Photo by Tedd Henn
On the fifth of January participants in Single Carrot Theatre’s recitation of Anna Ditkoff’s City Paper column, Murder Ink, entered a solid black room lit only by two candles. Once everyone was settled, those in attendance began reading aloud the names of every individual murdered in Baltimore City last year as a candle was lit for each one. After two hours, two hundred and twenty three candles were burning in the room.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Justin Allen.
Photo by Tedd Henn
For the past six years the Baltimore City Paper has hosted the Murder Ink column which, to our knowledge, is the only published, comprehensive documentation of the murder epidemic in Baltimore. For the past four years the Single Carrot Theatre has recounted the names of each victim and how they were killed. Speaking the column aloud amongst fellow citizens, and sometimes family members of the deceased, amplifies its power by giving it a voice.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Justin Allen.
Photo by Tedd Henn
When asked to share how writing the column has affected her life and perspective, Anna Ditkoff had this to say, “As a reporter, working on Murder Ink and other news stories, I have seen the hardships the children of Baltimore go up against. They are losing brothers and fathers to violence. They are growing up in poverty surrounded by crime. I have also seen how strong and brave these children are and the difference a stable adult, who really cares and is willing to listen, can make in the life of a child. So, I decided to go back to school to become a social worker. I continue to write Murder Ink because I can’t let it go. The people, who are murdered in this city deserve to be noticed. And, the citizens of this city, whether or not they are directly impacted by violence, have shown that they want to know what’s going on. That, more than anything, is what the Single Carrot’s annual reading of Murder Ink reminds me. It may not always be obvious, but people in this city really do care.”
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Justin Allen.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Murder Ink at Single Carrot Theatre
Photo by Tedd Henn.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Murder Ink at Single Carrot Theatre
Photo by Tedd Henn.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Murder Ink at Single Carrot Theatre
Photo by Tedd Henn.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Murder Ink at Single Carrot Theatre
Photo by Tedd Henn.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Murder Ink at Single Carrot Theatre
Photo by Tedd Henn.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Murder Ink at Single Carrot Theatre
Photo by Tedd Henn.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Murder Ink at Single Carrot Theatre
Photo by Tedd Henn.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Though the crime rate has fallen steadily since its peak, the murder rate in Baltimore is still nearly seven times higher than the national average.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Justin Allen.
