It was always going to be just a matter of time before another interaction involving the police and a Black person in Baltimore ended badly. We’ve just seen three happen, all within the span of a few weeks. 

Bilal “BJ” Abdullah died on June 17 in a chaotic incident in Upton community. Police bodyworn cameras show him firing three shots at officers. Officers fired 38 shots back at him. 

On June 25, Dontae Maurice Melton Jr. died in police custody after being restrained by BPD officers. He’d approached them looking for help. 

On June 27, an officer shot and killed 70-year-old Pytorcarcha Brooks. They had been called to her home for a welfare check and police say she advanced with a knife on an officer who slipped and fell.

And in truth, it’s likely that there are other incidents that happened in the years since Freddie Gray’s in 2015. Incidents involving police and the communities they are supposed to serve. 

We document all of these incidents in this issue. 

I say that it was only a matter of time because we haven’t gotten to the root of the problem, and there is very little political will to do that work. 

Freddie Gray’s death happened after a series of public Black deaths happened nationwide, in ways that could no longer be ignored. When communities couldn’t be ignored, politicians got uncomfortable. And when politicians got uncomfortable, they used their power to at least make motions toward the idea that something safer and better than policing as we knew it could exist.

Ten years passed and politicians are no longer uncomfortable. State’s Attorney Ivan Bates addressed the Baltimore City Police Department directly at his swearing in several years ago. He told them that they should feel more free to do their jobs under his reign than they should under former State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who had instituted more progressive measures. “For far too long, the State’s Attorney’s Office has tried to be all things to everybody, and, quite frankly, it hasn’t worked.”

Last week, Mayor Brandon Scott gave police his own sign of approval. “We should not allow anybody to be reduced to the worst moments of their life or circumstances around their death,” media quoted him as saying after Abdullah’s death. “But I’m going to be very clear, we cannot and will not allow individuals to carry and use illegal guns against police officers or anybody else in Baltimore without there being repercussions.”

He made the comments at the opening of a pool. The public death didn’t justify a press conference. There were no words about the safety of others in a community where over 30 shots were fired by police officers. There were no words of sympathy for the people who witnessed the incident.

This paper is free because I feel strongly that healthy communities only exist when everyone is informed. In the same way, healthy communities cannot exist unless the safety and health of everyone is a priority. 

The unrest that followed his death was a bubbling up of years of slights and resentments. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake called outraged Baltimoreans thugs and doomed her career in public office. 

Back in 2015, then-councilperson Brandon Scott marched with groups calling for change. In 2025, he went out of his way to side with police. 

“We should not allow anybody to be reduced to the worst moments of their life or circumstances around their death,” he said. “But I’m going to be very clear, we cannot and will not allow individuals to carry and use illegal guns against police officers or anybody else in Baltimore without there being repercussions.”

He made the comments at the opening of a pool. The public death didn’t justify a press conference. 

The post  Letter from the editor – Issue 64 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

One thing I’ve observed in the last decade I’ve spent writing and reporting about Baltimore was that after the death of Freddie Gray, the way city leaders discussed police and policing changed — but the dangerous and racist roots of policing remained firmly in place. 

Suddenly, it became fashionable for leaders to hint at the root causes of violence. However, that didn’t mean that funding for police or the immense power that the institution has over this city changed in any measurable way. Logan Hullinger’s detailed and careful reporting in this issue confirms this. 

“In a staggering indictment of policing in Baltimore, a Baltimore Beat analysis of police data shows that nearly all people arrested and charged with drug crimes in Baltimore are Black — even though studies show that drug use rates among the Black population are similar to those of other races,” he writes.

Hullinger examined arrest statistics from the Baltimore Police Department, alongside demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau to arrive at this conclusion. 

In their defense, the Baltimore Police Department says they are simply targeting areas of the city where crime exists.

“The BPD prioritizes enforcement efforts on drug-related activities that contribute to violence, such as trafficking and distribution by organized criminal networks. Enforcement strategies continue to evolve, focusing on dismantling open-air drug markets and addressing addiction through a public health lens, including diversion programs and drug court. Officers also address cases where substance use contributes to broader public safety concerns,” BPD spokesperson Lindsey Eldridge told Hullinger.

Also in this issue, Jaisal Noor spoke to young local activists about why they continue to organize on behalf of Palestinians.

“We wanted to show that even if it’s just a handful of us, we’re not going to let our school go about with a land acknowledgment and then censor students who want to talk about Palestine,” Qamar Hassan, a graduating senior at the Maryland Institute College of Art, told Noor. 

Elsewhere in this issue, Angela N. Carroll writes about “Crosscurrents: Works from the Contemporary Collection,” a new exhibition now on view at the Baltimore Museum of Art that examines the ways that the fight for social justice intersects with the fight for environmental justice.

“You’ll see that some of the work [and] themes are very directly anchored in ecology, where the artist is making a direct statement about environmental justice. But much more often, you’ll see a more expansive relationship with that subject, thinking about environmental justice and social justice as entwined,” Cecilia Wichmann, curator and department head of contemporary art at the museum, told Carroll.

For “Best Beats,” Arts and Culture Editor Teri Henderson writes about new music from Yaira Wang (formerly known as Grey Dolf), Nourished by Time, Moon Tide Gallery, and a bunch of local DJs. Our Photostory page features scenes from Baltimore Pride over 20 years ago, through the lens of the late photographer Joseph Kohl. 

All this is in addition to a new film review from Dominic Griffin, a poem from Writers in Baltimore Schools participant Javonte’ Patterson, and calendar listings of events happening all over the city.

You’ll also see two graduation announcements in this issue. If you’d like for us to publish yours, follow the QR code on page 10. 

Thank you for reading. 

The post Letter from the editor – Issue 63 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Wednesday, June 4

Wu Wednesday: Sounds of Baltimore DJs present ‘’80s through early 2000s hip-hop, R&B, and reggae music. 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at The Point in Fells, 1738 Thames Street. For more information, follow @wuwednesdaysbaltimore on Instagram.

