Who We Are

The Cherry Hill People’s Union is a resident-led chapter of Progressive Maryland, a statewide grassroots organization building power across Maryland to advance economic, racial, and social justice.

The Cherry Hill People’s Union was formed by Cherry Hill residents to ensure community voices shape decisions about development, housing, and the future of our neighborhood.

We are not developers. We are not politicians. We are residents organizing to protect Cherry Hill and ensure its future is shaped by the people who live here.

We have:

  • Regular Meetings/Community Assemblies

  • Resident Leadership Development

  • Advocacy with Baltimore City Public Schools Board

  • Community Education

  • Membership Organizing

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Cherry Hill People’s Union is to build collective power among Cherry Hill residents to protect our community, prevent displacement, and ensure development strengthens the neighborhood for current and future generations.

Our Vision

We envision a Cherry Hill where:

  • Residents have real decision-making power

  • Development benefits the people who live here

  • Families can stay in their homes long-term

  • Community voices shape the future of the neighborhood

Our Values

Community Leadership–

Residents must lead decisions affecting their neighborhood.

Accountability–

Developers and public officials must be accountable to residents.

Anti-displacement–

Development must protect existing residents.

Transparency–

Residents deserve clear, honest information.

Collective Power–

Real change happens when neighbors organize together.

Our Leadership

Alnita Anderson, Chair

Born and raised in Baltimore, I’ve lived in many parts of the city but settled in Cherry Hill in the early 2000s, long before redevelopment was being discussed here. Cherry Hill gave me and my two children the chance to live in the same home and community for more than a few years for the first time since I left my mother’s house in Edmondson Village. Both of my children attended local schools, and my oldest graduated from the very school now being considered for redevelopment.

I’m a proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools. I attended Baltimore City College, earned my first degree from Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), and at age 50 received a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from the University of Baltimore. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in counseling.

For more than 20 years, my professional life has been dedicated to nonprofit and public service work supporting Baltimore’s most marginalized residents. Today, I work with a nonprofit that supports people who use drugs through harm reduction practices, while also running my own nonprofit to help people rebuild their lives.

Cherry Hill has allowed me to continue my family’s legacy of building community by being a good neighbor. I’ve run a daycare for neighborhood children, taken them to church, and shared holidays and milestones with neighbors. We’ve also grieved together over the loss of children and longtime residents, and supported each other through tough winters and hard times.

Cherry Hill has given my family a quiet and safe place to live in Baltimore. Like the rest of the city, it has its challenges, but this waterfront peninsula—close to downtown and rich in history, family, and tradition—is home to strong people who have put down deep roots. It’s a place I’m proud to call home.

Robert Hines, Co-Chair

I’m a lifelong resident of Cherry Hill and a proud graduate of New Era Academy and Carter G. Woodson. I’m involved in the Cherry Hill People’s Union because I believe residents should have a real voice in the major decisions that affect our community.

Since 2005, I’ve worked as an addictions counselor, helping people and families impacted by substance use. I’m also a two-time cancer survivor and am currently recovering from a recent stroke related to diabetes. My experiences have only strengthened my commitment to helping others and giving back to the community that raised me.

Jenna Crocker, Treasurer

I’m a resident of Cherry Hill and an active community member who believes that for far too long, Cherry Hill voices have gone unheard. The residents are what make up this community, so decisions about our neighborhood should be by the people and for the people—not outsiders.

As a single mom who works full time, I’m just trying to build community and make sure neighbors have what they need. I help connect residents to resources and started a mutual aid effort called The People’s Closet, which provides clothing, food, and other essentials to people in the neighborhood. Through this work, I’m committed to supporting my neighbors and strengthening our community.