Ep. 20 - Sen. Cory McCray: The Apprenticeship That Changed the Trajectory of Baltimore

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Senator Cory McCray, who represents the 45th Legislative District in northeast Baltimore City.Senator McCray shares the personal story that shaped his path to public service, reflecting on his early life in Baltimore, his time at the Cheltenham Detention Center as a teenager, and the apprenticeship opportunity that redirected his future and eventually led him into leadership and elected office.The conversation explores the policy challenges and opportunities facing Baltimore today, including economic mobility, transportation, education disparities, and the role of state government in shaping outcomes for communities across Maryland. Senator McCray also discusses how collaboration between city leadership and state policymakers can influence progress for Baltimore residents.Throughout the episode, we also focus on youth civic participation, the importance of mentorship and opportunity, and what it means for young people to see themselves as leaders within their own communities.