Thread by @pwcdanica

Baltimore is where I went on my first date with the love of my life.
Baltimore is where I learned it’s okay to fall in love again.
Baltimore is where I saw my favorite band for the first time.
Baltimore is a place that opened its doors to my own music again and again.

Baltimore is also a city where two centuries of systemic poverty, racism and classism is violence and breeds further violence, especially toward trans women of color.
All of these are realities of the city.
What we do about it is the difference between uniting and hurting people.

How on Earth does an elected official - whose job is to serve the people of Baltimore - calling Baltimore a “rat and rodent infested mess” that’s “dangerous and filthy” help the people of Baltimore?
How does that help break the cycle of poverty, racism and classism?

How does that encourage the residents who live there?
How does that create opportunities?
How does that encourage investment in the city’s schools and encourage people to give the people of that city a chance?
You cannot serve your constituents by attacking them and their city.

The people of Baltimore deserve a President who asks them, “What can I do to help?” not “What can I do to hurt?”
To lecture people one day about who loves their country and then denigrate that same country the next day isn’t just hypocrisy.
It hurts people.

Baltimore is as much a part of America as any Midwestern town.
Learn to embrace being part of the solution to ending violence and celebrating the people who are working for change, who do make the city’s heart beat through its music, food, history and art.
Be better.
Bmore.

Baltimore is the city that gave meaning to 2,131, a number that’s much more than a statistic.
It’s a statement about showing up, powering through adversity and inspiring people to be active and engaged every single day.
2,131 is about leading by example.
Be your best.
Bmore.