Respect 'Starts In The Heart' Of Baltimore's Inner Harbor

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It starts in the heart. That's the message behind a new campaign drawing a lot of attention at Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

WJZ's Amy Yensi talks to the group behind the statues promoting respect.

If you walk around the Inner Harbor, you may notice three steel hearts propped up along the path.

The sculpture and plaques were installed near the Amphitheater, Pier 5 and the Maryland Science Center.

"We wanted to make our last sign a big open heart, that way people can interact with it," said Diamond Sampson, Inner Harbor Project.

Sampson is part of the Inner Harbor Project, a youth-led initiative aiming to make one of Baltimore's top destinations a safe and inclusive space.

"If tourists can't see people in their own city enjoying this space, I mean, why would they want to come down?" said Sampson.

Two years of research led to a code of respect. The six guidelines of etiquette are etched on the hearts.

"The message essentially is to just respect those in the area and treat others as you would want to be treated," said Desmond Campbell, Inner Harbor Project.

The sculptures are a visual representation that respect starts in the heart. The hearts and slogan are resonating with visitors.

"It's nice, I think. It's a symbol of love, so I think more people would like to take pictures over here," said Babita Sherchan, tourist.

A symbol of compassion for the entire city.

"I think there's something really, really important right now about the message of young people taking change into their own hands a year after images of young people doing things that were destructive," said Celia Neustadt, Inner Harbor Project.

Visitors are encouraged to post their pictures with the sculptures on social media using the hashtag #StartsInTheHeart.

The steel hearts will be permanently at the Inner Habor year-round.