From Councilman Eric Costello:
Digital Harbor High School (DHHS) Youth Walk Against Violence – I am pleased to report that we held a very successful Youth Walk Against Violence on Wednesday. We were joined by about 150 DHHS students, several teachers and administrators, about 30 neighbors, hip hop artist Wale, Pastor Alvin Gwynn Jr. of the Historic Leadenhall Baptist Church, and Pastor Rick McDonald of Baltimore Police Department. We walked from DHHS to City Hall with our arms locked chanting “We Love Baltimore,” and prayed together both at the beginning and the end. I was very impressed by a young man from DHHS, Darius Craig, who helped spread the message that our youth are against the recent violence in our City.
Certain individuals have questioned the authority of this walk, in light of the curfew instituted through Executive Order by the Mayor. The students were going to march with or without my support. After learning of the walk at 9pm the evening before, I feared the students could be found in violation of the curfew. As the Executive Order allows for activities sponsored by the City or religious institutions, among other entities, I decided to sponsor this walk in my capacity as City Councilman, and at my request, Pastor Gwynn agreed to co-sponsor.
The Mayor’s Office, the Office of Emergency Management, DOT, and Police provided tremendous support to this effort at the drop of a dime; which resulted in a peaceful and productive event without incident. This walk was one of the most inspiring things I have ever seen and truly reinforced my hope that our City will pull through this challenging time.
Pictures from Facebook:
