Kekoa Quisano ‘28, 3.10.25
On Sunday we explored the inner workings of a portion of the Black Church communities in Baltimore, Maryland. We received knowledge from the wise and inspiring Reverend Doctor Alvin Hathaway, the inviting Pastor Terris King, the vibrant and loving Pastor Maya King, and the inspiring and accomplished Terris King II. Sunday morning we were graced with the chance to worship at Liberty Grace Church of God which is led by Pastor Maya King, and we were given a sermon by Rev. Dr. Alvin Hathaway. His sermon explored the precursor to the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt caused by the neglect by the Pharaoh at the time. The neglect of Joseph’s past innovation and alliance with the Egyptians were connected to the current events happening in this very nation by Rev. Dr. Hathaway. He reminded the congregation that we should not let the installation of fear in society make us forget of the achievements of the Black community here in Baltimore. But more broadly, the center of his shared message was to realize that we all have callings from God and that we should not let the appearance of the executive orders enacted by the new White House administration suppress those callings. And once we receive those callings, we should use them to assist the larger community to bring forth justice to underrepresented areas and historically targeted people.
This image, which is a piece of art next to the Union Baptist Church, says “Never let anyone define you.” I found that this art piece speaks volumes in that we should not fear define and shape our own identity and progress. In fact, we should take advantage of our callings and let that guide us into restorative justice and further progress the health of our communities.
This visit to Baltimore has been the most inspiring experience I have had in a while and it has only been two days with four more to go. From the conversations about grassroot movements to the visit to the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center to the Druid Hill Forest School, transformative thought and ideas has opened my mind to new ways of thinking. I have been taught about the navigation of systems and how we as a society, and specifically Black citizens of Baltimore, can move to create new systems that get rid of discriminatory practices. It shed light on the disproportionate impact on Black communities through their underfunded, understaffed, and under-maintained systems of healthcare/healthcare specialists and education/educators. From now on, I want to use my passion for the reforming and creation of a new education system to provide opportunities for all people regardless of ethnicity, class, gender, religion, ability, and age.
Within the next four days, I am looking forward to retaining as much knowledge from the intellect banks that these community leaders have. In the past two days, the experience just keeps getting better with new, fresh points of view, which in turn helps prepare me to take up more of them that is soon to come. I want to be able to leave Baltimore this weekend knowing that one day it will change to serve all of its inhabitants, especially the historically Black community here. I am hoping to bring these ideas of work, like Asset-Based Communtity Development (ABCD), and use them in Los Angeles, California when going back home. Overall, I cannot wait for these next days and I am not looking forward to that day where I have to say goodbye to Baltimore.
“Critique what is, create what isn’t.” – Reverend Doctor Heber Brown