By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
United Way of Central Maryland is celebrating 100 years of strengthening lives and neighborhoods across Greater Baltimore with a benefit concert on Oct. 11. The show, which will take place at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, will be headlined by Grammy-award winning artist Common with more performances from Billboard-music award-winner CeCe Peniston and Baltimore-based singer-songwriter Elyscia Jefferson.
For decades, United Way of Central Maryland has worked to build healthy, resilient communities, create opportunities for youth and boost economic security for families. The benefit night will be a chance to celebrate the power and promise of the Greater Baltimore region, while mobilizing community members to further support the work of the organization.
“United Way has accomplished amazing things over the past century,” said Franklyn Baker, CEO and president of United Way of Central Maryland. “We’ve helped our community through wars, depression, financial crises, major health challenges— including a global pandemic— and more, and we’ve always evolved to meet new needs in our region.”
Established in 1925, United Way of Central Maryland is one of more than 1,000 local chapters of the larger United Way global network that foster community-based solutions to local challenges.
Baker said some of United Way of Central Maryland’s top accomplishments in its history have been launching its workplace giving model; expanding into direct services in housing, health, education and economic advancement; and being recognized as a flagship, go-to partner within the global and national United Way networks.
For him, the organization’s legacy is demonstrated in the stories of people and neighborhoods who have been impacted by its work.
“There are stories like struggling high school students who have graduated and gone on to college or trade school, veterans who committed a minor legal offense who are now leading stronger, more purposeful lives and families in financial crises and on the verge of losing their homes who are now in safe, stable housing— and so many more,” said Baker. “The people we serve have such strength and tenacity, and we leverage that to help them succeed.”
The upcoming benefit concert will reaffirm United Way of Central Maryland’s pledge to promote equity and increase access to basic needs in Greater Baltimore.
Peniston, who is an ambassador for United Way Worldwide, will perform a song written about the work of the organization called, “United is the Way,” with accompaniment from the Baltimore City College Choir. She said being a part of the concert feels like a blessing.
“The beautiful thing is it’s not just a concert— it’s a movement. It’s to continue to help the community to grow through opportunity,” said Peniston. “Giving back to the community is something that I completely love to do. I feel like God gives me so much and being able to give back to the community is a mission for me.”
Jefferson, a native of Baltimore County, also echoed Peniston’s sentiments, noting that she admires the mission of the organization.
“I love how dedicated they are to the future and their love for helping people,” said Jefferson. “I think that’s really important in this day and time and for this community. I know a lot of times we don’t see a lot of that— community, love and helping each other— but it aligns with what I stand for. I have such a love for people and for moving our future in a better direction.”
For United Way of Central Maryland, success looks like communities where everyone thrives. Baker said this means the organization must achieve excellence in every area of its work while doubling down on innovation, research and support for best practices.
He encouraged people to snag their benefit concert tickets to celebrate the history and future of the organization.
“This is a once-in-a-century celebration—bringing artists, community leaders, and neighbors together to shine a spotlight on hope, resilience, and the power of community,” said Baker. “The concert is about awareness to fuel our mission for the future—so that every family and neighborhood in Central Maryland has the opportunity to thrive.”
Tickets for United Way of Central Maryland Centennial Benefit Concert can be found at uwcm.org/concert.
