The Godfather of Greenmount - A Deacon’s Mission to Restore Baltimore, One Block at a Time
By: Morgan Lewis
Baltimore, MD - If you ever walk down Greenmount Avenue in Baltimore, chances are you’ve heard the name Deacon. Ask anyone young or old and they’ll tell you about the man who’s been called the ‘Godfather of Greenmount.” But Deacon’s story isn’t one of power or prestige. It’s a tale of love, hard work, and the quiet stillness of a man living a life of faith.
A picture of Deacon.
My name is George middle initial E- Earnest Phillips Junior, but around here, they call me “The Godfather” or “Deacon.” Some say it’s because of the way I look after the community, like family. Others say it’s my dedication to the Lord’s work. Either way, the name stuck, and I wear it with pride.
I’ve lived in Baltimore my entire life. Born and raised in the Greenmount neighborhood, I grew up on East 22nd Street as the oldest of six kids. Life wasn’t easy, but my parents taught us the value of faith, family, and fellowship. Every evening at six o’clock, we’d sit down as a family for dinner. Afterward, my mom and dad would take us to the park, the movies, or sometimes to church. They showed me what it means to pour into others and to build a community that feels like home.
Baltimore isn’t just a city to me—it’s my home. It always has been. Sure, there are challenges. We’ve faced hard times, but this city has a charm you can’t find anywhere else. Growing up, neighbors were like extended family. Somebody’s mom was everybody’s mom. If you needed help, someone was there. That’s the Baltimore I know, and that’s the spirit I’ve worked my whole life to preserve.
Deacon holding his bible on the corner of Greenmount Ave.
About 40 years ago, my wife and I moved to the 2300 block of Barclay Street. The day after we settled in, I grabbed a broom and a shovel and cleaned the entire block. I didn’t think much of it—I just wanted to make the street look nice. One of my neighbors, Mr. Mack, watched me the whole time. When I was finished, he came over, handed me $20, and said, “Good job.” I didn’t do it for the money, but that moment lit something inside me. I thought to myself, What if everyone cared enough to do something small like this?
From that day forward, I started cleaning not just my block but the surrounding streets. It wasn’t just about picking up trash or sweeping the sidewalks. It was about sending a message—that someone cared. Over time, other people started joining me. Some preferred to stay in the background, working quietly. Others stepped up, and we became a team. I never saw myself as a boss—just someone leading by example. My job was to inspire others by doing the work.
Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. Some people doubted me. They questioned my motives or didn’t understand why I bothered. But I kept at it because this isn’t about me—it’s about the community. It’s about being a light in places where hope feels hard to find.
A picture of Deacon speaking
These days, I don’t spend as much time cleaning as I used to. I’m older now, but I still go out most mornings around 7:30 am, broom and shovel in hand. I’ll spend about an hour cleaning up, praying for the neighborhood, and talking to the people I meet. It’s not about how long I work—it’s about showing up, being consistent, and making a difference, no matter how small.
One day stands out to me more than most. A young man showed up to help me clean. We didn’t know each other, but he had heard about what I was doing and wanted to join. We worked side by side for eight hours straight. By the end of the day, I invited him to come to church with me. It wasn’t just about cleaning up the streets; it was about building relationships and planting seeds of hope. Moments like that remind me why I do this.
Baltimore has changed a lot over the years. Crime, drugs, and negativity have taken their toll. Sometimes it feels like the city is fighting against itself. But I’ve always believed in the power of renewal. My pastor, Pastor Brown, and the church have been a big part of bringing life back to our neighborhood. It’s not just a place where people gather on Sundays—it’s a beacon of hope, a place where people find strength and community.
If I could say one thing to the younger generation, it would be this: Try Jesus. That’s what’s kept me going all these years—faith and a love for people. I’ve seen what can happen when someone decides to live with purpose and serve others. My mission is simple: to bring light to dark places and to remind people that they’re not alone.
A close up of Deacon’s things and his bible.
When I think about how I want to be remembered, it’s not about titles or accolades. I don’t need people to call me the “Godfather of Greenmount” or anything fancy like that. I just want them to remember me for my work ethic and my love for others. More than anything, I want people to look at my life and say, He was an example to follow.
This work isn’t glamorous. It’s not flashy. But it’s meaningful. Every time I pick up my broom, every time I kneel in prayer for my neighborhood, I’m reminded of why I do this. It’s about love—love for my community, love for my city, and love for the people who call this place home.
Baltimore has a lot of challenges, but it also has so much beauty. The people here are resilient, strong, and full of potential. I see it every day. And as long as I’m able, I’ll keep doing what I can to make this city a better place—not for me, but for the people who live here and the ones who come after us.
So, if you ever find yourself walking down Greenmount Avenue and you hear someone mention Deacon, now you know a little bit about me. I’m just a man with a broom, a shovel, and a heart for this city. And as long as God gives me breath, I’ll keep working to make Baltimore the home it’s always been in my heart.
Author Bio:
Morgan Lewis is a visual storyteller and multiplatform production student at Morgan State University. She explores themes of culture, family, and identity through writing, photography, and video. Morgan’s work often highlights the beauty of everyday Black experiences, showcasing the love and traditions that define her community.
