The family of Samuel “Big Sam” Brown spoke out after body camera footage was released from the Baltimore County police encounter that preceded his death. Their attorney argues the video shows an officer escalating the situation.
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inMental Health
Experts weigh in on online racism’s impact on mental health
Black young adults face racism both in real life and online, leading many to turn to digital mental health tools. Experts stress the need for clinicians to recognize and address online racial stress in treatment.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Samuel “Big Sam” Brown laid to rest as OAG releases bodycam of fatal Baltimore County Police encounter
The Maryland OAG has released bodycam footage showing the Baltimore County officer’s fatal encounter with Samuel “Big Sam” Brown. Brown died Feb. 27 from injuries sustained during the Feb. 16 incident in Woodlawn.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Bowie State, DPSCS spotlight unity, education at Black History Month program
Bowie State University and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services hosted their annual Black History Month program at Jessup Correctional Institution. The day served as a time to spotlight Bowie’s Prison Education Program and the importance of investing in recidivism prevention efforts.
Posted inMaryland News
Moore advocates opening state land for housing, jobs near transit
Empty parking lots near Maryland transit stations could soon become homes and jobs, as Gov. Wes Moore (D) pushes legislation to unlock state-owned land for development.
Posted inUncategorized
Gov. Moore testifies on grocery pricing bill amid affordability concerns
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) is backing the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act, aiming to ban dynamic pricing in grocery stores that targets shoppers with individualized prices. Critics warn it could threaten long-standing discounts Marylanders have come to enjoy.
Posted inMaryland Government
Then and now: Black History Month underscores the ongoing battle to protect the ballot
As Black History Month is underway, Maryland lawmakers are championing bills to strengthen voting rights and protect minority voters. The proposed legislation aims to safeguard ballots and ensure legal recourse against voter intimidation or suppression.
Posted inBaltimore News
Elders call for ownership, mentorship and mindset shift to secure Black progress
Community elders say sustaining Black progress will require mentorship, economic literacy and resilience amid shifting diversity efforts. They urge the next wave of leaders to focus on ownership, mindset and long-term impact to strengthen future generations.
Posted inBlack History
Forgotten firsts: Black athletes who paved the way
Long before modern sports stars like Simone Biles and Coco Gauff, Black athletes such as Moses Fleetwood Walker, a catcher for the American League Association in 1884, broke barriers for future generations.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Moore, Lt. Gov. Miller file for re-election ahead of Maryland primaries
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller filed for re-election Feb. 23, ahead of the June 23 primary. Voters will weigh his record on the economy, schools and crime as the campaign begins.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Wes Moore signs emergency legislation to ban state, local cooperation with ICE
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed emergency legislation banning local cooperation with ICE, ending 287(g) agreements on Feb. 17. Supporters say the move protects immigrants and upholds constitutional policing, while opponents warn it may limit jail cooperation.
Posted inMaryland Government
Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland outlines 2026 legislative priorities
The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland unveiled its 2026 priorities, highlighting legislation on health, education, justice, economic empowerment, housing and civil rights, including youth charging reform, school psychologist licensure and ending 287(g) agreements.