A mass overdose at Baltimore’s Pennsylvania and North Avenues has laid bare the city’s chronic neglect of its most vulnerable communities. In this searing opinion piece, Michael Eugene Johnson calls for urgent, systemic investment in accessible healthcare and addiction services to prevent further tragedy and restore dignity to a historically overlooked neighborhood.
Category: Opinion
Posted inCommentary
Doulas can be a lifeline for Black moms–in Baltimore, cost doesn’t have to be a barrier
By Shiauna Ledbetter In January 2025, I signed up to join the Birth Companions—a program where nursing students at Johns Hopkins train as doulas and offer services free of cost to people having babies in the greater Baltimore area. But I had no idea what it would feel like to stand in the room as […]
Posted inCommentary
Following the illegal bombing in Iran, impeachment is the only answer
By D.C. Representative Oye Owolewa President Donald Trump carried out an unconstitutional act of war on June 21 without Congressional approval. For this reason, Congress must launch an impeachment inquiry. We Americans have been lied to for the past couple of decades. We have been told that the United States couldn’t afford free college education […]
Posted inOpinion
Independence Interrupted: What Fort Gregg-Adams teaches us this Fourth of July
The renaming of Fort Lee back to Fort Gregg-Adams, and the reversal of progress for Black women in the military and media, are part of a larger pattern of erasing Black history and undermining equity, and must be resisted in order to ensure that freedom fully includes Black Americans.
Posted inOpinion
Legally Written: A modern-day green book for justice
In honor of Juneteenth, Kisha A. Brown announces the launch of the first national Black Lawyer Directory aimed at empowering Black communities through culturally competent legal representation. Through the “Road to 1 Million” campaign, the initiative seeks to connect 1 million Black households with trusted Black attorneys by Juneteenth 2026, echoing the legacy of the Green Book as a tool for protection and empowerment.
Posted inOpinion
Is pride in the way of progress?
Christopher Anderson, member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee and former congressional and Baltimore City Council candidate, argues that Pride Month has overshadowed Black struggles by co-opting the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement and pushing Black issues further down the national agenda. He urges Black Americans to prioritize their identity and challenges uncritical support of movements that may dilute their fight for justice.
Posted inOpinion
Reconnecting Baltimore, rebuilding Haiti: Why H.R. 1114, Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025 matters now
H.R. 1114, the Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025, proposes a $5 billion investment to revitalize Haiti’s economy—an effort that would also benefit Baltimore through strengthened trade and historic cultural ties. With deep Haitian roots embedded in the city’s past and present, passing the bill would reconnect Baltimore to a shared legacy of resilience and mutual prosperity.
Posted inCommentary
What is artificial intelligence doing to our environment?
By McKenzie Green What?!?! I exclaim in amazement. ChatGPT isn’t an all knowing omnipotent being that can just reach into the internet at will? No. Well, yes– on the internet part– no, on the “omnipotent” bit. Artificial intelligence (AI), like ChatGPT is not an intangible being, it’s a computer; stored in buildings called data centers […]
Posted inOPINION
Progressives and the Black Vote
By Dayvon Love Zorhan Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic Party primary for mayor of New York City has led to conversations about the limitations of progressives ability to appeal to Black people. Especially in the context of a general election against the current mayor, Eric Adams, who will certainly focus on Mamdani’s weakness with traditional […]
Posted inOPINION
Revitalizing Sandtown-Winchester: A call for community health investment and local control
By Rosine Beleho I care deeply about Sandtown-Winchester because I’ve walked its streets, talked with its residents, and seen both its history and its pain firsthand. As someone pursuing a career in social work and committed to healing communities, what’s happening here breaks my heart and motivates me to speak out. If you live in […]
Posted inOpinion
Why do schools keep failing Black kids?
Despite dire statistics, advocates say there is hope — and progress — in American cities, where investments in youth programs are beginning to improve outcomes for Black students.
Posted inCommentary
Celebrating Black music month: From Billie to Gabby, Go-Go to Gospel
Black Music Month is a celebration of the Baltimore-Washington corridor’s rich musical tapestry, from jazz legends Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington to hip-hop artists like Sisqó and Gabby Samone, and gospel choirs like the Howard Gospel Choir and Morgan State University Choir.