The Art of Comedy Open Mic: Join Comedian Ivan Martin, Dark Mark Rules, and Alejandro Labrada along with some of Baltimore’s funniest comedians for an evening of laughs. 8 p.m to 11 p.m. at Motor House, 120 W. North Avenue. For more information, go to motorhousebaltimore.com.

Thursday, June 5 

Jazzy Summer Nights: June Edition: Celebrate the 25th and final season of Baltimore’s signature summer music series at this outdoor concert featuring Kindred the Family Soul. 21+ ($25 – $35) 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hopkins Plaza, 10 Hopkins Plaza. For more information call, 410-962-1500, email info@magpartners.com, or go to thefinngroup.net.

Baltimore Holy S#!T! An Unforgettable Comedy Tour on a Boat: Highwire Improv’s finest take you on a hilarious, high-energy, higher learning tour of Baltimore history on water. ($39.19) 7 to 9 p.m. Baltimore Water Taxi, 901 S. Broadway. For more information, go to highwireimprov.com. 

Pride Cocktails & Craft—Tour and Disco Ball-Making: Take a tour of the queer history exhibition “We Are Proud” with Abby Doran, assistant curator for Maryland Center for History and Culture, to see original decorations, photographs, and merchandise from some of Mount Vernon’s most prominent queer spaces. A disco ball-making activity will follow the exhibition tour. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maryland Center for History and Culture, 610 Park Avenue. For more information, go to mdhistory.org, or call 410- 685-3750. 

The First of Many Series: Body Claiming Space: Join Arthur Fitzhugh III, Brianne Mobley of BLK ASS FLEA MKT, Elijah Trice, KEYona and Khaliq Greathouse in conversation with Jasmine Washington. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Charm City Cultural Cultivation HQ, 3100 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to thefirstofmany.org/panels

Conversations with Baltimore Beat and Garden Hours: Talk to the people who make Baltimore Beat. Then enjoy drinks and music from JaySwann and a special guest DJ. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Current Space Garden Bar, 421 Tyson Street. For more information, go to currentspace.com or email info@currentspace.com.

Friday, June 6

Wickerham & Lomax | “The Return of American Pest” Opening Reception: Celebrate the opening of the collaborative art duo’s newest exhibition. The exhibition will run from June 6 to July 12.  7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Current Space, 421 N. Howard Street. For more information, go to currentspace.com.

In A Mood: A night of community, exploration, and celebration. 21+ ($110+) 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street. For more information, go to thewalters.org/events or call 410-547-9000. 

Bodywerk: Selectors ILUSM, Jaan-e-Haseena, Girlypop Princess, and Kade Young will play music to get your booty shaking and your body sweating. 21+ ($17.15-22.85 – $25 ATD) 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at The Compound, 2239 Kirk Avenue. For more information, go to ra.co/events/2172374. 

Saturday, June 7

Indie Game Fest 2025: A curated, curious, and creative exhibition of independent games from the DMV area. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to prattlibrary.org or call 410-396‑5430.

Pride Improv Jam: A welcoming, affirming, and fun improv jam for all levels. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to highwireimprov.com. 

Baltimore by Baltimore: Pride on the Waterfront: Produced by the incomparable Dapper Dan Midas, aka DDm, Pride on the Waterfront kicks off the season with a bold celebration of queer joy, artistry, and culture. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Inner Harbor Amphitheater, 200 E. Pratt Street. For more information, go to waterfrontpartnership.org/bxb2025-june.

Butch Garden: GRL PWR Presents Butch Garden, a queer day party. Featuring sounds by DJs Pangelica and Amsies. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 East 30th Street. For more information, go to peabodyheightsbrewery.com.

BaltCHRP Reportback: Join Baltimore Committee for Human Rights in the Phillipines for a first-hand account of the 2025 international observers mission. Food provided. 5 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1900 St. Paul Street. For more information, follow @baltchrp on Instagram.

Major Laughs: Improv Comedy at Old Major: A night of fast-paced comedy games with some of the city’s funniest people. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Old Major, 900 S. Carey Street. For more information, go to highwireimprov.com.

Sunset Saturday Neon Glow Party: Wear your brightest neon outfits and get ready to shine as we light up the night with neon glow sticks, body paint, and more! DJ Gush & DJ Mr Incredible will be spinning the latest beats to keep the party going all hosted by Mega Host TayRock. 7 p.m. to midnight at Belize Rooftop, 316 Guilford Avenue. For more information, go to ikoniclive.com.

Mortified Pride Show: Join Creative Alliance in celebrating pride in Baltimore through poetry, LGBTQ+ stories and storytelling, and more. ($35 in person, $15 virtual) 7 p.m. at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information, go to creativealliance.org.  

Sunday, June 8

Hot L Poets Series: Featuring Reginald Harris and G.H. Mosson: Hear readings, and bring a poem for an open mic. 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The Ivy Bookshop – Back Patio, 5928 Falls Road. For more information, go to theivybookshop.com or call 410-377-2966.

Monday, June 9

Black Music Month Concert Series with Keystone Korner: Todd Marcus: The library welcomes Todd Marcus to the Central Branch’s Wheeler Auditorium for an evening of jazz and community. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to  prattlibrary.org or call 410-396‑5430.

50 Shades of Pride: Opening Happy Hour: Signature drinks, music, and more. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at EMA’s Corner, 33 W. North Avenue. For more information, go to pridecentermd.org.

Tuesday, June 10

Baltimore Pride: Slay and Shake: A legendary night of skating, music, and pure Pride energy. 6 p.m. to midnight at Shake & Bake Family Fun Center, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue. For more information, go to pridecentermd.org.

