Jacqueline Holloman and Dr. Marionette Butts say their decision to become foster moms was rooted in care and commitment. This Mother’s Day, the AFRO salutes the women who open their hearts and their homes to provide stable, supportive environments for children in need.
Category: Baltimore Community
Posted inEducation
Dr. Otis Eldridge takes 2026 Teacher of the Year title for Baltimore City Public Schools
Dr. Otis Eldridge is officially the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). Eldridge, a band director and music teacher at Hamilton Elementary Middle School, learned of the honor on May 7 via surprise visit by City Schools CEO Dr. Sonya Santelesis.
Posted inBaltimore News
Coppin State hosts economic inclusion conference, highlights West Baltimore revitalization efforts
Coppin State University brought together elected officials, business leaders and community advocates for its 2026 Economic Inclusion and Innovation Research Conference, focusing on strategies to expand economic mobility and investment in West Baltimore. Panelists highlighted ongoing revitalization efforts along the West North Avenue corridor, including housing redevelopment, small business support and workforce development initiatives aimed at strengthening neighborhood wealth-building opportunities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Morgan State hosts inaugural caregivers conference focused on wellness and support
Morgan State University’s School of Social Work hosted its inaugural Caregivers Conference on April 25 to highlight the mental, emotional and physical well-being of caregivers. The event emphasized resilience, shared experiences and access to resources for those supporting loved ones with serious health needs.
Posted inBaltimore News
Tax payment plan to prevent property loss debuts in Baltimore
Baltimore City has opened enrollment for its first residential property tax payment plan, offering homeowners a way to catch up on past-due taxes through manageable monthly payments designed to reduce tax sales and prevent home loss.
Posted inBaltimore News
Not all missing children cases look the same–and each one brings unique challenges
Each May serves as a time to recognize Missing and Unidentified Persons Month. This week, AFRO News presents the first of several articles focused on the cases of missing Black people in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area and beyond. Missing children cases can take many forms, from runaways and nonfamily abductions to critically missing children who are lost or injured. Family abductions, in which a child is taken by a parent or relative, can be especially complex and dangerous, as shown by the case of Ailea Brown, missing for nearly seven years.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore County to take over Randallstown, Dundalk swim centers as Y exits
Baltimore County will assume operations of the Randallstown and Dundalk swim centers on Aug. 31 after the Y in Central Maryland ends its 15-year partnership, citing facility limitations. Community members worry the transition could include a temporary closure and disrupt access to vital swim programs that support safety, health and connection, particularly for Black youth.
Posted inBaltimore News
Mfume secures $500k grant to expand job training for returning citizens
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com The National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) closed out national Second Chance Month with a $500,000 federal grant secured by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) during the federal appropriations process to support returning citizens and prevent recidivism. The funds, which were delivered on April 27, will be used for 50 […]
Posted inHBCU
Coppin State University Ball hosts ‘powerful’ night of Black excellence
By Kendra BryantSpecial to the AFRO Coppin State University (CSU) hosted its annual ball, “An Ode to Black Excellence,” on May 2 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, celebrating 126 years of nurturing potential and transforming lives. Each year, the ball serves as a time to honor the past, while also drumming up financial support for […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
ABC’s Arcadia Community Convo explores broad range of issues
Residents and leaders in Baltimore’s Arcadia neighborhood gathered for an Associated Black Charities Community Convo to discuss connectivity, housing affordability and partnerships with Morgan State University, highlighting both the area’s strengths and ongoing challenges.
Posted inPolitics
Mfume secures $500k grant to expand job training for returning citizens
A $500,000 federal grant appropriated by U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) will support vocational training opportunities for 50 Baltimore residents at the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives. The 17-week program offers hands-on instruction in skilled trades designed to help returning citizens secure employment and reduce recidivism.
Posted inHBCU
Coppin State University annual gala to serve as ‘An Ode to Black Excellence’
Coppin State University will host its annual excellence gala to celebrate the rich history of the university on May 2 at 7 p.m. inside of the Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore. This year’s theme is “An Ode to Black Excellence.