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.
Author Archives: Press Release
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.
Posted inBaltimore Community
McDaniel College surprises Baltimore City high school seniors with full-tuition scholarships
McDaniel College has awarded five Baltimore City high school seniors with full-tuition scholarships, valued at approximately $200,000 each, as part of the incoming Class of 2030.
Posted inNAACP
NAACP Baltimore County Freedom Fund Banquet draws strong crowd, inspires call to unity and collective action
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.
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.