Rhonda Pringle, former director of diverse business initiatives for the American City Business Journals, has built a career in media sales and advertising, and is now encouraging more Black women to explore the business side of the industry.
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 inBUSINESS
Lessons from the lockdown: Five years later, business owners reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurs were forced to adapt and some were able to expand their businesses, while others lost their livelihoods, with the key takeaways being to stay focused on what you can control and be proactive in diversifying your business.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Faith coalition protests outside U.S. Capitol, demands Congress defend Constitution
Faith-based organizations gathered outside the U.S. Capitol to demand Congress defend against the 47th president’s assault on the Constitution and vulnerable communities, and will continue to do so every Wednesday in March if demands are not met.
Posted inTechnology
Urban Institute releases new framework for digital inclusion to bridge divide
The Urban Institute has unveiled a new framework for closing the digital divide, which includes five pillars: developing infrastructure, getting people connected, learning digital skills, navigating safely and using technology effectively.
Posted inBUSINESS
Maryland’s Small Business Reserve Program expands opportunities in state procurement
The Maryland Small Business Reserve Program, established in 2004, allows small businesses to compete as prime contractors in state procurement and provides financial control and security.
Posted inSports
AFRO Flipbook: A look at Baltimore’s 2025 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament
The 2025 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament took place in Baltimore at the CFG Bank Arena from February 25 to March 1, featuring athletes from 12 historically Black colleges and universities.
Posted inTV and Film
‘We Need Joy’: Black community sounds the alarm after MSNBC leadership cancels ‘The ReidOut’
Members of the Black community gathered in support of political commentator Joy Reid, whose award-winning MSNBC show, “The ReidOut,” was recently cancelled, and was the first Black woman to anchor a primetime cable news show.
Posted inBUSINESS
Maryland’s MBE Night in Annapolis stands strong amid federal DEI rollbacks
The 16th annual MBE Night in Annapolis, led by the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, took place on Feb. 20, discussing opportunities in state contracting and addressing DEI initiatives under attack.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
ASALH hosts 99th Annual Black History Luncheon in honor of Black labor and resistance
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) hosted its 99th Annual Black History Luncheon, discussing the importance of African American labor and the impact of recent federal agencies’ decisions on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Posted inAFRO Black History: Preserving Our Legacy
Afro Charities set to break ground on new home for AFRO Archives at historic Upton Mansion
Afro Charities is set to break ground on its $16-million redevelopment of the historic Upton Mansion in West Baltimore, which will serve as the headquarters for the AFRO and feature offices for Afro Charities, including a gallery space, recording studio, and green roof.
Posted inBUSINESS
The Madison 801 brings elevated cafe dining to East Baltimore
The Madison 801, a casual fine dining cafe, has opened on the 800 block of North Chester St. in East Baltimore, offering elevated dishes and healthy options, and is a product of Black collaboration, from development to financing and construction.
Posted inBaltimore News
Missed opportunity: BEYA leaders and attendees weigh in on military’s decision to pull out of job fair
The 2025 BEYA STEM Conference concluded on Feb. 15 without the U.S. Armed Forces, due to the 47th president’s executive order abolishing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the military, potentially impacting national security and the recruitment of talented individuals in the STEM fields.