The Chaos and Calm That Is Baltimore, As Told by Those Who Call the City Home

A look at how the city's residents are enduring.

On April 27, the city of Baltimore went up in flames. - It was the same day that funeral services were held for 25-year-old Freddie Gray. Parts of Baltimore were thrown into chaos as groups of teenagers and young adults torched a CVS pharmacy, set police cars on fire and looted local businesses. Under different circumstance, many of the young people would have kept out of trouble. Many people told BET.com that the looters felt like life has offered them so little, there was nothing to lose. (Photo: AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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On April 27, the city of Baltimore went up in flames. - It was the same day that funeral services were held for 25-year-old Freddie Gray. Parts of Baltimore were thrown into chaos as groups of teenagers and young adults torched a CVS pharmacy, set police cars on fire and looted local businesses. Under different circumstance, many of the young people would have kept out of trouble. Many people told BET.com that the looters felt like life has offered them so little, there was nothing to lose. (Photo: AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

But that's exactly why others felt so hurt and angry the next day. - Not only has this senior center bus been reduced to ashes, but the senior center has, too. (Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images)

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But that's exactly why others felt so hurt and angry the next day. - Not only has this senior center bus been reduced to ashes, but the senior center has, too. (Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images)

What about the owners of these cars? - They may now not be able to get to work or school or their kids' daycare center. The protesters did not think, many people said, about the consequences of their actions and how they have hurt their own relatives and neighbors.(Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

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What about the owners of these cars? - They may now not be able to get to work or school or their kids' daycare center. The protesters did not think, many people said, about the consequences of their actions and how they have hurt their own relatives and neighbors.(Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

The looters did not care. - And to prove it, they damaged and stood atop a Baltimore Police car, almost daring law enforcement to do something. Their frustrations with the police, who have a notorious reputation for being abusive, was so high, the rioters decided to actually give the officers a real reason to come after them.(Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

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The looters did not care. - And to prove it, they damaged and stood atop a Baltimore Police car, almost daring law enforcement to do something. Their frustrations with the police, who have a notorious reputation for being abusive, was so high, the rioters decided to actually give the officers a real reason to come after them.(Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

And it wasn't just a guy thing. - Just look at this woman facing down a line of police officers decked out in riot gear. What do you imagine she was thinking?(Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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And it wasn't just a guy thing. - Just look at this woman facing down a line of police officers decked out in riot gear. What do you imagine she was thinking?(Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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She wasn't the only person to stand up to law enforcement. - But the police just stood there doing nothing, leading some residents to wonder why they were even there. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

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She wasn't the only person to stand up to law enforcement. - But the police just stood there doing nothing, leading some residents to wonder why they were even there. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

For a while, it was like Christmas in April. - Before they set the CVS on fire, several people helped themselves to what was inside. The pharmacy got the most attention, but it was not the only business to be looted and then burned. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

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For a while, it was like Christmas in April. - Before they set the CVS on fire, several people helped themselves to what was inside. The pharmacy got the most attention, but it was not the only business to be looted and then burned. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

This is the scene they left behind. - By the time the firefighters were able to enter the building, there was nothing left to save. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

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This is the scene they left behind. - By the time the firefighters were able to enter the building, there was nothing left to save. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

They also left a message. - "This happened because of the police," reads a note left in what once was the CVS's doorway. (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET)

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They also left a message. - "This happened because of the police," reads a note left in what once was the CVS's doorway. (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET)

The whole thing gave this woman a mean case of the sads. - Rosalyn Brown witnessed the riots that tore her hometown apart in 1968. "It was much worse, but this takes you back to the devastation all over again. There's a better way. There are people out there teaching these young kids how to get justice and this is not the way," she said. "It hurts to see that this could be done again. They don't know because they weren't here, but I was. I am so devastated with what I'm seeing." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET)

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The whole thing gave this woman a mean case of the sads. - Rosalyn Brown witnessed the riots that tore her hometown apart in 1968. "It was much worse, but this takes you back to the devastation all over again. There's a better way. There are people out there teaching these young kids how to get justice and this is not the way," she said. "It hurts to see that this could be done again. They don't know because they weren't here, but I was. I am so devastated with what I'm seeing." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET)

