City Connect Changemakers

The Orioles recognize Alison Straight, an usher in her 11th season with the Orioles. A life-long O's fan and Baltimore resident, Strait specializes in creating long-lasting memories for guests who visit her behind the Orioles dugout.

The Orioles recognize former Oriole Adam Jones for his philanthropy in the Baltimore community. A three-time Roberto Clemente Award Nominee, he was involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore, the Orioles Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program, and the Maryland YMCA. In addition to monetary donations, Jones gave countless hours to each organization, ensuring the Baltimore youth felt cared for and were given the opportunity for a better future. Jones, with the help of the Orioles, made it possible for hundreds of children to experience an Orioles game.

Created in Baltimore, Taharka Brothers Ice Cream is managed and operated by young adults from some of Baltimore’s most troubled neighborhoods. Their flavors are Baltimore inspired and include “collaborations” with other local businesses.

The Orioles recognize Robinson, the founder and CEO of Black Girls Vote. Black Girls Vote empowers and mobilizes African American women to advocate for the various issues that impact them and their families through voting. Prior to founding Black Girls Votes, Robinson served as a Neighborhood Liaison in Baltimore City’s Mayor’s Office, Director of Outreach in Maryland’s Lt. Governor’s Office, and as a Special Assistant to the Director for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

The Orioles recognize Mollie Young, a Child Life Specialist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, and a member of Mo Gaba's care team.

The Orioles recognize Van Brooks, the founder of Safe Alternative, which teaches students the importance of receiving an education as well as having an alternate career plan in anticipation for life's deviations. A Baltimore native, Brooks broke his neck at the age of 16 when attempting to make a tackle in a football game. The injury left him paralyzed from the neck down, unable to talk, eat, or feel. Despite his injury, Brooks went on to graduate from Loyola Blakefield, and later from Towson University. Eight years after his initial injury, Brooks walked again.

The Orioles recognize John Tyler, an individual who is making a difference in the City of Baltimore at each Friday home game. John Tyler is a Baltimore based artist, musician, producer, and founder of the Love Groove Festival

The Orioles recognize Berol Dewdney, a Baltimore City Public School teacher and the 2022-23 Maryland Teacher of the Year. Dewdney teaches pre-kindergarten at The Commodore John Rodgers School in Butchers Hill. This year marks her 10^th year as a pre-kindergarten teacher at the CJR School, where she also serves as a team lead, Tools of the Mind endorsed curriculum lead, and an instructional coach across the district. She was selected as the Maryland Teacher of the Year out of a group of 7 candidates.

THREAD is a local non-profit that aims to end social isolation and support young people in each of Baltimore's neighborhoods. They enroll ninth grade students from six Baltimore City Public Schools who rank academically in the bottom 25 percent of their class and face an abundance of challenges in and out of the classroom, making a 10-year commitment to never give up on them.

Thread is a growing movement to end social isolation and support young people in Baltimore. Thread enrolls ninth grade students from six Baltimore City Public Schools who rank academically in the bottom 25% of their class and face an abundance of challenges in and out of the classroom. These young people are paired with caring adult volunteers to form a Thread Family and the organization makes a ten-year commitment to never give up on them.

Coupling individualized support and group programming, shared experiences such as after school tutoring, college visits, camping trips, and community service allow Thread students and volunteers to hone their skills and explore their passions. Together they define goals, overcome barriers, and achieve success while building a more connected Baltimore.