By Sylvia Ghazarian As we celebrate Women’s History Month focused this year on “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” we pay tribute to the remarkable and courageous women who have tirelessly advocated for equity, diversity and inclusion in all facets of society. Among these champions are those who have dedicated their efforts to […]
Category: Opinion
Commentary: A call to action: Gender equality in 2024
By Wayne Campbell In a world facing many crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change, achieving gender equality is more imperative than ever. The United Nations (UN) indicates that one of the key challenges in achieving gender equality by 2030 is an alarming lack of financing […]
Know your numbers, reduce your risk of diabetes
On Diabetes Alert Day, Dr. Kwame Akoto reminds the African-American community to be proactive about their health and make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of developing diabetes.
Commentary: HomeWork: A lesson perfected at home
By Maxine J. Wood, Ed.D “HomeWork: Lessons Learned in the Home for Success in School and Life,” released in May 2023, marked the publication of the second edition of a book fifteen years in the making. It reflects a composite view of my observations, recommendations and motivations for encouraging parents and parenting adults to give […]
It’s time to be fearless in supporting disadvantaged entrepreneurs
By Imani Augustus and Madeline Burke A federal appeals court in Miami is considering a challenge to a program by Fearless Fund intended to provide grant, mentorship, and training opportunities for Black women looking to grow their businesses. Other lawsuits have challenged entrepreneurial support implemented by the US Small Business Administration and Minority Business Development […]
Commentary: Tackling the affordable housing crisis in Baltimore County
By Ryan Coleman, randallstownnaacp@gmail.com Our county is in the midst of a worsening affordable housing crisis. Baltimore County renters are now paying more than 30 percent of their income on rent—the highest cost-burden level in at least 20 years. Over the last three years, single-family home prices have skyrocketed by 40 percent—reaching historic highs and […]
Addressing infant mortality in the United States
By Dr. Sheldon Fields For the first time in over twenty years, the infant mortality rate has increased in the United States, rising to three percent in 2022, according to CDC data. This troubling trend is not impacting everyone equally. Black infants face up to double the risk of dying in comparison to Hispanic and […]
A call for action: New tests and Medicare coverage could revolutionize cancer care
The confluence of faith, science and policy can help bridge the gaps in cancer outcomes and ensure that the future of cancer care is driven by hope, equity and healing for all.
Commentary: Expungement laws are too complicated–we need a simple, accessible system
By Chris Sweeney In Maryland, an estimated 1.5 million residents have a criminal record– a quarter of our state’s population. For the majority of people who want to move on from their past run-ins with the law, even the most minor offense can be an impediment to stable work and housing. Advocates and lawmakers have […]
The rent is still too high
By Farrah Hassen “How we gonna pay last year’s rent?” implores the chorus in the song, “Rent,” from Jonathan Larson’s 1996 musical of the same name. It’s the same refrain for many Americans today. A new Harvard study found that half of U.S. renter households now spend more than 30 percent of their income on […]
Celebrating Black History Month
By Dr. John E. Warren This year, perhaps more than ever, we need to be especially mindful of Black history. This is a time of banning books from local libraries–especially those that tell of the history and struggle of Black Americans against slavery and racism; creating a threat to both our presence and our future. […]
All about the ENOUGH Act and how it will influence Baltimore
By Phylicia Porter For too long, the scourge of poverty has plagued communities across Maryland, leaving behind a trail of despair, inequality and missed opportunities. Decades of systemic neglect, exacerbated by racially exclusionary policies such as redlining, urban renewal, and mass incarceration, have entrenched poverty in certain neighborhoods, perpetuating a cycle of deprivation that stifles […]

