SUPPORT THE ROYAL THEATER & COMMUNITY HERITAGE CENTER

Growing up in West Baltimore, here, in Upton and Druid Heights, we had many economic opportunities as young kids and adults. We didn’t have to rely on the illegal substance trade or the unsafe squeegee hustles to earn money. We did not have to put ourselves, our integrity, our freedom, or our families at risk for income. We had a thriving business corridor, Pennsylvania Avenue, with many job opportunities. There were barber shops, retail stores, restaurants, pharmacies, corner grocery stores, and all kinds of businesses supplying employment—viable living wages. We also had three newspapers, The Sun, New American, and The Afro, that also provided economic opportunities.

Our neighborhood and young people deserve economic opportunities in their community, as do other neighborhoods such as Camden, Highland Town, Federal Hill, Hampton, and others. These communities have viable business corridors that provide the staples for each Community’s needs as well as economic opportunities for their young people.

Since the demise of our Business District in 1968, when the riots took place, our Business District has been decaying and neglected. Over the years, there have been promises of funding and investments coming, but nothing has changed for the better. What we had was great; however, there is a need for us to change what we have. Part of that is changing our community’s environment and culture in which our young people are growing up.

Vision planning and a tangible commitment to invest by our City, State, and Community are critical. There also needs to be the voice of the community, too! That is why we are sharing with you the plan that The Royal Theater & Community Heritage Center has worked on for the past 15 years. This project provides jobs, careers, and economic opportunities for our young people. In this present environment, it renders a positive change needed for our young people to survive and thrive. It allows us to reap the benefits of the third largest industry in Baltimore, which is tourism, to the tune of more than $10 billion annually. Throughout our years of work and commitment to effect this positive change, we have received written and verbal support—and we’ve received some opposition. However, your voice is critical.

Please submit by filling out the petition below or drop off a hard copy at The Avenue Bakery. Your voice is critical to the future of our community, the city, and the outcome of our young people. We encourage you to support our efforts to bring about positive change.

Thank you.