Media Moguls with No Pix After Dark Join Aaron Dante of No Pix After Dark in interviewing three of Baltimore’s heaviest hitting media moguls. Aaron will be joined in discussion by Lisa Snowden, editor-in-chief of Baltimore Beat, Cara Ober, executive director and publisher of Bmore Art, and Michael Teitelbaum, president of Baltimore Magazine. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to prattlibrary.org or call 410-396‑5430.

Karaoke at Leon’s: Sing your heart out from 9 p.m. to midnight. For more information, go to leonsofbaltimore.com/events. 

Wednesday, June 11

Baltimore Pride: Happy Hour: A fun-filled Baltimore Pride happy hour to celebrate love, diversity, and community in person. 5 p.m. 9 p.m. at The Manor, 924 North Charles Street. For more information, go to pridecentermd.org.

Beer and Ballet: Grab your brew and your spot at the bar(re) to participate in an introduction-intermediate level contemporary ballet class. ($15-$18) 7 p.m. at Ministry of Brewing, 1900 E. Lombard Street. For more information, go to ministryofbrewing.com.

Black Folx Book Club: “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name: A Biomythography”: 7 p.m. at 8 p.m. at Greedy Reads Remington, 320 W. 29th Street. For more information, go to greedyreads.com.

Thursday, June 12

Boom Selecta 4: A Reggae Bashment Party: A raw, unapologetic reggae bashment party. 21+ ($25.) 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Mansion Night Club & Restaurant, 401 W. Baltimore Street. For more information, go to sweetspotnation.com. 

Transgressive Queer Sound: Benefit show for Trans Maryland and Al-Aqsa Swim Club.

Donating funds to support trans people seeking help with document updates as well as Palestinian families in need. Juunni, Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals, Kotic Couture, and  Musume. ($21.17) 7:30 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

The Hippo Reunion 2025 #BaltimorePride: A night of nostalgia and celebration. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Select Lounge, 415 N. Paca Street. For more information, email contactus@prideindaharbor.com.

Friday, June 13

Station North Second Friday Art Walk: Station North offers a walking tour of all the art studios, galleries and businesses in this artistic neighborhood. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Station North, 1735 Maryland Avenue Upstairs A. For more information, go to stationnorth.org/news, or follow Night Owl Gallery on Facebook.

Block Party! Baltimore’s Best Black Improv Comedy: A true variety comedy show that is sure to get you laughing, clapping, out of your seat, and possibly on stage yourself. ($12-$17.85) 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Art Place Inc., 218 W. Saratoga Street. For more information, go to  highwireimprov.com.

Sweet Spot Baltimore Pride: Celebrate pride with sets by Miss Toto, Baby, DJ AAVE, Kayden Chloe and Sweet Spot.  Pride looks encouraged. A portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to Baltimore Safe Haven, a local nonprofit providing a supportive community and essential resources for TLGBQ individuals. 21+ ($25) 9 p.m. at Metro Baltimore, 1700 N. Charles Street. For more information, go to sweetspotbmore.com.

Saturday, June 14

Baltimore Pride 50th Anniversary Parade: Step into history and celebrate a legacy of love, liberation, and LGBTQ+ power. Floats, marching bands, DJs, and more. 11 a.m. Charles Street & North Avenue. For more information, go to pridecentermd.org.

Spring Cleaning | Affordable Art Market Local visual artists from Maryland and the surrounding areas are cleaning out their studios and selling their work made before 2025 for $250 or less. Noon to 5 p.m., at Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th Street. For more for information, go to peabodyheightsbrewery.com.

Charles Street Promenade:  A pedestrian takeover of the Historic Charles Street thoroughfare. Enjoy shopping, strolling, and dining as Charles Street closes down to vehicular traffic from Saratoga Street to North Avenue. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, go to charlesstreetpromenade.com.

Blk Ass Block Party @ Charles Street Promenade: DJs, games, vendors, and more. Noon to 6 p.m. at Stem & Vine, 326 N. Charles Street. For more information, go to blkassfleamkt.com.

Tha FUNKtion: For Urban Nerd Kulture: The ultimate urban gaming kickback. ($25-$80) 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. at La Familia Soundstage, 836 Guilford Avenue. For more information, go to lafamiliasoundstage.com.

Tech_METROPOLITAN Presents: DADDY ISSUES: Special edition of the Sunday Service dance party featuring DJs 7oey and Temporary Boyfriend. 21+ ($5) 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Club Car, 12 W. North Avenue. For more information, follow @theclubcarbaltimore on instagram. 

Charm City Pride Fest: ​The official afterparty of Baltimore Pride. (+$20.77) 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Power Plant Live!, 34 Market Place. For more information, go to charmcitypride.com.

Searching 4 Something: Pride Edition: Special queer event with a legendary lineup of Leonce (ATL), Flotussin, Lady Lavender, GRL PWR, and DJ AstroNat. 21+ ($11.45) 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at The Compound, 2239 Kirk Avenue. For more information, go to https://ra.co/events/2176113.

KLYMAXXX: The Aftiesss Hosted By Sukihana & Friends: The official Baltimore Pride Sukihana Block Party Afterparty. 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at 12 S. Calvert. For more information, email contactus@prideindaharbor.com.

Girls Rule!:  DJ Amsies playing all women artists all night long. 21+ (Free) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard Street. For more information go to theottobar.com.

Inviting Light Art Unveiling and Celebration: An unforgettable evening of light, music, and celebration. 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at 1714 N. Charles Street. For more information, go to invitinglight.org.

Memories of the Historic East Market Zine Release Party: Celebrate the publication of the printed homage to the old Lexington Market, which closed in 2022 after 70 years of operation. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at BMA Lexington Market, 112 N. Eutaw Street. For more information, go to artbma.org/events.

