Founded in the 1700ʼs by free African Americans, Historic Sharp Leadenhall is Baltimoreʼs oldest continuous Afro-American Community.
A NEIGHBORHOOD OF FIRSTS
Sharp Leadenhall founded the first Abolition Society in the south and the first purpose-built school for African Americans.
This area was known for thriving black-owned businesses, stunning architecture, and strong community, which often congregated at Ebenezer AME, the third oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the nation.
HOME TO COUNTLESS LUMINARIES
Sharp Leadenhall has welcomed many of Americaʼs most important Black intellectuals, including:
UP AGAINST NEW CHALLENGES
In the 1960s, Baltimore City decided to bulldoze the neighborhood to construct Interstate 95.
Racist planning policies evicted hundreds of families; a swath 2 blocks wide and 14 blocks long displaced 3,000 residents.
The whole neighborhood would have been destroyed if not for activists who got the highway moved. But the damage had been done. The City then restored the north half (what is now Otterbein, upper-class and 75% white), but left their promises to restore Historic Sharp Leadenhall unfulfilled.
A LEGACY OF ACTIVISM
Since then, community pressure has secured public housing in Historic Sharp Leadenhall.
Residents continue to organize against gentrification and for the resources they are due.
Neighbors continue to cherish and advocate for Sharp Leadenhall.
A BEACON OF BRIGHTNESS
We hope you agree, Historic Sharp Leadenhall is a truly special place. Help us preserve this vibrant neighborhood.
Join one of our walking tours.
CONTACT COMMUNITY PRESIDENT
MS. BETTY BLAND THOMAS AT: BETTYBLANDTHOMAS@COMCAST.NET
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