Liana Komeng ’27
The past few days in Baltimore have truly been an eye-opening experience. It was one that consisted of service, community, reflection, hope, but also a deepened sadness; and it all started with our first day. Upon arrival in Baltimore, we began our work with the Black Church Food Security Network, partnering with Community Greens, which is an organization involved in not only providing a clean space for Baltimore residents on a short term basis, but also looking for new innovative ways to sustain and maintain their continuous progress addressing food insecurity. It was remarkable to see individuals focus on not just providing enough food, but healthy, nutritional options as well. They were extremely dedicated to breaking down the dangerous, racialized stigmas that surround the Baltimore community, while subsequently fighting to maintain a culture of unity. Throughout this first day, we were introduced to one of the local community partners, (who goes by the name Marc) and were able to hear how his love for his community only encourages him day by day, month by month, year by year, to continue to fight for it; and not with the use of outside protests or just dialogue, but through active, peaceful engagement. Marc was a personified version of the phrase “be the change you want to see” with so many ambitious, yet practical steps he mentioned that he intended on taking in order to build a better future for Baltimore. But, this experience, believe or not, was not the only time in our journey through Baltimore that I was able to see REAL people take on REAL initiatives to fight REAL issues of food insecurity in the city.
Day 2 of our programming consisted of attending Liberty Grace Church of God and hearing a message about the idea of “planting with a purpose.” The message resonated with me because the sermon spoke of intentionality and transformation, with several references being made to Christ and the story of the fig tree, which essentially represented people’s tendency to dress up and perform on the outside, without necessarily desiring an inner or personal transformation. In other words, one must not merely state that they are a healthy, strong tree without bearing fruit. It is the PRESENCE of fruit that depicts change, renewment, and fulfillment. One must not simply claim or vocally advocate for change, but also engage in initiatives to help place those words into action because the outward appearance should not overlook internal mind modification. It is the shift in our minds and intentions when discussing food insecurity that helps to foster a more inclusive and healthier environment for all; which was exactly the message that Liberty Grace conveyed. They emphasized their desire to build spaces within the community that don’t only promote spiritual growth, but educational and creative ones as well. Between programs such as “forest schools” (educational spaces/classrooms primarily focused around the outdoors) to the development of community gardens, Liberty Grace showed just how much community is meant to support one another; both the weak and strong, capable and incapable, rich and poor, working together in harmony. This idea was even evident through our visit to a mosque during our interaction with the Islamic Society of Baltimore, where they also articulated the importance of charity in their faith as well. Different religions, yet, a shared desire to promote stable and fair living amongst one’s neighbors.
Once again, these interactions with the local community proved to be compelling and proactive, but I think one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had on this trip was a conversation I had with a Baltimore local while serving at the “Our Daily Bread” soup kitchen/dining center. A North Carolina native, this bright spirited woman spoke of her experience moving to Baltimore. Despite her contagious laugh and hilarious stories, I couldn’t help but remember her explaining how much she missed her home in North Carolina. When I asked about how living in Baltimore was, she mentioned that it was essentially crazy and chaotic with Baltimore being an area “where the only time Black people get together is when they’re incarcerated.” This struck me because it emphasized an unfortunate reality that has historically been an issue, not necessarily always because of the individual, but the system by which Black people grow up in. Saddened by this statement, she continued to look at me and state that my generation could be the one to help bridge the gap of unity for Black people. A bit of hope emerged from our conversation, with me realizing that addressing food insecurity and justice for that matter, was not a mere hypothetical, but a call to ACTION. I can’t fully articulate how much I’ve learned from this trip to Baltimore but, I can confidently say that I am excited to learn more about how students such as myself can be involved in creating spaces where resources are available to each and every person, regardless of economic or social statuses.