East Baltimore Community Joins Church In March Against Drug Dealers BALTIMORE, MD (wypr) - {ambi singing} track 819, 00:18-29
Singing We Shall Overcome, and carrying posters and signs, dozens of students, local residents, clergy, city police and elected officials walked the streets of East Baltimore this afternoon, in a peace march, aimed at putting local drug dealers on notice.
The march was organized by St. Frances Academy a historic Catholic high school on Chase Street founded in 1828 by the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the nation's first order of African-American nuns.
City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, who marched alongside city officials, like State's Attorney Pat Jessamy and City Council President Stephanie Rawlings Blake, explained her reasons for participating.
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IC: There's just a feeling that we need to get out there, walk around a let people know, don't mess with the neighborhood. Don't mess with St. Frances. And by the way, we welcome you in to be part of our community.
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Because of its deep roots in the Johnston Square community, there was a buffer zone of sorts around St. Frances, and criminals basically stayed away. But in the last year or so, school officials say drug dealers have become more brazen: dealing openly outside the school, even hiding their stashes in a prayer grotto, next to a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Major David Cheuvront is police commander of the city's Eastern District. We inquired whether there had been any specific crimes committed against students or faculty.
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IC: No. This was organized by St. Frances because of some things they've seen going on in the community. 00:15 Reporter: Some things like? Mostly drug dealing.

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As the marchers beat drums and walked, they marked four street corners near St. Frances that they designated a peace zone, and established a one-block perimeter around the school and convent, where officials said drugs, violence and poverty will not be tolerated.

While the march was for St. Frances, some participants said all in Baltimore can relate. Monsignor Damien Nalepa is pastor of St. Gregory the Great church in West Baltimore.

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IC: We're so concerned about the problems that we face in the city. So although we may be on the West side, our needs and problems are the same. I'm here to stand in solidarity with this community. That together we may make a difference. Working together and making our voices heard so that we can really change this community int owhat it's supposed to be.

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A handful of residents looked out to see what was going on, but most declined to speak on record. However, some said the school and neighborhood is dealing with a new crop of dealers, who may be coming from other parts of the city.

Police won't confirm that, but the district commander has reportedly assigned a narcotics detective to work with St. Frances, and placed a patrol car outside around the time school lets out.

I'm Donna Marie Owens, reporting in East Baltimore, for 88.1, WYPR.

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