Kireem Swinton has been named permanent president and CEO of Visit Baltimore after serving in the role on an interim basis since July 2025. In his new role, Swinton said he aims to expand tourism while reshaping how Baltimore is perceived on the national and global stage through storytelling and major events.
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 inHBCU
70 years later: Xavier alumnae reflect on education and life in segregated New Orleans
For 93-year-old Verlie Decay and 91-year-old Hortense Reine, attending Xavier University of Louisiana was more than a chance at a degree—it was a gateway to opportunity in a segregated city. The two alumni recall creating their own social and cultural spaces, forming lifelong friendships and finding purpose in careers shaped by the barriers of their time.
Posted inArts & Culture
Devin Allen takes the helm for SCOUT, Baltimore’s affordable art fair
Baltimore photographer Devin Allen has been named curator of SCOUT 2026, the city’s affordable art fair held as part of Artscape. As curator, Allen will spotlight local and national artists while helping build stronger connections between creators and the community.”
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Devin Allen takes the helm for SCOUT, Baltimore’s affordable art fair
Baltimore photographer Devin Allen has been named curator of SCOUT 2026, the city’s affordable art fair held as part of Artscape. As curator, Allen will spotlight local and national artists while helping build stronger connections between creators and the community.”
Posted inNational News
Calls for investigation after Haitian asylum seeker dies days after ICE release
A 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker was found dead at a Pittsburgh bus stop just days after being released from federal immigration custody. Attorneys and advocacy groups are calling for answers about the circumstances surrounding her release and death.
Posted inElections 2026
Black Voters Matter raises alarms over threats to voting rights ahead of 2026 midterms
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Black Voters Matter (BVM) led a virtual briefing with Black media on April 1, alerting people to escalating attacks on voting rights and urging them to remain vigilant ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Leaders highlighted current legislative proposals and court cases that could redefine voter access nationwide, particularly in […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Special committee seeks public input on changes to Baltimore City charter
Baltimore’s Charter Review Special Committee is gathering public input on potential changes, including revisions to how city contracts are awarded. Residents and council members alike say understanding the charter’s complexities is key to making informed decisions.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Baltimore’s preliminary budget targets youth programs, economic development and infrastructure upgrades
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott released his preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027 on April 1. The $4.98 billion spending plan seeks to fill a $12 million structural deficit and includes $1.06 billion in capital spending— up nearly 14 percent from last year. The proposal prioritizes investments in youth programing, […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Edmondson Village Shopping Center celebrates redevelopment milestones
The Edmondson Village Shopping Center is moving toward revitalization, with new construction, infrastructure improvements and leasing activity underway. The project, backed by TREND, local residents and state and city funding, marks a historic milestone after decades of neglect and discriminatory ownership restrictions.
Posted inHBCU
Coppin State Women’s History Month forum explores leadership, student loans and AI
Coppin State University celebrated Women’s History Month with a forum focused on leadership, resilience and shaping a sustainable future. Speakers highlighted the importance of documenting personal stories, making strategic financial choices and using technology like AI responsibly, while emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human judgment and impact.
Posted inNational News
Pipe bomb case tests limits of president’s Jan. 6 mass pardon
A Virginia man charged with planting pipe bombs near the RNC and DNC headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021 is asking a judge to dismiss his case, arguing he should be covered by the 47th president’s mass pardon of Jan. 6 insurrectionists. His attorneys point to precedent from the commuted sentence of Oath Keepers member Kenneth Harrelson and argue that preparatory acts tied to Jan. 6 fall within the scope of clemency.
Posted inMaryland News
Two years later: Maryland rebuilds after Key Bridge collapse
Two years after a container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, sending a massive section into the Patapsco River and claiming six lives, Maryland’s rebuild is moving faster than any project of its size in the U.S. Demolition is complete, foundation piles are being installed, and officials say the new bridge—set to reopen in late 2030—will be the state’s first cable-stayed span over 2 miles long with 230 feet of clearance for modern shipping.
