The Rise of Charm City is an audio documentary series about the history of Baltimore’s businesses, landmarks, and communities, as told by the city’s residents. These ‘audio love letters’ to the city of Baltimore aired on WEAA from 2016-2018, and were also released as a podcast. The series sought to affirm the voices of local residents and challenge misconceptions of the city that are often reported in national media.
Episode Excerpts
Rev. Dr. Debyii Sababu-Thomas recounts the founding of Morgan State University’s radio station – and how a college crush changed her life. From A Modern Study of Morganic Chemistry.
Jeanne Hitchcock describes Mount Auburn, the oldest Black cemetery in Baltimore City, while walking there. From A Series of Burial Plot Twists.
Marc Steiner and Jodi Kelber-Kaye on 60s and 70s activism in Baltimore’s Waverly Neighborhood, and the founding of the People’s Free Medical Clinic. From Rise + Shine Waverly.
Regulars at Shake and Bake Family Fun Center talk about what it is like to skate there. From Keep Shaking and Baking.
In the 1940s and 1950s, tennis players took action to desegregate Druid Hill Park’s tennis courts. Two participants recall how the events played out. From Glow in the Park.
Stacia Brown was the host and creator of The Rise of Charm City. I was the field producer of season one, and co-producer of season two. Mawish Raza was the audio editor and photographer of season one. Marsha Jews was the senior advisor.
