By Mekhi AbbottSpecial to the AFROmabbott@afro.com Baltimore hosted the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship tournament for the fifth consecutive year at CFG Bank Arena. The weeklong tournament, from Feb. 24-28, saw the Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team and the Fayetteville State University men’s basketball team leave Charm City as victors. The men’s championship […]
Author Archives: Mekhi Abbott
Posted inD.C. Community
D.C. community holds candlelight vigil for Julian Bailey, man shot by U.S. Marshal
Activists, family members and friends are calling for justice in the shooting death of Julain Marquette Bailey, who was shot and killed by a U.S. Marshal on Feb. 11 in Washington, D.C.
Posted inSports
History in motion: A look at the Black athletes of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Black athletes from around the world are competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, with Team USA, Canada, Jamaica, Nigeria, Benin, Madagascar, Eritrea and Kenya all represented in various sports and disciplines.
Posted inEducation
School board decides to shut down Baltimore Collegiate after 2026 school year
The Baltimore City Public School Board decided on Jan. 14 to not renew the charter of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys. The all-boys public charter school also faced closure in 2023 with reported concerns about financial management and low test scores.
Posted inBaltimore News
Community members, alumni fight to keep Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys open ahead of final vote
By Mekhi AbbottSpecial to the AFROmabbott@afro.com A final vote to decide the future of The Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys will take place on Jan. 14. The vote will be live streamed and comes after a second public hearing, held on Jan. 8, at the Baltimore City Public Schools District Office. The all-boys charter school […]
Posted inUncategorized
First public hearing held regarding the future of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys
Parents, students and community members rallied at a Dec. 11 public hearing to urge Baltimore City Schools officials to keep Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys open, citing the school’s role in academic growth, mentorship and emotional support for Black boys. District leaders have recommended closure due to low test scores, enrollment shortfalls and financial issues, but families argue the all-boys public charter school is breaking cycles of trauma and incarceration while giving students a chance to thrive.
Posted inBaltimore News
Public hearings set for Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys
The Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys, which serves hundreds of Baltimore city boys from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, is facing potential closure in 2026, prompting a press conference and two public hearings to discuss the matter.
Posted inPrince George's County News
A legacy in motion: Bowie State’s 90th Homecoming ignites joy, family and Bulldog pride
Bowie State University celebrated its 90th annual homecoming with a week of spirited events, including a parade led by Tony Award-winning alumnus Myles Frost and a lively football game that ended in a narrow 28-27 loss to Elizabeth City State. The festivities highlighted Bulldog pride, community spirit, and the university’s ongoing commitment to safety and student success.
Posted inHBCU
Howard alumni and students celebrate 101st homecoming
Howard University’s 101st homecoming weekend, themed “One of One,” brought thousands of alumni, students, and visitors to Washington, D.C., for a celebration of legacy, culture, and excellence. The festivities included Yardfest, FamFest, and the homecoming football game, where the Bison defeated Morgan State 33-27 in overtime. Despite the jubilant atmosphere, the weekend was overshadowed by a shooting incident that left five people injured.
Posted inBaltimore News
Morgan State homecoming unites generations through celebration, remembrance and school pride
Morgan State University’s 2025 homecoming united thousands of students and alumni for a week of celebration, reflection, and community pride centered around the historic HBCU’s enduring legacy. From lively concerts and parades to moments of remembrance, the festivities showcased the deep bonds and shared spirit that continue to define the Morgan experience.
Posted inHBCU
How ancient practices at UMBC heal old wounds
Embracing a concept nearly as old as mankind, students, faculty and campus leaders at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County have embraced the concept of racial healing to help unify the campus, heal old wounds and resolve conflicts.
Posted inMental Health
Family counseling: A look at how mental health professionals are healing generational trauma
By Mekhi AbbottSpecial to the AFROmabbott@afro.com Therapists are emphasizing the importance of family therapy in order to address the generational trauma that exists in the family tree. Black families specifically can benefit through group therapy given the history of complicated dynamics that may be present in certain households. “Family counseling is very important because it […]