5119 Park Heights “Check Cashing/Porn” Biz Must Go!
I wouldn’t have believed it if I wasn’t there to experience it myself.
The Park Heights Dry Out Coalition was making its weekly rounds yesterday in the 5100 block of Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore City.
We checked in with Slaters Grocery (5117 Park Heights Ave.) and were pleased to see that they had moved the liquor from off of the shelf where condiments, juices, and other more common household products are found. Now all of their liquor was in the refrigerators up against the wall. As we walked the aisles, the owner made sure to come from behind his bullet-proof glass and point out that he had moved the bottles of alcohol.
From there we walked next door to the Check Cashing business (5119 Park Heights Ave.). I had taken pictures of the outside of the establishment, but had never been in. This week we walked in. What ensued was a wake up call to me to what we were really dealing with.
We took immediate notice of the dank environment of this store. The smell of water damage and mildew was obvious. One of the brothers looked up and we saw what was probably the source of the problem.
We took note thinking that the Baltimore City Health Department or the Department of Housing might want to take a look at this. This has to be a violation and health hazard to customers.
We also took a closer look at his pornography advertisements.
Indeed, I had never seen a Check Cashing business that also sold porn. Isn’t there a specific zoning license to do that?
As we were inspecting the ceiling the owner came out asking who we were.
We refrained from volunteering information to the man and that’s when he threatened to call the cops. Being that the police officer for that area has made presentations to our coalition before, we welcomed the officer’s presence on the premises. When the owner saw that we weren’t fazed by his threat to call 9-1-1; he made a statement that took our interaction to the next level.
He said, “I’m just trying to see if you’re an upstanding citizen.”
“You’re selling porn in the Black Community and you’re asking if I’m upstanding!” I responded.
“Do you file tax returns?” he said. It was clear that he wanted a fight.
Thankfully, I was of sound enough mind to turn my video camera on to capture this exchange. While I didn’t have the camera on to show how the Black employee came to the defense of his “Boss” or to show his response when I proclaimed that I was on that block in service to God, I did capture enough to show you how raw this confrontation became.
However, the “rawness” of the video has proved to be too much on a distraction for some so I won’t show it here. I pray that now those who were troubled by the exchange between the porn biz owner and the member of the coalition in the video will be able to focus on the real issue which is the removal of liquor establishments from the 5100 block of Park Heights Avenue and the reclamation of a Black Neighborhood by Black People. I’m particularly interested to see people step up and join me on the front lines in this fight.
OTHER RELATED ARTICLES YOU MAY ENJOY:
February 8th, 2008 at 9:25 am
For those who want to take it further…this property is owned by Jong Sub Park. He/She purchased in 1992 for $75000.
If you check additional records the only Jong S Park in the Baltimore area is at 1027 Cathedral Street, Baltimore MD 21201 Phone Number 410-783-1755
February 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Wow,
Speaking of pornographic - brother’s language was obscene.
Perhaps you should go after the consumers as opposed to the supplier. Once demand dries up, the supplier’s business will close!
And after the supplier’s business has been shutdown, we will have to organize a group to pursue the banishment of obscenity in public
places!
February 8th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Thanks M. I appreciate the information.
Hey Rev. - I knew that the language would be a problem for many, but I think it accurately portrays the frustration that many in Baltimore are experiencing. And yes - it is a multi-faceted campaign fought on many fronts. We are preparing to engage consumers in tandem with our engagement of merchants. Both-And / Not Either-Or. I pray all is well with you.