Maurice Kilson

[ Home ] [ Writing ] [ Politics ] [ Vita ] [ Teaching ]

Maurice Kilson

Maurice Kilson has been a positive influence on the lives of many of Mt. Airy’s youth. During the time when gang activity was a common choice, Maurice counseled young men, advised them about their options, and encouraged them to seek acceptance within the larger community. He recalls, “It started some time ago when I found that some of the young people were forming gangs in this area. There were four or five lower gangs in the area from lower Germantown up to Mt. Airy.” Young people could identify with him. Because of this, he was able to reach many young men who were thought to be unreachable by other adults. Maurice tried to create trust between different members of the community. “The members of the gangs had quite a concern about the police. I had a good relationship with the police department and helped some of the kids with misdemeanors. That is one way I got the confidence of the gang members.” Maurice used that confidence to build bridges in the community. Gang members had wanted to have dances at the Commodore Barry Club but thought that they could not do so. But, through Maurice’s efforts “We had dances at Commodore Barry. We were promised by the captain of the 14^th district and one of the deputy commissioners that, as long as everything was above board, they would never interfere. Gang members felt that the important spaces in the Germantown Jewish Center or Lovett Library were not open to them. But Maurice  “went and talked to Rabbi Charry who consented to them having meetings there. The library gave their approval as well. The leadership, mentoring, and friendship of Maurice, and some of the people who worked with him, such as Mark Hartsfield, were usually able to prevent trouble or to stop it from getting out of hand.

Maurice encouraged young people in the community to become involved in the Police Athletic League or other activities and hobbies. He tried to make sure they had an outlet that would challenge and stimulate their growth. Maurice used his own financial resources to take kids to major sporting events. For some, it was the only opportunity they had to attend major league baseball and football games.

Looking back, Maurice insists that “The kids in this area are not bad. There are a lot of good young people in the playgrounds. But they cannot do it without the parents who are not always there.” As for the effects of community work on himself, Maurice says, “It has made me a better person. As I go by Sedgwick playground today I feel good. I only wish I was much younger, so I could doing more today.

Maurice Kilson has been a good neighbor who has made a difference.