By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Pamela A. Smith was nominated as the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) police chief in July by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and recently began the official confirmation process through the D.C. Council. Smith would become the first African-American woman to be D.C. police chief– if she is fully confirmed […]
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Wes Moore, nation’s only sitting Black governor, celebrates 45th birthday
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political writer, Tmcqueen@afro.com Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor, turns 45 on Oct. 15. The young governor has a powerful resume that includes service as a captain in the 82nd Airborne, multiple best-selling books on racial equity and opportunity and an educational background that includes time as a Rhodes Scholar. […]
Posted inNational News
Stronger together: How Black and Hispanic legislators work together to make change
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com As social justice movements gain popularity across minority communities, Hispanic and Black leaders continue to charge forward on behalf of their constituents, advocating for government accountability, equity and environmental justice. Hispanic Heritage Month, recognized from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a time for a continuance of these […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Building generational wealth: A look at the kid entrepreneurs taking the business world by storm
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Generational wealth is extremely important for the Black community. It could mean the difference between health, happiness and connections or poverty and strongholds. “It’s a challenge sometimes when talking about creating wealth, especially for Black families, because it takes a lot of generations to get into wealth, but […]
Posted inNational News
Kevin McCarthy becomes first House Speaker to be ousted in U.S. History
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Tmcqueen@afro.com Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.-20) was ousted from his position as House Speaker shortly after a compromise with U.S. House of Representatives Democrats, made in order to prevent a government shutdown. McCarthy is now the first House speaker to be removed in American history. “I do not regret negotiating. […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Richard Worley and James Wallace officially sworn in as new Baltimore police commissioner and fire chief
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Despite opposition, Richard Worley and James Wallace were sworn in as Baltimore’s new police commissioner and fire chief, respectively, by Mayor Brandon M. Scott on Oct. 5. “Together, they understand that public safety is a collective effort that requires collaboration directly with residents, community organizations, and amongst agencies […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Residents protest as Baltimore City Council confirms Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley and Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace were officially confirmed by the Baltimore City Council on Oct. 2. Worley and Wallace were nominated for their respective roles in July by Mayor Brandon M. Scott. Former Police Commissioner Michael Harrison stepped down on June 8 […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
First public safety hearing after summer recess hones in on sexual assault and incarceration
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com During the first public safety hearing back from summer recess for the D.C. Council on Sept. 18, a young woman shared her experience with sexual assault and the criminal legal system. “I was sexually assaulted in my high school bathroom in my first year of high school. I […]
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Parasite detected in Baltimore’s Druid Lake Reservoir
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Political WriterTmcqueen@afro.com The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) announced on Sept. 28 their discovery of Cryptosporidium (Crypto), a microscopic parasite, in the Druid Lake Reservoir. This discovery has impacted parts of Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County. “Monthly, DPW collects samples both at Ashburton and Druid Lake Reservoirs and […]
Posted inNational News
CBCF’S 52nd Annual Legislative Conference: National Town Hall examines old, new battles facing Black America
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com A staple of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference is the National Town Hall, a venue for a cross-section of Black America to address the various issues affecting the broader community. And this year was no different, as Ayana Parsons, of the Fearless Fund, and LaTosha […]
Posted inNational News
52nd CBCF Annual Legislative Conference: State policymaker discusses efforts to advance reparative justice for Black Americans
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Reparations for descendants of Africans enslaved in the Americas has long been a topic of public discourse. But discourse has yet to lead to action. The topic, again, was among those addressed during the recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Moderated by Julia […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Suspect Jason Billingsley arrested for murder of Baltimore CEO Pava LaPere
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates announced the arrest of murder suspect Jason Billingsley, 32, on Sept. 28. “Billingsley was taken into custody in Bowie, Md. at approximately 11 p.m. last night,” said Worley, at a press […]