By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report For America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com Nov. 8 will be remembered as more than election day in the middle of President Joe Biden’s first term as many Baltimoreans exercised the voting franchise to elect the state’s first Black governorand consider a range of ballot initiatives, including legalizing recreational marijuana. […]
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inBaltimore News
Residents and elected officials hope new governor will improve collaborative relationship with Baltimore policymakers
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report For America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com Many Baltimoreans think of their city as a town independent of Maryland. Whether the sentiment is due to Baltimore’s location or the distinct culture, the poor collaboration between Baltimore City and the state of Maryland doesn’t help the attitude. In a recent interview […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Del. Stephanie Smith’s path to Annapolis
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report For America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com An avid community leader from the start, Del. Stephanie Smith, born in Virginia Beach, Va., is running for re-election in District 45 of Maryland. “My biggest inspiration was my grandmother,” said Smith. “I was blessed to have my grandmother and grandfather in my […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
New MPD cadet corps center furthers ‘pathway to the middle class’ for young D.C. residents
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report for America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expanded the resources of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Cadet Corp program by opening a new training center. “Our investments in the MPD Cadet Corps program are investments in our young people and the future of public safety in […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Black Girls Vote: top three things Black voters should do ahead of Election Day
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report for America Corps Member. tmcqueen@afro.com Advocacy organizations are feverishly working to equip voters with the information necessary to be efficient and effective voters this year. Noticeably making change on the grassroots level are the women of Black Girls Vote (BGV). Less than two weeks remain ahead of Election […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Blight, crime and public health: Mayor Brandon Scott speaks on his use of Baltimore’s ARPA funds
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report for America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com As funds from Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) continue to flow down to communities across the nation, Mayor Brandon Scott spoke with the AFRO about his use of the money and his plan of action to improve Baltimore. “ARPA has been a […]
Posted inNational News
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits set to increase by 8.7 percent
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report for America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com The Social Security Administration Office (SSA) recently announced that around 70 million Americans will benefit from an 8.7 percent boost in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This means those who receive SSI benefits will receive an additional $140 each month […]
Posted inMaryland Government
New leadership coming to the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland in 2023
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report for America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com As Election Day nears, changes in the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (LBCM) quickly approach too. December will mark the end of an era for LBCM Chairman Del. Darryl Barnes (D-MD-25), and Del. Benjamin Brooks (D-MD-10), treasurer of the organization, as they have […]
Posted inBaltimore News
City Council begins investigating 2022 primary election irregularities
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report For America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com Those frustrated with the election process may soon find the reform they seek. On Oct. 20, the City Council held a rescheduled hearing about this year’s primary election and its unusual complications. Councilwoman Odette Ramos (D-MD-14) of the Rules and Legislative Oversight committee […]
Posted inMaryland Government
AFRO political round-up: less than three weeks left before Election Day
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report For America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com Democratic candidates Del. Brooke Lierman (D-MD-46) and Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD-04) continue on the campaign trail, making their final rounds across Maryland. Lierman is running for Comptroller of Maryland and Brown is running for Attorney General. Although the Democratic party has a sizable […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Former Maryland Senator retires from ‘The Larry Young Morning Show’ after 25 years
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report for America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com Former Sen. Larry Young, host of “The Larry Young Morning Show” will be celebrated on Oct. 27 for his diligent work in the community and on air as a radio personality. Young will officially retire from WOLB Talk 1010 on Dec. 31. The […]
Posted inTV and Film
New documentary by Henry Louis Gates Jr. debuts ahead of ninth season of ‘Finding Your Roots’
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report for America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com The multi-talented Henry Louis Gates Jr. continues to put forth notable work for the Black community. The popular documentary series “Finding Your Roots,” hosted by Gates, will kick off its ninth season in January 2023. Ahead of the new season, a new documentary, […]
