Contact Us regarding this petition:

Send a Text to 443-308-8063

 

Dear Mayor Brandon Scott, Members of the Baltimore City Council, and Baltimore Recreation & Parks Leadership,

We, the undersigned members of the Baltimore community, and abroad respectfully submit this letter to formally request two significant honors for the late Alice Deborah Ebb, a remarkable leader and advocate whose life and work profoundly impacted our city. In recognition of her decades of dedicated service, mentorship, and advocacy, we propose the following:

An honorary street sign to be placed at the intersection of 4001 Clifton Avenue and Holly Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216, bearing the name "Alice Ebb Way."
The renaming of the current recreation center located at 4001 Clifton Avenue, presently known as "Cahill Fitness & Wellness Center," to "Alice Ebb Cultural Arts & Fitness Center." 

Alice Deborah Ebb, affectionately known as "Pip," dedicated over 40 years of her life to the youth and families of Baltimore. She worked tirelessly to empower, inspire, and uplift countless individuals. Through programs such as the Inner City Network, she provided opportunities for young people to develop self-esteem, teamwork, and artistic talents while staying engaged in positive activities.

Alice began her professional journey as a Youth Development Coordinator with the Urban Services Criminal Justice Department. In this role, she created programming designed to deter youth and adults from engaging in crime through workshops, seminars, prison tours, and comprehensive educational initiatives aimed at empowering residents to make informed choices and stay out of the criminal justice system. Simultaneously, Alice spearheaded pageants, cultural events, and self-esteem workshops that helped young people under her wing gain confidence, purpose, and hope for the future.

Before formal city programs like Recreation and Parks existed in their current capacity, Alice took it upon herself to create initiatives that served the community. One of her most impactful efforts was through the "Urban Services" program, where she organized pageants, workshops, and cultural events that became pivotal for Baltimore’s youth. Notably, in the 1980s, one of Alice’s pageants featured a guest appearance by Oprah Winfrey. During the event, Oprah spoke passionately about the impact of programs like Alice’s, highlighting how these initiatives not only built up the youth of Baltimore but also reflected the very programs that had helped her rise to success. This moment stands as a testament to the far-reaching impact of Alice’s work.

Her mentorship extended beyond these programs. Alice’s advocacy for children’s education, justice reform, and community enrichment earned her numerous accolades and left a legacy that continues to resonate. Many of her mentees have gone on to become successful leaders, crediting her with instilling confidence, discipline, and a belief in their own potential. Her tireless work with programs like the Maryland Second Look Act and other youth-focused initiatives showcased her unwavering commitment to justice and second chances.

The intersection of Clifton Avenue and Holly Avenue, where the recreation center now stands, was central to Alice’s mission and ministry. Renaming this space to honor her memory would serve as a lasting tribute to her legacy, ensuring her contributions are remembered and celebrated by future generations.

We believe these actions will not only honor Alice Ebb’s life but also inspire others to follow in her footsteps, fostering a spirit of service, empowerment, and community pride. Her legacy is one of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to the youth and families of Baltimore—a legacy that deserves permanent recognition in the city she loved and served.

We humbly urge the City of Baltimore to consider and approve this request to rename Cahill Recreation Center to "Alice Ebb Cultural Arts & Fitness Center" and to establish an honorary street sign at 4001 Clifton Avenue and Holly Avenue as "Alice Ebb Way." These honors will serve as fitting testaments to her enduring impact on Baltimore.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We would be honored to discuss this request further and provide additional testimonies, support, or documentation as needed.

 

Contact Us regarding this petition:

Send a Text to 443-308-8063

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