There are thousands of stories unfolding every day in the city of Baltimore. We are no strangers to the stigma that lives against Baltimore’s culture and history. But there are also thousands of inspirational stories that make this city an opportunity goldmine.

Wide Angle’s new Owning Our Opportunity blog series is a platform to honor the trailblazers, the unsung heroes, and the compelling tales that highlight Baltimore's rich diversity.

Each blog entry is more than just words on a screen; it's a call to action for all of us to seize the chances that are presented to us, take control of our narratives, and embrace the enormous potential that Baltimore has to offer. Assuming responsibility for our narratives is not only crucial but also revolutionary. It's time for us to write our chapters of this culturally and historically rich city, elevating the voices of those rewriting the rules and celebrating the visionaries who are creating a better future.

I was inspired to create Owning Our Opportunity on Wide Angle’s platforms after joining #MyBmore Project’s Narrative Change & Storytelling workshop in early November of 2023 (hosted by Baltimore Together). I wasn’t sure what to expect from engaging in this workshop but leaving that space, I was in awe and encouraged to be a part of the change I want to see as a rising creative. It left me with four insights that I am eager to share. Joining me in this reflection is Dionne Joyner-Weems, the CEO of the marketing firm Audacity Group, moderator for the session hosted by #MyBmore Project, and author of “That Part!: What Some Know but Won't Tell You about Motherhood”.

1. Ignorance is Not Bliss

   During the discussion, several comments arose suggesting that the people of Baltimore are often too comfortable in amplifying the defeatist mindset, refusing to highlight the productivity being accomplished every day. One individual stated that they believed “People are fueled by negativity and ignorance.” It’s common to share news of the heightened crime that occurs in this city while undermining the positive strides that are being achieved. Many of us may have accepted the notorious stereotypes that have been placed on the city and are sometimes left blinded by the mindless reporting on things such as crime, addiction, violence, and more negative narratives that flood our media platforms and shape harsh stereotypes. In my conversation with Joyner-Weems, the West Baltimore native, she posed an intuitive question when reflecting on her experiences participating in conferences and sharing about Baltimore and narrative building; “Are you going to go by what you’re told or are you going to have your own experiences and own your truth?”
   
   Collective progress requires an informed and involved community open to exploring new ideas to reach a common goal. That is where the #MyBmore campaign comes in. Joyner-Weems recounts the spark of the campaign after the death of Freddie Gray in 2015. During the uprisings that year, the hashtag #MyBmore had over 500 posts on Instagram which displayed the side of Baltimore that the media chose not to acknowledge. Baltimoreans chose to take control of their own story and capture moments they’ve witnessed firsthand of camaraderie as the community uplifted itself cleaning the streets in the aftermath. In Baltimore, there is a growing commitment to knowledge, education, and awareness. Ignorance and fear breed stagnation. Joyner-Weems emphasized that “Fear should not be what is holding you back. It is a war tactic that keeps you immobile, in your place, and quiet.” 
   
   When addressing social issues, pushing for change, or keeping up with local news, Baltimoreans should be aware that their collective consciousness and bravery affect the city's future. If we take pride in empowering ourselves and our neighbors, encouraging one another to actively participate in the ongoing story of our communities, we can address our challenges head-on, remaining informed about all the possibilities for evolution that lie in our city. If we refuse to accept ignorance and take ownership of sharing our knowledge with others, we can own our city’s narrative and reach success as a unit.

2. Success is Not Achieved in Solitude 

   One aspect of the conversation that I resonated with was Joyner-Weem’s emphasis on appreciating your community. The Business Connect Hub at Charles Village, a business development center committed to supporting entrepreneurs and organizations to maximize their full potential, hosted the workshop. Who knew, just around the corner from our organization lived a flourishing business such as The Business Connect Hub?
   
   This is a perfect example of the opportunities that could await us in our neighborhood. Workshop attendees included people from other nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, startups, and other walks of life. The concept of success in Baltimore, a dynamic city, is closely linked to cooperation and camaraderie. The value of teamwork and mutual encouragement from peers and colleagues is not as far-fetched as many may portray. “Not everyone shows action in the same way and it doesn’t mean that how they’re doing is inaction,” says Joyner-Weems as she emphasized the importance of networking, connecting with the community, and taking leadership in sharing resources. She then went on to acknowledge the black community's negative habit in participating in individualism, yet history will reveal how much progress was achieved in groups rather than in individuals. When Baltimore's citizens band together and combine their many skills and resources to overcome obstacles and create a better future, the city flourishes. The city's success story proves the strength of unity, whether it is through encouraging cooperation between neighborhoods, supporting small businesses, or taking part in community initiatives. Residents can accept the notion that their success is closely related to their community's well-being by realizing the group's power.

