President Schmoke: As City Grows, Let's Welcome New Ideas
July 6, 2016
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
In an op-ed in The Baltimore Sun, University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke says that new opportunities like the proposed Port Covington development should be welcomed as a chance to create good jobs—not treated with skepticism and mistrust.
"New opportunities, new jobs for young people, new investment in Baltimore is what will move our city forward," Schmoke writes. "Baltimore is unique, with a unique cultural fabric and history—and yes, unique problems. The unrest last year was sparked by a senseless tragedy but born from a valid sense of injustice. Baltimore and its citizens have faced decades of unfair treatment and discrimination, and that understandably has generated a feeling, among the young and old, that advancement prospects are not available. But the answer is not to do nothing. The answer is not to get up at a microphone and criticize those trying to create new advancement opportunities. The answer is not to alienate those who want to invest in Baltimore and its people."
Schmoke says the Port Covington project will establish a renewal zone in a part of the metro area that is virtually abandoned. Local residents should embrace the development and recognize its potential for lasting impact.
"Critics like to talk at length about the state of Baltimore City, calling attention to its ills and diagnosing its problems. Many of these critics have never been to our communities or talked to us about what's needed," Schmoke writes. "They talk about crime, injustice, segregation and housing—but put forth no workable solutions."
Read the op-ed. Learn more about UB President Kurt L. Schmoke.