By Kendra Bryant
AFRO Intern
Baltimore City leaders hosted a resource fair to aid the community in the Upton area on June 24. The event was aimed at helping residents as the city mourns the tragic death of Bilal “BJ” Abdullah Jr, a well-known arabber.
Abdullah was shot and killed by members of the Baltimore Police Department just outside of the Avenue Market on Pennsylvania Avenue on June 17. One officer is now recovering from surgery after being shot in the foot during the altercation.
“I knew him for about eight years,” said Brooklyn Safe Streets Site Director Sean Wees. “He was a good dude, so we gotta give back on his behalf and spread the message.”
The fair took place on the same day that Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard J. Worley Jr. released body camera footage of Abdullah’s fatal shooting. Now, Maryland’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) is working to implement its Coordinated Neighborhood Stabilization Response.
“Whenever there is a homicide or even a non-fatal shooting, we assess the community to figure out what necessities they need,” said MONSE Chief of Staff, Chanel White.
White said the goal was to hit the street and begin talking to the community members to see what resources they could provide.
The fair was hosted by Safe Streets, No Boundaries Coalition, New Life Recovery Center and more. Vendors provided testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), resources for housing placement, drug rehabilitation programs, food, books and school supplies for locals.
“There is something for everyone here,” said White. “We want people to know that they do not have to travel far from their neighborhoods for help, it’s here.”
With the recent death, questions on why crime continues to occur in the city have been raised.
“I think that the number one reason we have a lot of crime is because of poverty,” said Belvedere Safe Streets Site Supervisor, Albert Brown. “Poverty brings violence.”
Many Black people who call West Baltimore home live in areas suffering from a lack of fresh produce and healthy food options, otherwise known as a “food desert.”
Abdullah was known in the community for increasing opportunities to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. In his line of work, he crossed paths with No Boundaries Coalition Director of Health and Food Justice, Bolon Zahir Xi-Amaru, who was shocked to learn of his death.
“Everyone was just trying to figure out what happened since there are only three of us around here who sell fruit that way,” said Xi-Amaru. “He was a fruit man…we’re fruit people”
“It’s an everyday struggle living in a food desert and dealing with the anxiety that comes with it,” said Xi-Amaru.
Abdullah’s death sparked protests on June 20, with many visibly upset by the shooting death. As emotions have been running high in the neighborhood, mental health and addiction were also addressed at the event.
“There are a host of people who are still struggling with the death of Freddie Gray– they are traumatized,” said New Life Recovery Center Director and addiction survivor of 25 years, Vennieth McCormick. “Oftentimes, folks don’t realize that after all of this trauma, they are now dealing with a mental health illness.”
McCormick was pleased to see City agencies respond to the incident with resources for those who live in the area and were impacted by the shooting.
“It’s good to see the mayor is doing something for the community right away,” continued McCormick. “I’m just grateful that the city is listening.”
An investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office is underway.