With renovations complete, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Parkway Theatre is launching an artist residency program to support local creatives, including Wordsmith, who will present original works blending youth theater, music and storytelling. His productions, including “Uncle Bey’s Will” and “Network to Freedom,” center Black storytelling, history and community, while aiming to uplift Baltimore’s young and emerging artists.
Author Archives: Victoria Mejicanos
Posted inElections 2026
Low turnout, high impact: Why local elections matter more than many think
Low turnout in local elections limits representation, even as decisions by school boards and central committees directly shape daily life, from education policy to political leadership. Experts and community members say increasing awareness and participation is critical to ensuring communities have a voice in decisions that affect them.
Posted inBaltimore News
Branson Oduor, 27-year-old missing Baltimore man, found dead
Baltimore police recovered the body of 27-year-old Branson Oduor on April 14 in the Inner Harbor after he was reported missing following a night out in Fells Point almost two weeks prior. Authorities are still investigating the cause of death. Loved ones remember him as a caring, outgoing person deeply connected to the city.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Mayor Scott outlines $5 billion budget at virtual town hall
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott presented a nearly $5 billion proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during a virtual town hall, emphasizing investments in infrastructure, youth programs and public safety without raising property or income taxes. Residents raised concerns about transportation, housing and access to grocery stores as officials encouraged continued public input ahead of City Council hearings.
Posted inBaltimore News
Women to watch: A look at the ladies making change at Johns Hopkins University
The AFRO recently spotlighted the Black women making change via their roles at Johns Hopkins University. Take a look at the movers and shakers in public health, policy development and more.
Posted inCOMMUNITY
Black community shares words from the wise women who shaped them
Discover the empowering advice from women that has shaped the lives of individuals. Celebrate Women’s History Month and honor their contributions.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore women who turned tragedy into transformation for West Baltimore
After experiencing personal and community tragedy, Ashiah Parker and Tracey Malone transformed their grief into leadership in West Baltimore. Parker rose from volunteer to executive director of the No Boundaries Coalition following the death of Freddie Gray, while Malone, after losing her brother to violence, helped build the Sandtown-Winchester Collective into a 26-entity coalition—both women anchoring their work in love, organizing and community empowerment.
Posted inBaltimore News
Opioid Restitution Funds begin to reach local organizations
Funds from the Opioid Restitution Fund allocate $2 million dollars in community grants to 11 organizations across Baltimore by Mayor Brandon M. Scott to help to continue to mitigate the current crisis.
Posted inHealth
Questions to ask your doctor after 60
Medical experts stress that adults over 60—especially Black patients facing long-standing health disparities—should actively prepare for doctor visits by writing down questions, reviewing medications and bringing a trusted advocate when possible. Regular screenings, including cancer, vision, hearing and bone density tests, along with open discussions about prescriptions and symptoms, are key to maintaining health and catching potential issues early.
Posted inHealth
Menopause and the power of becoming: advocates, doctors push for more inclusive conversations
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Menopause is clinically defined as “12 consecutive months without a menstrual period,” according to Dr. Ngozi Wexler, an OB-GYN and chief medical officer at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. But advocates like Omisade Burney-Scott, founder of The Black Girls’ Guide to Surviving Menopause, say the transition carries a deeper significance. While […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Aging while Black: Seniors say listening is the first step to care
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com When discussing how to best serve older residents, it can be easy to get lost in statistics and policies. Experts and seniors alike say what’s most important when considering the aging Black population is communication. “When we think about seniors and look at the social determinants of health, I think […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
NAACP celebrates Black excellence at the 57th NAACP Image Awards
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com The NAACP closed out Black History month with their 57th Image Awards weekend crowning winners in music, film, books and television. The vampire-thriller “Sinners” dominated the weekend, where Micheal B. Jordan won for best actor in a motion picture and closed out the night winning the award for entertainer of […]