Baltimore City is taking its place as a historic site of social change. Freddie Gray and the six officers charged in connection with his death have assured their places in history.
Six men and women who are not criminals, who were doing what they thought was a normal day's work, are suddenly the icons of national police brutality. Their lives have been ruined and their reputations may never recover. Yet the verdict in this case will test the soul of our society.
If ever there was a moment for African-Americans to represent all people of color and to negotiate respect and reform from the nation, this is it.
John Holter, Baltimore