Georgia Beatty: The Book of Stars at Black Cherry Puppet Theater: THE BOOK OF STARS is the folktale of the Light Queen, written and performed by musician and folk artist Georgia Beatty. The show combines original music with the old projector technology known as a “magic lantern” to tell the story of the cosmic queen who is reborn every 3,000 years to learn the songs of Light, and use them to heal Earth from oppressive powers. ($16.50-21.50) 7 p.m. at Black Cherry Puppet Theater, 1115 Hollins Street. For more information, go to blackcherrypuppettheater.weebly.com or email puppetslamwich@gmail.com.

Sunday, June 15

Sean Jones & Tim Green Celebrate Father’s Day!: “Songs for My Father” world premiere and live recording session co-lead by Sean Jones & Tim Green, celebrating Father’s Day. ($15-$45) 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster Street. For more information, go to keystonekornerbaltimore.com or call 410-946-6726.

Ultra Naté’s DEEP SUGAR ”ROOFTOP JAM 22′‘: Grooves by Wayne Davis, Ultra Naté, Geoffrey C., and DJ Byron. ($28.55+) 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, LB Sky Bar, 20 W. Baltimore Street. For more information, go to lordbaltimorehotel.com, email deepsugarmusic.com, or call 410-539-8400. 

Monday, June 16

Wine Down Juneteenth Event: Celebrate Juneteenth with intention and community in collaboration with Roots Uncorked. (21+) 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Merritt Clubs Fort Avenue/Federal Hill, 921 E. Fort Avenue. For more information, go to merrittclubs.com.

Tuesday, June 17

Black Artist Fair: Baltimore Club Music Day: The Black Artist Fair will go deep into Baltimore’s creative culture as part of the official celebration of Baltimore Club Music Day. 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Black Arts District, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. For more information, go to blackartsdistrict.org.

Wine Tasting Dinner – Featuring Apothic Wines: A fancy night sipping delicious wines and enjoying a gourmet dinner. ($65.87) 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Brass Tap, 1205 W. Mt. Royal Avenue. For more information, go to brasstapbeerbar.com/baltimore.

Wednesday, June 18

Pre-Juneteenth Celebration: Two floors of rocking music, mind-blowing drinks, and mature adult vibes. ($7.18-$12.51) 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The 5 Mile House, 5302 Reisterstown Road. For more information, find DJ 1Luv BWE & Friends on Eventbrite. 

Centered: A Flow Experience: Mat Pilates, mindful reflection, and meaningful connection. ($39.19) 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Stem & Vine, 326 N. Charles Street. For more information, go to stemandvinebaltimore.com.

The Right Direction Project Jazz Event: The Sonic Lifeline is committed to uplifting Baltimore’s vibrant jazz community. ($15) 7 p.m. at The Hemingway Room @ Little Havana, 1325 Key Highway. For more information, go to thesoniclifeline.com.

The post Baltimore Arts and Culture Events 6/4/25-6/18/25 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Wednesday, June 4

West Wednesdays: Hear about the ongoing fight for police accountability in the Tyrone West case and for all victims of police misconduct. This event happens every Wednesday. For more information, go to westcoalition.com or follow @westwednesday on Instagram and Justice for Tyrone West on Facebook.

Board of Estimates Meeting: 9 a.m. at City Hall in the Board of Estimates Chambers, 100 N. Holliday Street. For more information, go to comptroller.baltimorecity.gov/boe.

Line Dancing in the Village at Mondawmin: Kick up your heels and have a blast with friends and neighbors. No experience necessary. 5 p.m. at CareFirst Engagement Center – Mondawmin, 3201 Tioga Parkway Suite W. For more information, go to carefirst.com/cec.

“The Battle for the Black Mind” Book Talk: Join authors D. Watkins and Karida L. Brown for a book talk on the history of Black education from the end of the Civil War to Brown v. Board of Education. 6 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Central Library, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to calendar.prattlibrary.org. 

Thursday, June 5

NAMI Metro Baltimore Men’s Wellness Lunch & Learn: Hear from mental health experts and peers on men’s mental health topics. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 2101 E. Biddle Street. For more information, go to namibaltimore.org.

Home Composting Workshop at Reservoir Hill Community Garden: This hands-on workshop will cover the benefits of compost, the setup and steps to creating successful compost, and how to treat common problems that might arise. 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 942 Whitelock Street. For more information, go to publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.

Safety and Wholeness Board Committee Listening Session: Speak directly to the committee about your ideas on improving school safety and student well-being. Learn how the committee is actively addressing safety concerns and find ways you can get involved in this work. Dinner and interpretation services will be provided. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Edmondson-Westside High School, 501 N. Athol Ave. For more information, go to baltimorecityschools.org or call 443-984-2000.

Love Liberated: Panel on Queer Relationships: A powerful night of healing, truth, and thriving in queer love. ($9.31) 7 p.m. at Impact Hub Baltimore, 10 E. North Ave Suite 5. For more information, find Spiritually Chosen Ministry on Eventbrite. 

Saturday, June 7

Introduction to Beekeeping in Baltimore: Learn about bees from master beekeeper and Animal Husbandry Coordinator Charles DeBarber, and have some up close time with Filbert Street’s many beehives. Space is limited and registration is required. 11 a.m. at Filbert Street Garden, 1321 Filbert Street. For more information, go to filbertstreetgarden.org.

Yoga @TheEubie!: Community yoga and meditation. What you will need: An open mind and heart; yoga mat; blanket (or beach towel) for each cushioning; yoga strap (or belt), if you cannot yet reach your feet when you fold forward; and yoga block for support (not needed, but would be great, if you have it). Every Saturday. ($15) 11 a.m. at Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard Street. For more information, go to eubieblake.org.

Safe Summer Kickoff 2025: Celebrate the 5th annual citywide safe summer with music, food, community resources, and more. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Druid Hill Park, East Drive near the basketball courts. For more information, go to monse.baltimorecity.gov.

Sunday, June 8

The 4th Annual Run-Up-To Juneteenth 5K Run/1 Mile Walk: An uplifting event promoting the importance of health, wellness and education. ($17.90-$44.40) 8:30 a.m. at the Baltimore Peninsula, 101 W. Cromwell Street. For more information, go to runsignup.com/Race/MD/Baltimore/SEEDSchoolJuneteenth5K.

