The Forbes family has found strength, joy and deep pride in raising their son Adam, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Through early intervention, resilience and unwavering love, they’ve learned to celebrate progress on their own terms—while encouraging other families to embrace the journey.
Author Archives: Andrea Stevens
Posted inBaltimore News
YouthWorks: Offering career paths—not just paychecks
For over 50 years, Baltimore City’s YouthWorks program has provided thousands of city youth with paid summer jobs, offering critical skills, mentorship and career pathways. Now expanding into year-round internships and credentialed career tracks in fields like healthcare and clean energy, the program is evolving into a powerful pipeline for workforce development and long-term economic mobility.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Two perspectives, one heritage: Reconnecting with Africa’s cultural heartbeat
An American traveler and a Nigerian native share parallel reflections on the rich, enduring cultures of West Africa. From Senegal’s living history and art to Nigeria’s deep-rooted customs and fashion, their stories offer a vivid look into the pride, resilience, and beauty woven into everyday African life.
Posted inFinancials
Avoiding online fraud: How to stay one step ahead
Phishing emails pose a major cyber threat, targeting businesses and individuals with deceptive messages to steal sensitive information. Timothy Smoot, executive vice president and chief financial officer, warns that scammers often impersonate trusted contacts to gain access. He stresses the importance of cybersecurity training, multi-factor authentication and vigilance in spotting red flags to prevent fraud and data breaches.
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Grandma’s house endures as the heart of family, even in changing times
Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com For generations, family gatherings often centered around one place: Grandma’s house. While shifting lifestyles, the pandemic and modern technology have changed how families come together, that familiar home still serves as the heart of connection for many. Olivia McCall, a 25-year-old professional ballerina from Baltimore, said she has seen […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority returns to D.C. for 57th National Convention
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. hosted its 57th National Convention in Washington, D.C., drawing more than 20,000 members to the city where it was founded in 1913. The five-day event celebrated over 111 years of sisterhood, scholarship and service, and featured public meetings, civic engagement and educational forums focused on issues impacting the Black community.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Deltas on the Fairway: Celebrating the legacy of Helen Webb Harris
Helen Webb Harris, a pioneering educator and founder of the nation’s first African American women’s golf club, will be recognized at the Deltas on the Fairway National Golf Tournament on July 8 at the University of Maryland Golf Course.
Posted inUncategorized
‘Enough is Enough’: Baltimore residents illuminate the urgency of gun reform
Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com Gun violence continues to shape daily life in Baltimore, where residents say it’s more than a headline — it’s a constant reality. From personal loss and trauma to frustration with broken systems, people across the city are speaking out about their experiences and what real solutions should look like. […]
Posted inMusic
Black music: The soul of every sound
Black music is more than sound — it’s identity, soul and storytelling passed down through generations. Baltimore musicians John Thomas and Robert Vandervall explore how gospel, blues and rhythm express emotion, history and spiritual resilience. Their stories show that while styles evolve, the heart of Black music remains unchanged.
Posted inMusic
Words that echo: The lasting impact of song lyrics on Black communities
Hip-hop lyrics have long served as a reflection of the Black experience, from messages of unity and resistance to today’s dominant themes of money, violence and survival. As the music industry continues to shape what gets heard, artists and scholars are questioning how modern rap lyrics are influencing identity, values and the well-being of Black communities—especially among youth. Many are now calling for a return to more empowering narratives.
Posted inBaltimore News
The Pikes Studio Cinema: Bringing big-screen culture back to Pikesville
Pikes Studio Cinema is more than a movie house — it’s a community-driven space where themed films, local partnerships and free weekly screenings bring people together. Owner Michael Eugene Johnson is on a mission to make cinema meaningful again in Pikesville.
Posted inFinancials
How to spot and avoid digital fraud
Financial solutions investment advisor Zakiyyah Muhammad warns that Cash App scams are becoming more prevalent, particularly targeting elderly retirees and young users. By understanding common fraud tactics and staying vigilant, individuals can better protect their finances and avoid falling victim to digital payment scams.