#OneBaltimore Campaign Aims To Rebuild Charm City
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — One Baltimore. Bringing the city together in the wake of violence and rioting, helping rebuild communities.
Derek Valcourt with more on the #OneBaltimore campaign.
Tensions over police conduct remain, but local leaders say they remain focused on uniting the city as #OneBaltimore.
Attorney General Loretta Lynch told a Senate committee she's still considering a written request from Baltimore's mayor for a separate federal investigation into the patterns and practices of the Baltimore City Police Department.
This, in addition to the Justice Department's already ongoing investigation into the Freddie Gray case.
"And I intend to have a decision in the coming days," Lynch said.
Police Commissioner Anthony Batts says he welcomes a federal investigation.
Meanwhile, the mayor and other elected and community leaders formally launched #OneBaltimore--a comprehensive public private initiative to support the ongoing efforts to rebuild.
"And that means we have to work together as one Baltimore," Mayor Rawlings-Blake said.
The #OneBaltimore campaign launch comes as CVS confirms it will rebuild two of its pharmacies targeted by looters, saying it's "the right thing to do."
Meanwhile, the state will now offer no interest loans for riot damaged businesses--loans of up to $35,000 are available for five years.
Orioles fans are also ready to get back to business after the riots forced the team to play to an empty stadium and take some games out of town. Fans are now calling for the team's return to town on Monday to be a special "Re-Opening Day."
Rock star Prince will also hold a special concert and "Rally 4 Peace" in Baltimore this weekend.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra already played one free outdoor public concert in the midst of the turmoil last week. Now BSO Director Marin Alsop tells WJZ they'll do it again on Saturday.
"This is our way to give back, and it's not just us playing our music over here and these people doing that," said Alsop. "We really are a unified city and music has that capacity to really bring us together."
The BSO's free "Music for Peace" concert is open to the public Saturday at noon at the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church on Reisterstown Road, seating is first come, first served.
For more information on the #OneBaltimore campaign, CLICK HERE.
For info on the BSO's free concert, CLICK HERE.
