By Gracie Brocato and Taylor Smith
Baltimore City is home to community events and gatherings, and this Election season, it is set to host many Election Night watch parties.
Pride In Da Harbor is a Baltimore-run company that believes in social inclusion and is heavily involved in Baltimore Pride Week. It is host to a free event featuring a DJ, an election-themed drink menu, food, table service, and more.
Approximately 25 people gathered around the bar and event space with sights set straight on various TVs displaying live election results for the future 47th President of the United States of America. One might choose to gather with other community members versus watching at home to build a sense of unity.
“You might find people who are like-minded, like yourself,” says Lisa Yearwood. “You just got to keep an open mind, you can’t expect everyone to vote for who you’re voting for, but you have to be respectful of other people.”
The Presidential Election is not only followed by Americans. Lien Van Laer from Belgium decided to join in on the festivities with Pride In Da Harbor.
“I am here (in America) for four months on a research stay, and I thought this was a very unique moment to be here in the States.” Says Lien Van Laer, “It’s such a big moment.”
With opportunity and hopefulness, friends Keith Taylor and Keyshawn Burrell have gathered at the event with high hopes for their preferred candidate and are looking forward to a social event.
“I am not watching at home,” Taylor says. “Everyone’s down and out here.”
The watch party has given the pair of friends a sense of community. It is a place of celebration and party.
“You should come out for your own experience,” Burrell says. “Everyone should come down and celebrate.”
It is unlikely that we will know the results of the presidential election by the end of election night, but residents of Baltimore have found comfort, hope, and fun within their community through the form of these watch parties.
*Headline written by Microsoft Copilot