Vigil For A Civil Life
"For a Civil Life":
Rescuing the Community of Rose and Ashland Streets in Baltimore City
Introduction: The community surrounding the corner of North Rose Street and Ashland Avenue has the distinction of having a notorious public drug market - but one whose citizens are taking it back, one day at a time. For over one hundred eight-five nights in a row they have stayed and often slept on the corner, in defiance of the drug culture; in spite of the narcoleptic indifference of politicians and civil authority. There have been violence and the threats of violence; on May 14 the Rose Street Community Center was burned down, by arson. Young and old were learning to live with fear.
Fortunately, the community of Rose and Ashland has three strong men who find this state of affairs unacceptable. They decided (themselves) to act; they acted, and they act still. And they invite us to stand with them - to join them, however briefly, in strength, in courage and in love.
In so doing, they are teaching us vital lessons in love, courage, and integrity. Here, in their own words, is the day-by-day account of life at the corner of Rose Street and Ashland Avenue, from which Mssrs. Vincent, Christopher and Guyton struggle to rebuild their neighborhood.
In their courage and love you will see a special concern for the community's many young people.Often they are joined by allies and supporters from the neighborhood, and from other parts of the region. Marc Steiner and Wally Orlinsky are frequently down there. GRO-PMIC personnel have been there. On August 12 a rally of over 100 people was held. The men are determined to succeed. They are determined that such efforts move from the grassroots on up. They are determined that others can come and learn how to apply the lessons of Rose and Ashland to their own communities. They believe that one's community, neighbors and young people are worth all that love and courage can provide.
Special thanks to The Grassroots Gazette for their cooperation and support. We will post updates, bulletins, and dispatches direct from the street - on this page as they become available. Look in
The Grass Roots Calendar Page for announcements of any public events or timely notices. Send your email to the Webmaster of The Grassroots Gazette
Log Entries
• Diary Entries for May 2000
• Diary Entries for April 2000
• Diary Entries for March 2000
• Diary Entries for February 2000
• Diary Entries for January 2000
• Diary Entries for December 1999
• Diary Entries for November 1999
• Diary Entries for October 1999
• Diary Entries for September 1999
• Diary Entries for August 1999
• Diary Entries for July 1999
• Diary Entries for June 1999
The Rose Street Community Center is located at 821 North Rose Street, Baltimore, Md. 21205. They can be reached by email at EChrist617@aol.com.
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