Three women share their powerful stories of surviving multiple fights against breast cancer. Through faith, family and determination, Tirra Pack, Marcia Victor and Linda Hamilton have turned pain into purpose, proving that survival is more than a medical — it’s spiritual, emotional and deeply human.
Author Archives: Andrea Stevens
Posted inMental Health
Baltimore leaders urge awareness, support for suicide prevention
Suicide remains a serious public health issue, with 2 percent of young adults and 20 percent of high schoolers reporting suicidal thoughts or attempts. In Baltimore, leaders are working to expand mental health resources in underserved communities.
Posted inBUSINESS
District opens new revolving fund to boost small business growth
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced new funding for local entrepreneurs through the District Capitalized Revolving Fund Program, offering micro-loans and credit lines to help small businesses expand, hire and strengthen their operations.
Posted inHealth
A look at Congresswoman Underwood’s maternal health push to ‘change lives for generations’
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood has launched Lifting Up All Families (LUAF), a new organization focused on improving maternal health through equity-driven policy and community partnerships. LUAF addresses the social and systemic barriers many mothers face, especially Black women and veterans. Grounded in real stories and supported by legislation like the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, LUAF aims to ensure every mother receives the care and respect she deserves.
Posted inBaltimore News
CLLCTIVLY’s Martin fellowship builds a regenerative network for Baltimore’s upliftment
A new generation of Black social innovators is reshaping Baltimore’s future through the Drs. Elmer & Joanne Martin Social Impact Fellowship, a six-month program by CLLCTIVLY that nurtures collaboration, cultural leadership and community wealth across the city’s arts, education, health and technology sectors.
Posted inVeterans
Bound by service: Two Branches, two journeys, one enduring call to serve
Two veterans, Robert Lorinza Jones and Earl Ruff Jr., reflect on decades of service across the Marine Corps and National Guard. From Vietnam to Desert Storm and the Pentagon on 9/11, their stories reveal hard-won lessons in discipline, leadership and the lasting power of military brotherhood.
Posted inTransportation
Air travelers face more delays and cancellations as president threatens air traffic controllers
The Federal Aviation Administration is continuing to reduce flights at 40 major U.S. airports as part of a safety initiative to manage growing strain from the ongoing government shutdown. Shown here, a board displaying canceled flights at O’Hare International Airport, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Chicago.
Posted inMusic
Maurette Brown Clark reflects on faith, music and finding her true calling
Gospel singer Maurette Brown Clark opens up about her journey from a traditional career path to answering God’s call through music. From her early doubts to a Stellar Award-winning career and a bold new season of freedom, Clark shares how faith shaped her voice and vision for the future.
Posted inHealth
Kaiser Permanente invites communities to celebrate wellness
Kaiser Permanente will host “Wellness Weekend” festivals Nov. 8–9 at multiple medical centers across the Washington, D.C. – Maryland – Virginia area, offering free health screenings centered around breast cancer and diabetes awareness, family activities and wellness demonstrations. The events aim to promote preventive care, encourage healthy habits and highlight Kaiser Permanente’s integrated approach to accessible, community-focused healthcare.
Posted inHealth
Healing after mastectomy: Two survivors speak on faith, struggle and strength
Two breast cancer survivors share their deeply personal journeys through mastectomy, loss and healing. Clorie Tildon, a woman of steadfast faith, and Millena Smith, who overcame addiction and homelessness, reveal how faith, support and self-acceptance shaped their recovery. Their stories offer raw insight and powerful advice for women facing the emotional and physical challenges of breast cancer
Posted inBaltimore Community
Baltimore County Public Schools agrees to retrain staff after AI surveillance mistakes student’s chip bag for weapon
By Andrea StevensAFRO Staff Writerastevens@afro.com Baltimore County Public Schools says it will retrain staff, following the Oct. 20 incident involving an artificial intelligence surveillance system that misidentified a Doritos bag as a gun. Though the alert was ultimately called off, the school’s principal alerted a resource officer, who called the Baltimore County Police Department, leading […]
Posted inBlack History
Beyond the uniform: How two veterans shaped lives through service and sacrifice
Veterans Charles McGee and Efrem Odum reflect on how military service shaped their identities, families and futures. From the jungles of Vietnam to post-service careers in law enforcement and construction, their stories reveal the lasting impact of duty, discipline and personal legacy.