As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we look towards another influential figure who shaped our nation. Beatrice Gaddy, was a positive leader to residents of Baltimore.
By Nehemiah Bester, Communications Strategist, Communications
Beatrice “Bea” Gaddy was considered the “Mother Teresa” of Baltimore City. She was a strong advocate for people within her community and lived to serve those in need. She served as a member of the Baltimore City Council and was an advocate for people who struggled with housing, financially challenges, and hunger.
During the early 1970’s Bea used her own home as a distribution center for providing food and clothing to those in need. By 1981 she had founded the Patterson Park Emergency Food Center. Here they would collect food donations and distribute them to their local community members.
In 2006, Gaddy was inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame for the selfless work she provided to her community.
Today, her annual Bea Gaddy Thanks for Giving Campaign is still a tradition in Baltimore. The campaign serves over 3,000 on-site meals and delivers over 50,000 to people in need.
For a list of some of the most influential African Americans from Maryland, please see Historical Figures Who Helped Shape Our Future.
If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.
