Joe Gans was the first African American world boxing champion of the 20th century. A Baltimorean, he was also an entrepreneur, philanthropist and started a baseball team that was a precursor to the Negro Leagues. Never heard of him? You’re not alone. There is a dedicated group of people working to change that. We hear from Sara Artes, co-chair of the Joe Gans 150th Birthday Celebration and co-founder of Corner Team boxing gym. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr ..read more

Here is a Stoop Story from Mike ‘The Persecutor’ Paschall, about why it’s worth fighting hard for what you love. The next LIVE stoop event happens later this month on Thursday June 27. The theme is B-More Proud: Queer Tales of Charm City. Hosted at Creative alliance. More information at Stoopstorytelling.com. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him ..read more

Herring Run Park stretches for 375 acres in Northeast Baltimore, reaching from Morgan State University to Armistead Gardens. It's Heritage Trail offers visitors insight into the park's historical and ecological landscape. We speak with Misty Fae, executive director of the Friends of Herring Run Parks, and board member Charles Minor. On Saturday, June 1st, the Friends of Herring Run Parks will host the free Share Your Heritage Festival from 12-6 pm. Links: Heritage Trail at Herring Run Park The Herring Run Archaeology Project Emeline Jones Do you have a question or comment about a sho ..read more

In 1953, the Baltimore City Fire Department desegregated, hiring its first group of ten Black firefighters. Seven decades later, the African American Firefighters Historical Society honors the continued service of Black firefighters across the country. In January, the organization received a grant to support the creation of the International Black Firefighters Museum & Safety Education Center in East Baltimore. We speak with George Collins, a retired Baltimore City firefighter and co-founder of the African American Firefighters Historical Society. Links: Maryland awards $5 million in grant ..read more

Much more than a kick off to summer, Memorial Day is about remembering those who sacrificed their lives in military service. We meet Paula Davis, president of Maryland Gold Star Mothers -- she talks about her son, Justin, and how the group honors the memories of their children through continued service to the military community. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam ..read more

Here's a Stoop Story from Luis Rosa-Valentin about why not trying in life … is not an option. Rosa-Valentin served in the U.S. Army until 2008, when he was injured during his service in Iraq. Now he is an artist and the president of Single-Handed Arts.  We at OTR want to take this moment to honor and remember all of those who have lost their lives during military service, and send comfort and healing to their families and loved ones. Have a meaningful and mindful Memorial Day. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervi ..read more

Baltimore has seen a surge in union organizing, with local wins for workers at high-profile companies like Apple and Starbucks. The Baltimore Museum of Industry is marking this moment in time with its latest exhibit, titled: “Collective Action: Labor Activism in 21st Century Baltimore.” We speak with BMI Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Rachel Donaldson, and Courtney Jenkins, president of the Metropolitan Baltimore Council of the AFL-CIO.  Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie sh ..read more

How much do you make? It’s a taboo question, but Hannah Williams is working to change that. Williams is the founder of Salary Transparent Street. You may have seen her videos, where she asks people at parks, farmers’ markets, or just walking down the street, to share their salary. We ask how she developed her passion for salary transparency. Links: STS Resource Hub Maryland joins growing list of states requiring wage transparency Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wy ..read more

Nurse Vanessa Battista shares a powerful story about what she learned from Colin, a young man dying of cancer. Listen to more tales from the Stoop Storytelling Series. Search the archives or check out the podcast. The next Stoop event is June 27th at the Creative Alliance in Highlandtown. The Stoop Storytelling Series, in partnership with the Queer Jewish Arts Festival, will present, "B-more Proud: Queer Tales of Charm City!" Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@w ..read more

Storytelling is an opportunity to share universal lessons about the human condition. Phill Branch is the founder and creative director of Baltimore Story Fest. He previews the groups performing this weekend at the Baltimore Theater Project and shares how to craft an exceptional story.  Schedule: May 17 @ 8pm – Perfect Liars Club May 18 @ 8pm – Mortified May 19 @ 4pm – What I Learned in Therapy Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Produ ..read more