Baltimore Activists Reflect on Freddie Gray Uprising's Legacy, Future Protests

Ten years after Freddie Gray's death in police custody and the resulting unrest in Baltimore, local activists and community members reflect on both progress and persistent challenges. While some improvements have been made in police handling of protests, concerns remain about the enforcement of the Department of Justice consent decree, particularly under shifting federal administrations. In Gray's neighborhood, Sandtown-Winchester, community leaders highlight ongoing issues such as closed recreation centers and a lack of meaningful change, despite the national attention the area received. Former gang members who, during the unrest, publicly called for unity and denied involvement in violence, now serve as mentors and business owners, emphasizing the risks they took to speak out and the need for continued community support. Visual documentation and media coverage from a decade ago still serve as reminders of the pivotal events and the enduring struggle for justice and opportunity in West Baltimore. Overall, both hope and frustration persist as Baltimore continues to grapple with the legacy of Freddie Gray's death.