By Andrew Hall AFRO Intern Watchen Harris Bruce is retiring as president and CEO of Baltimore Community Lending (BCL). Bruce has over 35 years of experience in the finance industry and has served in leadership roles at the local, national and international levels. Nationally, Bruce has served as vice president at several national banks, including […]
Category: BUSINESS
Posted inBUSINESS
‘Power of the Sister Vote’ poll spotlights Black women’s pay gap and economic concernsÂ
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the Black Women’s Roundtable released the 10th Annual Power of the Sister Vote Poll on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, revealing that nearly half of Black women say they are paid less than white coworkers and are increasingly worried about job security and rising costs. The survey also found growing concern over protecting Social Security, Medicaid, voting rights and ending discrimination, with advocates calling for policy changes to close the wage gap.
Posted inBUSINESS
A 10 percent credit card rate cap could close doors for Black businesses
Former Rep. Albert Wynn argues that a proposed 10 percent cap on credit card interest rates could reduce access to financing for Black-owned small businesses and drive entrepreneurs toward costlier, less-regulated lending options.
Posted inFinancials
Side hustles that actually build wealthÂ
Experts say not all side hustles build long-term wealth. Scalable businesses, ownership opportunities and income streams that continue generating revenue over time are viewed as stronger paths to lasting financial stability than gig-based work.
Posted inBUSINESS
Maryland Christian Chamber of Commerce blends faith and business as membership grows
Since its launch in March 2026, the Maryland Christian Chamber of Commerce has grown to more than 100 member businesses, hosting networking events, prayer calls and monthly forums. The new organization blends Christian values with business principles to support entrepreneurs and foster a shared sense of purpose across Maryland.
Posted inFinancials
KDW Cares: Building money skills in Baltimore youth
KDW Cares, a Baltimore-based organization founded in 2019, is teaching Black youth long-term financial literacy through a 10-month program focused on budgeting, credit, investing and real-world money management skills. Students say the training is helping shape their financial decisions and future goals.
Posted inFinancials
Closing the gap: A look at early financial literacy programs for Black youth
Educators and nonprofit leaders say children are eager to learn about money, but limited access to early financial literacy in communities of color leaves many without essential knowledge before adulthood. Programs like WattKid$, Diapers2Deposits and WeRise aim to close that gap by teaching students practical money skills, fostering healthier relationships with finances and building pathways to long-term wealth.
Posted inBUSINESS
District leaders celebrate strides in local and minority business contracting
Through the D.C. Community Anchor Partnership, 17 major institutions have spent more than $1.5 billion with D.C.-based businesses, including nearly $1 billion with minority-owned firms. The initiative’s leaders say it is reshaping how large institutions approach contracting by connecting them with local businesses and building capacity for long-term growth.
Posted inFinancials
From homeownership to capital control: Rethinking economic freedom for Black families
Black Americans were excluded from wealth-building opportunities for centuries through slavery, broken promises and discriminatory policies, leaving a racial wealth gap that persists today. Now, economists and advocates point to homeownership and greater control of capital as key pathways toward closing that divide and achieving true economic freedom for Black families.
Posted inOpinion
Tossing the cap, taking control: 5 smart financial steps for Maryland’s class of 2026
Financial tips for new grads: Understand employer benefits, start investing early, practice soft saving, seek professional advice, and maximize resources.
Posted inBUSINESS
Investing in yourself: A recap of the 2026 Small Business Advancement Conference
The 2026 Small Business Advancement Conference in Baltimore brought together Black business owners for networking, workshops, and opportunities.
Posted inFinancials
Reinventing retirement: How young adults are preparing for a future after work
Young adults are redefining retirement as traditional paths like pensions disappear, with entrepreneurs, corporate workers and graduate students each navigating different financial realities and levels of stability.