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This is Freddie Gray's brother, Juan. - When he saw the destruction the next morning, he was burning mad. "We have to be here tomorrow. We are destroying our own community," he told BET.com. "We can take a stand to destroy each other; why we can't take a stand to unite?" Juan also is worried that it could take months to rebuild and in the meantime, so many will become unemployed because their places of employment were damaged. "We did this to ourself," he added. (Photo: Joyce Jones / BET)

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This is Freddie Gray's brother, Juan. - When he saw the destruction the next morning, he was burning mad. "We have to be here tomorrow. We are destroying our own community," he told BET.com. "We can take a stand to destroy each other; why we can't take a stand to unite?" Juan also is worried that it could take months to rebuild and in the meantime, so many will become unemployed because their places of employment were damaged. "We did this to ourself," he added. (Photo: Joyce Jones / BET)

The day after the riots, the National Guard came to town. - "We have to show them that we don't have to be violent, but we are not going to move until they come out and hear us," Juan said. "If we stand there in the streets and do not move, somebody's going to show up and talk with us. But if we are hurting the police, we are hurting ourselves." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET)

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The day after the riots, the National Guard came to town. - "We have to show them that we don't have to be violent, but we are not going to move until they come out and hear us," Juan said. "If we stand there in the streets and do not move, somebody's going to show up and talk with us. But if we are hurting the police, we are hurting ourselves." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET)

President Obama weighed in from the Rose Garden. - He denounced the looters' and rioters' actions, but acknowledged that the impetus is a growing problem in America. “We have seen too many instances of what appears to be police officers interacting with individuals, primarily African-American, often poor, in ways that raise troubling questions,” the president said. “This has been a slow-rolling crisis. This has been going on for a long time. This is not new, and we shouldn’t pretend that it’s new.”(Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

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President Obama weighed in from the Rose Garden. - He denounced the looters' and rioters' actions, but acknowledged that the impetus is a growing problem in America. “We have seen too many instances of what appears to be police officers interacting with individuals, primarily African-American, often poor, in ways that raise troubling questions,” the president said. “This has been a slow-rolling crisis. This has been going on for a long time. This is not new, and we shouldn’t pretend that it’s new.”(Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

The new attorney general's first day in office was an initiation by fire. - Literally. Like other leaders, Loretta Lynch condemned the violence. "I want to make it clear once again that these senseless acts of violence are not only a grave danger to the community — and they must stop — but they are also counterproductive to the ultimate goal here, which is developing a respectful conversation within the Baltimore community and across the nation about the way our law enforcement officers interact with the residents that we are charged to serve and to protect," she said. Some people say she should channel her inner Eric Holder and speak to residents in person. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

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The new attorney general's first day in office was an initiation by fire. - Literally. Like other leaders, Loretta Lynch condemned the violence. "I want to make it clear once again that these senseless acts of violence are not only a grave danger to the community — and they must stop — but they are also counterproductive to the ultimate goal here, which is developing a respectful conversation within the Baltimore community and across the nation about the way our law enforcement officers interact with the residents that we are charged to serve and to protect," she said. Some people say she should channel her inner Eric Holder and speak to residents in person. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Freddie would not approve, either. - "Freddie Gray never stole from nobody. He was a go-getter. He liked to accomplish things. He worked hard for them. No matter what your opinion was about how he went about it, he never would take from you," Juan said. "He never would steal from you, he never would come to you aggressively like he would harm you. He would go out and get his own and he a provider." (Photo: Joyce Jones / BET) 

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Freddie would not approve, either. - "Freddie Gray never stole from nobody. He was a go-getter. He liked to accomplish things. He worked hard for them. No matter what your opinion was about how he went about it, he never would take from you," Juan said. "He never would steal from you, he never would come to you aggressively like he would harm you. He would go out and get his own and he a provider." (Photo: Joyce Jones / BET) 

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The aftermath for some was "surreal." - Eric Jamison II came out to help clean up the mess because Baltimore is his home. The police, however, told Jamison and other residents and organizations to put down their brooms. "They even pulled a gun on us," he said. "They didn't give a reason; just told us to stop." (Photo: Joyce Jones / BET)

