‘House of Melo’ exhibit shines spotlight on Baltimore resilience
By Chianti Marks AFRO Intern
All photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen
On Oct. 25, Baltimore native and 10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony celebrated the opening of the “House of Melo” exhibit at the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Branch. The event followed Anthony’s recent induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The exhibit, open through Dec. 20, 2025, highlights Anthony’s journey from West Baltimore to global stardom while making efforts to serve his community. Beginning in November, free workshops led by local leaders in culinary arts, creative industries and literature will help residents build and sustain their own business ventures.
Outside of the library, the block transformed into a celebration — a basketball court was set up in the street, food trucks lined the curb and a DJ filled the air with music.
The ceremony featured remarks from Enoch Pratt CEO Chad Helton; Sanctuary Collective CEO Sam Brand; award-winning writer and Anthony’s memoir co-author D. Watkins; Anthony’s longtime stylist and creative director Khalilah Beavers; Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott; Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Anthony himself.
Helton opened the
ceremony by thanking attendees and reflecting on the exhibit’s purpose.
“The House of Melo exhibit brings that spirit to life in a whole new way, celebrating Baltimore pride while reminding us all that greatness starts right here,” he said. Scott spoke candidly about Anthony’s rise from the same West Baltimore streets where he grew up.
“We grew up in Baltimore. For us it was like heaven and hell,” Scott said. “Heaven because you had a community rooting for you to succeed, but it was also hell because we all know what we lived through in the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s — when systems were designed for us to fail.
It’s a miracle that Carmelo was able to make it to where he is today. Despite being doubted and called every name in the book, he did great things — and more importantly, he never forgot the city that raised him.”
Moore echoed that message, praising Anthony’s resilience and his commitment to giving back.
“He doesn’t have to do this. Carmelo can just as easily say he got his medals, he got his awards, he’s going to shine forever. But he made a very intentional decision to pour into our kids, to make sure he’s not the only one sitting up there,” Moore said.
Moore added that Anthony’s journey stands as a lesson in perseverance and discipline.
“This is a celebration not just of what Carmelo has accomplished or where he came from, but of how much work he put in to get there,” said the governor.
When Anthony took the stage, he reflected on his roots and the meaning behind the exhibit.
“This exhibit does not just represent myself,” he said. “I wanted to bring you guys into the House of Melo. It’s not about wins or losses. It’s not about accolades. I want you to experience the journey of the career.”
Anthony spoke about the ups and downs of his career and the lessons that came with them.
“When you look at a journey, you understand there will be turmoil, doubts and people who are against you,” he said. “But how you stand your ground is how you’ll be
known and appreciated.”
He also emphasized the importance of inspiring Baltimore’s youth.
“We have a sanctuary around the corner, and these kids are amazing,” Anthony said. “This is why I’m doing it — because I want to see the next Melo come from ‘Bmore’. Not New York — we always see people succeed from those big cities. But Baltimore deserves that shine too.”
He closed with a message to his community, explaining why everyone should visit the Central Branch and spend time in the library.
“Tell a friend to tell a friend, bring the kids, bring the schools, bring the streets,” he said. “There’s a lot of history in this building that a lot of people don’t understand or appreciate, and that responsibility is on all of us.”
Award winning author, producer and professor D. Watkins speaks to the crowd. Watkins is co-writer and editor of Carmelo Anthony’s book, “Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope.”
Enoch Pratt CEO Chad Helton speaks to those gathered for the opening of the “House of Melo” exhibit at the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Branch.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo “Melo” Anthony speaks to the crowd, inspiring them to visit the exhibit (seen to the right) and utilize the resources of the Enoch Pratt Free Library system.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (left), NBA legend Carmelo “Melo” Anthony and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott share a moment of celebration during the grand opening of the “House of Melo” exhibit at the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Branch on Oct. 25.
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott takes in the new Enoch Pratt Free Library “House of Melo” exhibit on Cathedral Street.
The “House of Melo” exhibit will pay homage to NBA legend Carmelo “Melo” Anthony and Baltimore, where he spent his childhood, through Dec. 20.