D.C. residents struggling to afford legal representation will soon be able to turn to community justice workers for assistance in civil cases, thanks to a Feb. 5 order from the D.C. Courts. The program aims to help individuals navigate court processes, provide legal guidance, and offer partial in-court support, particularly in eviction, debt, and other civil matters.
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
Mentorship and strategy help Black women navigate workplace barriers and build leadership paths
Black women face unique challenges in the workplace, from slower promotion rates to higher burnout, often navigating environments where their contributions are overlooked. Through mentorship, career strategies and confidence-building, leaders like Sherry Sims and her clients are finding ways to claim leadership and thrive.
Posted inTechnology
Black engineers’ annual convention highlights Baltimore as hub for Black STEM professionals
For the first time, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is holding its annual convention in Baltimore, bringing together thousands of engineers, technologists and students to explore career opportunities, professional development and networking. Panelists highlighted Baltimore’s growing role as a technology hub, emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges of AI and the city’s commitment to supporting diverse engineers.
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Expressions’ fundraiser celebrates BSA talent, raises half a million for arts education
The Baltimore School for the Arts raised about $740,000 in gross revenue, ultimately netting $500,000, during its annual “Expressions” fundraiser. The weekend showcase highlighted the creativity and talent of the city’s young artists.
Posted inBaltimore County Government
Turner Station receives federal funding to fight flooding
Turner Station, a historic Black community in Baltimore County, has received a $3.15 million federal grant to improve flood resiliency and reduce decades of persistent flooding. The funding will support the first phase of the community’s Flood Resilience Roadmap, including mitigation pumps, drainage upgrades and new plantings to protect homes, streets and infrastructure.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Baltimore mayor responds to scrutiny over staffers’ use of procurement card
A recent OIG report says that the Baltimore Mayor’s Office failed to follow policies for 336 procurement card transactions totaling $167,455.06, including purchases for food, flowers and sporting events. The questioned spending represents less than 1 percent of the office’s $36 million in P-card use since June 2022.
Posted inBUSINESS
Wells Fargo modernizes 130 D.C.-area branches through District-by-District Branch Transformation program
Wells Fargo is modernizing 130 branches in the Washington, D.C., area as part of its District-by-District Branch Transformation program, a multi-year effort to revamp 4,000 branches nationwide. The initiative blends technology upgrades with in-person services, aiming to strengthen branches as hubs for financial guidance, relationship-building and community engagement.
Posted inU.S. Government
TSA workers go without pay as partial government shutdown stretches into March
TSA employees are missing paychecks as the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown stretches into March, forcing workers to juggle bills, childcare, and transportation while still reporting to work. Airports across the country are feeling the strain, with long lines and wait times at major hubs like Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and New York.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore to host National Society of Black Engineers 2026 Annual Convention
The National Society of Black Engineers will hold its 2026 Annual Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center from March 18-22, bringing together thousands of students, professionals and leaders in STEM fields. The multi-day event will feature workshops, panel discussions, a career fair and the Black on Purpose Festival— celebrating Black engineering excellence with food, music, art and technology demonstrations.
Posted inBUSINESS
MCB Real Estate moves forward with $900 million Harborplace transformation
MCB Real Estate’s $900-million transformation of Harborplace is set to begin this fall, promising a reimagined waterfront with retail, dining, cultural spaces and green areas. The project aims to revitalize downtown Baltimore, boosting local businesses and restoring the Inner Harbor as a central gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Advocates raise alarm over ICE operation, MOU and detention risks in Baltimore County
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com As U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) operations intensify nationwide, community organizations have become the eyes and ears of their neighborhoods—monitoring the agency’s presence and alerting residents to protect themselves and their neighbors. In Baltimore County, nonprofits like We Are CASA have observed a spectrum of enforcement actions. “We have […]
Posted inTechnology
BEYA STEM Conference elevates HBCUs’ role in AI and federal innovation
The 40th annual BEYA STEM Conference in Baltimore highlighted the importance of HBCUs in AI and national security related careers, and discussed strategies for engaging students before college, as well as the potential environmental impact of AI.