Favour Okonkwo ’28
Though I live only an hour away from Baltimore, the stories I’ve heard my entire life never aligned with the reality I experienced today—even if it was only my first day. The connotations surrounding Baltimore were never good; I was always told, “be careful, there are gangs,” or “it’s dirty and violent.” However, my experience today offered a transformative new perspective.
I had the opportunity to pick up trash in a local neighborhood, where we met a man named Marc. Originally from Mississippi, Marc has lived in Baltimore for three years. There was a visible spark in him when he spoke about this community. I became fascinated by how he saw beauty and potential where everyone else saw decay.
Marc holds an MBA and a background in International Studies. Often, when people see someone with that level of education working a “community job,” they don’t see it in the brightest light. But for Marc, this isn’t just a job—it’s a transformation. He is part of a movement to help neighborhoods succeed under structures that often seem designed to prevent progression.
Community, by definition, is a feeling of fellowship resulting from shared attitudes, interests, and goals. One thing people often overlook about Baltimore is how “tight-knit” it truly is. The rowhouses are packed so closely together that it would be a mystery if you didn’t know your neighbors. Marc made the first effort: when he saw trash, he simply started cleaning it himself. Eventually, others joined him. Through those simple interactions, he built the trust necessary to discuss deeper community changes.
I truly appreciated his philosophy that “it’s not all bad; it’s about how you go about it.” You can complain about the system, but if nothing else is done, the complaints change nothing. Marc emphasized that systemic change starts with a social network. He recognized that you can use the assets already present to fight the system and provide hope. By bringing the community together to share knowledge, they can move forward collectively.
Through the Dewees Community Center, Marc and his neighbors have successfully secured land ownership for the neighborhood. This has allowed them to:
- Rebuild playgrounds and community gardens.
- Fund schools with the updated technology they need.
- Ensure that as North Baltimore improves, the South is not left behind, preventing displacement and helping people stay in their homes.
Marc gave me hope. Previously, when I studied history and systems, all I could see were the failures. Today, I saw the “other side”—the side of active change. There is a domino effect occurring, and it is expanding. I used to think I had to start in the government to bring about change, but Marc taught me there is no linear path. I can start now by building connections with others who want to see their communities thrive.
I have a deep passion for improving food quality in America, and today taught me that I don’t have to wait. I am grateful for this experience, and I will continue to be curious, appreciative, and open to understanding how real change begins.