Ryan Colman is the former president of the Randallstown NAACP. Today he speaks that the need for Independent oversight is essential, not optional: As watchdogs within government, Inspectors General expose fraud, recover lost funds and ensure taxpayer dollars serve the public—not politics.
Author Archives: Special to the AFRO
Posted inOPINION
Op-ed: Cuts to safety programs could cost lives
By Aqeela Sherrills In recent months, the Department of Justice “cancelled hundreds of grants to community organizations and local governments,” which included funding for programs authorized under the bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Hundreds of organizations doing life-saving work that makes communities safer and more resilient are dealing with the devastating and reeling impact of these […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Journalism comes from behind to win the Preakness 2 weeks after finishing 2nd in the Kentucky Derby
Journalism overcame mid-race contact and surged ahead to win the 150th Preakness Stakes, marking a triumphant comeback after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby. The victory gave trainer Michael McCarthy his second Triple Crown race win and made jockey Umberto Rispoli the first Italian to win a Triple Crown event.
Posted inBaltimore News
Doris Cole: Remembering a bright light
Doris Cole is remembered as a radiant, graceful woman whose unwavering love, deep faith and joyful presence touched everyone she met. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength and inspiration.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ward 5 residents invited to help shape the future of RFK Stadium site at May 14 community meeting
By Councilman Zackary Parker (D-Ward 5) Dear Ward 5 neighbors, There’s been a lot of buzz this week around a proposal for the future of the RFK Stadium site. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on May 5 to announce a deal to bring the Commanders back […]
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Is America still a ‘Shining City’ on a hill?
By R.L. Byrd On the night of Jan. 11, 1989, near the end of a 21-minute farewell address, President Ronald Reagan asked the television audience, “How stands ‘The City’ on this winter night?” The City—a reimagined America based off highly controversial pioneer John Winthrop’s 1600’s America—refers to the country being a beacon of light. “A […]
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: What is the state of our union after 47th president’s first 100 days?
James Jerome Hankins is an author, journalist, realtor, coach, veteran, former teacher, NAACP local president, caregiver and North Carolina A&T State University 1971 graduate. In this article he discusses the ways in which the 47th president is not making the grade.
Posted inHBCU
Coppin State University to host 2025 Economic Inclusion Conference
Coppin State University’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship will host the 2025 Economic Inclusion Conference on April 30, focusing on youth economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and workforce readiness, in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. Building on past successes and research, the event will feature workshops, a job fair, and cross-sector collaboration to equip over 800 students with the tools to create sustainable economic futures.
Posted inOPINION
Op-Ed: 10 opportunities for the next BDC leader
By Mark Anthony Thomas At a time where Maryland and all of the Baltimore Region’s jurisdictions are committing to greater investments in economic development, recently announced transitions offer a chance to celebrate impactful public leaders and use this moment of change to build stronger organizations that drive our future. Former Thurgood Marshall International Airport CEO […]
Posted inObituaries - Baltimore
Obituary: Dorothy Anna Williams, matriarch and former federal employee, dies at 95
Dorothy Anna Williams is remembered as a gracious and vibrant matriarch whose warmth, charm, and adventurous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she embraced life fully—from her decades-long career in public service to her later years filled with travel, card games, and cherished family moments.
Posted inCommentary
April 20 Deadline Could Unleash U.S. Troops on U.S. Soil—Black and Brown Communities Will Feel It First
A looming April 20 deadline could determine whether the federal government invokes the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty U.S. troops within the country—not in response to rebellion, but as a tool of everyday policy enforcement. Critics warn this move threatens democratic norms, risks targeting marginalized communities, and could mark a dangerous shift toward militarized governance.militarization of civilian communities.
Posted inOPINION
Civics in context: What JFK’s legacy teaches us about voting and values
James Jerome Hankins is a journalist, realtor, Veteran, past local NAACP president, retired 34-year shop teacher and 1971 graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. This week, he discusses lessons that can be learned from the past.
