Coca-Cola is celebrating its 31st year of partnership with the ESSENCE Festival of Culture with performances from Destin Conrad, Coi Leray, and Mario, as well as community activations, HBCU programming, and immersive experiences.
Author Archives: Press Release
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
Mayor Bowser highlights success of District’s composting program, announces expansion of citywide initiative
District expands access to composting as city surpasses 11 million pounds of food waste diverted since 2017 (WASHINGTON, DC) – May 29, on National Learn About Composting Day, Mayor Muriel Bowser was joined by the Department of Public Works (DPW), District officials, and sustainability partners to highlight the continued success of the District’s food waste […]
Posted inJuneteenth
Anacostia Community Museum announces expanded Juneteenth celebration for nation’s 250th
The Anacostia Community Museum will host its largest-ever Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on June 19, featuring live music, cultural workshops, theater performances and a nighttime outdoor roller skating experience as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary observance. Organized in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the free event celebrates Black history, resilience and community traditions through a full day of family-friendly programming.
Posted inArts & Culture
Artscape 2026 stages to spotlight women
Artscape 2026 will spotlight women performers, DJs and hosts across multiple stages during the nation’s largest free outdoor arts festival in downtown Baltimore over Memorial Day weekend. Headlined by The Roots, Stephanie Mills and Kindred the Family Soul, the festival will also feature art exhibitions, family programming, culinary experiences and late-night entertainment celebrating the city’s vibrant creative culture.
Posted inBlack History
Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation, Inc. and Maryland Historical Trust to Honor Faye Allen Belt with 2026 Maryland Preservation Award for Excellence in Community Impact
Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation, Inc. and the Maryland Historical Trust will honor Faye Allen Belt with the 2026 Maryland Preservation Award for Excellence in Community Impact for her decades of work preserving the history of the Crownsville State Hospital and documenting African American heritage in Maryland. Belt’s advocacy, research and community leadership also contributed to Columbia Beach becoming Maryland’s first historic African American community listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2026.
Posted inHistory
Inaugural Martyrs Day as part of America’s 250th anniversary
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary of independence, legal scholar Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is leading an effort to establish July 5 as “Martyrs Day,” a national day to honor those who died fighting for justice, equality and civil rights. The initiative ties the nation’s founding ideals to its ongoing struggles, encouraging reflection, education and continued civic engagement.
Posted inHBCU
HBCU fellowship applications now open
Baltimore Corps’ Emerging Leaders Fellowship is now open for recent HBCU graduates. Gain public service experience with a $51,500 salary and benefits. Apply by June 21!
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Major D.C. mayoral and congressional delegate debates set for May 2 at George Washington University
Voters in Washington, D.C. will have a chance to hear directly from candidates for mayor and congressional delegate during the DCision 2026 debates on May 2 at George Washington University. Hosted by a coalition of civic and media organizations, the event will spotlight key issues including public safety, housing, economic recovery, education, and D.C.’s push for full congressional representation.
Posted inNational News
Judge orders individuals associated with Patriot Front to pay punitive damages in civil rights case for destroying mural of Arthur Ashe in Richmond
A federal court ordered members of Patriot Front to pay over $470,000 for vandalizing a mural honoring Arthur Ashe in Richmond, finding the act was driven by racial animus. The lawsuit, brought by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, underscores the harm to the local Black community and marks a significant victory for civil rights accountability.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) to host ‘Summer of Possibilities Fair’
The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund will host its free “Summer of Possibilities Fair” on April 11, connecting families with more than $2 million in no-cost summer camps and youth programs while offering live performances, interactive activities and on-site registration opportunities for children across Baltimore.
Posted inFood
Gold medalist Simone Biles inaugurates signature restaurant at Houston airport
By Houston Airport System (Black PR Wire) HOUSTON – Gymnastics legend Simone Biles officially unveiled her signature restaurant, Taste of Gold, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on Tuesday, March 24. The upscale café, located in Terminal A near Gate A8, features décor inspired by the gymnast’s iconic career. . “As a frequent traveler, I […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Kireem Swinton named permanent president and CEO of Visit Baltimore
Kireem Swinton has been appointed as the permanent president and CEO of Visit Baltimore, and will continue to drive economic impact, foster community partnerships, and promote the city’s unique cultural assets to a global audience.
