In addition, the report goes beyond social issues to examine such issues as the media's portrayal of black men and Baltimore's business climate for African-Americans.
The Urban League should consider a program to foster "green collar" jobs in the city, said Roderick C. Willis in an essay about increasing employment in Baltimore. Willis, producer and host of the Urban League's weekly talk radio show, noted that cities nationwide are taking advantage of federal dollars to start programs that train low-income residents to install solar energy systems and retrofit old buildings to reduce energy consumption.
As Baltimore strives to expand its economy, Henderson fears the city's black population could miss out on the bounty. Given the redevelopment in Harbor East and the construction of two biotechnology parks in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins University on the east side and the University of Maryland on the west side, Baltimore is on the cusp of an economic renaissance, he said.
"So far with development along the harbor, our communities haven't really benefited," he said. "So the question is, how can our community benefit from that? We know education is the key to economic empowerment, so we have to make sure our community and our children are prepared."
Henderson said he hopes that by bringing together business leaders, nonprofits and community organizations, the Urban League can become an umbrella group facilitating solutions to the city's problems. Participants at the conference included Baltimore schools chief Andres Alonso, Baltimore area lawmakers, National Urban League President Marc H. Morial and Susan L. Taylor, founder and former editor of Essence Magazine.
"We need to get our community to understand that we have to recapture our community and not wait for other folks to do it," said Henderson.
"That doesn't mean I'm going to let the government and state and federal agencies off. They too, should be doing their jobs. But we as a community need to step up."
Morial painted a portrait of "two Baltimores," where the economic health of a gleaming waterfront contrasts with struggling neighborhoods.
"The city represents the best it can be as well as the greatest challenges, side by side," he said. "Baltimore, you can lead to change that."
Two years ago the Urban League teamed up with Coppin State University to create a similar report, but the effort was short on details. This time around, Henderson said he hopes to keep these pressing issues in the forefront. The book is available for purchase for $20, with proceeds benefiting Urban League programs.
"I am really hoping that we will be able to develop a long-range strategy of action," he said. "This is not about developing a report and putting it on the shelf."
kelly.brewington@baltsun.com
