Former Baltimore Mayor Schmoke on Freddie Gray, the Riots, and City Politics

Baltimore protests and riots in the wake of Freddie Gray’s death are discussed with former Mayor of the city and current President of University of Baltimore, Kurt L. Schmoke. The police force of the city, disenfranchised black population, and controversy over Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s characterization of rioters as “thugs” is discussed with Schmoke. How are Hillary Clinton’s statements on Baltimore resonating, and is this an unavoidable consequence of a failed War on Drugs? We explore the events in this Lip News interview, hosted by John Fenoglio.

Guest Bio

Kurt L. Schmoke was appointed as the University of Baltimore’s eighth president as of July 7, 2014. Schmoke served as the mayor of Baltimore from 1987-1999 and was the Baltimore City State’s Attorney from 1982-1987. Prior to joining UB, he was dean of the Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., from 2003-2012. Following that, he was appointed general counsel for Howard and also served as the institution’s interim provost.

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Episode Breakdown

00:01 John Fenoglio welcomes Former Mayor & current President of the University of Baltimore Kurt Schmoke to discuss the current state of the city of Baltimore.

01:10 The Police force then and now.

03:50 Freddie Gray, his community and ways to improve.

05:47 Current Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s “thug” statements, and views on current leaders.

07:45 Reform on the “War on Drugs” and the numbers game that stops it.

10:00 Economic Impact and the image of the Baltimore communities.

12:15 Hillary Clinton and Presidential candidates involvement in Baltimore’s current crisis.

14:50 Final thoughts on the events occurring in Baltimore.