A new documentary premiering April 15 revisits Morgan State’s championship-era swimming and diving program, tracing how former teammates are working to preserve a legacy of winning, connection and Black achievement that many outside the group may not fully know.
Author Archives: Tavon N. Thomasson
Posted inReligion
Black churches put a fresh spin on Easter traditions
Black churches are keeping many of the Easter traditions that have long defined the season, while also introducing new activities aimed at engaging families, young people and surrounding communities. Church leaders said the core meaning of Easter remains unchanged, but many congregations are finding creative ways to carry that message to the next generation through service projects, expanded worship experiences and community-centered gatherings.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Bilal Abdullah’s family files civil lawsuit against Baltimore officers
Joy Alston, mother of Bilal “BJ” Abdullah, has filed a civil lawsuit against three Baltimore police officers over her son’s fatal shooting, alleging excessive force, wrongful death, battery and constitutional violations. The family, still seeking answers more than a year later, also criticized the Maryland Attorney General’s decision not to file criminal charges as attorneys move into the discovery phase for evidence such as texts and surveillance footage.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Police Department releases body-cam video tied to Dwight Hawkins shooting
Baltimore police released body-worn camera footage at a Feb. 28 press conference showing the fatal police-involved shooting of 37-year-old Dwight Hawkins after officers encountered him near a store on the 3600 block of Belair Road on Feb. 24. The video shows Hawkins running from officers, then pulling out a weapon as well as the officers’ violent response, and it ends after he is handcuffed and the handgun is secured. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office said officers then rendered aid until EMS arrived; Hawkins later died at a hospital. Commissioner Richard Worley said the officers were in the area for crime suppression, and officials said involved officers remain on leave as the investigation continues.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland leaders request tariff reimbursement following Supreme Court decision
Maryland’s governor, comptroller and treasurer are pressing the White House to repay money they say the state lost after the 48th president’s tariffs drove up costs for businesses and consumers. They point to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting the administration’s authority under IEEPA and cite an estimated $4 billion impact in Maryland.
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore praises Boys & Girls Clubs in Maryland’s fight against child poverty
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore praised the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maryland at the organization’s annual legislative breakfast, highlighting their role in youth development and the state’s strategy to combat child poverty through community-based support. He pointed to increased state funding, expanded club access, and mentorship as critical tools, with Youth of the Year honoree Jared Jefferson’s story illustrating the clubs’ impact in building confidence, opportunity, and leadership for young people across the state.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James removed by board
Dr. Kevin James was removed from his role as president of Morris Brown College after seven years, with the Board of Trustees citing gratitude for his service but providing no specific cause. Nzinga Shaw, a current trustee and co-chair of the Board’s Facilities Committee, will serve as interim president, while James criticized the timing and governance of the decision in a LinkedIn statement.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
At Morgan State theater, ‘Ain’t No Mo’’ mixes comedy with painful honesty
Morgan State University’s theater department staged the 2019 play “Ain’t No Mo’” on Oct. 28, transforming the Murphy Fine Arts Center into a space filled with laughter, tension and reflection. Set in an alternate America where the U.S. government offers Black citizens one-way plane tickets to Africa, the play used scenes that ranged from grief to parody to explore race, identity and survival.
Posted inBUSINESS
Generational wealth summit highlights franchising as a way forward
The Generational Wealth Business Summit filled the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore with Black entrepreneurs eager to learn practical steps toward ownership and financial independence. Over its 11 years, the event has become a stage where lessons about business strategy meet the lived experiences of those who took the leap.
Posted inBUSINESS
Black-owned floral businesses blossom with creativity and community care
Fleurs d’Ave in Baltimore and Postal Petals in Los Angeles use flowers to spark creativity, encourage self-care and build community, blending floral design with events and wellness activities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Wes Moore, Brandon Scott reject 47th president’s National Guard plan for Baltimore
Gov. Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott denounced the Oval Office’s plan to send the National Guard to Baltimore, calling it unnecessary and “performative.” At a Sept. 5 press conference in Park Heights, they pointed instead to record crime reductions, with homicides at a 50-year low. City leaders and community advocates stressed that resources should go toward collaboration, jobs and housing — not militarization.
Posted inBaltimore County Government
Councilman Julian Jones launches campaign for Baltimore County executive
Julian E. Jones Jr. launched his bid for Baltimore County executive on August 28, with the potential to make county history as the first African-American to hold the office.District 4 Councilman Julian E. Jones Jr. launched his campaign for Baltimore County executive Aug. 28 at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre, drawing more than 350 supporters to his kickoff event. Jones, the only official candidate so far, outlined priorities on public safety, education and economic growth in a race that could make county history.