3. Mindset Matters: Talk Truth Not Trash

   The stories we tell ourselves and the stories we share shape the reality we experience. Many individuals have become comfortable sharing false narratives that diminish the character of the place we call home. Let's concentrate on spreading uplifting stories that inspire, celebrate, and honor the amazing people who are changing our city. 
   
   Another person, who had remained quieter and more reserved throughout the discussion, eventually spoke up toward the end of the workshop and offered an intriguing viewpoint that hadn't been discussed before. The person said that while they are aware of the work that needs to be done in the city for progress to continue, he questions the value of these kinds of discussions and asked, "What's the point and what difference will it make sitting around and talking about?" I was taken aback by this question because I felt like we had made a lot of headway in our discussion of why this dialogue is so important. The question also made clear a different narrative that I had not thought to be present, which implied that these conversations were exhausting and unnecessary. These kinds of attitudes are just another barrier to the city's development. While a single person may be aware of the opportunities being developed and fulfilled by themselves or a colleague, it would be extremely detrimental to the community for that person to bear witness to those accomplishments while remaining silent. These kinds of discourse spaces could never talk too much about an issue, resolved or unresolved, because each conversation can lead to greater possibilities and any accomplishment achieved without reflection and amplification is negligent. 
   
   Joyner-Weems shared, “Once I got into the mindset that some people had to crawl before they walked and walk before they ran, I understand why everyone has a role and a position. If I believe in what I’m doing, and I believe that it’s something I’m supposed to do, then when I get tired, it is the reminder that I am doing this so someone else doesn’t have to be as tired as I am. This is a marathon and soon I will have to pass the baton.”
   
   Beyond its challenges, Baltimore is a center of ingenuity, resiliency, and unrealized potential. By highlighting inspiring stories, we choose to draw attention to the fortitude and tenacity that coexist with hardships rather than minimize them. By speaking the truth rather than slander, we enable both ourselves and others to see past prejudices and promote an optimistic outlook.

4. Pointing Fingers Instead of Raising Hands

   Falling victim to the blame game is something everyone has encountered, particularly when our community is experiencing difficulties. The truth is that rather than just assigning blame, change occurs when we decide as a group to contribute to the solution.
   
   Recognizing our community's power rather than waiting for a miracle solution could be the first step to changing our city's narrative. Let’s raise our hands and face problems together to transform. On #MyBmore workshop day, this energy filled the room. 
   
   While assigning blame may provide short-term relief, it rarely leads to lasting change. Using our skills, perspectives, and interests, we must actively contribute to the solution. Recognizing that we all shape our city's story is crucial. By raising our hands, we build bridges rather than blame others for our problems. It's about teaching our community duty and that everyone cares about its success. Helping each other, sharing ideas, and solving problems makes positive change easier. Joyner-Weems says, “If we all lean in uncomfortably hard, in the way of our gifts, collectively we will see a big shift.”
   
   So let's stop blaming and embrace group action. Every act of kindness, whether hosting conferences or workshops, sharing donation campaign information, or just mentioning organizations that should be in the room, contributes to change. With hands up and hearts open, we can create a Baltimore that honors its amazing citizens' fortitude, cohesion, and tenacity.

Let's set a goal for ourselves to be uplifting, inspiring, and encouraging storytellers. By working together, we can influence a mentality change that will rewrite the history of our community and highlight its prospects for development, cooperation, and—above all—positive change. 

With love and community spirit, we could spark the narrative change we want to see and direct the telling of our stories as they should be. Come along with me as we decide to speak the truth, embrace optimism, and seize the chance to positively impact Baltimore's history. Stay tuned for more inspiration throughout this series, and let's continue this empowering journey together!

MEET THE AUTHOR

Lacee earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Baltimore in 2023. Lacee began as an intern with Wide Angle through Urban Alliance. She found great interest in media-making after working on various projects from design to photography to video. She has developed life plans, workforce readiness skills, and design projects for clients such as Baltimore Mediation Center and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her content writing and creation skills have developed tremendously. She’s developed multiple informative posts for Wide Angle’s social media platforms, highlighting Black August, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, National Coming Out Day, and more.