Back from Atlanta. Thanks to those of you who responded to my blog about Thursday's program. I really appreciate your understanding about that emotional moment at the end of the show. And thanks again to Cheryl Corley for sitting in on Friday for what I believe was an amazing program commemorating the death of Martin Luther King Jr. It was rich from beginning to end and I'm just glad I had a tiny part in it.

If you have not heard it, I commend it to you! (I can do that - since I did not host I am free to brag, yes?)

Today we continue our conversation about Dr. King's death with a look at what the murder of Dr. King wrought - cities across the country burned. I don't know about you but I often cannot take in the whole pie; better to take a slice and digest it fully. That's what we chose to do today, focusing on Baltimore. It's just up the road from DC, about 40 miles away, yet a world away in some ways. If you've ever been to Baltimore you know what I mean. Great restaurants, great shopping (believe me I know), delightful architecture new and old, world class educational institutions. And yet some of the most blighted urban terrain you ever want to see - or don't want to see - it's all there.

Our guides are many and diverse: an urban history professor who took us on a tour of the neighborhoods to show us the effects of the riots so many years later, two former mayors - one white,one black - voices from the folk who got caught up in the mess, and two voices of the future - two young debate champions who went to Baltimore Public schools and recently swept a national championship.

Also - while we were in Baltimore, our producers went out to gather some stories of residents who lived through the riots. You can hear - and see - their memories in our audio slideshow.

Tomorrow, listen in for a story about Native American Hip Hip. You won't want to miss this one.

As always, keep in touch.

3:33 - April 7, 2008

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