Federal layoffs and industry cuts leave Black families most vulnerable to housing and income loss. Here are some things you should know about asset-building programs and fair lending reforms that offer pathways to lasting Black wealth and resilience.
Author Archives: Special to the AFRO
Posted inNational Sports
Samuel scores in Washington debut, and the Commanders stifle the Giants in a 21-6 win
By Noah Trister When Washington lost in the NFC title game in January, the Commanders were so overmatched against Philadelphia’s tush push that officials threatened to award an automatic touchdown if they didn’t stop jumping offside. In this season’s opener, it was a different story near the goal line. The Commanders held New York to […]
Posted inOPINION
The Unfinished Work: Black Intellectuals and the MAGA Backlash
Black intellectuals must return to Harold Cruse’s blueprint for self-determination and build autonomous institutions to respond to the MAGA backlash and ensure Black voices are not silenced.
Posted inCommentary
Breaking cycles of poverty: The legacy of PATHS at UDC
For more than 20 years, the UDC PATHS Program helped African-American families in Washington, D.C., particularly single mothers, pursue education and long-term stability while breaking cycles of poverty. With its closure on Oct. 1, 2025, PATHS leaves a legacy of empowerment, equity and community transformation.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Attorney General Schwalb sues to end illegal National Guard deployment in D.C.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit challenging the President’s deployment of nearly 2,300 National Guard troops to the District, arguing the move violates federal law and undermines local self-governance. The suit contends that deputizing out-of-state troops for policing duties endangers residents, erodes public trust, and exceeds presidential authority.
Posted inNational Sports
Commanders open 2025 season with confidence, chemistry and championship dreams
By Edward G. Robinson III A new NFL season has arrived and expectations are sky high for the Washington Commanders. That’s not a joke. Last season, Commanders fans experienced a level of success that had eluded the franchise for more than 20 years. Inspired by the coolheaded performances of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and veteran […]
Posted inNational Sports
Baltimore Ravens return with depth, star power—and a reminder to trust the process
By Edward G. Robinson III Some Baltimore Ravens fans are looking at the team’s current roster and can’t help but skip ahead to the NFL playoffs. They recall last season, when the Ravens exited the playoffs earlier than expected in a heartbreaking 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round, and they are […]
Posted inCommentary
Maryland must reckon with its juvenile justice past to protect today’s youth
By Marc Schindler I started my legal career in the mid-1990s as a Baltimore public defender representing children in juvenile court. In the late 1990s I joined a civil rights law firm addressing juvenile justice policies statewide and across the nation. These experiences taught me two things: The Maryland detention facility where many of my […]
Posted inOPINION
Foreign drug pricing models leave patients – and economic growth – behind
Kirsten Axelsen argues that adopting foreign-style drug pricing models in the United States would harm patients and stifle innovation. While other nations keep prices low by denying access through health technology assessments and rigid cost-effectiveness thresholds, the U.S. system fosters competition, broad access, and generics that lower costs. She contends the U.S. should push for fairer global cost-sharing rather than importing restrictive foreign policies.
Posted inBaltimore Events
ABC’s The Cookout returns: Celebrating Black culture, community and equity in Baltimore
Associated Black Charities (ABC) announced the return of its signature event, The Cookout, on Sept. 13, 2025, at The Village of Cross Keys in Baltimore. Presented by SECU, the free, family-friendly celebration will feature a march and rally, children’s activities, game tournaments, live entertainment, food trucks, and a showcase of Black-owned businesses.
Posted inBaltimore County Government
Public hearing on Baltimore County redistricting: Facts vs. misinformation
By Peta RichkusBaltimore County Coalition for Fair Maps Baltimore County residents will have the opportunity to testify (in-person and virtually) at today’s public hearing on Bill 55-25, the Council’s proposed redistricting map, at the Council’s regularly scheduled work session. Time and Place: Tuesday, August 26, 4pm, 2nd floor Council Chambers, Historic County Courthouse. There is […]
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: I beat the odds and made it to law school – others won’t get the chance
Olabisi Omoniyi-Alake, a Henry A. Wallace Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies and incoming Georgetown Law student, reflects on the financial and systemic challenges marginalized students face in pursuing legal education. She warns that the 47th president’s plan to eliminate Grad PLUS loans will shut the door for many low-income students and further reduce diversity in law schools.