Baltimore Struggling To Repair Now-Damaged Image
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Many in the community are doing their part to get the city back on its feet.
Christie Ileto has more on the push to salvage Baltimore's positive reputation.
Their rally cry is a gospel hymn.
"This protest is about prayer. And if you pray on your knees and ask God, he'll make a way out of no way," said Terrelle Scott.
Community clergy walk the streets of East Baltimore, stopping to pray in front of every business targeted by last week's looters.
"They suffer. We're already in the middle of a food desert," said Drew Ross.
Ileto: "Are you fearful these businesses won't come back?"
Ross: "That's what we've heard. And the pastors have gotten together, really to start a conversation with the community about how we can encourage the businesses to come back."
Dozens of local businesses across the city were looted or destroyed following days of unrest sparked by Freddie Gray's death.
"I am hurt because it's nowhere that people can go," said Rev. Keith Bailey, Fulton Heights Neighborhood Association. "People don't have any diapers, food. It's a 24-hour thing for us."
Local churches and nonprofits have quickly become primary resources for necessities.
While neighborhoods are working to rebuild and revive even, city leaders have an added challenge of re-branding Baltimore.
"We've got a lot of work to do," said Tom Noonan, Visit Baltimore.
Experts worry Baltimore's once rebounding image is suffering again, as last week's violence paralleled scenes from The Wire, perpetuating a negative portrayal.
Still... "I grew up here. I know that it's a vibrant community, and I know there are people who live here who want to see this community come back again," one woman said.
Residents bank on a higher power to repair the damage to a riot torn city.
Visit Baltimore says one of the best ways people in Baltimore can help the city is by supporting local restaurants, hotels and attractions this upcoming Mother's Day weekend.
