Imani Bilal explores grief, self-preservation and the emotional cost of overgiving in her new exhibit, “The Beauty of Enough,” on display in Brooklyn through May 27. The self-taught artist reflects on her creative journey, spiritual practice and groundbreaking international success — including becoming the first Black American artist to design a luxury hotel in Saudi Arabia — while challenging narrow definitions of Black art and abstraction.
Author Archives: Sean Yoes
AFRO Baltimore Editor
Posted inBaltimore News
Cherry Hill celebrates Madeline Wheeler Murphy Day
Cherry Hill’s second annual “Madeline Wheeler Murphy Day” honored the late journalist, activist, and AFRO columnist whose fearless voice and community leadership continue to inspire new generations. Attendees, including her son attorney Billy Murphy and local youth leaders, celebrated her enduring legacy of Black empowerment, cultural pride, and social justice.
Posted inBaltimore News
Youth leaders focus on elder safety in Cherry Hill
Youth in Cherry Hill are working with their elders to strengthen community connections and address safety concerns through the Cherry Hill Elder Safety Survey, led by the Youth Resiliency Institute and the Switching Lanes Adult and Youth Institute.
Posted inBaltimore News
An AFRO salute to Larry Gibson: Celebrating 50 years at UM Law
By Sean Yoes, Special to the AFRO During the course of a half-century of instruction at the University of Maryland’s School of Law, Larry Gibson’s influence upon the school’s Black students may be unparalleled. This week, the AFRO will begin a two-part series honoring Gibson, who truly shaped the generations with his dedication and hard […]
Posted inMusic Reviews
New band, same message: Love
Navasha Daya and Fanon Hill present new Reggae band, ‘Oneeki Roots’ By Sean YoesSpecial to the AFRO The music video for the new song by Navasha Daya and her husband, Fanon Hill, “Matters of a Woman’s Heart,” smoothly transcends the distance between the beaches of Monterey, Calif., and the narrow streets near Hollins Market in […]
Posted inBaltimore News
AFRO inside look: ‘The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood’
By Sean Yoes, Special to the AFRO “In Francois Boguille’s home district the free men of Color formed a national guard. Unrepentant followers of Oge (a father of the Haitian Revolution), they recruited men from the nearby plantations and the threat of their alliance prompted the Whites in the district to act…In response, the free […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Advocacy and education key as ‘The Black Canni’ comes to Baltimore
By Sean Yoes, Special to the AFRO A two-day event focused on African Americans and cannabis will take place Oct. 14 -15. “The Black Canni” will gather Black cannabis entrepreneurs, educators and enthusiasts for discussions that have become all the more important since recreational use of marijuana became legal in Maryland on July 1. A […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Hip Hop legend Monie Love headlines Cherry Hill Waterfront Festival
By Sean Yoes, Special to the AFRO The organizers of the Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival have been intentional in their desire to “celebrate culture” in their beloved South Baltimore community. And once again they raise the bar beyond the typical 4th of July fare of hot dogs and fireworks as they welcome […]
Posted inOPINION
Op-Ed: Repair our communities, or else
By Sean Yoes, Special to the AFRO Many residents of Poppleton and Harlem Park who live in the shadow of the Highway to Nowhere, the infamous 1.4 mile truncated stretch of roadway that cut West Baltimore in half, have been experiencing trepidation in its interactions with city hall recently. It is an all too familiar […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Diana L. Gibson dies at 82 years old
By Sean Yoes, Special to the AFRO Diana L. Gibson passed away on March 15, 2023 of a heart attack at her home. She was 82 years old. Diana Rita Lewis was born to Theodore and Mamie Lewis in Baltimore on September 4, 1940. She was their only child. Diana attended St. Pius Elementary School […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore author chronicles daughter’s triumph over sickle cell
By Sean Yoes, Special to the AFRO It is believed that a mother’s love is the salve that can heal all wounds. But, even a mother’s love is put to the test when it comes to grappling with a deadly disease imperiling her child. That is the focus of the deeply personal, heart-wrenching and ultimately […]
Posted inBaltimore News
FaithWorks – AFRO Exclusive: Baltimore Pastor Walks for #RUNMovement
By Sean Yoes, Special to the AFRO In the early morning hours of Veteran’s Day with the sun still far from the horizon, The Rev. Robert Turner, pastor of the Empowerment Temple AME took the first steps of a daunting journey; a more than 42-mile walk from Baltimore’s Carroll Park, to the front gate of […]