Baltimore participants in the Cross Community Reconciliation project.
The Baltimore Cross-Community Reconciliation Project (BCCRP), founded on the principle of social justice, directly addresses some of Baltimore’s deepest divides by fostering empathy, authentic cross-racial relationships, and community resilience. Developed by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), the BCCRP is a transformative initiative designed to bridge divides between historically separated Baltimore neighborhoods, address root causes of mistrust, and foster sustainable, community-driven change.
The BCCRP was initiated in December 2022, bringing together black and white residents of the greater Baltimore area to engage in meaningful dialogue to reduce racial bias and discrimination, increase understanding and empathy, and strengthen connections among Baltimore’s diverse community members. A second cohort was convened in April 2024, with each group concluding their 2-hour, 10 bi-weekly in-person sessions with a community service project that strengthened relationships, promoted reconciliation, and deepened the bond among participants.
Dr. Shelly Clay-Robison, a University of Baltimore professor, and Robin Todd McDonough, the BCCRP project director, completed a qualitative research study highlighted in the academic research journal article, Building Peace Through Connection: The Baltimore Cross-Community Reconciliation Project as a Model for Racial Healing and Community Resilience. The article, published in the “Journal of Transdisciplinary Peace Praxis” in August, examines the BCCRP’s work as a model of peace praxis that addresses racial division and relationships in Baltimore, Maryland.
The research revealed that “The BCCRP offers a framework for building peace in racially divided cities and illustrates how social and relationship transformation alongside community-centered engagement can sustain reconciliation and contribute to peaceful futures.” It concluded, “In order for racial reconciliation to continue in Baltimore, citizens need opportunities to develop familiarity, empathy, and bonds that transcend identity groups.”
“We need to build a collaborative safe zone in Baltimore. Some people are afraid to look at another perspective. And it can be easier to blame others. But we need to be able to talk about these things without worrying that we’ll be scolded.” (BCCRP Participant)
The BCCRP aims to do just that. Building on the success of the two cohorts, the BCCRP is now expanding into a multi-pronged, citywide initiative. It is launching the Baltimore Community Peacebuilding Committee, rolling out the self-directed Building Our Shared
Future Block by Block series, and sustaining Our Shared Humanity sessions for every Baltimore Police Academy trainee class. These programs aim to equip residents and law enforcement trainees with the skills, context, and relationships to prevent conflict, foster trust, and strengthen the social fabric of Baltimore’s neighborhoods.
