Setback for preservationists
“We are definitely moving forward with our plans to establish the Cab Calloway Legends Park,” he added. “The plans for the park fulfill the desires of the residents we serve. Our plans include the transformation of vacant dilapidated abandoned buildings and land into a beautiful, green defensible space where the legends from the community can be featured and families can gather for special events.”
Brooks said Thursday that he was disappointed in CHAP’s decision and confused about why Andrew J. Reed was a potentially more compelling a connection that his grandson. He reiterated his belief that preserving the influential jazz musician’s legacy in Baltimore could help the predominantly black city.
“Andrew Reed believed in people working together, mutual brotherhood, working together for the good of all,” he said. “Cab Callaway stood for abundance, joy of life, making something great out of whatever is around you. All that is gone. We’re in the total opposite direction in this situation of scarcity, violence, selfishness and greed.”
Brooks, who has also publicly advocated for a local Indigenous Peoples’ Day designation, added that he’s trying to raise money for either the house or “some type of Pennsylvania Avenue legacy project,” referencing the historic black creative corridor near it. He plans to do that by delivering presentations about his family’s story, which he connects to later cultural phenomena like hip hop.
The Department of Housing and Community Development has the authority to issue a permit for the house’s demolition. Spokesperson Tammy Hawley said that no such permits have been issued yet.