Community-First Leadership: Zeke Cohen's Journey in Baltimore City Council
S5:E46

Community-First Leadership: Zeke Cohen's Journey in Baltimore City Council

Join Rob Lee on 'The Truth in This Art' as we delve into the art world, exploring its impact on culture and society with our guest, Meet Zeke Cohen, a dedicated representative of Baltimore's First District on the City Council since 2016. With a rich background shaped by his mother's Civil Rights activism and a commitment to putting "community first," Zeke's journey of public service began as a teacher in West Baltimore. His dedication to education and civic leadership led to the establishment of his nonprofit, The Intersection, which empowers young people in community organizing. Zeke's legislative achievements include the groundbreaking Elijah Cummings Healing City Act, addressing trauma-responsive care, and the Gender-Inclusive Single-User Restroom bill, promoting inclusivity and safety. He also championed the Transparency in Lobbying Act, promoting openness in the political process. Zeke's tireless efforts in delivering world-class constituent services and fostering community-driven task forces underline his commitment to building a healthy, safe, and equitable Baltimore City.

Throughout this episode:

  • Join us as Zeke Cohen delves into the pressing challenges Baltimore City faces and his advocacy for community-based solutions. Explore his insights on fostering a stronger sense of community and the collaborative efforts needed to tackle complex issues affecting the city's residents.
  • Discover the significance of engaging with marginalized communities in decision-making processes as Zeke Cohen sheds light on the value of amplifying their voices. Delve into his commitment to inclusivity and the positive impacts it can have on shaping a more equitable and just society.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of Zeke Cohen's impactful work on critical issues like the digital divide, redevelopment plans for underprivileged communities, and trauma-informed care. Uncover the strategies and initiatives he champions to uplift disadvantaged neighborhoods and create a more thriving and connected Baltimore.
  • Immerse yourself in the importance of trauma-responsive care as Zeke Cohen passionately discusses the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. Delve into his advocacy for recognizing and addressing trauma's effects, highlighting the role of compassionate and informed care in healing and empowering communities.

Get ready to be inspired as Zeke discusses his background as a teacher and the disparities he witnessed within the education system. He shares his motivation for running for office and the work of a city council member. Cohen emphasizes the importance of community and the need for community-based solutions to address the challenges faced by Baltimore City. He highlights his work on issues such as the digital divide, redevelopment plans for underprivileged communities, and trauma-informed care. Cohen also discusses the Elijah Cummings Healing City Act, which aims to implement trauma-responsive care in Baltimore.


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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

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Creators and Guests

Rob Lee
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Zeke Cohen
Guest
Zeke Cohen
Candidate for Baltimore CCP, D1 Councilmember. Chair: Trauma-Informed Care Task Force. Proud dad! By authority:Friends of Zeke Cohen #communitycomesFIRST