I was driving down Perring Parkway recently on my way home after dark, and I took notice of the lamp lights and how the trees lining the road were swaying.

I was suddenly struck by how very beautiful our city is.

When I go down to the Inner Harbor, I marvel at the boats and the Aquarium and sit back in wonder. We live in a place with the potential to be gorgeous. Baltimore has the potential to be absolutely breathtaking.

But why are we now one of the most dangerous cities in America?

Established in 1729, the town of Baltimore held promise. And since then, we have been a hub of trade and a valuable addition to the economy. Our city also played a pivotal and decisive role in the War of 1812. It was in Baltimore that Francis Scott Key penned our very own national anthem. Baltimore's role in the development of America has always been vital.

But in today's world, our biggest "accomplishment" is being listed in the top 10 most dangerous cities in all of America. It's time that we all get serious and talk about why our city is going through so much turmoil. A city that has always been great has now been reduced to daily homicides.

In February of this year, we saw our beloved city go 12 days without a homicide. 12 days. For the first time since 2015, we were able to go 12 days without anyone dying. Those few days were the closest thing that this city has seen to peace in a long time.

During those 12 days, I felt a number of different emotions. I felt pride in my city for coming together and trying to end gun violence. I felt joy seeing our citizens were making an effort. I felt hopeful; we were finally onto something. We were progressing and moving forward. Until just as suddenly, we went back to our ways. The killings resumed and really haven't stopped. When I turn on the news and see all of the horrible things, the shootings and killings, I find it now barely phases me.

It's sad that murder has become part of daily life for Baltimore residents.

Gunshots are no longer as alarming. Hearing the murder total for the day is just met with a "Hm" and then we move on. Life shouldn't be lived this way. It saddens me to see the state of my city. The state of my home.

When it comes down to it, I love Baltimore. I love the people, I love the views, I love the battered and broken roads that lead to such beautiful destinations.

I have Old Bay flowing through my veins and the Maryland flag stitched across my heart. A heart that is breaking due to the repeated violence that plagues our city.

All of this violence and atrocity perpetuates the myth that Baltimore isn't capable of peace and harmony and some days I wish that people saw what I see as I was driving down Perring Parkway. I love my city. This is where I was born and raised and where my father was born before me.

No matter what path life takes me on and how far away from home I travel, Baltimore will always be my home.