Back to School Block Party, East Baltimore

The AFT-Maryland teamed up with the Baltimore Teachers Union, DTLR, and a number of other community groups to send children back to school the right way. The state federation spent Saturday afternoon in East Baltimore grilling hot dogs, shooting hoops, painting faces, passing out book bags and a doing a number of other exciting activities.

Partners from First Book passed out books to both children and parents to encourage literacy among all citizens. Employees from MTA were on hand to explain the new BaltimoreLink systems to children and parents who may be relying on it for transportation this school year. The Oriole Bird and “Poe” the Raven mascot were both at the event, playing with the kids and dancing with the adults. AFT-Maryland staff and members manned a voter registration table.

Baltimore States’ Attorney Marilyn Mosby came out and gave inspirational words to the students and their families as they received their book bags. AFT Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Lorretta Johnson was there as well as AFT-Maryland President Marietta English and Secretary-Treasurer Kenya Campbell. The emcee for the day was AFT National’s Leonard Edmonds, who kept attendees engaged and excited throughout the afternoon with his animated delivery.

For more photos from the event, visit our Facebook page!