As Cherry Hill celebrates 80 years since its official founding, women like Tracey Garrett-Rogers, ZeeVelle Nottingham-Lemon and Malika Brown are leading the community’s growth, preserving its history, advocating for residents and creating opportunities to ensure a stronger future for generations to come.
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Ashburton Community Convos encourages dialogue and solutions
Residents, leaders and organizations recently gathered in the Ashburton community for an Associated Black Charities Community Convos listening session focused on neighborhood needs, collaboration and solutions. Participants discussed economic empowerment, safety and housing while sharing ideas to strengthen the community.
Maryland Delegates advance bill on historic Cheltenham youth facility
Maryland delegates passed HB 552 in a 129–1 vote, creating a commission to study the historic Cheltenham youth facility, including its operations, abuses, and deaths, after recognition of an unmarked burial site of Black children.
Baltimore Mayor Scott delivers sixth annual State of the City
Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) delivered his sixth State of the City address, unveiling a series of key initiatives while highlighting crime reduction and community partnerships across Baltimore.
Youth lead conversation at 2026 D.C. Teen Summit
The D.C. Teen Summit, held on March 13, brought young people together to lead conversations on mental health, identity and leadership. Through workshops and dialogue, teens shared experiences, built connections and emphasized the need for safe spaces and supportive adults.
Meet the women educators creating space and opportunity for youth
Rosalind Cauthen and Dr. Nicol R. Howard are just two of the leading ladies making waves in education by creating spaces where Black youth and communities can thrive. Their work highlights the impact of Black women educators shaping institutions and the next generation.
Caucuses push priority legislation in Maryland
Lawmakers from Maryland’s legislative caucuses gathered March 24 in Annapolis to advance shared priorities as the session nears its end, highlighting bills on youth justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant protections, and educational equity. Unity and collaboration remain central to their push for measurable results before Sine Die.
Lawmakers, community members rally in Maryland for immigrant protections
Lawmakers and community members rallied in Annapolis, Md., for We Are Casa’s Black Lobby Day, urging the state legislature to pass bills limiting federal immigration enforcement and ensuring humane standards for immigrant detention facilities.
Maryland advances LEAD Act to protect youth who wander or elope
Maryland’s LEAD Act aims to protect youth prone to elopement by improving first responder training, coordination, and public safety measures. Senate Bill 745 mandates law enforcement training for autism, dementia and wandering behaviors.
How resilient Black women turn job loss into new ventures
In response to the mass layoffs of 2025, Black women are turning challenges into opportunity—launching businesses, building networks and pursuing entrepreneurship. With resilience, creativity and community support, they are forging paths to economic stability and success.
Baltimore residents speak out as BGE skips oversight hearing
Baltimore residents, especially Black families, are struggling with skyrocketing utility bills, forcing some to take on debt or cut essential expenses. City officials and advocates are pressing BGE for answers during rising cost concerns.
City Council holds hearing on bill to protect immigrant residents
The Baltimore City Council is considering the “Safe Spaces and Communities” bill, which would protect immigrant residents by codifying executive order safeguards and limiting local agency cooperation with federal immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.

