The 2024 AFRO High Tea honored four distinguished women in political and community service, including Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Cora Masters Barry, Sharon Pratt, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, with awards and entertainment.
Author Archives: Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO
New Life Recovery expands services to fight substance abuse and homelessness with hotel purchase
Vennieth McCormick has dedicated his life to helping people with substance abuse disorders, and his New Life Recovery program has grown from one house to eight, including a women’s house, and now includes a downtown Baltimore hotel with over 100 beds.
Reflections on the Democratic National Convention
The 2020 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was a success, with protestors unable to disrupt the excitement of the delegates and friends, and Vice President Kamala Harris receiving the nomination for President of the United States prior to the convention.
Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center opens in Baltimore
The Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, a $50 million dollar initiative spearheaded by Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr., was opened on July 2 in Baltimore, with over 200 people in attendance to celebrate the legacy of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and the opening of the building.
Willie Earl Vereen, valiant freedom fighter, dies at age 70
Willie Earl Vereen, a member of the “Wilmington Ten” who was convicted for arson and firebombing in Wilmington, NC, has died at the age of 70, prompting a memorial service in Wilmington.
Candidates, voters reflect on 2024 primary election
The primary elections in Baltimore have resulted in close races, with some candidates trailing and others leading, while others await the counting of mail-in ballots to determine the outcome.
Baltimore mourns death of legendary civil rights activist, Helena Hicks, Ph.D.
Helena Hicks, Ph.D., a distinguished Baltimore activist and civil rights leader, died on April 18 at the age of 88, leaving a legacy of fighting for civil rights and justice for African Americans.
AFRO Exclusive: P.G. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks responds to office break-in
By Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO An office of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ was broken into on April 5. The office is located at 8455 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Md. Alsobrooks is in the running to represent Maryland in the United States Senate, replacing U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, who has announced […]
Baltimore residents attend annual legislative evening in Annapolis
Maryland State Sen. Antonio Hayes and Delegates Marlon Amprey and Melissa Wells invited over 100 Baltimore residents to “An Evening in Annapolis with District 40” to learn about the work their representatives are doing in the General Assembly on their behalf.
Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, education advocate and former Delta Sorority president, dies at 93
By Catherine Pugh, Special to the AFRO Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, 20th national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and pioneering educator, died at her home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 20, at the age of 93. “Dr. Roddey was an outstanding educator who dedicated her life to service and developing strategic partnerships,” said Baltimore Alumnae […]
Maryland legislators honor AFRO Publisher
AFRO-American Newspapers publisher, Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, was surprised by the Maryland State legislature with the Maryland First Citizen’s Award, the highest honor given by the Senate.
A purpose fulfilled: Honoring the work of comedian and community activist Pamela “Ms. Maybelle” Leak
By Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO Pamela Renee Leak, known on stage as comedian Ms. Maybelle, as a philanthropist and a community activist, died February 29, bringing tears to many in Baltimore and beyond. Leak, known as a philanthropist and community activist, died the evening February 29, bringing tears to many in the Baltimore […]

