Wednesday, December 18
West Wednesdays: Hear about the ongoing fight for police accountability in the Tyrone West case and for all victims of police misconduct. This event happens every Wednesday. For more information, go to westcoalition.com, or follow West Wednesday on Instagram and Justice for Tyrone West on Facebook.
Pratt Free Market: The Pratt Free Market is a judgment-free, accessible, and modern FREE grocery store. Customers can fill one library supply bag with groceries every Wednesday and Friday. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue. For more information, go to prattlibrary.org/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/dei-projects/pratt-free-market.
Baltimore City Commission on Sustainability Monthly Meeting: Join the Commission on Sustainability to learn about projects and programs intended to make the city more environmentally sustainable and equitable. This meeting will discuss climate efforts being made at large public venues. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sharp Street Lobby of the Baltimore Convention Center, 300 South Sharp Street. For more information, go to baltimoresustainability.org.
Thursday, December 19
BABJ’s Holiday Gathering: Celebrate the holidays with BABJ and enjoy that winter wonderland with Baltimore’s finest Black journalists. No RSVP needed. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Judy’s Island Grill: Canton, 2300 Boston Street. For more information, follow @babj_md on Instagram.
Motown Karaoke Night: Join the merchants of Hollins Market for a karaoke night that’s free and open to the community. A cash bar will be provided by Stem & Vine, and DJ Clutch will bring on the jams. 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hollins Market, 26 S. Arlington Avenue. For more information, follow @hollinsmarket_baltimore on Instagram.
“Hope and Struggle in the Policed City” Book Talk: Author Menika B. Dirkson presents her book on Black criminalization and resistance in Philadelphia. Using newspapers, oral histories, police reports and more, Dirkson shows the many ways media, police and city officials created and promoted the need for “tough on crime” initiatives that criminalized the Black community. 7 p.m. at Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to https://redemmas.org/events, call 410-601-3072, or email info@redemmas.org.
Friday, December 20
Jobtown Ballroom Coworking Club: Every Friday the Mobtown Ballroom and Coffee transforms into a place where people can both remote work and mingle together. A lunch hour activity is provided by the Jobtown Ballroom Cronies. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mobtown Ballroom, 30 W. North Avenue. For more information, go to mobtownballroom.com or call 443-699-3040.
Ravens vs. Steelers at Lexington Market Pep Rally: Show your support for the Ravens before they battle the Steelers on the 21st. Poe and the Ravens cheerleaders will make an appearance. Games and prizes will also be present. 11 a.m. at Lexington Market, 112 N. Eutaw Street. For more information, go to lexingtonmarket.com/events#public-events, or follow @lexington_market on Instagram.
Maryland Safe Haven Winter Coat Giveaway: Looking for a winter coat to brave the cold weather and snow? Maryland Safe Haven and Safe P.R.P. are hosting their annual winter coat giveaway. Coats, hats, scarves, boots, gloves, and socks can be picked up for free. 1 p.m. until all items are gone at Maryland Safe Haven, 2117 N. Charles Street. For more information, follow @mdsafehaven on Instagram.
Walk Night-National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day: On this special day of Charm City Lights, a holiday night light festivities, walk the night during National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Enjoy food trucks, adult beverages, and a holiday dance party. There will be a contest and prizes for the best ugly sweater. This is a walk night only, so no cars are allowed. 21+ ($28.52) 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Drive. For more information, go to baltimorecity.gov/charmcitylights.
Saturday, December 21
Isibeleko: Weaving Traditional Midwifery, Storytelling, and Elemental Wisdom: Join Writer in the Tub Joyell for a workshop on traditional midwifery. Learn your path in birth work, understand traditional herbs and plants for midwifery, the history of cooperative living, and decolonize birth practice. Registration is required. ($15 – $50) Noon to 2 p.m. at Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to https://writerinthetub.com/isibeleko-series.
