People will gate-keep the Baltimorean status. I was born and raised here in the city, I raised my children here, now my grandchildren live in Howard County and I show them around my city when they visit. 59 years of being a city resident, working with city victims, going to city schools, volunteering for city churches some people tell me I’m not Baltimore enough, or not really from West Baltimore. It’s a weakness people have when they have nothing else against you. People moved into my neighborhood in the last five years, they tell those of us who live here that we’re the ones who aren’t Baltimore enough or don’t understand city living. If you look at the people leading the city most aren’t from here, only Mayor Scott is from Baltimore and he’s not doing a good job right now.

The city needs fresh young minds and fresh ideas. Anyone who says you aren’t Baltimore enough is only gatekeeping because they have nothing better to say. Keep you head up and keep trying to experience the city, maybe one day you will be the person to really help the city.