GBCA’s Administrative Intern will play an important role in GBCA’s membership cultivation and growth. He or she will work closely with the Membership and Development Manager on facilitating timely membership renewal campaigns, maintaining accurate records, addressing member inquiries, and assisting with programs and cultivation events.

photo from The Guardian

This past week, two events separated by thousands of miles reminded us all of how astonishing–and terrifying–Mother Nature’s power can be.

In Chile, a volcanic mountain named Calbuco erupted twice after 42 years of dormancy. Although no one was injured, nearly 4000 people were evacuated from surrounding towns. Pictures and videos like this one have captured the outburst in all its glory.

Yet Earth’s destructive capacity doesn’t always entail beauty. Sometimes, it can produce profound human tragedy.

In Nepal, a massive earthquake that struck near the capital of Kathmandu on Saturday has killed at least 3,200 people, with about 6,500 others injured. The destruction has compounded the human loss: several UNESCO sites were destroyed, and a resulting avalanche overwhelmed a base camp at Mount Everest.

All too often, we forget how incredible Earth’s natural forces can be–and how vulnerable we are to them. Within the span of a few days, the world learned these lessons once again.

What every Marylander, American, and human should know.

Who is Freddie Gray?

Freddy Gray is a twenty five year old Black man who died in police custody.

A lifelong Baltimorean, he leaves behind two sisters, one of them his twin. 

Little is known about the specifics of his death. He was talking  when he entered the police car after being handcuffed, and was in

“serious medical distress“

when the car arrived at a police station approximately 30 minutes later. Gray fell into a coma and died  in one week.

Where and when did this all take place?

Police arrested Mr. Gray on North Mount Street in Baltimore, MD at 8:42 AM on Sunday, April 12.  He died while hospitalized at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center on April 19. 

What caused Gray’s death?

Freddie Gray died of a

“significant spinal injury.”

The cause of this injury is still unclear. 

Video shot by a bystander shows officers dragging a partially limp Gray into the police van, but does not show an altercation.

Witness Kevin Moore describes the arresting officers as “fold[ing]” Gray up “like he was a crab” with his legs bent backwards.  

According to Baltimore’s Deputy Police Commissioner,

“None of the officers describe any use of force.”

Why was he arrested in the first place?

Like so much of this tragic case, the answer to this question is disturbingly vague. 

Official documents say that Gray was was carrying an illegal switchblade.

What has happened since?

The six officers involved in Gray’s arrest have been suspended with pay.

Thousands of protesters have marched in Baltimore, including at least two thousand on Saturday, April 25. A small minority of these have turned violent, smashing windows on cars and businesses.

 It appears that police also contributed to the violence, beating a photographer from the Baltimore City Paper. 

How can future deaths be prevented?

Sadly, Gray’s death is not an isolated incident. 

In recent years, Baltimore city police have broken an 87-year old grandmother’s shoulder, assaulted a fourteen year old, and

“battered dozens of residents.“

In light of Freddie Gray’s death, Governor Larry Hogan has called for police body cameras to record disputed incidents and hopefully deter violence. 

However, the ultimate goal is subtler. Reverend Uriel Castrillon of west Baltimore asks:

“How are [the police] going to view the people with empathy?”

For a city in pain, not an easy lesson to teach. 

Don't forget to come to our Pre-Aging Panel this Monday, 12-2 in Engineering Atrium. 

#RespectTheAge

Photos taken Saturday, April 4th, 2015

Photo Credit: Zachary Garmoe

Read more stories from: The Retriever Weekly

Due to planned protest and police activity Downtown Baltimore; the Downtown B route has been suspended for the remainder of the evening.  Please check here for further updates!