By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com The City of Greenbelt, Md., announced that Councilmember Ric Gordon (D-At-Large) suddenly died on Nov. 26 at 41 years old. “The sudden passing of Ric Gordon is a great loss to the Greenbelt community, Prince George’s County, and the State of Maryland,” said Greenbelt Mayor Emmett V. Jordan […]
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signs workforce development executive order
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Gov. Wes Moore recently delivered good news for union workers throughout Maryland. On Nov. 17, Moore and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee joined numerous union workers at the Maryland Transportation Administration (MTA) Eastern Bus Division in East Baltimore to announce and sign a workforce development executive order. […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Scott announces two new programs to support those experiencing homelessness
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) recently announced two new programs to support the homeless population of Baltimore and those on the verge of being unhoused. The House Baltimore Property Owner Engagement Initiative will assist housing partners in ensuring higher quality and […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore City, County leaders hold joint town hall on public safety
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com In a room full of Baltimore City and Baltimore County residents, community leaders and public officials, many shared what concerns them the most about the state of public safety in Baltimore, and demanded answers. The joint public safety town hall was held in Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore City Council holds hearings on facial recognition technology
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Councilman Kristerfer Burnett (D-District 8) is lead sponsor of two bills aimed at regulating facial recognition technology (FRT), currently being used in the city for surveillance. After six years of fighting to pass legislation on this matter, Burnett may soon succeed. “There are two bills that the […]
Posted inNational News
First Black U.S. Representative for Rhode Island sworn into office
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Following a special election in Rhode Island, Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.-01) became the state’s first Black U.S. Representative on Nov. 13. Amo won his seat in a special election on Nov. 7. “I am proud to be the representative from Rhode Island’s first congressional district,” said Amo on […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Maryland Military Coalition hosts 2023 Legislator of the Year Award Luncheon
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com State Del. Michael J. Rogers (D-Md.-32), State Sen. Michael A. Jackson (D-Md.-27) and Del. Edith J. Patterson (D-Md.-28) were all honored at the Maryland Military Coalition’s (MMC) 2023 Legislator of the Year Award Luncheon at the Naval Academy Club on Nov. 1. The MMC, an armed services advocacy […]
Posted inNational News
First Black U.S. Representative for Rhode Island sworn into office
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Following a special election in Rhode Island, Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.-01) became the state’s first Black U.S. Representative on Nov. 13. Amo won his seat in a special election on Nov. 7. “I am proud to be the representative from Rhode Island’s first congressional district,” said Amo on […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Mayor Bowser declares public emergency to address youth violence and opioid deaths
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a public emergency on Nov. 13, effective immediately, which will provide D.C. with more ways to address the youth violence issue and the opioid crisis. “The public emergency will allow us to streamline and expedite our responses,” said Bowser at a live-streamed press conference. […]
Posted inMaryland Government
U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes will not run for re-election
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Speaking of running for office, another congressional seat has opened up for the 2024 election after U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.-03) announced he will not run for re-election on Oct. 26. “My siblings and I grew up with the teaching that there are many ways to serve. Being […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Trone leads juvenile justice and re-entry discussion in Baltimore
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Community members and activists gathered at Baltimore Unity Hall on Oct. 27 to participate in discussions on juvenile justice and the re-entry formerly incarcerated into American society and specifically in Baltimore. Rep. David Trone (D-Md.-06), who is running for the U.S. Senate in 2024, led the conversation. “If […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
SNAP benefits to expand in 2024, alleviating struggles of D.C. residents
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Many Washington, D.C. residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will soon see an increase in their monthly benefits. “SNAP is a critical lifeline for families across the country but, in particular, in D.C. our food and security numbers are high,” said Reana Kim, policy […]