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.
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
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 […]
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland’s inaugural substance use rally highlights need for rehabilitative services
Maryland leaders and advocates gathered for the state’s first Substance Use Awareness Day Rally, emphasizing the need for better substance use services. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller highlighted progress, and outreach workers called for improved community support.
Posted inAfro
AFRO News among 50 honored for advancing women in leadership
Executive Alliance honored 50 Maryland organizations, including AFRO News, for advancing women in leadership despite federal diversity setbacks.
Posted inEducation
Educators weigh in on student cell phone use in the classroom
As state lawmakers consider restricting phone use in classrooms, educators are divided on the impact of technology in schools. While some argue phones are a major distraction that fuel conflicts and disrupt learning, others believe teachers must adapt and find ways to integrate digital literacy into education.
Posted inBaltimore News
JPMorgan Chase expands virtual jobs to military spouses in Maryland
JPMorgan Chase expanded its virtual call center in Baltimore to provide job opportunities for military spouses within a 90-mile radius. Dawn Moore, Maryland’s first lady, praised the effort, emphasizing the value military spouses bring to the workforce.
Posted inBaltimore News
B-360 launches STEM-focused youth space in Baltimore
As the city’s homicide rates drop, programs like B-360 provide opportunities for young people to learn, grow and build brighter futures. The organization’s new and temporary space, the Youth and Teen Center, was unveiled at Baltimore’s Harborplace on March 25.
Posted inBaltimore News
Gov. Moore addresses Key Bridge collapse impact with Dundalk business owners
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) led a business roundtable in Dundalk, Md., with local leaders to discuss the impact of the Key Bridge collapse. Participants shared stories of resilience, community support, and recovery efforts.
Posted inBlack Press
Black Press Day 2025 highlights need for innovation and resilience in mediaÂ
At the NNPA Fund’s 2025 Black Press Day event, NNPA President and CEO Benjamin Chavis reaffirmed the Black Press’s role in advocating for justice and equality. He emphasized adapting to digital platforms while preserving print’s impact and urged stronger collaboration between the Black Press and the Black church. Quoting Freedom’s Journal, he reflected on progress and ongoing challenges, stressing that Black media must continue to be the trusted voice of Black America.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. leaders work to tackle housing and eviction issues
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) have introduced the RENTAL Act of 2025, aiming to preserve affordable housing and restore the District’s eviction process to pre-pandemic standards. The legislation includes provisions to expand rent assistance eligibility and allow evictions for tenants arrested for violent offenses in or near their rental units.
Posted inBaltimore News
Shawnta Privette: From 911 dispatcher to Baltimore’s CAD technical manager
Shawnta Privette, Baltimore City’s first African-American woman CAD technical manager, overcame early challenges to build a trailblazing career in public safety communications. Rising from a teen mother to a leader in her field, she emphasizes perseverance and the importance of data-driven public safety.