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The aftermath for some was "surreal." - Eric Jamison II came out to help clean up the mess because Baltimore is his home. The police, however, told Jamison and other residents and organizations to put down their brooms. "They even pulled a gun on us," he said. "They didn't give a reason; just told us to stop." (Photo: Joyce Jones / BET)

The pain is real. - Jamison said he's also been talking to a lot of the young guys and trying to calm them down. "There is a lot of emotions and built-up frustrations and they really don't have an outlet to express that," he said. "It's kind of hard when you've got a line of police dressed for war."(Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

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The pain is real. - Jamison said he's also been talking to a lot of the young guys and trying to calm them down. "There is a lot of emotions and built-up frustrations and they really don't have an outlet to express that," he said. "It's kind of hard when you've got a line of police dressed for war."(Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Jamison didn't understand why the police were there. - "I don't see the purpose of them standing there; they're not stopping anything," he said. "Last night they were on the same block. Everything that was getting looted was [down the road] and they didn't go down there. Jamison said he thinks "it's just kind of an intimidation thing and they're here to entice people who are overly emotional and try to make something happen, especially with all of the media cameras, just to capture the negative image of Baltimore." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET) 

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Jamison didn't understand why the police were there. - "I don't see the purpose of them standing there; they're not stopping anything," he said. "Last night they were on the same block. Everything that was getting looted was [down the road] and they didn't go down there. Jamison said he thinks "it's just kind of an intimidation thing and they're here to entice people who are overly emotional and try to make something happen, especially with all of the media cameras, just to capture the negative image of Baltimore." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET) 

Troy Green also tried to help bring some calm. - His message to the young people is that they should be standing together to build up their community, not tear it down. "A lot of people used the opportunity of Freddie Gray's death to take their opportunity to go in and create a type of vandalism in the neighborhood and inspire other children to partake in that," he said. "I'm not with that. I'm out here now basically trying to be a mentor to young people and letting them know we don't need another victim out here." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET)  

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Troy Green also tried to help bring some calm. - His message to the young people is that they should be standing together to build up their community, not tear it down. "A lot of people used the opportunity of Freddie Gray's death to take their opportunity to go in and create a type of vandalism in the neighborhood and inspire other children to partake in that," he said. "I'm not with that. I'm out here now basically trying to be a mentor to young people and letting them know we don't need another victim out here." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET)  

Anthony Hargrove can relate to the protesters. - "I have been pulled over just walking down the street, had my pants pulled down, was degraded and whatnot. Everybody who's Black is not a troublemaker but that's how they treat all of us. I'm not at all angry at the protests," Hargrove told BET.com. "This is just years and years and years of frustration." He does worry, though, that young protesters could ruin their futures if they are charged with a crime, leaving them the option of "working at Micky D's or getting by in the streets." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET) 

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Anthony Hargrove can relate to the protesters. - "I have been pulled over just walking down the street, had my pants pulled down, was degraded and whatnot. Everybody who's Black is not a troublemaker but that's how they treat all of us. I'm not at all angry at the protests," Hargrove told BET.com. "This is just years and years and years of frustration." He does worry, though, that young protesters could ruin their futures if they are charged with a crime, leaving them the option of "working at Micky D's or getting by in the streets." (Photo: Joyce Jones/BET) 

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Some people provided music for the tortured souls. - Though the city's residents were still angry and sad, many decided to turn the tragedy into a bonding experience as they gathered to clean up, protest peacefully and, in some cases, sing and dance. (Photo: Joyce Jones / BET)

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Some people provided music for the tortured souls. - Though the city's residents were still angry and sad, many decided to turn the tragedy into a bonding experience as they gathered to clean up, protest peacefully and, in some cases, sing and dance. (Photo: Joyce Jones / BET)

This can happen anywhere, warns Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings. - The Baltimore native has been a constant presence in the streets of Baltimore, offering his ear to his constituents. "They don't want you to just hear them, they want to know that you're going to do something about their pain," he told CNN. "They're reaching for a future and they're trying to get it and it just seems like they cannot touch it. (Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images)

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This can happen anywhere, warns Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings. - The Baltimore native has been a constant presence in the streets of Baltimore, offering his ear to his constituents. "They don't want you to just hear them, they want to know that you're going to do something about their pain," he told CNN. "They're reaching for a future and they're trying to get it and it just seems like they cannot touch it. (Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images)

