By J. K. Schmid AFRO Freelance Writer Every millenial dreads being found out as corny, but in the spirit of seeking truth and reporting it, here goes: The greatest gift I ever got was a full set of encyclopedias. I don’t remember the brand, but they were huge, black, hide-bound tomes. Each spine had a […]
Author Archives: J.K. Schmid Special to the AFRO
Posted inBUSINESS
LEAP report recommends ‘Community Responders’ instead of armed police
By J. K. Schmid Special to the AFRO A new study finds that two thirds of all police calls for service may never have warranted the response of an armed officer. A recent report published by Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) and Center for American Progress (CAP) comes at a time when issues of police […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Will the Preakness Save Park Heights?
The redevelopment of the Preakness at Pimlico is a $375 million project geared towards improving the area along Northern Parkway and opening space on the field for public use between races. (J.K. Schmid) By J. K. Schmid Special to the AFRO It’s been a strange and strained year for Preakness. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic leaves […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Hopkins, The Mix Church Extend Food Assistance to November
Pastor Marcus England of the Mix Church, at the start of the morning’s food distribution. Each box is packed with kale, carrots, celery, potatoes, apples, cauliflower and avocado. (Courtesy photo) By J. K. Schmid Special to the AFRO Food security has troubled East and West Baltimore for years. Unemployment, collapsing wages and food deserts make […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
City Council Gets ‘In the Dirt’
Baltimore City Council President clearing trash at the intersection of Sidney Avenue and Manokin Street, Westport. (Courtesy Photo) By J.K. Schmid Special to the AFRO Activists, volunteers and City Council representatives gathered for a Westport community cleanup on Sept. 19. “It’s a cold Saturday morning,” Keisha Allen, acting president of Westport Community Association, said of […]
Posted inNEWS
Diversion Works: Criminal Justice Reform Will Rebuild Communities
Imhotep Simba addressing UMBC Choice Program Alumni. (Photo Courtesy of US Department of Education) By J. K. Schmid Special to the AFRO More than 70 percent of Maryland’s prison population is Black, despite Blacks making up just under 30 percent of Maryland’s population. The disparities in equity and justice can be attributed to any and […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Maryland Court Ruling Weakens CDC Eviction Ban
Maryland Communities United members make their voices heard on Facebook livestream. (Courtesy Photo) By J.K.Schmid Special to the AFRO Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a sweeping moratorium on evictions across the country, Sept. 2. “In the context of a pandemic, eviction moratoria like quarantine, isolation and social distancing, can be an effective […]
Posted inNEWS
The Youth Speak: ‘We Are Not Going Anywhere’
A man stands in the Reflecting Pool as people attend the March on Washington, Friday Aug. 28, 2020, in Washington, on the 57th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) By J.K. Schmid Special to the AFRO It has been 57 years since the 1963 March […]