The Baltimore Algebra Project marches on the Maryland Department of Education

A crowd of between 50-75 people gathered outside of city hall in downtown Baltimore on Wednesday at noon for a rally organized by the Baltimore Algebra Project (BAP). The event was co-sponsored by a variety of groups such as: Baltimore City Council of PTA’s, Upton Planning Committee, Inc., Allendale Community Association, ACORN, Generations for Peace and Democracy and about ten other groups. The rally occurred on a day when the Baltimore City Public schools had an in-service day so that students and teachers could attend. The crowd was a diverse mix of middle and high school students, teachers, church leaders, activists, and community members.

According to their press release the BAP is a “student-run nonprofit organization” that “tutors middle school and high school students in the subject areas of math.” BAP has been around since 2002, however it was in 2003 that it became an advocacy group when the city realized that it had a $58 million deficiency.

BAP claims that the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) students have been “cheated out of an astounding $800 million over the course of four years.” The reason they make this claim falls back on a ruling that Judge Joseph Kaplan made in 2000 when he ordered that the city of Baltimore must provide an additional $260 million annually to provide an adequate education to its students.

A series of students and teachers spoke during the rally and touched on subjects ranging from detailing the abhorrent conditions of the Baltimore City Public School System, the governor’s proposal to provide more funding in exchange for legalizing slot machines, and demanding that the city provide $110 million of additional funding for this school year.

A representative from the All People’s Congress drew connections between the war in Iraq and the lack of funding for schools across the country. The speaker implored those present to protest the occupation so that the money currently allocated for funding the war could be directed toward domestic programs.

Several preachers from local churches spoke in support of the BAP and said that they would provide any support that they could. One in particular said that he was willing to commit civil disobedience if the need arose.

Several students had the crowd practice some chants, then the rally concluded with the president of BAP, Brandon Roane, delivering an updated version of Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Roane explained that he specifically chose this speech because many of King’s critiques still hold true even after almost 40 years.

The crowd then assembled for the march that threaded its way through downtown Baltimore. Many onlookers were curious about what was happening and asked questions as the marchers made their way through the city. The procession, which sprawled over four city blocks, ended across the street from the State Department of Education offices at 200 W. Baltimore Street. Many faces could be seen looking out the windows of the office building as the protestors gathered.

Several more people spoke once the crowd re-assembled, targeting the Department of Education and demanding that the State provide more funding for the BCPSS.

Despite a strong police presence, including several fly-overs by the police helicopter during the rally, the atmosphere was very relaxed. Officers could be seen laughing at some of the chants during the march, as well as laughing at some of the more creative signs that the protestors were carrying.

For more information about the Baltimore Algebra Project contact Brandon Roane, President, 443-253-0648 or Chantel Morant, Advocacy Committee, 443-831-2567.