 All throughout February, we are commemorating the rich diversity of the Baltimore African-American experience, sharing stories both uplifting and tragic.
To kick-off Black History Month in Baltimore, we celebrated three generations of local photographers—each of whom left their mark on this city. The late I. Henry Phillips, Sr. was a groundbreaking photojournalist for the Afro, who captured the perspective of Baltimore’s African-American community. His son, Irving H. Phillips, Jr. followed in his father's footsteps, covering the civil rights struggle of the 1960’s for the Afro, before pursuing award-laden photojournalism career with the Sun from 1969 to 1993. Today, grandson Webster Phillips, III, maintains the family tradition. His fantastic work was recently featured in the Reginald Lewis Museum, as he continues to bring the Phillips legacy into the 21st century. Each generation has brought their vision of our history and culture to life. I am grateful for their efforts to keep the memory of Baltimore’s past alive, and proud to share their work that I know will inspire future generations.
I believe that it is our responsibility, as both parents and leaders, to preserve our legacy for our children. So for the first time ever, we publically displayed a series of rare and precious artifacts from Mount Clare in Carroll Park that offers an honest and more inclusive understanding of the African American experience in antebellum Baltimore. We then had the honor of joining Dr. Teresa Moyer, an archeologist with National Park Service, to go into more detail about these artifacts, as we kicked off the 4th annual “It’s More Than History!” lecture series. Our February lectures are exploring the facets of the ever-changing African-American experience. I hope you will join us in City Hall over the next several weeks, as we host guest speakers who will cover topics ranging from the role of the black community in revitalizing Fells Point to honoring the valiant contributions of some of this City’s greatest women.
As a mother of an amazing young girl, I make it a priority to show my daughter both the struggles and successes of other black women. That was why I was thrilled to join readers from across the city for Enoch Pratt Free Library’s 27th annual Booklovers’ Breakfast. Over the years, this event has honored many black authors from different walks of life, but few, if any, have captured the grace, passion, and determination of Misty Copeland. Today, as the only African American soloist with American Ballet Theatre, Misty serves as an inspiration as much for what she has done on stage, as for what she has done to get there. Faced with rejection, cynicism, and a host of detractors, Misty defied the odds, redefined expectations, and has inspired a new generation of women to pursue their passions— no matter what. Her struggle captures a new angle of the African American experience, and her story is both relatable and moving.
As we celebrate the heritage of our wonderfully diverse nation, let us bear in mind that our collective Baltimore story is not finished. The stories of our forebears that are recounted throughout Black History Month are simply a starting point. Through our continued commitment, passion, and courage, we will have many more stories to tell in years to come.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor’s Office and be a part of the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.
 Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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The Baltimore Sun
 Throughout Baltimore's first two centuries, Fell's Point was the city's commercial engine. Black laborers—some enslaved, some free—worked alongside white workers, building ships and unloading cargo at wharves and warehouses in the neighborhood. The African American community actively shaped and improved the economic, religious, educational, and political climate in Fell's Point, one of Baltimore's oldest neighborhoods. Photo by Mark Dennis.
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Presidents' Day Service Changes
City offices will be closed on Monday, February 16 due to the Presidents' Day holiday. Please note the following changes to City services:
- Regular trash, recycling, and bulk collections are not scheduled.
- All citizen drop-off centers will be closed, including the Quarantine Road Landfill.
- Mechanical street sweeping will not take place, and parking restrictions due to sweeping will not bet in effect.
- Parking meters WILL be in effect.
- Citizens will be unable to access City offices for bill payments or permits. Some bills can be paid online at www.baltimorecity.gov.
- All branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library will be closed.
Black Classic Movies on CharmTV
Fridays during Black History Month, CharmTV will screen classic films starring some of our nation's most enduring black stars. Films will include Emperor Jones, featuring Paul Robeson; Hi De Ho, featuring Cab Calloway; and The Duke is Tops (Bronze Venus), featuring Lena Horne. For more information, or to view the schedule, visit www. charmtv.tv.
Baltimore CASH Campaign Tax Preparation
The Baltimore CASH Campaign strives to provide working families access to the tools and services they need to maximize their earning dollars. Free services are provided to low- to moderate-income taxpayers. Trained and certified volunteers will prepare and e-file taxes for free, and even help you set up direct deposit for a faster refund. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit www.baltimorecashcampaign.org.
Mayor's Spring Cleanup Registration
Get ready to for spring cleaning in Baltimore! Communities are encouraged to sign up for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s Spring Cleanup, which will take place on April 25. Communities can register to participate by calling 311. Participation in organized cleanups may qualify property owners for credits to reduce their Stormwater Fee (visit www.cleanwaterbaltimore.org for more information on Stormwater Fee credits). To learn more about the Mayor's Spring Cleanup, visit publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.
Mayoral Fellowship Program
The Baltimore City Mayoral Fellowship is a ten week full-time placement in a mayoral office or Baltimore City agency. Through the program, mayoral fellows will complete projects that focus on public policy issues or challenges. The Office of the Mayor is now accepting applications for the 2015 program. The deadline to apply is March 2. For more information or to apply, visit mayor.baltimorecity.gov/fellowship.
