After hiring a bankruptcy attorney to challenge what she believed were inflated mortgage charges, Iris McClain says she was left with missed deadlines, a dismissed case and no refund. She’s now warning others and calling for greater accountability, alleging the state’s attorney oversight system is built to shield lawyers, not protect clients.
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 County Government
Baltimore County Council votes down Khadijah Walker as inspector general nominee
The Baltimore County Council voted 5-2 to reject County Executive Katherine A. Klausmeier’s nominee for inspector general, Khadijah Walker, marking what some say is an unprecedented move. The decision follows public outcry, scrutiny of Walker’s background, and backlash over the administration’s choice not to reappoint incumbent Kelly Madigan.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland’s forgotten victims: Shedding light on the state’s lynching legacy
Since 2018, the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project has worked to uncover the state’s legacy of racial terror, documenting dozens of lynchings that were long ignored or forgotten. Its leaders say reckoning with these truths is essential to healing—and to preventing history from repeating itself.
Posted inFinancials
Exploring alternative paths to security in retirement
As traditional retirement options like pensions and workplace plans become less accessible for many, some Americans are exploring real estate, entrepreneurship and other nontraditional paths to build financial security in their later years.
Posted inFinancials
The retirement gap: Why Black Americans face an uphill battle in saving for the future
Despite working for decades, many Black Americans reach retirement with significantly less savings than their White counterparts. A 2024 study finds that unequal access to employer-sponsored plans, lower wages and greater economic hardships have fueled this growing racial retirement gap.
Posted inMaryland News
From journalism to justice: Judge Kimberly C. McBride’s path to the bench
In 2024, Judge Kimberly C. McBride was appointed to the Baltimore City Circuit Court by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a moment she describes as “life-changing.” With a strong commitment to fairness and empathy, McBride strives to make thoughtful decisions while inspiring more Black women to pursue careers in law and justice.
Posted inBaltimore News
From beads to business: Baltimore camp teaches girls more than jewelry-making
At Beadly Speaking Kidz Jewelry Camp, Baltimore girls aren’t just learning how to make earrings and necklaces — they’re learning how to budget, sell their work and speak up with confidence. Founded by jewelry maker and former educator Dyon Davidson, the camp blends creativity, entrepreneurship and empowerment.
Posted inHealth
Left out twice: Shawn Callaway fights for inclusion at the crossroads of race and disability
Blinded by a stray bullet in college, Shawn Callaway once believed fatherhood—and a full life—were out of reach. Now, as president of the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, he’s working to dismantle the double stigma of being both Black and blind in America.
Posted in#Education
When the bullying follows you home: A teen’s guide to surviving online cruelty
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Before the rise of social media, group chats and online forums, bullying was often confined to the school yard, classroom or cafeteria—places teens could physically leave behind at the end of the day. But now, digital devices and 24/7 connectivity have extended those boundaries, allowing harmful behavior to follow young […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Walter P. Carter Institute launches civic leadership program to empower Baltimore’s future changemakers
The Walter P. Carter Institute of Leadership and Service has launched its first major initiative, the Community Leadership and Empowerment Program (CLEP), a free 10-week course designed to cultivate Baltimore’s next generation of grassroots leaders. Rooted in the legacy of civil rights icon Walter P. Carter, the program equips participants with tools in civic engagement, advocacy and public service to help them lead meaningful change in their communities
Posted inMaryland News
Marylanders can now apply for one-time utility grants as electricity costs spike
As electricity prices continue to rise, Maryland residents can now apply for the Customer Relief Fund, a one-time assistance grant funded by Exelon to support low- to moderate-income households. The $19 million initiative offers up to $750 in relief per eligible BGE customer and is being distributed through local nonprofit organizations.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Shawn Joseph shares first 100-day plan as Prince George’s County’s interim superintendent
Shawn Joseph, a former deputy superintendent for Prince George’s County Public Schools, has returned to lead the district as interim superintendent following Millard House II’s resignation. Joseph says his top priorities include improving academic outcomes, strengthening community engagement and ensuring the district’s operations run efficiently.