Baltimore City Going Through Changes: End Of The 60's

After the death Martin Luther King, Baltimore City broke out into a rage of unnecessary looting and fire bombing. Black People (mainly the youth) began destroying the neighborhood and stores that they patronized days before.  In our area down in Flag House Projects the tenants did not start disobeying the curfew until Monday April 8, 1968. Their target was the 1000 of Lombard Street (Jew Town). They looted Smelkinson's Dairy, Jakes, Jacks Attman's Deli, The Neighborhood Drug Store & The Record Shop.  I remember my siblings and I looking around at the damages that were done and I will admit that I grabbed hold of a few albums and watches that were tossed on the side walks and all over Lombard Street. Merchandise was thrown everywhere and chickens were running a mock all over the street it was pure mayhem.  Later on that evening they set Smelkinson's on fire, Jakes & Jacks Deli went up in flames as well, the fireman tried to put the fire out, but there was a sniper coming from one of the highrise buildings shooting at the fireman. I remember the State Troopers going door to door looking for the snipers. It was a crazy era for Baltimore City.

                             Courtesy Of Baltimore City Police Department (1000 block of  Lombard Street)

                               Courtesy of the News American Newspaper

                             Courtesy of the News American Newspaper (Whitelock Street)

After all of that mess was cleared I notice the changes in the city. In my area after the smoke was cleared Jacks Deli, Jakes Cornbeef, Gottliebs and Smelkinson's Dairy were burned to the ground. Leaving a large empty lot that is now being used as a parking lot. Attman's Deli remodeled and so did Weiss Deli (my favorite).  It was always strange to me but Pastore's  & Tony's (Italian merchants) were not disturbed doing the two nights of looting. Most of the damage took place in other areas of the city.  Most of the jewish people residing around Mondawmin Mall migrated farther north up the Reistertown/Park Heights corridor of the city.  Leaving ample opportunities for middle class blacks to move into the community.  The stores on Whitelock never returned, until recently they did not see any revitalization projects.

It was good to welcome in the 1970's, my oldest sister gave birth to a boy, James J. I was an aunt now and our family was looking a little different now.                                       

 The story continues.........

Location...Location...Location

Growing up in Flag House Projects was not as bad as it seems, especially back in the 60's. We were in the perfect area. Right in the heart of Jew Town (Corn beef Row). One block away from Little Italy and minutes from Fells Point and downtown. We could walk to the fish market while other would travel from all over the city. 

It never occurred to me that we (the residents) were considered as poor until the early 70's. We lived in subsidized housing and we were not poor at all. My father had a good job working as an editorial artist for the Afro Newspaper Company. Plus he was a painter and made good money as an artist so he made out pretty good.  I can't say that we had it like that because we did not but we paid rent on time and food was always on the table.

I am sibling no.4 out of 7 and all of us attended David E. Weglein School #2. The school currently host a Culinary Arts Program. I remember my oldest sister walking me to school and making sure that I get home safely everyday. Before we headed home we use to stop in the candy store on Stiles Street in Little Italy. They carried the best selection of cookies and candy and I would save my nickles and pennies just to get some penny candy to eat on our way home from school.  I could remember almost all of my school teacher from school no.2. 

Kindergarten - Miss Apple 
1st Grade - Miss Bluebacker (I gave her hell)
2nd Grade - Miss Goldfen (First lesbian teacher)
3rd Grade - Mrs Hill (First black teacher)
4th Grade - Mrs Hill
5th Grade - Mr Henderson (Very creative instructor)
6th Grade - Mr Cohen (Nervous, bad dandruff problem) 

I was so happy to leave elementary school, the fights and the crazy teachers. Times were changing and the 70's were on their way. To be continues.......

GET YOUR HAID DID!

From the neighborhood salon,
To your moms front lawn
From cornrolls,
To African braids
From your worst perms,
To a bad hair day
Tracks to bees wax,
Extensions to new dimensions
From Happily Nappy,
To Short & Sassy
From hiding it under a cap,
To busting those naps
From Twisty’s to Dreads,
Bronze to Shocking Red
Go ahead Sistah, get your hair did.
© Roslyn Stockett

YOUNG SISTER GONE ASTRAY

Even though she was barely seventeen
Most people in the hood know her as a whore;
Over the past years her urine aint been clean;
So we all know what she's tricking for.

She walks for miles down highways
up and down dark streets;
Moving in and out of unknown
cars trying to remaine discreet.

She had her baby boy at age 14,
but he's no longer in her custody;
Kicked out on the street at age 15,
since she and her parents always disagree.

She would cry night after night yet
know one would wipe her tears;
She got lost in society living
her life on the streets in fear.

She don't even care if she gets the infected
what the hell is she living for;
With every man she puts her health at risk
Sometimes many would leave her sore.

Some men would become violent leaving
her with physical scars;
They bruise & abuse her since she belong
to the streets in and out of unknown cars.

So many young sisters had gone astray, after
thing went wrong or they lost their way.
Facial expressions scream for help, you can see it in their eyes
If you ever care to get closer you can might even hear their cries

Our young Sisters need your help to get back on track .
We have to mentor & support them, we can no longer turn on backs.

Roslyn Stockett

September 26, 2005

The Baltimore Blues
Today I searched every street in this city,
When I heard your voice mail saying that you were leaving me;
Went on the avenue to talk to Lil’ Will & Skeet;
They said they saw you and your new girl
downtown on Howard Street.
Searched in the village up until Hillen Road;
But Janice said you were hanging with Cooper, well that’s what I was told.
Went over to the eastside to check out Preston & Milton.
So I was told you were with Eric G, riding in a 
car showing off your new girlfriend.
Drove down to Monument Street to check inside the barbershop;
Kevin said she stopped by earlier today for a fade and a little of the top.
Went out to Park Heights ran into Piggy and she said you aint their;
Said you came into a large sum of money and ran off so you wouldn’t have to share.Took Coldspring over to Northwood when I thought I spotted you at the 7-11 on Marble Hall. But it was a young thug on 
the pay phone leaning against the wall.
Honey I don’t know why you decided to drop your bad news; 
but I’m tire of running after you baby you’re giving me the Baltimore Blues.

There's something beautiful about
the way Jazz flow
The way it keeps me motivated
as I go
I , myself love listening to Jazz
every Sunday's afternoon;
I would load my cd player of my
favorite tunes.
Jazz has a way of clearing your
mind or establishing a though
that you've pondered at one time.
I write a lot of poetry listening
to Jazz music, It's cool, it's soothing
and the flow guides me thru it.
Boney James, Coltrane, Miles,
Ramsey Lewis, even a lil' Kenny G
can help me enjoy it.
It's all about Jazz.

RAS

Every morning
I sit and wait
I should be job hunting
but I hestitate
it's hard to find a job
after being locked up
and I can't stand on a corner
with a sign and a cup.
So I sit, I wait, I drink, I sleep
while opportunity passes me by
I'm not saying that I don't try
But shit gets hard and my girl cries
Because she's on my back and ready to say bye.
So everyday I sit and wait
while my love for the working world turns to hate
But like I said there aint to many jobs a man can take
After spending years behind bars.