A civil rights attorney and her son face racism and mistreatment at Lyric Baltimore, leading to a formal complaint and a call for the CEO’s resignation.
Author Archives: Alexis Taylor
AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inEducation
Dr. Otis Eldridge takes 2026 Teacher of the Year title for Baltimore City Public Schools
Dr. Otis Eldridge is officially the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). Eldridge, a band director and music teacher at Hamilton Elementary Middle School, learned of the honor on May 7 via surprise visit by City Schools CEO Dr. Sonya Santelesis.
Posted inAfro Events
‘Hats, gloves and brilliance’: Black community shines at the AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea
Nearly 1,200 guests gathered in Baltimore for the AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea, celebrating Black excellence and honoring women leaders across corporate, nonprofit and civic spaces. The annual sold-out event highlighted the achievements of Black women in executive roles while fostering community, tradition and intergenerational connection.
Posted inNational News
NASA Astronaut Victor J. Glover makes history as first Black man to fly around the moon
The AFRO wishes safe travel to each member of the Artemis II crew who launched into space today. The event was one for the history books, as NASA Astronaut Victor J. Glover, pilot for the mission, became the first Black man to fly around the moon.
Posted inBlack Press
Black Press celebrates ties to Black Church in annual Sunday service
The Black Press, founded in 1827 by John Russwurm and Rev. Samuel Cornish, has been fighting for justice and equality for Black communities for 199 years, and continues to be an important source of information and advocacy today.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Cast, crew of ‘Sinners’ win big at 2026 Academy Awards
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Standing on the Dolby Theatre stage before his mother, father and all of Hollywood, actor Michael B. Jordan accepted the Oscar award for Best Actor in a Leading Role inside of the Dolby Theatre on March 15. “God is good,” said Jordan, before acknowledging his parents, siblings and the people […]
Posted inBlack History
Black leaders highlighted in ‘Strong Men and Women in Virginia History” exhibit
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor An attorney, a U.S. Army officer, a civil rights pioneer and a public health advocate are all honored in the 14th annual “Strong Men and Women in Virginia History” exhibit. Presented by Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia, the leaders were recognized this Black History Month alongside scholars who […]
Posted inBaltimore News
On the line with Jesse Jackson: Lessons from a voice that changed history
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor I never imagined Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. would pick up the phone. It was 2012. On June 14 of that year, Adidas, the international shoe and sports apparel company, boldly unveiled a pair of sneakers that came complete with a pair of orange, plastic ankle bracelets. After public backlash to […]
Posted inNAACP
NAACP condemns racist social media post shared by president
The 47th president of the United States shared a video on social media depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys, which was met with widespread criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.
Posted inNational News
Federal agents arrest journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort for reporting on Minnesota church protest
Federal agents have arrested veteran journalist Don Lemon and Minnesota-based reporter Georgia Fort in connection with their coverage of a Jan. 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators challenged a pastor who also serves as a senior ICE official. The arrests have sparked widespread outrage from press freedom advocates and civil rights groups, who argue the charges represent a dangerous escalation in the federal government’s efforts to criminalize journalism amid heightened national tensions over immigration enforcement and protest.
Posted inHealth
Dr. Janell Green Smith, Black maternal health advocate, dies in childbirth
Dr. Janell Green Smith, a respected midwife and maternal health expert, tragically died in childbirth at the age of 31, highlighting the issue of America’s maternal mortality crisis and the need for accountability in the healthcare system.
Posted inBaltimore News
Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine to make Rose Bowl parade debut
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Members of Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine will start the year off strong, proudly representing the historically Black institution at the 137th Tournament of Roses (Rose Bowl) parade on Jan. 1, 2026. The marching band of the National Treasure, led by Dr. Jorim Reid, will bring the flavor and […]