After the fires, the people said "Amen." - Rev. Delman Coates led a press conference, prayer vigil and rally for the Gray family outside the office of the state's attorney, who ultimately will decide the fate of the officers involved in Gray's death and whether they will face criminal charges. Prayer has been a source of comfort to many and has even brought parishioners and gang members together.(Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

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After the fires, the people said "Amen." - Rev. Delman Coates led a press conference, prayer vigil and rally for the Gray family outside the office of the state's attorney, who ultimately will decide the fate of the officers involved in Gray's death and whether they will face criminal charges. Prayer has been a source of comfort to many and has even brought parishioners and gang members together.(Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

The riots have posed a great challenge for the mayor. - Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who grew up on the other side of the tracks as the daughter of a doctor and a politician, offended many residents when she referred to the looters as thugs. She later apologized, saying she'd let her anger get the best of her. While some people think she's doing the best that she can, others have speculated about whether Rawlings-Blake is up to the enormous task of holding Baltimore together. (Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

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The riots have posed a great challenge for the mayor. - Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who grew up on the other side of the tracks as the daughter of a doctor and a politician, offended many residents when she referred to the looters as thugs. She later apologized, saying she'd let her anger get the best of her. While some people think she's doing the best that she can, others have speculated about whether Rawlings-Blake is up to the enormous task of holding Baltimore together. (Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Cities across the nation are showing their solidarity. - In New York City, protesters on April 29 demonstrated past midnight and about 100 people were arrested. Some of them were lifted and put into police vans in a manner similar to the way that led to Gray's severed spinal cord. (Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

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Cities across the nation are showing their solidarity. - In New York City, protesters on April 29 demonstrated past midnight and about 100 people were arrested. Some of them were lifted and put into police vans in a manner similar to the way that led to Gray's severed spinal cord. (Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

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Protesters in D.C. also have been showing support. - Hundreds of protesters marched through Washington, D.C., on April 29 rallying for Gray. They said they will continue to demonstrate until their message has been heard. Protests also were held in Boston, Houston, Denver and Indianapolis. (Photo: Muhammed Bilal Kenasari/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

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Protesters in D.C. also have been showing support. - Hundreds of protesters marched through Washington, D.C., on April 29 rallying for Gray. They said they will continue to demonstrate until their message has been heard. Protests also were held in Boston, Houston, Denver and Indianapolis. (Photo: Muhammed Bilal Kenasari/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Rep. Elijah Cummings House Catches Fire - Rep. Elijah Cummings's West Baltimore home caught on fire Tuesday morning. He was at a city hearing when he heard about the fire, which began on the third floor of his house. No one was at home and no one was hurt. Cummings was positive about the incident. "There's something to be gained from this. I don't know what it is yet," he said according to the Baltimore Sun. Investigators believe it may have been caused by a fire left on a stove. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

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Will a third investigation help Charm City? - On April 29, Cummings pleaded with protesters to go home when the curfew went into effect. Earlier that day, he asked Attorney General Lynch to open another investigation into the patterns and practices of the Baltimore Police Department. Two probes are currently under way.(Photo: Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Family Lawyer Questions Rumors Stating Gray 'Injured Himself' - "We question the accuracy of the police reports we’ve seen thus far, including the police report that says Mr. Gray was arrested without force or incident,” Jason Downs, a family attorney, said to The Washington Post in regards to recently released accounts of a prisoner who was in the police van during Gray's deadly ride. The Post reported that the prisoner witnessed Gray “intentionally trying to injure himself,” according to a police report they retrieved. On Wednesday (April 29), Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said the prisoner told investigators that Gray "was still moving around, that he was kicking and making noises" until they reached the police station, AP reports.  (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

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In the end, it's all about Freddie Gray. - Unfortunately, the citizens of Baltimore and the nation will have to wait to hear the full story of what really happened to the 25 year old. The results of an investigation have been turned over to the city's state's attorney but will not be shared with the public. "This does not mean that the investigation is over. If new evidence is found, we will follow it. If new direction is given by the state's attorney, we will obey it," Batts said at an April 30 news conference. (Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)