By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor A U.S. District Court Federal Judge issued a temporary halt to changes in a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that would have left thousands of Marylanders homeless. On Dec. 22, U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy barred HUD from implementing changes to the federal government’s Continuum of […]
Author Archives: Dr. Deborah Bailey AFRO Contributing Editor
Posted inArts & Culture
Dance Institute of Washington’s Spirit of Kwanzaa – standing for the culture and community
The Dance Institute of Washington will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its “Spirit of Kwanzaa” production with a performance featuring the Washington area’s best young dance artists, honoring the principles of Kwanzaa and the legacy of its founder, Fabian Barnes.
Posted inMaryland Government
Krystal Oriadha elected chair of Prince George’s County Council
Krystal Oriandha, a Kenyan American activist, was unanimously elected as the new chair of the Prince George’s County Council. She aims to make the county a national model for child-care access and affordability.
Posted inObituaries - Washington D.C.
Beloved journalist James L. Wright Jr. dies at 62
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor James L. Wright Jr., the internationally respected former AFRO reporter and editor, has died at age 62. Wright was a resolute and focused sports, political and public affairs reporter who also served as a city editor for the AFRO American Newspaper for many years. At the time of his […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Bowie State University awarded 50 million from MacKenzie Scott
By Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor Bowie State University received notification of a $50 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott on Nov. 14. The unrestricted grant represents the largest philanthropic gift in Bowie State’s history and doubles the size of a $25 million gift Scott granted to Bowie in 2020. “Her generosity arrives at a pivotal moment […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Black cemetery citizenship: Fighting for the restoration of African-American burial spaces
Cultural historian Cory J. France was recently honored with the Rory Turner Prize for Cultural Sustainability at Goucher College. France is on the frontlines of advocating for “Black cemetery citizenship,” or a commitment to respect, remember, reclaim and fight for the spaces where Black bodies are laid to rest.
Posted inHBCU
UMES President Heidi Anderson files lawsuit in the wake of plagiarism allegations
University of Maryland, Eastern Shore President Dr. Heidi Anderson faces plagiarism accusations and files defamation lawsuit. MacKenzie Scott donates $38M.
Posted inMaryland Sports
Coaches, players and community gather to honor Blake Bozeman’s legacy at inaugural clinic
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor The inaugural Twenty2 Basketball Coaches Clinic and Networking Brunch, welcomed more than 50 high school, college, community league coaches and players to learn from and connect with each other and NBA personnel on Sept. 14. Shortly after the day started, it became obvious to friends and family that the […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Protecting Moses African Cemetery: Residents return to court to safeguard the remains of Bethesda’s historic Black community
The headline says it all. Black bodies are buried underground in wealthy, well-educated, multi-ethnic, Bethesda, Maryland. This is a story you won’t believe is true – right next door to the nation’s capital. But it’s true.
Posted inHBCU
FICO collaborates with HBCUs to combat data bias
FICO has partnered with several HBCUs through its Educational Analytics Challenge to train Black students in analyzing AI data sets and addressing bias in credit and fraud detection systems. The initiative equips students with real-world skills to improve fairness in financial decisions that disproportionately affect Black communities.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Braveboy takes oath of office as Prince George’s County executive on Juneteenth
Aisha Braveboy was sworn in as the 10th Prince George’s County Executive on June 19 at the University of Maryland, with notable guests like Gov. Wes Moore and actor Taraji P. Henson in attendance. In her speech, Braveboy emphasized openness, community involvement, and immediate priorities such as clean streets, unity in government and support for local businesses.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Alsobrooks delivers encouraging, but tough message to Class of 2025
U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks delivered a candid and motivational speech at Bowie State University’s commencement, urging graduates to embrace discomfort and challenge as they step into their professional lives. She emphasized the importance of resilience and assured them that their presence would make a significant impact in every room they enter.