Community activist Erricka Bridgeford has added “rapper” to her list of titles with the release of “I Did It,” a feel-good anthem written by her son, Paul “Bmore Lovechild” Bridgeford. The song and video, filled with joy, children, and West Baltimore pride, celebrate Bridgeford’s journey, resilience, and love for her community.
Author Archives: Michelle Richardson
Posted inBaltimore News
Charlene Hyman, Baltimore fashion icon, remembered for global impact and creative legacy
Charlene Hyman, pioneering Baltimore fashion designer and founder of Hyman and Hyman Fashion Designers, died on June 20 at age 68. Celebrated for her glamorous couture, international acclaim and mentorship within the fashion community, Hyman left an enduring legacy of creativity, compassion, and trailblazing artistry that touched both runways and hearts.
Posted inArts & Culture
AFRAM 2025 offers star studded line up and fun for the whole family
The AFRAM Festival, a celebration of African-American culture, returned to Baltimore on June 21-22, featuring international artists such as Amerie, Patti LaBelle, Juvenile and Teedra Moses, and offering fun, food, and more for the whole family.
Posted inBaltimore News
Star power and local pride shine at AFRAM 2025
Day One of AFRAM 2025 brought over 150,000 people to Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park for a celebration of Black culture, music, and community featuring stars like JT, Stefflon Don, and Juvenile. The festival also introduced a new stage for local talent and showcased everything from food and fashion to art and wellness.
Posted inHealth
MTV veejay and television host Ananda Lewis dies at 52
By Michelle Richardson Special to the AFRO Ananda Lewis, a former MTV veejay and TV host, has died after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 52. Lewis’s sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news on her Facebook page, posting a black-and-white photo of Lewis with the caption, “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, […]
Posted inAFRO CHARITIES
Afro Charities team closer to meeting funding goal after ‘Wildest Dreams’ fundraiser
By Michelle RichardsonSpecial to the AFRO On Saturday, June 7, Afro Charities held its second annual Wildest Dreams Spring fundraiser at Cinghiale Restaurant in Harbor East. Guests enjoyed a live DJ, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction of various art pieces from local artists such as Tom Miller, SHAN Wallace, Quinn Bryant and Charles […]
Posted inHBCU
Howard University to host 2023 HBCU Rugby Classic and Music Festival
By Michelle Richardson, Special to the AFRO Rugby isn’t the first sport that comes to mind when we think of HBCU athletics. We think of football, basketball, and maybe even baseball but rugby?! That’s an Ivy League sport, right? Wrong! Did you know that there are five historically Black colleges with rugby teams? Each team […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
“Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” exhibit opens March 24
By Michelle Richardson, Special to the AFRO Have you ever wanted to see George Clinton’s wig up close or experience the power of the Black Panther suit worn by Chadwick Boseman? The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s newest exhibit makes that possible with “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures,” opening March 24. […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Popular music festival to return to nation’s capital this summer
By Michelle Richardson, Special to the AFRO It’s almost festival season and that means the number one music festival in the nation’s capital is returning. Last week, Broccoli City Festival (BCF) dates and lineups were announced and like the young kids say, “it’s lit!” Broccoli City Festival is a “Black-owned social enterprise that focuses on […]
Posted inBaltimore News
‘We Earn Our Stripes’: a song for Black Americans who serve
By Michelle Richardson, Special to the AFRO African Americans have been fighting on behalf of their country since before the United States were actually “united.” They fought in the Revolutionary War and in the Civil War, where approximately 180,000 Black soldiers joined the fight. Fast forward to 2023 when, according to the Department of Defense, […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
The Dance Institute of Washington to present ‘The Spirit of Kwanzaa’ at Howard University
By Michelle Richardson, Special to the AFRO The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), a minority-led dance organization in the nation’s capital, will stage its annual holiday performance celebrating Kwanzaa, the annual celebration of African American culture. Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. ‘The Spirit of Kwanzaa’ is a winter holiday celebration that […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Pooled: A Gospel Musical Drama premieres at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts
By Michelle Richardson, Special to the AFRO This holiday season, “Pooled: A Gospel Musical Drama” comes to the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. The play is brought to audiences by playwright Moses T. Alexander and Li V Mahob Productions. Pooled follows Delsin Jacobs’ arrival to the Pool of Bethesda and his single-minded determination to […]