By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Brittany Young, CEO and founder of B-360, unveiled the organization’s new and temporary Youth and Teen Center in Baltimore’s Harborplace on March 25. The grand opening, which featured a fundraising event, also celebrated B-360’s eight-year anniversary.
Photo Credit: AFRO Photo/Tashi McQueen
B-360 is a non-profit that utilizes dirt bike culture to teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to empower and inspire Baltimore’s youth.
“B-360 is important to me because it keeps me out of trouble, it keeps me occupied and plays a big role in my life,” said Kamari Mullen, a junior instructor for B-360, at the celebration.
Young said the new center will not be a space for riding dirt bikes but for classroom training, homework support, 3D printing and much more.
With Baltimore City’s rate of homicide and non-fatal shootings on a steady and history-making decline, the reward of giving space for initiatives like B-360 is evident. In 2024, homicides decreased by 23 percent (201 in 2024 vs. 261 in 2023) and non-fatal shootings declined by 34 percent (414 in 2024 vs. 635 in 2023).
As of March 25, there have been 34 homicides this year, nine fewer homicides than in 2024 year-to-date, and 55 non-fatal shootings this year, compared to 93 non-fatal shootings year-to-date in 2024.
“B-360’s presence here was an easy decision because it embodies the principles guiding our redevelopment of this iconic space,” said Leland Shelton, director of government relations for MCB Real Estate. “As we look toward the future of this space and this city, it’s vital that we continue to learn, innovate and lead with the community at the center.”
Leaders underscored the opening of the Youth and Teen Center as a welcoming message to Baltimore’s young people.
“B-360 is creating a space that celebrates young people while ensuring that they belong in downtown Baltimore,” said Noell Lugay, interim assistant deputy mayor of equity, health and human services for Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D). “Growing young people, investing in our youth and co-creating public safety has always been and will remain a priority for the Scott administration.”
Being from Baltimore, Young said her “whole mission” is to protect and empower Black youth.
“My goal now, as a Black woman in my 30s, is to make sure that the little Brittanys of the world know we exist in any space,” said Young.
During the ceremony, the Baltimore Ravens donated $10,000 to B-360 as ongoing partners of the organization.
Young mentioned that this Youth and Teen Center is just “a stepping stone” to their planned dirt bike park and educational campus, which, if implemented, would be the first of its kind. In 2023, B-360’s campaign “Ride 4 Change” was awarded $3 million in federal funding to support the development of the dirt bike campus.
For those opposed to dirt bikes, Young urged them to “lean on the side of donations into your community,” as complaints do not “yield results.”
To support the work that B-360 is doing, go to b360baltimore.org/ride-4-change
“We’ve worked with 10,000 young people and counting in just eight years,” said Young. “Imagine how much further we can get in 20 with people’s support.”
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