More than 100 residents, elected officials, students and civic leaders attended the NAACP Baltimore County Branch’s 2026 Freedom Fund Banquet at The Promenade in Windsor Mill, where keynote speaker Darryl Green delivered a powerful message on healing and “Deep Forgiveness.” The annual fundraiser celebrated community leaders, honored public servants and highlighted youth engagement, while reinforcing the theme “The Fierce Urgency of Now” and a renewed call to unity and collective action across Baltimore County.
Author Archives: Press Release
Posted inMedia
Civil Rights TV launches in Selma as the world’s first 24/7 Civil Rights Television Network
Civil Rights TV, the world’s first 24-hour television network dedicated to civil rights history, education, and future equity, has launched on the Connect To Your City OTT platform, powered by Connect2OTT, offering documentaries, news analysis, live discussions, educational programming, global civil rights coverage and cultural storytelling.
Posted inHBCU
HBCU Week NOW Day to kick off CIAA Tournament Week
HBCU Week NOW Day will feature free public film screenings celebrating HBCU culture at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum on Feb. 24, including films, student shorts, and discussions.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Marsha Ambrosius, K Camp and Gabby Samone headline star-powered in-arena performances at 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has announced a star-studded entertainment lineup for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, set for Feb. 24–28 at CFG Arena in Baltimore. The weeklong event blends championship basketball featuring the CIAA’s 12 member institutions with concerts, fan experiences and community programming, continuing a tradition that has generated more than $100 million in economic impact for Baltimore.
Posted inAfro Briefs
U.S. home heating fires peak during winter months
Home heating fires surge during the winter months, with nearly half occurring between December and February, according to the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA data shows space heaters and heating stoves account for almost half of these fires and the majority of deaths and injuries, prompting renewed safety reminders as colder weather keeps families indoors and increases electricity use, cooking activity and reliance on heating equipment.
Posted inOpinion
Strengthening BCYF to better serve Baltimore’s youth
The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) is a non-profit organization that provides funding and technical support to youth-serving community-based organizations across Baltimore, and the City Council is looking to update the authorizing legislation to better align with the organization’s current operations.
Posted inHBCU
Delaware State University partnership with Risepoint expands online degree access
Delaware State University has partnered with education technology company Risepoint to expand access to flexible, workforce-focused online degrees through eHBCU, the nation’s only Black online higher-education consortium. The collaboration advances eHBCU’s mission to bring the pride, community and opportunity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to learners regardless of location, with new programs expected to launch in Fall 2026.
Posted inEducation
Meharry Medical College receives $1 million investment
Meharry Medical College’s School of Applied Computational Sciences has received a $1 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to advance medical education and promote health equity through technology. The funding will support initiatives like augmented and virtual reality integration, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary training, strengthening the College’s mission to prepare diverse health professionals for underserved communities.
Posted inBUSINESS
Securityplus Federal Credit Union proudly supports The AFRO’s Black Business Matters EXPO
Securityplus Federal Credit Union sponsored and participated in The AFRO’s Black Business Matters EXPO to celebrate entrepreneurship, support small businesses and strengthen Baltimore’s community connections.
Posted inHBCU
National HBCU Orator Competition open to current HBCU students
The HBCU Oratorical Challenge, a national competition highlighting the public-speaking talents of students attending historically Black colleges and universities, is now accepting submissions through Dec. 15, 2025. The event offers HBCU students opportunities to strengthen communication, leadership and creative expression across four categories, with national finals set for April 18–19, 2026, in Atlanta.
Posted inAfro Briefs
The Presidents’ Roundtable announces leadership transition and strategic revitalization for 2026
The Presidents’ Roundtable has appointed longtime Baltimore business leader James Makia as its new chair, succeeding Jeff Hargrave, as the organization launches a 2026 Strategic Plan focused on revitalization, innovation, and expanded impact for minority entrepreneurs.
Posted inHealth
Maryland joins national fight to protect inclusive sex education programs
Maryland joins other states in defending comprehensive, evidence-based sexual health education against federal overreach.