‘We’re from Baltimore, we’re legendary’: 3 key insights from the mayoral youth summit for girls

The message was clear at a recent celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society in Baltimore: “Success starts with a dream-her.”

That phrase was emblazoned on a banner hanging across the stage at Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s 2024 InfluenceHer Youth Summit, put on by the Mayor’s Office of Children & Family (MOCFS). The event leverages resources from Baltimore’s city government and nonprofit community to demonstrate ongoing support for children and families throughout the city’s diverse communities.

It’s meant to spread the word on the office’s mission to enhance the lives of young women in Baltimore, focusing on empowerment and opportunities for growth.

“This day is about you and knowing that you have a city that loves you,” MOCFS Director Debra Brooks to told the young women in attendance.

The summit was held March 15 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum downtown. The institution is currently hosting an exhibition called Black Woman Genius, which museum president Terri Freeman mentioned when she took the stage to follow up on the evening’s theme.

“I am a mother of three daughters. So I love women and girls,” Freeman said. “I have always told my daughters that it is important to know your value and worth. Know that. And know that your worth is not contingent on a “him” or a “her” but on YOU.”

The event featured a live DJ, vendors like YouthWorks, Black Girls Vote, Bmore Empowered, and the Baltimore City Health Department, and performances. Some of the girls in attendance who danced were rewarded for their moves with laptops.

Women with strong connections to Baltimore spoke on a panel, including City Solicitor Ebony Thompson, who was sworn in just a couple of months ago; Felicia Pearson, better known as “Snoop” from HBO’s “The Wire”; and Brittany Young, founder of B-360 and recipient of Technical.ly’s 2023 Tech Community Leader of the Year award.

Here are three key points from the summit.

The time is now

“The baton is ready to be passed,” said Mayor Brandon Scott, stressing that girls don’t have to wait for others to lead — they can initiate projects in their schools and neighborhoods right now. He encouraged young women to start engaging in community work immediately

Brown, who arrived with baby Charm, his 3-month-old son, in a car seat, faces a slate of challengers in the May 14 primary on the road to his potential second term.

Take pride in place

In answer to a question asking, “How important is where you are from?” Pearson, the actor, jokingly said, “What I take with me is my accent.” She then added that she takes “everything” from her upbringing in Baltimore.

She urged the audience to look beyond “The Wire,” stressing that there are countless invaluable aspects special to Baltimoreans, whom she likened to family. “We’re from Baltimore, we’re legendary,” said Pearson, sharing that everyone around her inspires her.

Make good trouble

As Young was sharing her journey from working five jobs to founding B-360, she learned a lesson about directed anger: “When I get mad, I figure out how to make things better,” she told the summit audience.

She emphasized the importance of providing space for women and girls in Baltimore to shine, even the ones who make “good trouble.”