FLT Preparatory Academy held its Annual Excellence Gala to celebrate the academic achievements of its students, honor the legacy of Furman L. Templeton, and recognize the dedication of its community partners.
Category: Baltimore Community
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
Ravens announce annual Youth Sports Grant
By Rachel RichardsBaltimore Ravens Public Relations Applications for the 2026 Ravens Youth Sports Grant opened March 3, continuing the organization’s longstanding commitment to strengthening youth athletics across the community. Applications will be accepted from March 3 through April 11, 2026. The grant program supports youth and high school sports programs across a wide range of […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland leaders conduct surprise inspection of Baltimore ICE facility
Maryland leaders toured the Baltimore ICE facility, condemning the inhumane conditions identified even in the absence of detainees. Legislators praised Judge Julie R. Rubin’s March 6 order limiting capacity for detainees at the facility to 55 people and city officials have pledged to protect immigrants by fighting private detention centers.
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 inBaltimore News
Study finds disjointed youth crime data hinders public understanding
A recent Abell Foundation report finds Baltimore’s juvenile crime data is fragmented, making it hard for the public to track trends. Experts say a more cohesive, accessible system is needed for clarity and accountability.
Posted inBUSINESS
MCB Real Estate moves forward with $900 million Harborplace transformation
MCB Real Estate’s $900-million transformation of Harborplace is set to begin this fall, promising a reimagined waterfront with retail, dining, cultural spaces and green areas. The project aims to revitalize downtown Baltimore, boosting local businesses and restoring the Inner Harbor as a central gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Advocates raise alarm over ICE operation, MOU and detention risks in Baltimore County
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com As U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) operations intensify nationwide, community organizations have become the eyes and ears of their neighborhoods—monitoring the agency’s presence and alerting residents to protect themselves and their neighbors. In Baltimore County, nonprofits like We Are CASA have observed a spectrum of enforcement actions. “We have […]
Posted inStop Killing Us
Attorney, family and friends of Samuel “Big Sam” Brown demand justice
The family of Samuel “Big Sam” Brown spoke out after body camera footage was released from the Baltimore County police encounter that preceded his death. Their attorney argues the video shows an officer escalating the situation.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Samuel “Big Sam” Brown laid to rest as OAG releases bodycam of fatal Baltimore County Police encounter
The Maryland OAG has released bodycam footage showing the Baltimore County officer’s fatal encounter with Samuel “Big Sam” Brown. Brown died Feb. 27 from injuries sustained during the Feb. 16 incident in Woodlawn.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore inspector general challenges city over limited access to records
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Baltimore City Inspector General (IG) Isabel Mercedes Cumming has filed suit against Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Baltimore City Council after the city denied her office access to certain records and provided heavily redacted information in response to subpoenas. The suit seeks a court declaration confirming the Office of […]
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.