Vote for Station North
Baltimore's Station North Arts & Entertainment District is in the running for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice, in the category of Art Districts. Baltimore is currently ranked third in the poll, but there's still plenty of time to vote and share! Cast your vote at www.10best.com/awards/travel (click on "Best Art District")—and return each day to vote for Baltimore!
Sprout Film Festival
Saturday, February 14, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Towson University, West Village Commons, 424 Emerson Drive
Join the 3rd annual Sprout Film Festival, and screen entertaining and memorable films created by, and featuring people with, developmental disabilities. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at door. For more information, or to purchase advance tickets, call the box office at 410-704-2244 or contact Lauren Seabolt at 410-296-2272 ext. 5210. More information can also be found at the event’s Facebook page.
Bundle Up, Baby!
Saturday, February 14, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Winans Meadow, Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, 4500 Franklintown Road
Bring your sweetheart out for a snowy day of cross country skiing, sledding, fire pits, and hot chocolate in the park! No snow? No worries! Enjoy a hike on the side trails. Advance RSVP is recommended, and a $5 donation is suggested. For more information, contact Molly Gallant at 443-984-4058 or molly.gallant@baltimorecity.gov.
Valentine's Day Sweetheart Hike
Saturday, February, 14, 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Rawlings Conservatory, 3100 Swann Drive
Bundle up and spend the evening under the stars with your sweetheart! Use your senses to enjoy the wonders of a crisp, cool, invigorating Druid Hill Park winter night. After the hike gather in conservatory's outside garden for steamy hot chocolate, a warm fire, a glass of wine, and delicious dessert. This walk is a roughly 5.5 mile loop on paved surfaces, with several steep hills. Tickets are $15 per person. Registration is limited. For more information, visit www.druidhillpark.org/sweetheart-hike.html.
TreeBaltimore Winter Gathering
Tuesday, February 17, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue
Come celebrate Baltimore's green successes with TreeBaltimore. Socialize, network, and celebrate with members of the community who are invested in our city's tree canopy. Dinner and drinks will be served. For more information, visit www.treebaltimore.org.
American Craft Council Show
February 20 – 22
Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt Street
The American Craft Council Retail Show returns to Baltimore with more than 650 of the country’s top contemporary craft artists. With a variety of specialty categories, the show offers something for everyone. On-site admission is $16 for a one-day pass, $30 for a three-day pass. Entry for American Craft Council members and children 12 and under is free. Save time and money by purchasing tickets online at www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore. Friday night after 5:00 pm, admission is just $5 (on-site purchases only). For more information, visit www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore.
Black History Month Celebration at the National Aquarium
Friday, February 20, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt Street
Celebrate Black History Month with Ebb & Flow: The Story of the Chesapeake Bay, a special evening focused on Black History throughout the region. Enjoy music, dance, and theatrical performances; participate in interactive demonstrations; and much more. Be transported back to Baltimore’s legendary jazz clubs, with live jazz and a cash bar for those 21 and over. This event is presented as part of National Aquarium's Fridays after Five program, which offers discounted admission of $12. For more information, visit www.aqua.org/afterdark.
Rules of Engagement Summit
Saturday, February 21, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Shiloh Christian Community Church, 825 Yale Avenue
The Social Action Committee of Baltimore Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with the Pi Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Alpha and Gamma Omicron Omega Chapters of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., will host this Rules of Engagement Summit. Young men ages 10-22 are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be served. For more information, or to register, visit rulesofengagementsummit.eventbrite.com.
Fest-of-All
Saturday, February 28, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway
Shake off the winter blues with the 8th annual Fest-of-All gala—a showcase of the best of Federal Hill, featuring fare from the area’s restaurants and taverns, live music and dancing, a silent auction, and a much-anticipated runway fashion show. Tickets are $75 in advance, $90 at the door, and include all the fine food & drink presented for the occasion. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.historicfederalhill.org.
Eat Healthy, Shop Smart
Tuesdays through March 10, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
All Baltimore City Community Action Centers
The Baltimore City Community Action Partnership presents this resource-filled food and nutrition program. Participants will receive budgeting help, shopping and nutrition tips, cooking demonstrations, and even free food. For more information or to register, visit humanservices.baltimorecity.gov, call 410-545-6958, or visit your local Community Action Center.
Community Action Centers
- Northern: 5225 York Road
- Northwestern: 3939 Reisterstown Road
- Southern: 606 Cherry Hill Road
- Southeastern: 3411 Bank Road
- Eastern: 1400 E. Federal Street
Your Money, Your Goals
Thursdays through April 2, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
All Baltimore City Community Action Centers
Join the Baltimore City Community Action Partnership to learn about financial literacy and planning. These workshops will cover topics ranging from household budgeting and debt relief to banking, credit, and savings. For more information or to register, visit humanservices.baltimorecity.gov, call 410-545-6958, or visit your local Community Action Center.
Community Action Centers
- Northern: 5225 York Road
- Northwestern: 3939 Reisterstown Road
- Southern: 606 Cherry Hill Road
- Southeastern: 3411 Bank Road
- Eastern: 1400 E. Federal Street
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