Hampden Holiday Market, Winter Solstice Edition: Join The Little Market for a special edition of the Hampden Holiday Market. Get your last-minute holiday shopping done with over 40 artists, artisans and makers across two floors and three rooms. Enjoy live music, poetry, hot soup and drinks. A raffle will also happen. Noon to 5 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church, 800 W. 36th Street. For more information, follow The Little Market on Facebook and @thelittlemarket.2023 on Instagram
BAP-Baltimore Town Hall: The Baltimore Black Alliance for Peace Baltimore City-Wide Alliance is hosting their final town hall meeting of 2024. This town hall will feature panelists and discussion on the ways capitalism jeopardizes the quality of life for Black people in America. Masks are required and provided. Childcare, food, and refreshments are also provided. 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Payne Memorial A.M.E Church, 1714 Madison Avenue. For more information, follow @bap_baltimore on Instagram.
Ascend through Music Program Open Mic and Market: In this special community event, the Ascend through Music Program will showcase the talents and businesses of young creatives and entrepreneurs in the city. Open mic will have a special “uncensored” segment for poets and performers ages 15 and older. Enjoy singing, poetry, videography and more from Baltimore City’s youth. 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at UA House, 1100 E. Fayette Street. For more information, follow @ascend.mp on Instagram, or email ccampbell@livingclassrooms.org for further inquiry.
Winter Journaling Workshop & Marketplace: If you like journaling and need to do last-minute holiday shopping, Red Emma’s has you covered with this event. In this free entry workshop and marketplace, Fret Free Productions will have local vendors, an open mic, make your own hot cocoa station, journal making workshop and more. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to https://redemmas.org/events, call 410-601-3072, or email info@redemmas.org.
Sunday, December 22
Run/Walk for Palestine: Join Runners4Justice on Sundays to run/walk for Palestine. All paces are welcome. Routes will be provided with options for two, three, or four miles. Meetup locations and times vary. For more information, follow Runners4Justice on Facebook and Instagram or email runners4justicebalt@gmail.com.
Checkmate & Chill: 21+ 420-Friendly Chess Night at Dos Migos: Take the edge off community chess night with Dos Migos’s 420-friendly themed chess event. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a “rook”ie looking to learn, everyone (of age) is welcome to unwind and engage in chess! 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Dos Migos Seafood, 3437 Harwell Avenue. For more information and where to reserve your spot, go to dmpressure.com.
Monday, December 23
Charm City Lights – Sensory-Friendly Drive-Thru Night: On this night of Charm City Lights, this experience is tailored for those with sensory sensitivities. Enjoy the holiday lights without flashing lights and loud music. ($12.51) 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Drive. For more information, go to baltimorecity.gov/charmcitylights.
Thursday, December 26
Tendea Family’s 4th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: On the first day of Kwanzaa, join the Tendea Family for their fourth annual celebration of the African American holiday. Light the kinara, listen to speakers and music, and participate in games and more in this free event. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard Street. For more information, go to tendeafamily.org.
Friday, December 27
When the Griots Gather: A Kwanzaa celebration around the principle of Kujichagulia, also known as self-determination. This is a family night of storytelling, where everyone is welcome to share inspiring, hilarious, and powerful stories under five minutes. Other festivities include candle lighting, games, and giveaways. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the TNAT Holistic Wellness Center, 5525 Harford Road. For more information, follow TNAT Holistic Wellness Center on Instagram and Facebook.
Monday, December 30
Clay Pots, A Place to Grow Kwanzaa Celebration: Community center Clay Pots will host a Kwanzaa Celebration edition of Sister Circle. Looking to connect with women in a supportive environment? Get to practice self-care and personal growth on the day of purpose for Kwanzaa celebration. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Clay Pots, 1635 W. Pratt Street. For more information, go to claypotsbaltimore.org/events.
The post Baltimore Government and Community Events 12/18/24 – 01/01/25 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.