celebrated.

The Sandtown-Winchester Community: A Call for Transparency and Community-Driven Initiatives
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Copy Link
Previous ArticleMAN OF THE HOUR: DANIEL P. HENSON, III TO BE HONORED
Next Article Emmy-nominated Doni Glover Show: Rev. Louis Wilson of New Song C.C.

Keep Reading

Corporate Maryland’s Best-Kept Secret: They’re Still Profiting From Slavery
May 28, 2025

Corporate Maryland’s Best-Kept Secret: They’re Still Profiting From Slavery

By Andy Pierre
Guest Editorial: You’re Not Welcomed Here: The Silent Eviction of a Generation
May 8, 2025

Guest Editorial: You’re Not Welcomed Here: The Silent Eviction of a Generation

By Dr. Beshon Trusty
Opinion: The Financial Reality of Black Organizations: A Call for Strategic Change
February 24, 2025

Opinion: The Financial Reality of Black Organizations: A Call for Strategic Change

By Tre
OPINION: Baltimore’s Leadership & Immigration: Are Black Democrats Playing Themselves?
February 23, 2025

OPINION: Baltimore’s Leadership & Immigration: Are Black Democrats Playing Themselves?

By Ori Shabazz
Guest Editorial: Shame – A Black Professional Liability
February 23, 2025

Guest Editorial: Shame – A Black Professional Liability

By Diane Bell-McKoy
Op-Ed: Halftime Show Featuring Kendrick Lamar Went Over Your Heads
February 10, 2025

Op-Ed: Halftime Show Featuring Kendrick Lamar Went Over Your Heads

By A. Zachary Faison, Jr., J.D.
Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Latest News
Régine René-Labrousse to be Recognized at Black Wall Street NOLA, June 5th, at 2 Phat Vegans

Régine René-Labrousse to be Recognized at Black Wall Street NOLA, June 5th, at 2 Phat Vegans

Deshauntia Benn to be Recognized at Black Wall Street NOLA, June 5th, at 2 Phat Vegans

Deshauntia Benn to be Recognized at Black Wall Street NOLA, June 5th, at 2 Phat Vegans

Emmy-Nominated Doni Glover Show: Black Empowerment Forum: Black Wall St.

Emmy-Nominated Doni Glover Show: Black Empowerment Forum: Black Wall St.

Black Empowerment in Action: Forum & Awards Honoring Black Wall Street

Black Empowerment in Action: Forum & Awards Honoring Black Wall Street

Trending News
The Reckoning: Black Wealth, Justice & the Case for Reparations

The Reckoning: Black Wealth, Justice & the Case for Reparations

May 29, 2025
Emmy-nominated Doni Glover Show: Reparations

Emmy-nominated Doni Glover Show: Reparations

May 29, 2025
Corporate Maryland’s Best-Kept Secret: They’re Still Profiting From Slavery

Corporate Maryland’s Best-Kept Secret: They’re Still Profiting From Slavery

May 28, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest Baltimore news and updates directly to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
2025 © BmoreNews.com. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news and updates directly to your inbox.