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 […]
Category: COMMUNITY
Many retirees rely on Social Security—but confusion and delays can cost them
Many Black retirees rely on Social Security as a primary source of income, but experts say confusion about when to claim benefits and missing documentation can lead to reduced payments or delays.
EVENT: The action plan to get Black women back to work
By Shernay WilliamsWord In Black It’s been a year since economic reports started to reveal that as many as 600,000 Black women – many of them highly educated professionals – are out of work. So what now? Join a virtual planning session produced by Word In Black featuring entrepreneurs, community organizers and economic strategists who […]
Women preserve legacy through shared family names
While “Jr.” and “Sr.” traditions have long defined lineage through men, these stories show how women preserve family history in their own ways. Across generations, they describe names as a lasting link to identity, ancestry and legacy.
District leaders, residents and visitors celebrate Emancipation Day
By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO More than 100 years ago, on April 16, 1862, the Compensated Emancipation Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. On that day, slaves in the District of Columbia gained their freedom. More than a century later, the residents of D.C. gather on an annual basis to honor and celebrate […]
The Food Project to host bi-annual Community Baby Shower to support local moms
The Food Project will host its bi-annual Community Baby Shower on April 26, providing free baby supplies, educational resources and support for new mothers.
Associated Black Charities expands Teen Financial Literacy Summit
By Associated Black Charities Baltimore, MD – Associated Black Charities (ABC) is proud to announce the return of its Teen Financial Literacy Summit, expanding both its reach and impact in 2026. The summit will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at SECU Arena at Towson University, bringing together […]
Black churches put a fresh spin on Easter traditions
Black churches are keeping many of the Easter traditions that have long defined the season, while also introducing new activities aimed at engaging families, young people and surrounding communities. Church leaders said the core meaning of Easter remains unchanged, but many congregations are finding creative ways to carry that message to the next generation through service projects, expanded worship experiences and community-centered gatherings.
Black community shares words from the wise women who shaped them
Discover the empowering advice from women that has shaped the lives of individuals. Celebrate Women’s History Month and honor their contributions.
Lawmakers, community members rally in Maryland for immigrant protections
Lawmakers and community members rallied in Annapolis, Md., for We Are Casa’s Black Lobby Day, urging the state legislature to pass bills limiting federal immigration enforcement and ensuring humane standards for immigrant detention facilities.
Maryland advances LEAD Act to protect youth who wander or elope
Maryland’s LEAD Act aims to protect youth prone to elopement by improving first responder training, coordination, and public safety measures. Senate Bill 745 mandates law enforcement training for autism, dementia and wandering behaviors.
United Way of Central Maryland, Wellpoint Maryland celebrate Read Across America Month with Baltimore scholars
United Way of Central Maryland and Wellpoint Maryland recently partnered for a Read Across America Month event with scholars from Curtis Bay Elementary and Bay-Brook Elementary/Middle Schools in Baltimore City. More than 900 titles were donated, allowing students to choose which books they wanted to take home.

