Delegate N. Scott Phillips (D–District 10) has been unanimously elected chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland following leadership shifts in the General Assembly. Phillips, the first chair from Baltimore County, pledged to center policies that advance Black Marylanders, while Sen. Shaneka Henson was elected first vice chair after Delegate Melissa Wells’ appointment to a new House committee. Founded in 1970, the caucus now counts 67 members statewide.
Author Archives: Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO
Posted inMaryland Government
Wilkins leaves Black Caucus chair role to lead House Ways and Means Committee
Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins steps down as chair of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to lead the House Ways and Means Committee.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland Assembly reverses 19 vetoes from Gov. Wes Moore in one-day session
By Catherine PughSpecial to the AFRO On Dec. 16, during a one-day special session, Gov. Wes Moore gathered lawmakers to select a new House Speaker. As rumors swirled about redistricting, legislators concentrated on choosing the Speaker. Then, they overturned 19 out of 29 gubernatorial vetoes handed down earlier this year. Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21) […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk leads race for Maryland House speakership role
Sources close to the AFRO say Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21), 59, is poised to become Maryland’s next Speaker of the House of Delegates when votes are held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland leaders praise Speaker Adrienne Jones as she steps down from historic, transformative tenure
News of Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones’ immediate departure from her speakership role in the state legislature has led to an outpouring of love and appreciation for her time as the first woman and first Black person to hold the role. Leaders across the state credited her with steady, principled leadership through crises, landmark legislative victories, and major investments in HBCUs and underserved communities.
Posted inBaltimore News
One Baltimore event unites leaders around mental wellness, healing and community action
KEYS Development’s “One Baltimore” gathering brought together mental health providers, elected officials and community leaders to strengthen collaboration around healing, emotional wellness and youth support in the city. Speakers, including Mayor Brandon Scott and Sen. Antonio Hayes, emphasized that building a healthier Baltimore requires collective leadership, sustained investment and community-driven action.
Posted inObituaries - Baltimore
Douglass Memorial holds funeral for 101-year-old Baltimore businessman, Herb Brown
Family and friends are still celebrating the life and legacy of Baltimore businessman Herb Brown. A funeral was recently held at Douglass Memorial Community Church to honor the remarkable life and legacy of the 101-year-old veteran.
Posted inHBCU
Morgan State University targets R-1 status to boost innovation, jobs and growth in Baltimore
Maryland’s Morgan State University is pushing toward R-1 status, aiming to boost research output, attract investment and strengthen Baltimore’s economy.
Posted inObituaries
Dr. Earl S. Richardson, HBCU champion and transformative former president of Morgan State University, dies at 81
Dr. Earl S. Richardson, the ninth president of Morgan State University, passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of growth, innovation, and advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Community acts fast as drug crisis grips Baltimore
A mass overdose involving 27 people in Baltimore’s Penn-North area has sparked urgent community and city-wide response, highlighting both the depth of the drug crisis and the effectiveness of rapid interventions like Naloxone distribution. City leaders, including Sen. Antonio Hayes, emphasized the need for long-term investment and wraparound services to address the systemic neglect that has long plagued the area.
Posted inBaltimore News
Shelley Jordon debuts documentary honoring 50 years of friendship
Baltimore native Shelley Jordon, 71, makes her filmmaking debut with “Colored Footprints,” a documentary chronicling the enduring 50-year friendship of 17 women from north and northwest Baltimore. Set to premiere July 19 at Morgan State University, the film highlights their shared experiences of family, love, loss and cultural legacy, offering a heartfelt tribute to sisterhood and the spirit of Baltimore.
Posted inBaltimore News
Braxton Street announces candidacy for District 40 delegate
Braxton Street, a Baltimore native and Morgan State University doctoral candidate, has announced his candidacy for District 40 delegate in the 2026 election, pledging to fight for affordable living and support for youth and elders. As the first to enter the race, Street brings a background in education, community leadership, and grant management across Baltimore City schools.