Chrissy M. Thornton serves as president and CEO of Associated Black Charities, and this week she spotlights Carrollton Ridge, a historically Black neighborhood in Southwest Baltimore that is calling out for attention as it battles decades of systemic neglect, rising violence, crumbling housing and political disregard. A recent “Community Convos” session hosted by ABC highlighted both the community’s urgent needs and the resilience of its residents and grassroots organizations, while also exposing a glaring absence of politicians and of concrete city plans to restore the neighborhood rather than demolish it.
Tag: Chrissy M. Thornton
Posted inBlack History
2025 ABC Gala: Honoring the leading ladies of ABC and marking 40 years of triumph and truth
Associated Black Charities will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala on June 14 at The Hall at Live! Casino, honoring four women who have shaped the organization’s mission and legacy. Amid political attacks on equity efforts, ABC’s 2025 Gala affirms its steadfast commitment to racial justice, economic empowerment, and transformative Black leadership in Maryland.
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Why collaboration is key to advancing civil rights in all jurisdictions
Baltimore County’s Human Relations Commission continues its efforts as it leads with resolve amid structural changes and vacancies. Shown here, Cleveland Horton (left) the executive director Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and David Skinner the program manager of Human Relations Commission.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Is there room to lead in Black Baltimore? Absolutely.
Chrissy M. Thornton serves as president and CEO of Associated Black Charities. This week, she calls out the division and competition among individuals and organizations that advocate for Black Baltimore, saying such disunity undermines the mission.
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Affordable housing won’t save Baltimore—but economic justice might
Chrissy M. Thornton serves as president and CEO of Associated Black Charities. This week, she critiques the choice of former President Biden to not pardon Marilyn Mosby.
Posted inCOMMUNITY
Hope for America: Entering the New Year with purpose and resolve
Black Americans must channel their inner “2008 Obama” and focus on hope and action to navigate the challenges of systemic oppression, and prioritize community building, education, and mental health to ensure their survival and progress.
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Equity is not a dirty word
Baltimore’s commitment to equity is being challenged by some organizations, leaders and corporations, who are abandoning their commitments to this critical work, perpetuating the very injustices equity movements aim to dismantle.
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Post-election reflections and a call to action: What’s next for our community?
Associated Black Charities hosted a Community Convos to discuss the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, revealing the depth of the community’s divisions and the potential for collective action, with a focus on systemic issues such as education, healthcare, and over-incarceration.
Posted inBaltimore News
A night to remember: Associated Black Charities celebrates community and collaboration at 2024 gala
The 2024 Associated Black Charities Annual Gala celebrated organizations dedicated to serving the Black community, recognizing their vital role in advancing racial equity and fostering sustainable change.
Posted inBaltimore News
Associated Black Charities hosts Teen Financial Literacy Summit
Associated Black Charities hosted a Free Teen Financial Literacy Summit for all ages at the Doubletree by Hilton in Pikesville, Md. on April 13, offering all teens in attendance a new account with a free $25 deposit and breakout sessions focused on topics such as job search and interviewing skills, entrepreneurship and investing and breaking generational mindsets.
