Paul Coates, a former Black Panther Party member, founded Black Classic Press in 1978 as a program to provide books for incarcerated African American people. From chicken dinners to book drives, the business has now become a publishing and printing house where a few of his children and grandchildren work to continue the mission of sharing Black narratives.
Author Archives: Kendra Bryant
Posted inBaltimore Community
Sunni Gilliam closes Teavolve after 20 years of success
Kendra BryantSpecial to the AFRO Teavolve Cafe, a Harbor East Black-owned restaurant known for tea, closed on Sept. 19 after 20 years in business. Over the past two decades the establishment has made a name for itself as much more than just a trendy spot to enjoy a hot beverage and connect with friends. Founder […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
EPW Law and Bernadette Armand Law partner to sue D.C. Youth Services Center for repeated sexual assault charges
Black-women owned law firms, EPW Law and Bernadette Armand Law, have partnered to sue the District of Columbia (D.C.) and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) for the neglect of a young woman who was continuously sexually assaulted by DYRS guard, Kelvin Powell.
Posted inBaltimore Events
Baltimore Rhythm Festival unites community through African culture, music and dance
The Baltimore Rhythm Festival returned to Guilford Avenue to celebrate African culture with a day of performances, workshops and food. The event is hosted by Jamaal “Black Root” Collier and features artists such as Park Vibe Drummers and Bele Bele Rhythm Collective. Founded in 1995 and relaunched in 2014, the festival continues the tradition of healing through music.
Posted inUncategorized
Community programs uplift Black single fathers through mentorship, school engagement and support
Programs in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area are doing great work in helping Black single fathers connect with their children and navigate challenges in schools and the court system. Fathers share their stories and how they’ve grown to be more empowered and engaged in their children’s lives.
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland Cycling Classic sparks dialogue on Black health and inclusion
The Maryland Cycling Classic returned to Baltimore, hosting inaugural men’s and women’s races for teams across the country. The event sparked conversations amongst African American spectators on health benefits and the lack of representation within the sport.
Posted inMaryland News
Civil rights leaders at Maryland gala urge unity, investment in young voices
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights hosted its 2025 Annual Civil Rights Gala on Aug. 23 at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, featuring a panel discussion on unity, policy and the future of leadership. Panelists Jeff Johnson, Tamika D. Mallory and Maryland Del. Malcolm P. Ruff, D-District 41, urged attendees to stay committed to the civil rights movement and invest in young leadership.
Posted inBUSINESS
Baltimore women turn cultural roots and community ties into culinary success stories
Baltimore women entrepreneurs, Montana Logan and Elisa Milan, are breaking barriers in the male-dominated food industry by building businesses rooted in their cultural identities and community ties. Despite facing challenges such as capital and sexism, both have seen success and credit being embraced by Baltimore.
Posted inBUSINESS
Meet the Baltimore business turning ‘mess’ into a success
Kalilah Wright, a Black immigrant woman and Brooklyn native, founded the customized T-shirt company Mess in the Bottle in 2016 to share positive messages and amplify Black voices in her community. Wright shares how she tackles entrepreneurship and motherhood while aiming to expand her brand and provide guidance to other Black women entrepreneurs.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland public defender boosts exoneration efforts with 2nd innocence clinic at Maryland Carey School of Law
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender has launched a second Innocence Project clinic at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, joining the existing clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law, to help exonerate the wrongfully convicted.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore schools take action to combat youth homelessness
Baltimore City is working to combat youth homelessness through programs in its public schools. With Black youth especially affected, the community leaders are working to address housing instability and its impact on education.
Posted inNational News
Celebrating Buffalo Soldiers Day: A legacy of bravery and service
Each year, Buffalo Soldiers Day is recognized on July 28, honoring the legacy of the first all-Black Army regiments formed well over a century ago. On this day, many recognize the bravery of the first Black soldiers and their role in shaping American history.