Educators and civil rights leaders at the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference warned that attacks on public education threaten both democracy and students’ futures. Speakers urged teachers to take action locally and nationally, emphasizing fully funding schools, lowering the cost of higher education and raising teacher pay as key steps forward.
Author Archives: Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer
Megan Sayles is a business reporter for The Baltimore Afro-American paper. Before this, Sayles interned with Baltimore Magazine, where she wrote feature stories about the city’s residents, nonprofits and initiatives. Her love of music inspired her to be a writer. At a young age she realized it was not the melody that she was so infatuated with, but the lyrics that made up the song and connected with listeners. Sayles grew up in Pasadena, Maryland, and is a 2021 graduate of the University of Maryland, where for her senior capstone project she reported on how the coronavirus and inequality intersected in Baltimore. She also worked as a staff writer and copy editor for campus publications, including Stories Beneath the Shell and The Black Explosion. Sayles teamed up with a partner to report on how the pandemic had put many more responsibilities on the oldest child in families. The Associated Press and other news organizations picked up her story.
Posted inBaltimore Government
With homicides at 50-year low, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says focus should turn to quality-of-life crimes
Baltimore has hit historic lows in violent crime, with homicides at their lowest in more than 50 years. But State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says the city is falling short in addressing quality-of-life crimes, like car break-ins, vandalism and public drug use.
Posted inBUSINESS
After surviving a suicide attempt, T-Kea Blackman created an organization to bring hope and healings to others
T-Kea Blackman survived a suicide attempt and has since dedicated her life to breaking the silence around suicide in the Black community. Through her nonprofit, Black People Die By Suicide Too, she creates spaces for healing, conversation and support.
Posted inReligion
Soul Shop for Black Churches equips faith leaders to address suicide in their congregations
Soul Shop for Black Churches is equipping faith leaders to address suicide and trauma in Black communities, providing training that combines mental health expertise with pastoral care. The program empowers congregations to have open conversations, reduce stigma and offer hope to those in desperate situations
Posted inWashington D.C. News
The long path home: A look at reentry and family reconnection after serving time
After facing his own challenges with reintegration following incarceration, Foster Sellers found purpose in supporting others through the reentry process. Now a project coordinator with the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, Sellers works to empower returning citizens and support family reunification through employment programs, outreach, and community engagement.
Posted inHBCU
Admission experts share tips for graduates continuing their education
Graduate school can open doors—but only if you’re prepared for the demands. Admissions officers from Coppin State University and Morgan State University share their best advice on funding, time management and finding support before the first day of class.
Posted inMaryland News
Graves of imprisoned Black children inspire reform in Maryland
Members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland visited an overgrown, unmarked cemetery in Prince George’s County holding the remains of at least 230 Black children who died 150 years ago. The visit highlighted the stark racial disparities in Maryland’s juvenile justice system and served as a call to restore the cemetery and pursue reforms that keep youth out of adult court.
Posted inBaltimore News
Grassroots power and civic action take center stage at Beyond Impact 2025
Beyond Impact 2025 brought together organizers, advocates and community leaders from across the country in Baltimore to exchange strategies for advancing social justice, from defending voting rights and fair redistricting to economic empowerment and criminal justice reform. Panelists highlighted the power of grassroots organizing and community-led solutions, drawing lessons from Baltimore’s response to Freddie Gray’s death to show how local and national collaboration can drive accountability, resilience and long-term change.
Posted inMaryland News
Greater Baltimore Committee celebrates 70 years of civic and economic leadership
The Greater Baltimore Committee marked its 70th anniversary on Sept. 12 with a gathering of business, community and elected leaders at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. The event celebrated the organization’s legacy while outlining its vision for the region’s economic future.
Posted inStop Killing Us
After losing their children to police violence, these mothers are fighting for change
After losing their children to police violence, Maryland mothers Marion Gray-Hopkins and Rhanda Dormeus turned their grief into a fight for justice. Through the Coalition of Concerned Mothers, they support other impacted families and push for reforms, like ending qualified immunity.
Posted inEducation
Admission experts share tips for graduates continuing their education
Graduate school can open doors—but only if you’re prepared for the demands. Admissions officers from Coppin State University and Morgan State University share their best advice on funding, time management and finding support before the first day of class.
Posted inBUSINESS
Bridging the funding gap: A look at grants for small businesses
Small business owners often point to limited access to capital as one of their biggest hurdles, a challenge that can be even steeper for entrepreneurs of color. Nationally, public and private programs are working to expand funding opportunities and provide resources to help these businesses grow.