Run/Walk for Palestine: Join Runners4Justice on Sundays to run/walk for Palestine. All paces are welcome. Routes will be provided with options for a 1.5- to 2-mile walk or 3-mile run. Meet up at 9:15 a.m., run/walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Locations vary — for more information, follow Runners4Justice on Facebook and Instagram or email runners4justicebalt@gmail.com to be added to their email list.

Monday, June 9

Gun Violence Awareness Month Public Health Resource Fair: Free gun locks, violence prevention resources, secure firearm storage information, and more. 9 a.m. to noon at Mondawmin Mall, North parking lot (by MTA station), 2401 Liberty Heights Avenue. For more information, go to monse.baltimorecity.gov.

Baby Basics: Prenatal Yoga – Village at Mondawmin: An introductory prenatal yoga class, focusing on self-care techniques. Class will include mindfulness, breathwork and meditation, combined with therapeutic yoga poses that can be utilized throughout the pregnancy and in preparation for labor and delivery. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CareFirst Engagement Center – Mondawmin, 3201 Tioga Parkway, Suite W. For more information, go to carefirst.com/cec.

Baltimore City Health Department Virtual Naloxone Trainings: Don’t Die is a campaign of the Baltimore City Health Department focused on reducing the stigma of addiction, promoting substance use disorder treatment, and educating the public to recognize and respond to an overdose with the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone. Join the BCHD team each month and learn how to save a life from an opioid overdose. A free kit of naloxone will be provided to those who complete the training. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. See Eventbrite page for Zoom information. For more information, go to health.baltimorecity.gov.

Baltimore City Council Meeting: 5 p.m. at Baltimore City Hall, 100 N. Holliday Street. For more information, go to baltimorecitycouncil.com or call 410-396-4804.

SECAC Meeting: The Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee allows commissioners and district office staff to work together on special education issues and positive solutions. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 200 E. North Avenue. For more information, go to baltimorecityschools.org.

Work & Wine: An (almost) weekly creative co-working session combines productivity with pleasure, featuring smooth lo-fi and R&B beats from our resident DJ while you work, connect, and create. 8 p.m. to midnight at Motor House, 120 W. North Avenue. For more information, go to motorhousebaltimore.com.

Tuesday, June 10

ReUP Reentry Redefined Conference: The Reentry Redefined Conference: “You are the Missing Piece” is designed for agencies, organizations, businesses, and returning citizens who are committed to reshaping the journey of reintegration. Through inspiring stories, innovative strategies, and meaningful connections, we will bridge the gaps that often hinder successful reentry. Registration required. (June 10-June 12) Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information go to prattlibrary.org.

Skillshare: Building Your Future One Skill at a Time: This session empowers entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses by focusing on cultivating an abundance mindset, actionable planning, and leveraging community support. 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Impact Hub Baltimore, 10 E. North Avenue. For more information, go to eventbrite.com/cc/capacity-building-2538569.

Poetry Reading for Pride: Willie Carver, Daniel Meltz, and Dan Vera: Beloved local writer James Magruder hosts three exciting poets for a reading for Pride Month. 6 p.m. at Bird in Hand Coffee & Books, 11 E. 33rd Street. For more information, go to theivybookshop.com or call 410-377-2966.

Romance Book Club: “Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail” by Ashley Herring Blake. Please RSVP. 6:30 p.m. at Snug Books, 4717 Harford Road, Suite 1C. For more information, go to snugbooks.com or call 443-869-4022.

BMore Than Dance Youth Dance Practice: A free weekly open rehearsal for kids to learn Baltimore Club dances from Bmore Than Dance veterans. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at  at Motor House, 120 W. North Avenue. For more information, go to motorhousebaltimore.com.

Eli Erlick presents “Before Gender: Lost Stories from Trans History” in conversation w/ Rahne Alexander: Explore the trailblazing lives of 30 trans people who radically change everything you’ve been told about transgender history. 7 p.m. at Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to redemmas.org.

Wednesday, June 11 

Happy Hour Fundraiser: A special fundraiser to benefit Wide Angle Youth Media. A portion of each purchase will support high school programs. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th Street. For more information, go to wideanglemedia.org/events/2025/6/11/happy-hour.

Thursday, June 12

Volunteer: Food as Medicine Delivery Days 2025: Civic Works’ Real Food Farm needs delivery drivers for our Food as Medicine Delivery Program. This program provides fresh local produce delivered weekly to select Baltimore City residents at no cost. 9 a.m. at Civic Works’ Clifton Mansion, 2701 Saint Lo Drive. For more information, email espence@civicworks.com.

BCAN June Coworking Session: Join the BCAN team for a community coworking session. Noon to 2 p.m. at Mosher Living Room, 81 Mosher Street, 1st floor. For more information, find Baltimore Creatives Acceleration Network on Eventbrite.

NAMI Family Support Group: NAMI Family Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults 18+ who have a loved one living with a mental health condition. 7 p.m. at Sheppard Pratt Gibson Building, Room 200, 1 Friendship Lane, Towson. For more information, go to namibaltimore.org or call 410-435-2600.

The British Empire in Baltimore: A Walking Tour: Learn about some of the complicated and messier parts of Baltimore’s history, covering topics like local Indigenous history, plantation slavery, the Plantations of Ireland, privateering, the opium trade, and Victorian occultism. ($12–$15) 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Downtown to Mount Vernon and back. For more information, go to fullstorybaltimore.tours/our-tours/#british-empire.

FRUITCAKE queer reading series: FRUITCAKE is a quarterly queer reading series hosted by nat raum. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ottobar Upstairs, 2549 N. Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

Friday, June 13

Organizing 101: Direct Action and Mutual Aid with Indigo Null: Learn the basics of establishing a mutual aid project and how to plan direct actions. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Baltimore Unity Hall, 1505 Eutaw Place. For more information, go to baltimoreunityhall.org. 

