16.08.2010
Woke up at 4am tired, nervous, combined with a strong sense of anticipation. It was when the taxi arrived at 5am I then realised there was no turning back. My Fellowship had well and truly begun. The journey from checking in, security check, and taking off was smooth and without a hitch. The months leading up to this moment have been fiilled with doubts, trepidation and questioning. Sitting on the plan I am feeling completely different. There is a strong sense that I'm going towards something and not moving away from something. Invariably this adventure will be a mixture of personal and professional and personal experiences that will fulfil a range of other vested interests. As I sit here writing I'm glad that I don't have my Black Berry and other distractons.I so much want to find me time that will provide me with much needed moments of calm and relaxation. This time last year I was quite ill and in need a change of pace and direction. The need to be reflective, creative and spiritual is ever present and will form the backdrop of how I must approach this trip. I would like to express a personal thanx to all of those people who have supported me in making this trip possible. Was relieved to be met by the Urban Leadership's director David Miller. A great guy, who was most welcoming. Accomodation is first class, an apartment in a listed building once occupied by Woodrow Wilson. Another plus.
First introduction to East and West Baltimore where most of the 'Wire' was filmed. At first I was excited as I remembered locations from the show. However, the sight of concrete, boarded up houses on mass, people standing around, juggling street runnings, brought back and unhappy reality check. Inner city deprivation at it's worse, going unseen by the vast majority of Baltimore's more affluent citizens. David took time to point out that there were a massive range of activities that are positive and productive coming out the city. What he wanted me to experience was the darker side of the city's landscape to get a sense of how his work is situated. I can see the parrallels with life in the UK. A powerful start.
17.08.2010
A very powerful day. First off we attended a meeting with David Miller and a Baltimore city council representative, Kevin Slayton. The discussion centred on a faith based response to engaging the community's fathers. The objective was to get to get the community actively engaged in looking at how the faith communities could be more active in enabling disconnected fathers to become more connected with their children. After that meeting had concluded, an ad-hoc conversation with a Baltimore police officer took place. We talked about many issues and compared the way police operate here and in the UK. An illuminating conversation. However, guns and their use dominated the conversation. A stark reminder of the difference in policing. They have guns, UK police don't. On the way to our next meeting David drove us across the city where the all too familar site of derelict houses, boarded up houses, and a deserted feel to streets was quite eerie. David reminded me that people lived in those spaces. I observed a community memorial where a young person had been shot. A draped sheet with signatures, combined with brandy bottles, accompanied with flowers, highlighted how the community responds to the violence on Baltimore's streets. Finnally, we ended up at an Obama funded fatherhood event in Washington DC. Sat in a couple of sessions, did some networking, before leaving to conclude the day at a nice Nigerian restaurant. A powerful day laced with some powerful insights and lessons.
19.08.10
Today was spent in David's company at the Urban Leadership Institute. He gave me some vlauable insights into how to turn community based ideas into business opportunities. Essentially this was a masterclass in social marketing, product development, fund raising, and occupying the market place. I attended a meeting with his publicist and observed how he manages his media work. Once again using other professionals to market him and his work reminded me of what should happen in the UK. This was followed by a visit to a black owned bank. Having a strong sense of public service combined with a signficiant business mindset underpinned David's success. It is also important to point out that David is a powerful public speaker, a well connected community person, and passionate about his work. Reflecting on the days events I was reminded how few resources there were for fathers in terms of things designed to improve the relationships with their children. Clarity emerges, as the trip begins to take form.
20.08.10
Today we went to visit black owned businesses; a soul food restaurant and a bookstore. Each one connected to the community, with a large constituency. What was very powerful in both cases was the sense of committment and service to the communities in which they served. Considering there were no grants avalable for running these type of business, you could see how running a social business can be both profitable and productive. Overall, another food for thought filled day. It was also the end of my first week. Time for a rest.
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