The Baltimore Carpenter's Project

The purpose of this post is to maintain a position of full transparency with the public of my motives and the work of BCP.

During the 2018-2019 school year, I became overwhelmed by the stress and bureaucratic red tape of the BCPSS. I was working as a Math Paraeducator in an alternative school for young people who were years behind academically. Due to my training as a community organizer, it became second nature to go above and beyond my contracted duties. Though my work had an impact, I could not shake the feeling that more should be done. After several attempts to navigate the bureaucratic confusion of the school system, I decided I should look into other opportunities to do good work.

The excess stress and lack of fulfillment lead to a spiritual crisis. I began to question my entire career. I had to ask myself, “What is your goal in life?” After weeks of contemplation, I concluded that my goal was to be like Jesus. I asked myself, “What occupation would help me think more like Jesus?” I spent several more weeks trying to answer this question. I read the gospel accounts backwards and forward. In my reading, I determined that He spent a lot of time discussing building and farming. (In hindsight, I recognize these two trades are pillars in any society.) I decided that I needed to understand more about the trades He discussed in order to think more like Him.

At the time, I was passionate about gardening and had already tried to establish an urban gardening organization. I remembered that I wanted to take carpentry courses at age 13, but my life took a different direction for 17 years. It was then I decided to become a carpenter to fulfill my former dream. I set my heart to use carpentry to do good in my community.

For now, I won’t bore you with the struggles I encountered to become a carpenter, but I will say it has been an interesting journey. In the winter of 2019, I was accepted into the local carpenters’ union. With my goal at the forefront of my mind, I dedicated a vast amount of time to study and apply the skills of my trade. My journey to develop the skills of a carpenter is ongoing and my zeal to positively impact my community is my motivation.

As an imperfect person, I will make mistakes, but know that my motives are genuine. In 20 years, I hope to look back over my work satisfied that I was able to positively impact the lives of hundreds (maybe thousands) of families through the Baltimore Carpenter’s Project.

Consider donating to BCP’s work!