10 years after Freddie Gray death, calls for reform, equity persist in Baltimore

ABC News - Apr 19th, 2025
Open on ABC News

A decade after Freddie Gray's death in police custody, Baltimore continues to grapple with its legacy. Community activist Ray Kelly reflects on the changes and ongoing challenges in the city. While there have been improvements in police accountability and a decrease in homicides, many systemic issues remain. The city still struggles with poverty, neglect, and a lack of trust in law enforcement. Gray's death was a catalyst for national conversations on police brutality and racial injustice, spurring federal investigations and reforms in the Baltimore Police Department.

The story of Freddie Gray highlights the historical and ongoing struggles faced by Black communities in Baltimore. Despite some progress, systemic change is slow, with many promises unfulfilled. The Trump administration's policies pose new challenges for civil rights, while local leaders strive for progress. Gray's death marked a turning point, encouraging more open advocacy for racial equity. However, the journey towards justice and meaningful reform is ongoing, as the city reflects on how far it has come and how far it still needs to go.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article presents a well-rounded and engaging narrative about the aftermath of Freddie Gray's death and the ongoing challenges in Baltimore. It accurately recounts key events and provides a balanced view of the progress and setbacks faced by the community. While the story is timely and of high public interest, it could benefit from more explicit sourcing and transparency regarding the basis of certain claims. The readability and engagement levels are high, making it accessible to a broad audience. Overall, the article effectively highlights important issues and encourages reflection and discussion on systemic challenges and reform efforts.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately recounts the events surrounding Freddie Gray's death and the subsequent unrest in Baltimore. Specific details, such as the date of Gray's death and the involvement of the Maryland National Guard, align with widely reported facts. The article also correctly notes the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation and the resulting consent decree, which mandated reforms in the Baltimore Police Department. However, some claims, such as the current status of crime trends and local investment initiatives, require further verification to ensure up-to-date accuracy. Overall, the story is largely accurate, with minor areas needing confirmation.

7
Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including those of community activists, local officials, and residents. It highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in Baltimore, providing a nuanced view of the situation. However, the story could benefit from more voices from the police department to balance the predominantly community-focused narrative. While it mentions police efforts to reform, the lack of detailed accounts from law enforcement officials might skew the perception slightly towards the community's viewpoint.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in a clear, engaging manner. It effectively outlines the historical context, current issues, and personal stories within Baltimore. The language is accessible, and the narrative flows logically from past events to present circumstances. However, some sections could benefit from additional context or clarification, particularly when discussing complex issues like federal policy impacts. Overall, the article is easy to follow and understand.

6
Source quality

The article references credible sources, such as community activists and city officials, to support its claims. However, it lacks direct citations or references to specific documents, reports, or studies that could bolster its credibility. Including more authoritative sources, such as crime statistics or official statements from the DOJ, would enhance the reliability of the information presented. The reliance on anecdotal evidence from community members, while valuable, should be supplemented with more empirical data.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of events but lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not specify where certain information, such as crime trends or investment figures, is derived from. This lack of explicit sourcing can leave readers questioning the basis of some claims. Greater transparency in how information was obtained and which sources were consulted would improve the article's credibility and help readers understand the context better.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Freddie_Gray
  2. https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/federal-officials-decline-prosecution-death-freddie-gray
  3. https://www.thebaltimorestory.org/history-1/2015-freddie-gray
  4. https://exhibits.stanford.edu/saytheirnames/feature/freddie-gray
  5. https://awards.journalists.org/entries/baltimore-riots-freddie-gray-case/