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.
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inCivil Rights
Experts call for culturally competent care for veterans
Experts emphasize the importance of culturally competent care for African-American veterans facing substance use disorders. Ashley Hall and Elvis Rosales highlight barriers such as implicit bias and limited access to specialized treatment. They advocate for peer-led recovery groups, faith-based initiatives and holistic approaches to improve engagement and long-term recovery success.
Posted inMaryland Government
MEJC launches inaugural report detailing drivers of mass incarceration
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown released a report March 13 to address the historical roots and drivers of mass incarceration and the racial disparities within it. The report highlights inequities such as the fact that Black Marylanders make up around 30 percent of the […]
Posted inCommentary
Black love in the modern era: Prioritizing healing, communication and growth
Black love is a testament to strength, resilience and joy. It thrives when nurtured with intention, understanding and mutual respect. Today, Black couples are redefining relationships by prioritizing emotional wellness, therapy and self-awareness. They are breaking generational cycles, fostering open communication and building partnerships that focus on growth, healing, and lasting connection.
Posted inMaryland Government
Crossover Day marks progress for Maryland’s Second Look Act
Maryland lawmakers worked through crossover day, passing key bills, including the Second Look Act, which allows certain offenders to petition for reduced sentences. Despite strong opposition from House Republicans, the bill now moves to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee for further review.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Wes Moore provides update on budget negotiations as deadline draws near
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) reaffirmed his commitment to tax code reforms and economic competitiveness while ruling out a sugary drink tax and business-to-business taxes in the FY 2026 budget. With a $3 billion deficit looming, Senate leaders anticipate deeper cuts, while Republican lawmakers remain skeptical about potential tax hikes.
Posted inHealth
COVID-19 reflections: Navigating loss and unity together
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com As March marks five years since COVID-19 arrived in the United States and began to shut down the country along with the rest of the world, community members shared their experience in the early days of the pandemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), from the first week to […]
Posted inCivil Rights
Black Press Day 2025 highlights need for innovation and resilience in media
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 inMaryland Government
New legislation would create commission to review and assess racial disparities in criminal justice
State Del. Charlotte A. Crutchfield (D-Md.-19) is sponsoring legislation that would establish a commission to study racial disparities in Maryland’s criminal justice system.
Posted inBUSINESS
Whole Foods workers organize and succeed
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Over a year and a half ago, workers of a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia came together under the need for better work conditions, fair and equitable pay and healthcare for part-time workers. On Jan. 28, workers voted to become the first Whole Foods Market store to unionize. Black workers […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Deadline looms as Maryland caucuses push for key diversity and equity bills
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com One week before the Maryland General Assembly’s crossover deadline, six legislative caucuses held a historic joint press conference. On March 10 the legislators came together to advocate for policies promoting diversity, equity and economic stability. If the bills they support do not pass by the deadline, they are unlikely to […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. braces for impact as federal layoffs mount; Bowser outlines support
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser hosted a town hall to address the impact of mass layoffs of federal workers on the city, with an estimated $325 million less in revenue over the next four years.
