By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
On Nov. 1, the Rotunda of Baltimore City Hall was filled with pride, reflection and gratitude as four of the city’s former mayors– Sheila Dixon, Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Catherine Pugh and Bernard “Jack” Young– joined Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott for the unveiling of their official portraits. The event, hosted in the ornate marble rotunda, brought together family members, friends, elected officials and invited guests for an intimate celebration of Baltimore’s leadership and legacy.
Mayor Scott opened the evening by recognizing the moment’s historic significance. The last mayoral portrait to be unveiled was that of Mayor Martin O’Malley.
“Tonight, we’re adding to that lineage with portraits that reflect the true diversity, talent and leadership that define our city,” said Scott.
The portraits unveiled were part of Baltimore’s Faces of Leadership portrait competition, which drew more than 180 submissions from artists across the region. A panel of arts professionals narrowed the field to 17 finalists through a blind selection process, and each former mayor selected their own artist. Megan Lewis was chosen by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake; Andrew Pisacane, known professionally as Gaia, was selected by Mayor Sheila Dixon; Kennedy Ringgold was chosen by Mayor Catherine Pugh; and Karen Warshal was selected by Mayor Jack Young.
As the portraits were revealed, the audience responded with warm applause. The portraits captured the individuality of each mayor and the collective story of Baltimore’s evolution.
For former Mayor Sheila Dixon, the portraits backdrop of Druid Hill Park held special meaning.
“During my administration, I wanted Baltimore to be cleaner, greener, healthier and safer—it wasn’t just a slogan,” she said. “The background in my portrait is the real Baltimore, the earth of the city I love. Fifty or a hundred years from now, I want people to see that and know I was part of the fabric of this city.”
Mayor Rawlings-Blake reflected on her years in public service and the legacy she leaves behind.
“When I think about what I’m most proud of, it’s helping to deliver more than a billion dollars for Baltimore City schools,” she said. “The day that bill passed, I knew that even if I never accomplished another thing, I’d helped change the trajectory of our children’s education. That’s a legacy I’m proud to see live on inside City Hall.”
Rawlings-Blake’s portrait included pictures of her parents and her daughter Sophia.
For Mayor Catherine Pugh, the moment was one of gratitude and humility.
“I thank the citizens of Baltimore for allowing me to serve,” said Pugh. “It wasn’t always easy—it was the best of times and the worst of times—but it was always an honor to serve this city.”
Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young added humor and heart as he described his decision to have his portrait painted inside City Hall.
“I chose to do mine here because I’ve been in City Hall almost every day,” he said with a smile. “My family didn’t get to see me much when I was mayor. This place is part of who I am. I love City Hall, and I love the City of Baltimore.”
Though four portraits were unveiled, the evening also acknowledged artist Ernest Shaw, who has been selected to create the official portrait of Mayor Brandon M. Scott. Once completed, Shaw’s work will join the collection, adding to the visual lineage of Baltimore’s mayors.
The atmosphere in the rotunda was one of celebration and connection – former staffers embraced, families posed for photos and the mayors, once separated by eras, stood together united by service. The new portraits will hang permanently in City Hall, joining the long line of leaders whose faces tell Baltimore’s story – one of resilience, progress and enduring pride.