Lamar Laing, CEO and founder of Copiafy, turned his struggles with debt and poor credit into a mission to empower Black Americans with financial literacy and resources. Through Copiafy, an online platform, he provides tools for setting financial goals and tracking bills and credit report disputes.
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inBaltimore News
How 4MyCiTy is feeding Baltimore and the planet this Earth Day
As Earth Day approaches, 4MyCiTy founder Christopher Dipnarine shares how his Baltimore-based nonprofit is tackling food waste and food insecurity. By transforming discarded food into nourishment and community empowerment, 4MyCiTy is reshaping sustainability in South Baltimore and beyond.
Posted inBaltimore News
From tragedy to change: Freddie Gray’s death and the road to reform in Baltimore
Ten years after the death of Freddie Gray and the ensuing “Baltimore Uprising,” Mayor Brandon Scott and other legal and community leaders are reflecting on the systemic failures that led to the unrest and the reforms that followed.
Posted inAfro Newspaper
Titans of Media: A conversation on the AFRO’s impact through storytelling
At the “Titans of Media” panel at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, leaders of the AFRO News and Afro Charities discussed their ongoing efforts to elevate Black voices, preserve historical narratives and innovate within the media landscape. The conversation highlighted the AFRO’s role as both a chronicler of history and a driving force for future generations, ensuring that Black stories remain visible and influential.
Posted inHealth
Federal legislation aimed at reform highlighted during Black Maternal Health Week
Lawmakers acknowledge Black Maternal Health Week and highlight top legislation from the 119th Congress that aim to improve maternal health care in America. U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) expressed concern over federal restructuring efforts and affirmed her commitment to expanding access to care for pregnant women.
Posted inD.C. Government
D.C. leadership freezes hiring and pay increases to offset budget gap
Facing a $1.1 billion budget shortfall caused by a federal funding cap, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has enacted immediate government freezes and invoked a law to adjust the District’s budget by 6 percent. With Congress stalled on a funding fix, Bowser warned that further cuts, including furloughs and facility closures, may follow if no action is taken.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Meet the financial content creators making money management education accessible for all
With the growing Black-White wealth gap and diminishing federal job opportunities, financial literacy has become essential for Black Americans. Experts are increasingly using social media to provide practical advice on budgeting, saving and investing.
Posted inAfro Briefs
From piggy banks to budgets: How to pass down smart money habits
Teaching children about money at an early age can set them up for lifelong financial success, even if parents struggle with their own finances. Financial literacy advocates and consultants suggest parents start with simple budgeting and saving lessons, using engaging tools and real-life money experiences to build healthy money management skills.
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Baltimore leaders discuss justice and reform 10 years after Freddie Gray’s death
Ten years after Freddie Gray’s death, the University of Maryland Carey School of Law and the Campaign for Justice, Safety and Jobs held a powerful reflection on Baltimore’s progress and ongoing challenges. Attorney William Murphy and community leaders discussed the fight for justice and the continued push for police reform under the federal consent decree.
Posted inMaryland Government
A step toward justice: Maryland legislators approve reparations commission bill
During the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session, the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland successfully led an effort to establish a reparations commission to address the historical harms of slavery in the state. Senate Bill 587, now awaiting the governor’s signature, will create a commission to study and propose recommendations on reparations, with findings expected by 2027.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Moore holds first bill signing of 2025 with focuses on workforce growth
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) held his first bill signing of 2025 on April 8, hours after the close of the 90-day general assembly session. Over 800 bills were passed this legislative session.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland General Assembly legislators work to finalize bills on last day of session
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland legislators worked throughout the day to pass as many bills as they could before session ended at midnight on April 7. The legislative session was an eventful one with drastic federal actions looming over Maryland and balancing the budget remaining the topic of discussion throughout the 2025 session. Around […]