West Baltimore Corridor Earns Black Arts Designation

BALTIMORE, MD — City officials and entertainers alike are hopeful a new designation for the Pennsylvania Avenue Corridor will breathe new life into a historically thriving entertainment district. The corridor in west Baltimore recently was designated a Black Arts and Entertainment District, according to reports, a distinction for which supporters have lobbied for decades, saying it’s key to the area’s revitalization.

Baltimore Mayor Jack Young announced Tuesday the creation of the Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District, the first of its kind in Maryland and just one of few nationwide. The goal is to preserve history, and attract new business and tourists, WBAL-TV reported.

In addition to bolstering entertainment options in the city, the district’s creation has the potential to create 2,000 new jobs. To ensure the district’s success, Young encouraged Baltimore residents to “stay up later.”