collage of artists laughing, Elijah Cummings mural, a singer, and an internship panel

The Billie Holiday Center for the Liberation Arts (BHCLA) is an initiative designed to foster organic links between Johns Hopkins University and the historic African American communities of Baltimore, celebrating the strengths and amazing potential of both.


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A Cut of Jazz in the Square, 2022

a woman in a long red coat and jazz band performing on stage over a Billie Holiday banner

“Man, I know what you are trying to do!” With those words, Ray Rice, a lifelong resident of Sandtown, congratulated Professor Lawrence Jackson, the director of the Billie Holiday Center […]

Inheritance Baltimore Welcomes Seven New Fellows

group of young fellows smiling

Seven new fellows and one Elder in Residence are joining Inheritance Baltimore to support the work of the Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts. The fellows will focus on different […]

Anna Deavere Smith speaks to the beauty of Baltimore

Following her rich performance highlighting Baltimore’s historic Black neighborhood’s, dramatist Anna Deveare Smith discusses her city origins with BHCLA Founder Lawrence Jackson Check out the full article click here.