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by James W. Hamlin (Author)
On A Roll, A Baker's Recipe to Revitalize Baltimore's Historic Pennsylvania Ave. This is my memoir, my attempt to give my family and loved ones a sense of who I am and what drives me. I hope the life lessons I have shared will give others some inspiration as well. Like all of those who have endured much in our lifetime putting my thoughts and activity on paper has been therapy. Although I have mentioned many people I have come to know and respect and love my words are not to offend or hurt in any way.
I love my hometown of Historic West Baltimore, the community that helped mold the man I am today. Knowing that this is one of the most historic African American communities in the country gives me a sense of pride and dignity. This sense of pride can only be experienced by our youth if we share its history and legacy with them.
There are thousands of stories yet to be told by those that grew up and walked the streets of this great community. I encourage young and old to tell your story. Pass on your experiences and life learning moments and inspire others. Sometimes your contributions to making the world a better place are sharing positive words, experiences, and life lessons learned.
I also hope this memoir makes the case that Historic West Baltimore has the history and legacy to bring social and economic parity in this divided City. A city that has for decades and continues to unsuccessfully arrest and incarcerate our way to solving the problems that destroy lives and dreams. The hope is that the powers to be political and otherwise realize the root of the problem is lack of economic opportunity. We can build homes, arrest, and incarcerate however if there are little or no efforts to change economic opportunity and access, we are spinning our wheels and wasting lives.
As I have heard late Congressman Elijah Cummings put it, "We are better than this". We have the assets to take advantage of the third-largest industry in Baltimore, tourism at the tune of more than $10 billion dollars annually. All we need to do is tuck away our pride and differences and execute a plan to build the infrastructure. We have to stop using the excuse, you have to get rid of the crime first. Crime is an element in every community around the country the key is reducing it as you redevelop the community. A solid economic and social plan to community development plan needs to be in place and implemented. We have millions of pages of studies and plans that have only benefited those that produced them. The time is to in the words of NIKE " Just Do It".
The Royal Theater & Community Heritage Center's Board hope is that the world sees the value of its plan and those that have the where with all to help make it happen and see the light. It is not what our community is today or what it was yesterday. It's what it can be in the future if we come together to bring about economic change, As I recall Michael Jackson's recording that states "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and change" Each of us has a part to play. Thank you.