Youth Issues Assembly: Bringing Baltimore City teens together to share ideas, plan solutions to community problems, and create change in our city. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, 1315 Division Street. For more information, email nbyo@noboundariescoaltion.com.

Saturday, June 14

Monthly Wellness Walk with Project Healthy Communities:  Join the Project Healthy Communities Collective every second Saturday of the month. 9 a.m. at Lake Montebello. For more information, find LaQuida Chancey a Community Developer on Eventbrite.

Respira y Relájate: Yoga en español: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month in English, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month in Spanish. Free, no registration required. Noon to 1 p.m. at Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Avenue. For more information, email freebaltimoreyoga@gmail.com.

Become a Dementia Friend: Dementia Friends learn about dementia and turn that understanding into action. Complete the Dementia Friend two-hour workshop and make a difference. Registration is recommended. 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Shiloh A.M.E. Church, 2601 Lyndhurst Avenue. For more information, go to shilohame.org or call 410-367-8961.

Tha FUNKtion: For Urban Nerd Kulture: The ultimate urban gaming kickback. ($25-$80) 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. at La Familia Soundstage, 836 Guilford Avenue. For more information, go to lafamiliasoundstage.com.

Tuesday, June 17

In Defense of Us: What’s Actually Reducing Crime? Community Power: Hosted by the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, this event will provide valuable insights into the community efforts behind Baltimore’s recent decline in crime and explore what’s truly contributing to this positive change. 6 p.m. at Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, 1315 Division Street. For more information, go to opd.state.md.us or call 1-877-430-5187.

Wednesday, June 18

Baltimore City Commission on Sustainability Monthly Meeting: Join the Commission on Sustainability each month to learn about initiatives, projects and programs intended to make the city more sustainable, more equitable and more climate resilient. 4 p.m. Attend virtually or by phone. Find more information on the Eventbrite page or at  baltimoresustainability.org. You can also call 410-396-7526.

​​Guided Somatic Movement – Finding Your Groove: An activating movement session that is about settling into the natural rhythm of your body through musical connection and movement. 6 p.m. at The Observatory at Patterson Park, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. For more information, find What Are You Growing Thru?, LLC on Eventbrite.

The Baltimore Rapid Response Network Presents: For the Long Haul, Pt. 3: Gather to discuss local organizing efforts. Childcare provided. Masks encouraged/provided. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2640 Space, St. Paul St. For more information, go to bit.ly/brrn618.

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Welcome to our Pride issue. At a time when LGBTQ+ people endure further marginalization and even more inhumane treatment, we are especially proud to dedicate this space to all things Pride.

In these pages, Baltimore Beat Arts and Culture Editor Teri Henderson writes about the “rapture and refuge” of spaces dedicated to queer life. 

“They are sanctuaries where folks on the fringe of society — the marginalized — can congregate, find community, and locate kinship,” Henderson writes.

“They’re where people flirt, fall in love, fight, order rounds of shots, lose their keys, stumble, place dirty coins in jukeboxes, or queue up TouchTunes. With each of these small, communal acts, we affirm that we are alive.”

Here, she is focused on Leon’s of Baltimore, which dubs itself as the city’s oldest gay bar. Bartenders at the Mount Vernon institution say all are invited to sit, have a drink, and even belt out a tune or two during karaoke night.

“I tell people all the time: ‘It’s just karaoke. It ain’t the Meyerhoff,’” bartender Stacey Q told Henderson. 

Trans people have always existed and will continue to exist. The people behind Baltimore Center Stage’s Trans History Project want to make sure we all know that. 

“The brainchild of Baltimore Center Stage Artist-in-Residence Bo Frazier, the Trans History Project aims to develop 10 new plays about the history of gender nonconformity, drawing from a national pool of artist applicants,” writes Rahne Alexander. “In all, 10 transgender and gender non-conforming writers will be placed in two-year development residencies across the country.”

“The purpose of this project is not only to pay TGNC artists and boost representation, but also to prove, hopefully once and for all, that we have always existed, the binary isn’t real and that anti-trans hatred is the thing that has not always existed,” Frazier told Alexander. 

We asked you, our readers, to share creative expressions that illustrate what Pride means to you. Please enjoy the essays, images, photos and poems that you shared with us. We only wish we had more space to publish them all. 

Dominic Griffin reviewed “Naz & Maalik,” a 10-year-old independent film that exactly captures the double surveillance state that people who are both Muslim and queer live under right now, in 2025. 

Finally, learn more about “We Are… Proud,” an exhibit at the Maryland Center for History and Culture that takes a deeply personal look at queer life here in Baltimore and, more broadly, in the state of Maryland. 

“While the narratives in our LGTBQ+ collections are not yet comprehensive, we hope that increasing representation in the museum will help queer Marylanders know that we value their stories,” writes Abby Doran, assistant curator at the museum.

Thank you for reading and happy Pride!

The post Letter from the editor – Issue 62 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

When I heard that Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown announced that an independent audit of Maryland’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that at least 36 police custody deaths should have actually been ruled as homicides, I immediately thought of Tawanda Jones.

“Tawanda Jones, the sister of Tyrone West, has spent every Wednesday since West’s death calling for accountability for her brother’s death and all victims of police brutality,” Madeleine O’Neill writes in her story about the audit. West died in 2013 after he was pulled over by Baltimore City Morgan State University police officers. That’s hundreds upon hundreds of Wednesdays spent without her brother. Hundreds of hours spent organizing, speaking out, and trying to move powerful people to pay attention to her cause. 

This country has always presented Black people with an extraordinary number of horrors and then demanded of them an extraordinary amount of patience that at some point, those horrors would be addressed. 

