Violent crime, homicide and property crime in 2012 in Maryland are at the lowest levels since 1975, according to data compiled by state police. Maryland State Police officials said that the figures released Aug. 15 are being submitted to the FBI for inclusion in the nation’s crime reporting statistical summary. “Our most solemn obligation is […]
Author Archives: Blair Adams
AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inBaltimore News
Councilman Mosby Wants Baltimore to Sever Financial Connections with Florida
In light of the July acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin one Baltimore city councilman wants the city to sever any financial connections with the state of Florida. During an Aug. 13 city council meeting, 7th District Councilman Nick Mosby proposed a measure that would limit the city’s commercial […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Maryland Native Determined to be a Winner
Wandering the streets of Baltimore, going from foster home to foster home, always on the run, one native Baltimorean somehow survived street life, all because he was determent to be a winner. With several run-ins with the law, Donald Dowridge, 51 discovered how he would turn his life around, breaking through barriers that would halt […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Harbor Point Deal Reaches a Preliminary Decision
Following weeks of protests and rallies against city backing of a private real estate development, the Baltimore city council voted Aug. 12 to fund needed infrastructure for Harbor Point, a development that is slated to rest on a portion of the city’s waterfront. The planned mix of residences and commercial businesses, which is to include […]
Posted inBaltimore News
State Tax Credit Calculations Error Gouges Some Balto Homeowners
Nearly 300 Baltimore City homeowners are seeing a significant increase in their property taxes as a result of flawed calculations by the state in computing the Historic Renovation Tax Credit. As a result of the errors, local homeowners have been sent tax bills containing mistakes by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. “When people […]
Posted inBaltimore News
School Police Officer to Challenge Sheriff Anderson
(Updated 08/15/2013) The post of Baltimore City Sheriff, the city’s only elected law enforcement position, is up for grabs next June and a city school police officer wants the job. Donoven Brooks, 47, a school police officer, announced his decision to run during a June 23 wine and pasta fundraiser. The move for the sheriff’s […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Dallas Man Goes on Shooting Spree, Kills Four
Dallas police have arrested a man who they said went on a shooting spree, killing four and wounding four others. The shootings began at homes in Dallas and DeSoto, Texas when suspect Erbie Bowser, 44, attempted to kill his former girlfriend and ex-wife on Aug. 7. According to the Associated Press, the rampage began about […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Beyonc Debuts New ‘Do
Known for her long, golden-curled locks, music sensation Beyonce has made a big cut. Beyonce, 31, posted three pictures of her recently cut short hair do on her Twitter account Aug. 8. Still keeping her signature blonde hue, she showed her fans just how short she can rock a cut. “Beyonce cut her hair off […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Empowerment Temple Helps Take Guns Off Streets
In an effort to fight back against gun violence, a West Baltimore church partnered with the Baltimore Police Department for a program to urge residents to turn in their guns for cash. About 60 people showed up at Empowerment Temple church Aug. 6 for the gun buy back. People stood in line before the 4 […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Sharon Baptist’s First Couple Celebrates Milestones
With a solid foundation established and passion for Christ, well-known local church figure celebrated a couple of milestones: his 75th birthday and 50th wedding anniversary. Local pastors, city officials, church members, family and friends all gathered at the historic Sharon Baptist Church on Aug. 3, to help Rev. Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn observe 75 years of […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Reversing the Stigma of the Non-Swimming African American
For years swimming was a skill that was not embraced by African Americans and Hispanics, according to a 2010 study conducted by the U.S. Swimming Foundation. However, the value of swimming was underscored recently, when a 22-year-old black woman swam to safety after her car plunged from a bridge. Morgan Lake, a college student and […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore’s Top Prosecutor Talks Ways to Target Violent Offenders
With the primary election for Baltimore City State’s Attorney less than a year away, the city’s current top prosecutor took to the streets to address the crime rates in the city. Gregg Bernstein stood amidst a crime-ridden neighborhood in east Baltimore, at the corner of East Preston and Ensor streets at a July 30 news […]