There have been efforts from leaders, such as Empowerment Temple leader Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, that should be commended for their swiftness and sensitivity to all sides of the argument. Even the fiery Malik Shabazz and his fellow organizers had purpose and support in their attempts to rally in the name of Gray. The contrasts in these rallies and ongoing discussions have been stark.
On Thursday night, there was one moment where a gathering of young people were having an argument about the best way to handle things. One side, two young women were raising their voices at two young men over their tactics. The women were attempting to understand why the men embraced the actions on Monday and decried the peaceful events in the days since. They agreed to disagree, and one of the young men openly said that the riots of last week were nothing compared to what will happen if the police charged with Gray’s death are not convicted.
This same sentiment was echoed on the corner of North and Penn that same night, just ahead of Mosby’s staggering announcement. I haven’t been back to the city since Friday morning, but my sources on the ground tell me that much of what occurred last week is still going on. And there is no indication that it will discontinue anytime soon despite the lifting of the curfew to come along with news that the National Guard will disperse over the next few days.
Baltimore’s reputation as a blue-collar, working-class town is not up for dispute, and much of that grit remains. Even with the development of the aforementioned tony neighborhoods, urban blight is a regrettable hallmark. Still, it remains a prideful city with residents from all racial background and economic levels that want to heal the rift and change the perception. In speaking with people gathered at City Hall Friday, there is a general desire to seek the truth behind Gray’s tragic death and find ways to come together in the face of decades of division.
Time will tell if a new and united Baltimore emerges after the impending trials of the six officers charged with killing Gray. But the prospect of a peaceful revolution for the better of the city would ultimately elevate Gray’s legacy far beyond a senseless murder and serve as an impetus for real change.
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