Baltimore: Black and Beyond

In light of the recent events in Baltimore, MD, and around the country, the Wagner Black Student Association (BSA) hosted a forum on May 5 titled "Baltimore, Black and Beyond," to reflect, discuss, and provide direction for students and community members.

Following this event, BSA worked with the City of Baltimore to lead a service-learning trip to West Baltimore, MD. Graduate students from across NYU worked side-by-side with the Mondawmin Neighborhood Improvement Association to engage with local residents, help rebuild the community through service, and reflect on how to make sustainable impact.

In just five hours, participants planted a garden, talked with residents about community concerns, played games with youth, cleaned a major intersection and back alley, toured the neighborhood where the protests took place, visited the mall that was reported looted, viewed the CVS that was set on fire, and received a history lesson from a local community activist.

Residents are leading several positive efforts to rebuild the Baltimore community. BSA will continue to be involved in the community's rebuilding efforts for the days and months to come. To stay engaged, please email bsaeboard@nyu.edu.

Written by Quintin Hynes, MPA 2016