Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards
March 30-31, 2016
Welcome Address
March 30, 2016 at 8:45 a.m.
Dr. Tuajuanda Jordan, President
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
To quote Baltimore Mayor Robert McLane after the Great Baltimore fire of 1904, “To suppose that the spirit of our people [of Baltimore] will not rise to the occasion is to suppose that our people are not genuine Americans. We shall make the fire of 1904 a landmark not of decline, but of progress.” I summon this quote to remind us of the spirit and resilience of the people of Baltimore. Once devastated by a destructive fire, Baltimore rebuilt. Inequality is a fire spreading in Baltimore and other communities around the country. Together we will extinguish this fire, celebrate and collaborate with those who support the ideals of democracy and inclusiveness, neutralize those who fan the flames, and lift those who have not received the support and opportunity they deserve. I extend a tremendous thank you to everyone here today. Distinguished speakers, community leaders, ladies and gentlemen: I warmly welcome you to a two day forum, United Not Divided: Economic Inequality and the Opportunity Gap.
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