“Gov. Wes Moore also announced several executive actions in response to the audit results, including granting the Attorney General’s Office the authority to review the 36 cases where reviewers unanimously agreed a death should have been ruled a homicide. Moore also established a task force on in-custody restraint-related death investigations,” O’Neill reports.

In our arts section, Bry Reed introduces us to Katie Mitchell and leads us on a journey through the interconnected community that makes up Black-owned bookstores. Mitchell’s book, “Prose to the People: A Celebration of Black Bookstores,” unpacks systems of mutual aid that keep Black bookstores alive, and the constant government scrutiny that these bookstores have always endured. 

“Being in the archives, I realized that the FBI probably has the most complete archive of Black bookstores because they were being surveilled so much,” Mitchell told Reed. “A lot of the ephemera that Black bookstores have probably wouldn’t be around if the FBI hadn’t archived it. It’s kinda like great that I get to see this flyer about the Black bookstore George Jackson movement. However, the reason I get to see it is because [these stores] were getting spied on!”

With “Sinners” back in theaters and once again dominating the box office, Dominic Griffin encourages us to take a more clear-eyed view of the film. 

“We may have to work twice as hard to get half as much as our white counterparts. Still, true progress would be allowing a piece of Black art to exist outside of the insecure need to insist that something flawed is literal perfection, robbing it of the chance to exist as anything less than a victory lap against the establishment,” he writes. 

Be sure to also catch images of a beautiful public mural project that has been unfolding under I-83, just in time for a newly revamped and city-controlled Artscape weekend. You’ll also find June tarotscopes from Iya Osundara Ogunsina, and a poem from a participant in the organization Writers in Baltimore Schools.

Thanks, as always, for reading. 

The post Letter from the editor – Issue 61 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

In this issue, we bring you two stories that exist only because the people in them decided to speak out.

Journalist Logan Hullinger and Baltimore Beat Managing Editor Sanya Kamidi spoke to women who worked under Chad Williams, executive director of the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA). As head of the highly influential organization, Williams is tasked with revitalizing the West North Avenue corridor, an area of the city that has long been neglected. However, Hullinger and Kamidi’s reporting uncovers a history of past allegations of harassment. 

“In the past decade, Maryland state employee Chad Williams has been the subject of a federal investigation over his handling of sexual harassment complaints at a Nevada housing authority; has himself been accused of sexual harassment at two different workplaces; and was convicted of domestic violence while actively leading an agency in Baltimore,” they write.

The two spoke with four women here in Baltimore who detailed the troubling time they spent working under Williams at the WNADA. Several of the women have tried to bring attention to Williams’ behavior but said that their words have largely been ignored.

“Everyone turned a blind eye to this stuff,” one woman, whose real name we are not using due to her fear of retaliation, told us. “What about accountability? What about the lives he ruined?” 

Also in this issue, reporter Madeleine O’Neill writes about some of the thousands of people who were sexually abused while they were housed in Maryland juvenile detention centers. A warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of sexual abuse and violence against children. 

Kevin Pullen, now 41, says he was just 14 when he was abused. He said what happened to him left him angry and untrusting of people. He spent time as an adult in and out of prison. 

New legislation passed in Annapolis this year greatly reduces the amount of money victims like Pullen can receive for the abuse they suffered. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown’s office “neither confirms nor denies the existence of an investigation” into past incidents of abuse in the Department of Juvenile Services system. 

Eze Jackson is back with another Best Beats column. This time he reviews music from local artists Chipelo, DJ AAVE, The Bysons, Bashi Rose, and Plant Dad. If you’d like for us to review your new music, just send it to us at music@baltimorebeat.com. 

We also have vibrant photos from the grand opening of new dining destination The Mill on North, film critic Dominic Griffin remembers acting legend Gene Hackman by way of his 1998 thriller “Enemy of the State, and as always we leave you with a poem from a participant in the group Writers in Baltimore Schools. 

Thank you for reading. 

The post Letter from the editor – Issue 60 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Freddie Gray’s death, the Uprising that followed, and the city’s response to police violence deeply altered the way I thought about journalism. I felt pushed to think seriously about the way class comes into account in a city governed by mostly Black politicians. It caused me to think about the way media can be used to sell the police to citizens, as opposed to educating them about the police as a powerful entity in the city — one that residents help fund. It made me look for the people and organizations who were working to build real solutions to the problem of police violence. 

This issue seeks to recognize the 10 years that have passed since Gray was first chased down by Baltimore City police and thrown into the back of a police van. He died on April 19, 2015. His death set off a series of protests throughout the city.

Journalist Baynard Woods talked to some of the people who were on the ground during that tumultuous time in 2015, leading up to and after the death of Freddie Gray. 

“My feeling right now is that the police killed more people last year in the United States, despite crime being dramatically lower than it was in 2015,” Jenny Egan, co-founder of the Baltimore Action Legal Team (BALT) told Woods. “Despite all of the changes in the United States, cops are still killing people.

Logan Hullinger and Jaisal Noor wrote about the work BALT is currently doing.

“A decade later, BALT is among the few initiatives launched in the wake of the Uprising that continues to operate. What started as an emergency legal response has transformed into a long-term fight for systemic change both through the courts and through grassroots organizing,” they write.

Our photostory shows rarely seen photos by award-winning photojournalist and artist Devin Allen, who used his camera to help bring light to what was happening at the time in Baltimore. 

Our cover, which features one of Allen’s photos, was designed by Wide Angle Youth Media. 

You’ll also find a poem written by Writers in Baltimore Schools participant Piper Matthews and a list of events happening throughout Baltimore to recognize this moment in history. 

Be sure to go to baltimorebeat.com for even more content. 

We hope this issue encourages you, the reader, to keep the issue of police violence at the front of your mind, even as so many things about this country feel uncertain and challenging. We hope you remember the lives of Freddie Gray, his family, and his community. We hope you think about all the people who work tirelessly to create a better, safer world for all of us.

