Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO publisher and CEO, discusses the collaboration between Black press and the Black labor union movement in her book, “Prayer and Pen,” which includes prayers and commentaries on labor, education, and more.
Category: BUSINESS
Military drops recruiting efforts at prestigious BEYA conference
The Army and other service branches have withdrawn from the Black Engineer of the Year Awards, a key recruitment event for STEM talent, amid the Pentagon’s efforts to eliminate diversity initiatives.
From video game design to cybersecurity: How Code in the Schools is shaping Baltimore’s future innovators
Code in the Schools, a non-profit organization, is providing underserved Baltimore youth with computer programming skills and opportunities to pursue careers in technology, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
PRESS ROOM: Visit Baltimore President and CEO Al Hutchinson announces long-term transition plan after more than 8 transformative years
Visit Baltimore, the official destination sales and marketing organization for Baltimore, has announced that President and CEO Al Hutchinson will not renew his contract when it expires on June 30, 2025, but will stay on in a consultant role to assist with the transition.
National Action Network spearheads Costco “buy-cott”
Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network organized a “buy-cott” at a Harlem Costco in East Harlem, N.Y. to support companies that continue to uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, following the reversal of DEI programs by major corporations across the nation.
Artificial intelligence to take center stage at the 39th Annual BEYA STEM Conference and Black Engineer of the Year Awards
The 39th Annual BEYA STEM Conference will convene at the Baltimore Convention Center Feb. 13-15, featuring an extensive track dedicated to artificial intelligence, as well as product displays, workshops, and a chance for attendees to learn and network with industry leaders and subject matter experts.
Merit vs. DEI
Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, criticized President Trump’s executive order canceling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, arguing that it will lead to employment discrimination and undermine the purchasing power of Black consumers.
CASH Campaign of Maryland announces Baltimore City and County locations for free tax preparation
The Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CASH) Campaign of Maryland is offering free tax preparation services in Baltimore City and Baltimore County from Jan. 31 to April 15, with a focus on helping eligible Marylanders claim tax credits and refunds.
MBE Night in Annapolis slated for Feb. 20
The 2025 MBE Night in Annapolis conference will take place on Feb. 20, featuring speakers such as Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Governor Wes Moore, and two panel discussions on leading Black CEOs and the state of Black economic mobility.
Target’s DEI rollback raises questions about the retail giant’s philanthropic commitments
Target has announced the end of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, sparking questions about its philanthropic commitment to fighting racial disparities and promoting progressive values.
Head Start and other services for low-income families hit glitches after federal money freeze
The White House paused federal grants and loans on January 28, disrupting access to funds for early childhood education centers and states, causing widespread disruption to programs serving low-income families and children.
Companies continuing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives amid conservative attacks
Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives, many companies such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are doubling down on their commitments to DEI, recognizing its importance for their businesses and customers.

