Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

I was humbled by the opportunity to commemorate the life of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose impact far exceeds her lifetime, and who continues to influence major breakthroughs in medicine and research - worldwide.

This portrait has been donated to the City of Baltimore by Dr. Eva McGhee of the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science. It will be displayed in the Hyman Aaron Pressman Conference Room among the images of other prominent African-American public figures who represent important aspects of Baltimore history, such as Reginald F. Lewis, The Honorable Kweisi Mfume, and Bishop Vashtie McKenzie.

Not only does our generation benefit from advanced medical treatment, but a sense of dignity, for men and women of all backgrounds – which strengthens the overall humanity of our healthcare system. Her legacy will never be forgotten, and today everyone will have an opportunity to learn why.

Deadline extended:

First 200 HABC residents to sign up for Internet Essentials by December 14 will receive FREE Internet for a full year!

Today we announced the official launch of the Bike Share Program. Thank you to the Department of Transportation and all the dedicated staff for working so hard on biking initiatives throughout the City and the pivotal launch of Bikeshare in Baltimore.

As many of you know, we have been working since early 2011 to bring Bike Share to Baltimore. Our efforts to accommodate bicyclists have been significant, with the implementation of the 2015 Bicycle Master Plan, the creation of my Bicycle Advisory Commission and the implementation of 125 miles of biking facilities that connect Baltimore neighborhoods with a comprehensive network of bike lanes and trails. And now, we are all here today to launch the largest electric pedal-assist bike share fleet in North and South America.

Bike Share will help connect residents, commuters and visitors to more of Baltimore’s businesses, institutions and attractions. Bike Share programs provide citizens with convenient and on-demand access to bicycles for short distance trips in the city. The program will be an affordable, healthy and environmentally sustainable addition to Baltimore’s existing transportation options. Bike Share will also provide economic and equity benefits for Baltimore’s communities, by providing our residents with an alternative transportation option to travel in the city.

Similar to car-sharing programs, Bike Sharing has become an effective mode of transportation for short, point-to-point trips. Bike sharing is different from typical bicycle rental programs because it is designed for quick trips with high turnover rates by using a modified fee structure that charges higher rates the longer a bicycle is in use.

We are excited to finally launch the Bike Share Program and we strongly encourage business owners, institution leaders and community organizations to become involved in the Bike Share Program.

I am so proud of my team and to officially welcome BIKE SHARE TO BALTIMORE!