The post Letter from the editor- Issue 59 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

In the Wake Of: Resilience and Revolution: Focusing on the intersection of social unrest and artistic expression, this exhibition features the works of Devin Allen, Joe Giordano, and Paul Abowd. All three artists document the emotion, tension, and solidarity that defined the Uprising and what took place in the aftermath, blending personal experiences with collective memory. The exhibition offers a vivid exploration of how art can both challenge and inspire change in jarring moments of societal shifts. March 28 – April 19 at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information, call 410-276-1651 or go to creativealliance.org

April 9

Looking Back. Moving Forward: A Special West Wednesday: A special West Wednesday event to commemorate the lives of Tyrone West, Freddie Gray, and so many more. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, email distribution@baltimorebeat.com.

April 10

Freddie Gray & The Baltimore Uprising: 10 Years Later Reflecting, Reckoning, and Rebuilding: A two-day symposium examining the impact of Freddie Gray’s death and the movement that reshaped Baltimore policing. April 10-11 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street, and Coppin State University – Tawes Ballroom, 2500 W. North Avenue. For more information, go to: lewismuseum.org.

April 11

Still Rising 10 Years After Freddie Gray’s Death: How Legal, Faith-Based, and Community Advocacy Changed Policing in Baltimore: Conversations with community advocates, clergy, and attorneys who worked to hear and respond to Baltimore residents’ demands for fair and accountable policing. William H. “Billy” Murphy Jr., JD ’69, who served as the attorney for Gray’s family, will be a featured speaker. There will be panel discussions reflecting on federal, state, and local advocacy for fair and accountable policing in Baltimore, lessons learned, and the work ahead. April 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Westminster Hall, Maryland Carey Law, 519 W. Fayette Street. For more information, go to law.umaryland.edu.

April 16

Heavy with History: Devin Allen and the Baltimore Uprising: A focus exhibition of rarely shown photographs by Baltimore-based artist Devin Allen. Guest curated by Lisa Snowden-McCray, Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of Baltimore Beat. This exhibition will be on view through June 22, 2025. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. For more information, go to artbma.org.

April 19

REFLECT & REVIVE: West Baltimore Beautification Project – Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Baltimore Unrest: Local West Baltimore residents, organizations, and elected officials will join forces for a day of reflection and revitalization, including a community-wide clean-up. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1679 West North Avenue. Click here to pre-register.

Rise Bmore: A free evening of words and music in honor of Freddie Gray. 7 p.m. at 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul Street. For more information, go to risebmore.com. 

April 24

Write-In for Freddie Gray: Hosted by Writers in Baltimore Schools and Baltimore Beat. Facilitated by Bry Reed. Open to students and the community. Dinner provided for K-12 students. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Red Emma’s Free School Classroom, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. Click here to RSVP.

World Premier of the Baltimore Legacy Project: Baltimore Still Rising: This world premiere of Baltimore Still Rising combines a powerful documentary screening with a panel discussion featuring activists directly involved in the 2015 Uprising. This event offers a rare opportunity to connect the themes of resistance, activism, and policy change — core ideas in historical scholarship — to the lived experiences of a modern movement. 7 p.m. at The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Road. For more information, go to srasheem.com

April 30

Slow and Sudden Violence: Why and When Uprisings Occur:  a panel discussion based on Prof. Derek Hyra’s recent book Slow and Sudden Violence: Why and When Uprisings Occur (University of California Press, 2024) To confront American unrest, Hyra urges that we end racialized policing, stop Black community destruction and displacement, and reduce neighborhood inequality. Hyra will be in conversation with UMBC Professors Derek Musgrove (History) and Nicole King (American Studies) on the issues the book addresses and the future of U.S. cities. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery, 1000 Hilltop Circle.

The post Events in Baltimore that honor the life of Freddie Gray and remember the 2015 Baltimore Uprising appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

In this issue, Grace Hebron writes about a project at the Baltimore Museum of Industry that seeks to record the stories of the people most affected by last year’s Key Bridge collapse. 

The collapse, which happened in the early morning hours of March 26, 2024, claimed the lives of six construction workers: Miguel Ángel Luna González, Alejandro Hernández Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, José Mynor López, Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, and Carlos Daniel Hernández. 

“They were living and working what is, in many ways, a typical experience for immigrants who come in and do that middle-of-the night work that nobody else wants to do. We wanted to honor that,” BMI’s executive director Anita Kassof told Hebron. 

There is so much hate being levied at immigrants right now, as the Trump administration looks to demonize those who come to this country looking to create lives for themselves. Even as I write this, ICE officers are disappearing people from their homes, often with no legal justification to do so. So, it feels necessary right now to honor the lives of these men who wanted the same things most other people do: to take care of their families, to create lives for themselves. 

Also in this issue, Dominic Griffin writes about “Luther: Never Too Much,” an intimate documentary about legendary singer Luther Vandross.

It’s a beautiful film, Griffin writes, but not without some bittersweetness. Despite his great talent and famous collaborators, Vandross never quite got the love life he deserved. 

“In an interview, Luther’s niece says that her uncle had an obligation on this Earth and fulfilled it, as if performing a cosmic task you never asked for should be, in itself, a great triumph,” Griffin writes. “But now that I know more about him than ever before, I find it so hard to listen to songs I once adored and not feel a deep sense of frustration that someone could be such a boundless fountain of love for others and still find themselves dying of thirst.”

Make sure to also read the latest installment of Best Beats, a roundup of our favorite local music. In this issue, Eze Jackson highlights sounds from DJAyyMello, Mighty Mark, Nina Gala, and Eyas. 

Sports analyst Reeta Hubbard gets us ready for the 2025 baseball season, Iya Osundara Ogunsina has your April tarotscopes, and we have images from Wide Angle Youth Media and a poem from Isabella Akilo, a participant in the group Writers in Baltimore Schools.

It’s a really packed issue, and we hope you enjoy it. 

The post Letter from the editor- Issue 58 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.