Smoke was clearing away as neighbors came out early, picking up trash and debris. The morning after Baltimore’s first riots in 47 years, people began gathering at the battered intersection. Cameramen and reporters swarmed what had become the epicenter of global attention, while politicians scrambled to find out if the 1600 block of West North Avenue was in their district.
It’s a shame how politicians regard Penn-North. The people here know local politics better than many could imagine. They know who’s delivered and who hasn’t. They attend Penn-North Community Association meetings, Druid Heights CDC meetings, and WNADA meetings.
One thing politicians too often forget: Baltimoreans have a radar for authenticity. We can spot sincerity — and we can spot a phony who only shows up for the camera. Remember, the people here lived through Freddie Gray. They’ve watched the same vacants sit for decades. None of this is new…