The Voices of the Middle Branch interview series aims to celebrate the communities around the Middle Branch through visual storytelling.
JOHN, Executive Director of Advocacy and Policy for the National Federation of the Blind
“I’ve lived in Baltimore for 17 years and I work at the National Federation of the Blind. We’re on the West side of Riverside Park, so I walk to work, go through the park every day, and walk home at lunch. I do two round trips through the park every day, which I greatly enjoy.
One of the things I love about the row home community of Baltimore is the fact that there’s this interesting blend of urban and residential as I walk through the neighborhoods. I think that the parks help bring us together and will help increase this camaraderie and participation by the residents in all the activities that these parks have to offer.
The juxtaposition of the serenity of walking along the water of the Middle Branch connecting out to the Chesapeake Bay and being so close to downtown Baltimore [is] so fascinating and enjoyable. An example would be the Splash! event that was held last fall at Middle Branch Park. There were lots of different activities and there was an upbeat atmosphere. It’s this kind of space where we can all go to enjoy the beautiful waterfront that we have. A waterfront that brings people together and helps families and people from throughout the city enjoy getting together to know other people — that’s what I dream of.
One of the things that I like so much about working with the Middle Branch development group is the JEDI principles—that refers to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Since we are a disability group of blind people, we care a lot about the JEDI principles and the development group really embraces this idea. The Middle Branch should be available to everyone, including people with disabilities—including blind people. We’re going to be very proud about the diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice that the Middle Branch development is going to bring.”
“The Middle Branch should be available to everyone, including people with disabilities—including blind people. We’re going to be very proud about the diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice that the Middle Branch development is going to bring.”