Baltimore’s National Night Out celebrates unity, safety and community spirit

By Nyame-Kye Kondo
Special to the AFRO

Mayor Brandon M. Scott kicked off Baltimore’s National Night Out at the Langston Hughes Community Center in Park Heights on a warm Aug. 5 evening.

The scene was vibrant and full of life as a DJ spun memorable tunes, encouraging the people to move their feet and fellowship with each other and their local officials. Children bounced gleefully on inflatables, teenagers played basketball in the brightly colored gym, and families lined up for snowballs and funnel cake. 

Members of the Baltimore Police Department mingled with neighbors across the city, offering a visible show of unity.

Held every second Tuesday in August since 1984, National Night Out was created to help strengthen relationships between the community and law enforcement through food, music, fun, and back-to-school giveaways.

In support of this mission, Mayor Scott visited nine locations throughout the city, accompanied by city officials and community leaders. Scott spoke exclusively with AFRO News during his stop at Abbottston Elementary.

“I prefer to be with the people,” he said, when asked why the event was important to him. 

The mayor said that National Night Out has grown over time into a special day where communities can celebrate and acknowledge the relationships that have been built throughout the year. 

“That’s what this is about: building relationships and building connections,” he said.

Among the many residents who participated in National Night Out 2025 was 74-year-old Baltimore native Elaine Wells, who expressed deep appreciation for the initiative.

“This is a wonderful community program. It shows unity,” Wells said. “It’s so important that the mayor and the politicians come out — the police department, the fire department — to let the people know what services are available to them.”

That spirit of connectedness was evident in action through onsite mediation services offered by law enforcement. 

Geraldine Finch, president of the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, said casual interactions like these are key to fostering respect and understanding between authorities and communities.

“It’s important because when we bring the police department and the community together in an informal environment, they are able to help, communicate, talk and resolve some issues,” Finch said. “I know today I dealt with a couple of things that were neighbor related and the police were right there and able to assist.”

A consistent theme that was evident throughout the different locations was the community’s commitment to showing the youth support through resources for their return to school in the next month. Community workers volunteered their services, in the form of serving food and even giving away free school supplies which were nicely stacked and ready for young people to take them.

Standing behind stacks of children book bags near the entrance of Abbottston Elementary, community volunteer Melissa R. Fitzgerald expressed the importance of everyone coming together for a more peaceful environment, especially the youth.

“This is not just a work event for me,” Fitzgerald said. “I am passionate about community, and all of us coming together to be a part of the village for our children and to show them an example of collaboration and unity that is going to help to benefit them as they grow.”

More than just a celebration, “Baltimore’s Night Out” served as a reminder that uniting the community depends on everyone’s willingness to come together and share responsibility peacefully.