Faith leaders across Maryland are urging Senate President Bill Ferguson to prioritize mid-cycle redistricting legislation ahead of a House hearing. The appeal comes as lawmakers consider a proposed congressional map that critics say could eliminate the state’s lone Republican seat and backfire on Democrats.
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland targets data-driven grocery price hikes
Maryland lawmakers unveiled a proposal to ban individualized grocery pricing driven by consumer surveillance and data. Advocates say the plan could ease food insecurity for Maryland consumers.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Wes Moore announces his proposed fiscal year 2027 budget
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) unveiled his $70.8 billion fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget on Jan. 21, focusing on protecting residents, lowering costs and boosting economic competitiveness. The plan balances priorities with no new taxes and $900 million in cost-saving measures.
Posted inBooks
Enoch Pratt to highlight work of Angela Flournoy at 38th Annual Booklover’s Breakfast
Enoch Pratt Free Library will host its sold-out 38th Annual Booklovers’ Breakfast featuring award-winning novelist Angela Flournoy on Feb. 7 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Morgan State University choir honor MLK Day with community concert
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a powerful community concert at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Featuring the Morgan State University Choir, the program celebrated the civil rights leader and his legacy through music by Black composers.
Posted inUncategorized
Business leaders visit Annapolis for Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Day
Members of Maryland’s business community gathered in Annapolis to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day while urging lawmakers to consider how legislative decisions affect local businesses. Chamber of Commerce leaders and state officials emphasized advocacy, collaboration and participation during the 2026 session.
Posted inBUSINESS
AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: How Kaci Patterson advances Dr. King’s legacy through equity-driven change
Communities nationwide continue to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service, faith and advocacy. Today’s leaders and organizations are expanding his vision through action, equity and community-building.
Posted inCivil Rights
A look at the state of civil rights in America
More than 50 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the fight for civil rights continues, as advocates and lawmakers work to address persistent inequities and new challenges, including discrimination in emerging AI technologies.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Council questions the District’s cooperation with ICE
D.C. lawmakers are urging city leaders to end Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a council report found federal immigration enforcement has eroded trust in immigrant communities.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland General Assembly kicks off 2026 legislative session
The 2026 Maryland General Assembly session opened Jan. 14 with a focus on a $1.5 billion deficit. Lawmakers face tough decisions regarding budget cuts, redistricting and new leadership during the 90-day legislative term.
Posted inHBCU
Building trust, saving lives: HBCUs expand organ donation education in Georgia
LifeLink of Georgia’s Multicultural Donation Education Program has spent years partnering with historically Black institutions in Georgia to expand education around organ donation and transplantation. Program leaders say the effort builds trust, broadens medical career paths and increases donation awareness in underserved communities.
Posted inBUSINESS
BWI’s $520M upgrade brings modern gates and faster baggage system
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) joined BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport leaders to celebrate the $520 million Concourse A/B Connector and upgraded baggage system, enhancing passenger flow, expanding gates, and strengthening the airport’s role as a regional economic engine.