Author Archives: Melissa Jones

Controversy is brewing among the congregation at the Enon Baptist Church. Church members are concerned about ideological changes in the beliefs and teachings of their pastor, the Rev. Arnold Howard, who has served the Harlem Park church in that position since 1989. The AFRO obtained a letter that claims Howard’s affiliation with the American Clergy […]

At first glance, Lance Lucas does not quite fit the bill of the head of a technology firm. Neither does he resemble the typical definition of a social activist. However, the 35-year-old Coppin State University graduate has worked in both arenas and is not bashful about his success. The founder and CEO of Digit All […]

For more than 100 years, collecting ground rent on leased land had been the right of ground leaseholders or landlords in Baltimore City. During the 2007 session the Maryland General Assembly changed that provision of the real estate law, in part to correct a loophole that caused some homeowners to be evicted from their property. […]

This is Part 2 of a two-part tribute to recognize and honor Clarence Mitchell, Jr. on his 100th birthday. Read Part 1 here. Almost a decade before a young preacher from Alabama led thousands to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Clarence Mitchell, Jr., begun his tireless campaign in the halls of Congress to end […]

Part 1 of a two-part tribute to recognize and honor Clarence Mitchell Jr. on his 100th birthday. The year was 1933. George Armwood, a Black man in his 20s, had been lynched in Princess Anne County, Md., by a mob of angry White men who served as Armwood’s judge, jury and executioner. “When you see […]

On Oct. 4 Baltimore County legislators passed a unanimous ban on the sale, possession and distribution of the synthetic marijuana-like substance sold as “Spice” or “K2.” Violators of the new law, which takes effect 45 days after the resolution was adopted, could face a misdemeanor charge along with a $500 fine and 60 days in […]

Councilwoman Helen Holton, who represents Baltimore’s Eighth District, has been removed as chair of the City Council’s Taxation and Finance Committee. Lester Davis, a spokesman for Council President Bernard “Jack” Young, said the announcement was made on Oct. 4 at a scheduled council meeting. Earlier in the day, Holton pleaded no contest to charges that […]

President Obama set a goal for the United States to have the most educated workforce in the world by 2020. Over the years, America’s No. 1 rank among countries with the most college graduates has diminished to No. 9 with countries like Japan, Russia, South Korea and Canada leading the way. The Department of Labor […]

Energy usage is an important topic among home and business owners in Baltimore City as the temperatures outside begin to decline and energy -related costs begin to rise. Efforts to reduce energy consumption and related costs and increase education through outreach have prompted the Department of General Services in partnership with the Baltimore Office of […]

Dilapidated vacant houses and abandoned lots will soon become a distant memory for residents of the Barclay/Old Goucher community in East Baltimore. On Sept. 20 Mayor Rawlings-Blake, city officials, residents, neighborhood organizations and local developers broke ground on a $85 million redevelopment plan to revitalize the neighborhood and restore its luster in hopes of attracting […]

Baltimore businessman Earnest Hines has been elected the new president of the Board of Education for Baltimore County Public Schools following the retirement of three-term president JoAnn Murphy. Currently serving his third year on the board, Hines was appointed unanimously by the 11 other board members in August. As president and CEO of EEH Holdings […]