“To Baltimore With Love,” a new exhibition curated by Baltimore Unity Hall and The Mary Ann Connelly Fund in Support of Artists, invites local creators to celebrate the city’s spirit through art. Submissions are open until June 9, 2025, with selected artists receiving a $500 honorarium.
Category: COMMUNITY
West Baltimore neighborhoods show progress in housing and redevelopment
Baltimore Together marked one year of community development tours in West Baltimore, highlighting progress in housing and redevelopment across Penn-North, Druid Heights and Upton.
Baltimore residents demand fair budget, aid for immigrants at taxpayers’ night
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com The Baltimore City Council held its fiscal year (FY) 2026 Taxpayers’ Night on May 15. Taxpayer’s Night is an annual opportunity for the community to voice their thoughts and concerns about Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s (D) proposed budget before the council decides whether to accept the mayor’s budget as is […]
State’s attorney Ivan Bates to host town hall on youth crime
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates (left) and Councilman Mark Conway (D-District 04) (right) will join city agencies and residents for the May 20 solutions pact town hall at Huber Memorial Church. The event will address juvenile crime, offer youth resources and connect families with summer programs and city services.
D.C. sees record visitation, fueling local economy
Washington, D.C. welcomed a record 27.2 million visitors in 2024, generating $11.4 billion in spending, $2.3 billion in tax revenue and supporting 111,500 jobs. The surge in tourism follows increased investment in Destination DC’s marketing efforts, delivering a strong return on investment for the city.
Op-ed: Africa Day of prayer and the legacy of Pope Francis
Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World. This week, she speaks to the impact of the death of Pope Francis in Africa and the upcoming Africa Day on May 25.
Locals to face off in ‘Ask a D.C. Native, Live!’ trivia showdown
Ask a D.C. Native, Live!” will bring to life the popular “Ask a D.C. Native” column with a live trivia showdown celebrating D.C. Natives Day. The May 19 event at Eaton House will provide locals an opportunity to test their District knowledge and celebrate hometown pride.
Nation honors public servants who power and protect our communities
Local resident Missy Love shares a perspective of public servants who show up every day to educate, protect and support our communities—deserving gratitude not just this week, but year-round.
Ask A D.C. Native: What do you wish more people did to be better neighbors?
By India KeaThe 51st D.C.’s unique energy is distinctive and palpable — each neighborhood tells its own story and celebrates a wide array of identities. Many people have weighed in on what it means to be a good neighbor in the District, offering tips that help make this city of quadrants feel like a single, […]
Faith, therapy and resilience: the long road home after incarceration
Reentering society after incarceration is more than a physical return — it’s an emotional and mental journey. For many, including Trina Seldon, Tonya Hayes and Dewand Sutton, the trauma of prison and lack of support afterward make reintegration challenging. Their stories highlight the urgent need for reentry services that address mental health and help returning citizens truly heal.
DC to host historic 50th anniversary Pride and WorldPride 2025 amid rising challenges
Washington, D.C. will celebrate 50 years of Pride with an unprecedented three-week event, coinciding with WorldPride 2025 and themed “The Fabric of Freedom,” highlighting the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience and global solidarity. Despite political setbacks and funding withdrawals, organizers remain steadfast in their mission to celebrate progress, amplify visibility, and defend hard-won rights at a pivotal moment for the community.
Rev. Willie E. Ray: A life of service remembered
By Marnita ColemanSpecial to the AFRO On Easter morning, April 20, the Reverend William Edward Ray, beloved founder of Save Another Youth, Inc. and the Baltimore Coalition to Stop the Killing, took his final flight and entered eternal rest. After more than 50 years of tireless ministry, fierce advocacy, and unwavering love for his community, […]

