One thing that excites Mothyna James-Brightful is marriage. The passion is evident in her voice when she talks about it. Today, as a married women and a promoter of sisterhood, James-Brightful wants to spread the importance of marriage to more women. That’s why “relationships” is the theme for this year’s Heal a Woman to Heal […]
Author Archives: Bobby Marvin
Special to the AFRO
Posted inBaltimore Community, Baltimore News
New Community Program Set to Change the Image of Black Men
Hip hop has taken major hits over the years for a history, perceived by some as a troubling caricature of African-American males toting guns and degrading women. Civic leaders and public officials have protested hip-hop culture and the music’s misogynistic and sometimes violent lyrics have sparked national debate. Yet community organizers like Fanon Hill and […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Local Artist Hosts Fundraiser for Arts School
Mark Cottman understands what it takes for Baltimore youth to succeed and he is determined help them. As a visual artist and comedian, he has made his way in and out of many circles, so it was a no-brainer when he decided to host a series of art shows from his gallery with a portion […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Children’s Musical Teaches Important Life Lessons
From the pages of Patricia J. McKissack’s brilliantly animated children’s book Mirandy and Brother Wind to Glen Echo, Md.’s storied Adventure Theatre, Mirandy – the bright-eyed, cocoa-hued protagonist – has found a place in young school children’s hearts nationwide. McKissack’s 1997 work imbues fantasy and rich African-American cultural references amid the backdrop of a small southern […]
Posted inHealth
Pastor Launches Initiative to Combat Obesity in the Pews
The Rev. Deron Cloud passed out suddenly one day while riding his exercise bike. When he woke up in an intensive care unit, doctors said he’d suffered from an aneurism and could have died. He would not return to ministering for about two months after being hospitalized. “I didn’t even know I had passed out, […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Rev. Jamal Bryant Helps R&B Superstars Face Addiction Demons
The Rev. Jamal Bryant is known for giving guidance to people in need. He is the pastor and founder of the popular Baltimore house of worship, Empowerment Temple AME Church, and author of self-help/spiritual books. He has taken his vision of “empowering the world through the word” to mass audiences as the former host and […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Baltimore Actor Stars in ‘The Wiz’
When actor Eric Anthony was a kid, he enjoyed having everyone’s attention. His mom enrolled him in the historic Arena Players’ youth theatre program, where his passion for performing grew. Now, that rambunctious pre-teen is grown up with a professional career that has led him to star on Broadway in The Lion King, Hairspray and […]
Posted inMovie Reviews
Film Breaks Down the Laws of ‘Ghetto Physics’
Author and director E. Raymond Brown garnered notable recognition for his critically acclaimed self-published book, Will the Real Pimps and Ho’s Please Stand Up! Now, along with co-creator William H. Arntz, Brown is taking the conversation of exploitation in modern society to new heights with the film adaptation, Ghetto Physics: Will the Real Pimps and Ho’s […]
Posted inBaltimore Community, Baltimore News
Through My Father’s Eyes
Marty Henson wants to be a good father. A rough-and-tumble past and a series of poor decisions made it difficult for him to be a nurturing parent, but he now recognizes his shortcomings. It took several prison stays and a strained relationship with his two daughters for him to reevaluate his life and change. Shortly […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
From the Corner to the Stage
The HBO drama The Wire drew fierce protest from Baltimore residents and community leaders for its haunting depiction of the city’s massive drug trade and violence. Many critics felt the hit show perpetuated stereotypes and caused a false perception to be formed in the national spotlight. Well this time the ills of Baltimore were examined […]