By Lisa WoelfCapital News Service More homeless people than ever sleep on the streets. The U.S. Supreme Court will decide if local governments can punish homeless people who sleep or camp outside when no shelter beds are available, or if such laws violate the Eighth Amendment’s protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The issue came […]
Category: COMMUNITY
Posted inCivil Rights
Labor board: Home Depot violated labor law by firing an employee who drew ‘BLM’ on work apron
By Anne D’InnocenzioAP Retail Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The nation’s labor board ruled on Feb. 21 that Home Depot violated federal labor law when it fired an employee for refusing to remove the hand-drawn “BLM” acronym for “Black Lives Matter” from a work apron. The National Labor Relations Act said it protects the legal […]
Posted inHigh School
Texas school legally punished Black student over hairstyle, judge says
By Juan A. LozanoThe Associated Press ANAHUAC, Texas (AP) — A Black high school student’s monthslong punishment by his Texas school district for refusing to change his hairstyle does not violate a new state law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, a judge ruled on Feb. 22. Darryl George, 18, has not been in his regular […]
Posted inHealth
Wendy Williams thanks fans for ‘overwhelming’ response to dementia diagnosis
The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Former talk show host Wendy Williams is thanking well-wishers for their response to the revelation that she has been diagnosed with dementia and ahead of the airing of a Lifetime documentary about her struggles. “I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jason Steer begins as Creative Alliance’s executive director
By Layla Eason Special to the AFRO Creative Alliance recently selected Jason Steer as the new executive director. The organization released a statement on the decision to have Steer join Creative Alliance after a career at New York’s renowned Apollo Theatre, where he held a variety of senior leadership positions in programming, education, and youth development. […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Bringing ‘P.E.A.C.E’ to Baltimore, one Black man at a time
By Mekhi AbbottSpecial to the AFRO “When people ask where our office is– I tell them the streets,” says Devan Martin-Bey. Martin-Bey is a “violence interrupter” for the P.E.A.C.E Team, a community violence intervention group that specializes in conflict resolution and bridging the Baltimore community together with the resources that many of its Black residents […]
Posted in!Front Page College
Coppin State University unveils a soulful sculpture
By Beverly RichardsSpecial to the AFRO If you have driven by the North Avenue side of Coppin State University, at the corners of Warwick and West North avenues within the past five months or so, you probably noticed this covered anomaly posted in front of the campus’ new College of Business. You were not alone. […]
Posted inBUSINESS
How to detect and avoid fraudulent tax preparers
By Megan SaylesAFRO Business Writermsayles@afro.com Tax season is upon us, with tax returns due to the IRS on April 15. If you brought in less than $64,000 last year, you qualify for free tax preparation through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs, like the CASH Campaign of Maryland. If not, you may choose […]
Posted inU.S. Government
14 GOP-led states have turned down federal money to feed low-income kids in the summer. Here’s why
By Jonathan Mattise and Geoff MulvihillThe Associated Press Lower-income families with school-age kids can get help from the federal government paying for groceries this summer, unless they live in one of the 14 states that have said no to joining the program this year. The reasons for the rejections, all from states with Republican governors, […]
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Baltimore County police officer indicted on excessive force and other charges
By Lea SkeneThe Associated Press BALTIMORE (AP) — A Baltimore County police officer is accused of using excessive force when he pepper sprayed a handcuffed man in the face and closed him inside a hot patrol car, even as the man repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe. In addition to excessive force, Cpl. Zachary Small has […]
Posted inSponsored Content
Inclusive Hospice Care: Gilchrist’s Efforts to Ensure Equal End-of-Life Care Access
Sponsored content by GBMC HealthCare In healthcare, equitable access to hospice care remains a pressing concern, particularly within minority communities. Despite concerted efforts to address disparities, Black Americans continue to be underrepresented in hospice and palliative care services, a trend Gilchrist, a leading provider of end-of-life care for 30 years, is actively working to change. […]
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Single in the City: A guide to your best Valentine’s Day
Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO Hey sis, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re a single Black woman like me, you might be feeling some type of way about it. Maybe you just went through a breakup, or perhaps you’ve been out of the dating game for a minute. Either way, […]
