Black History may have been the theme on Friday at Lexington Market as Sheila Dixon made her first appearance at the city landmark as mayor of Baltimore. But for the assembled lunchtime crowd, it was history being made by the city?s first black woman mayor ? not the past ? that generated excitement.
“Martin Luther King would be proud; this is what he dreamed of,” said Bernard Johnson, 47, as he watched Dixon work the crowd. “It?s a shame he isn?t alive today to see the first black woman mayor [of Baltimore],” he said.
Dixon, on hand to introducethe Robert W. Coleman Elementary School?s dance troupe and choir, was treated more like a rock star than a politician, as well-wishers shook her hand and applauded the city?s new leader.
“You can sense her commitment, her passion,” said Herbert Johnson, 49, after he shook the mayor?s hand. “It?s a great thing to have a black woman mayor, but I actually wanted to hug her because she?s beautiful,” he said.
The day?s festivities were part of a monthlong celebration of black history. On Friday, the crowd was entertained by Grandmother Edna, a “griot” who told tales of black heritage. Later, the Coleman students offered interpretive dance pieces and traditional songs.
Darlene Hudson, spokeswoman for Lexington Market, said the Black History Month celebrations feature performances by children from a different city school each day.
Al Williams, 54, said that while he was excited to see the mayor, he thought the celebration should last longer.
“It?s a shame Black History Month is the shortest month of the year,” he said.
Dixon, imploring the crowd to stay involved in educating their children, echoed Williams as she talked about her own heritage.
“It?s not just one month ? it should be every day of the year,” she said.
Tatiana Toppin, 10, a dancer and fourth-grader at Coleman, had only one request.
“Can I touch your hand?” she asked Dixon, who readily obliged.
