CLAY CONNECTIONS

Most lively of all the Experience Corps members was Gloria Ross, or "Ms.G" as she is affectionately known. Bringing more than just the experience of her 65+ years, it seemed like Ms. G had lived a thousand lives right in West Baltimore. She could tell you the name of every child- and often used it when reprimanding a pupil speeding down the hall or playing in the bathroom- every one treated just like her own grandson, Marty, who attended the school and lived with her. By simply watching Ms. G's interaction with the students and the members of her community- no matter how shady they seemed, it became clear to me just how important her presence was. It seemed like she balanced out all the chaos taking place in the school- whether it be from the rambunctious students, their parents, or the short-wired teachers- often seen yelling or sternly talking to students in the hallways and open-styled classrooms. My relationship would grow with Ms. G over the years. And though she took some getting used to, it didn't take long for me to warm up to her personality, ever-loving and genuine. One year after the community art class ended it would be me and Ms. G in the Edmondson Community Center (ECO) creating, glazing, firing work on summer weekends. As she worked, it seemed like the clay gave her life. She may have had to shuffle at a pace around the work spaces- but once seated in her chair (with alterations made to give her five foot frame a boost) she was unstoppable. The clay was a therapy for her- and soon, an escape for me. Sitting with her, nothing but the radio on, I felt like I was sitting in the presence of an omnicient griot- who in the space of three- to- four hours could tell you everything about Baltimore and everyone who had ever lived- and died- in a city with few charms 'round her way.I watched and learned how a cycle of poverty works. How this cycle affects everything from education to good health and your access to it. The next year, the Experience Corps program at Lockerman Bundy would be discontinued. A result of a lack of funding.