In 1949 there was no question that Pennsylvania Avenue was the cultural and social center of the African American community in Baltimore City. The Royal Theater was its crown jewel. This Labor Day weekend the restoration effort begins in earnest as a series of activities will take place.
On Friday, Sept. 3rd political, religious, and community leaders came together to announce the Pennsylvania Avenue Heritage Trail and its 20 distinct landmark sites. Plaques were ceremoniously presented to the representatives of those sites to illustrate the messages describing their significance that are em-brazen on them. As visitors walk through the community these plaques will tell the story of this community and its rich heritage. The National Park Service will have guides dressed in red shirts on the ground assisting in the interpretation.
On Saturday, Sept. 4th the world famous Cadillac Parade will slowly travel the Pennsylvania Avenue route. Marching Bands, world-class entertainment, and energetic people will grace the route and share in the fun and excitement. The glory days of the Pennsylvania Avenue will be reenacted.
On Sunday, Sept. 5th the weekend will conclude with a religious service, "5 Churches, 2 Commandments, 5,000 Families." Renaissance, Remembering, Reclaiming, Reinvesting, and Rebuilding will be the themes of the messages that will be preached.
Joining in the ecumenical service will be Rev. Dr. Frank Madison Reid, III, Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Dr. S. Todd Yeary, Pastor of Douglas Memorial Community Church, Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn, Pastor of Pennsylvania Avenue African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Rev. Dr. Douglas Summers, Co-Pastor of Providence Baptist Church, and Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway, Sr., Pastor of Union Baptist Church. They will be joined on the stage by The Singing Sensations, a community based youth choir.
On Tuesday, Sept. 7th members of the participating church will attend the 5 community schools on opening day to greet the students and to show support for the staffs. On Saturday, Sept. 11th the churches will provide food to 5,000 families within the Upton Community.
Throughout the year, they will bring to fruition a vision entitled, "Promise Heights" within the this historic community.
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