The community came together to mark the tenth anniversary of Freddie Gray’s death, a significant event that ignited widespread protests in Baltimore over systemic inequities. This commemoration took place near the location of his arrest in 2015. Later in the day, activists held a rally for social justice as they marched from Penn-North Metro to Mondawmin Metro, underscoring ongoing calls for change.
A decade ago, Freddie Gray succumbed to a spinal injury at Maryland Shock Trauma, a week after sustaining injuries while in a police van. His death, at age 25, catalyzed protests highlighting inequality and injustice. Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon M. Scott honored Gray by placing a wreath at a mural near the site of his arrest, accompanied by attorney William H. Murphy, Jr., and Gray’s twin sister, Fredricka Gray, to pay tribute to his memory.
The community continues to seek justice for Gray, emphasizing the need for ongoing social equity efforts. Murphy, who represented Gray’s family in a lawsuit resulting in a $6.4 million settlement with the city, expressed optimism about the current leadership’s commitment to progress. As a mural depicting Gray inspires reflection and action, city leaders acknowledge the complex legacy of his death and the need for continuous improvement in housing, healthcare, and police-community relations.
Mayor Scott reaffirmed Baltimore’s dedication to reducing crime and strengthening trust between police and residents, acknowledging that while progress has been made since 2015, there is more work to do across the city.
Local resident Jaselle Coates, whose home features a mural including Gray, noted ongoing challenges in the neighborhood, despite some indicators of improvement, such as a reportedly lower murder rate.
Later, the Peoples Power Assembly organized a rally titled “Honor Freddie Gray & The Struggle Against Police Terror,” bringing activists together to advocate for change in policing and public safety. Attendees voiced concerns about the lack of progress in addressing core issues like public mistrust and the impact of drug addiction in local communities.
Participants like Apryle Bennett and Dejan Ernestel highlighted the perceived increase in police presence near educational institutions and the need to redirect public funds to foster community engagement. They called for investment in social services instead of policing to empower local residents.
Following Gray’s death, a U.S. Department of Justice investigation revealed systemic deficiencies within the Baltimore Police Department, prompting a consent decree mandating reforms. Recent developments include a federal judge terminating parts of the consent decree, acknowledging achieved progress in police transportation policies and officer support systems.
Mayor Scott expressed confidence in the police department’s improvements and the city’s ongoing efforts to create a more equitable environment.
