Baltimore has hit historic lows in violent crime, with homicides at their lowest in more than 50 years. But State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says the city is falling short in addressing quality-of-life crimes, like car break-ins, vandalism and public drug use.
Category: COMMUNITY
Posted inBUSINESS
Black-owned floral businesses blossom with creativity and community care
Fleurs d’Ave in Baltimore and Postal Petals in Los Angeles use flowers to spark creativity, encourage self-care and build community, blending floral design with events and wellness activities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore state’s attorney Ivan Bates to host citywide listening tour in October
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates is hosting his annual listening tour ahead of the 2026 legislative session to give constituents an opportunity to provide feedback.
Posted inBaltimore News
Grassroots power and civic action take center stage at Beyond Impact 2025
Beyond Impact 2025 brought together organizers, advocates and community leaders from across the country in Baltimore to exchange strategies for advancing social justice, from defending voting rights and fair redistricting to economic empowerment and criminal justice reform. Panelists highlighted the power of grassroots organizing and community-led solutions, drawing lessons from Baltimore’s response to Freddie Gray’s death to show how local and national collaboration can drive accountability, resilience and long-term change.
Posted inCOMMUNITY
Raising sons with care: Black fathers lead by example and build community
Black fathers and community leaders are guiding young boys with love, intention and example. Through calm leadership and early education, they’re helping their sons navigate a world that often misunderstands them.
Posted inCOMMUNITY
Changing the narrative: Black travel collectives redefine who ‘belongs’
For years, the mainstream travel industry has overlooked the needs and stories of Black travelers. But a growing number of Black-led travel groups are shifting the narrative—creating space for cultural connection, community and global exploration on their own terms.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C.’s ‘March On! Festival returns with focus on health of Black community
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO kmcneir@afro.com D.C.’s annual Civil Rights Legacy Project, rebranded in 2024 as “March On!,” kicked off their film festival on Monday, Sept. 15 in the nation’s capital. For six days, film screenings will take place alongside an emerging and student filmmaker competition, various award ceremonies, performances of the arts, […]
Posted inHBCU
Orioles to feature R&B Singer Lloyd on Sept. 18 at HBCU and Divine Nine Night
The Orioles will celebrate HBCUs and Black Greek Letter Organizations at a September 18th home game, featuring a pregame concert headlined by R&B singer Lloyd and other activities to support HBCUs and the Divine Nine organizations.
Posted inOPINION
The time is now. The need is great: The Black family reunion must focus on family-owned land
Black family reunions provide a unique opportunity to preserve and leverage family-owned land, which can be used for food security, economic opportunity, and collective power.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore schools target absenteeism with annual attendance phone-a-thon
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writer Baltimore City Public Schools will host its City Schools’ Attendance Phone-A-Thon Sept. 14 to contact families of every student who has not attended classes since the school year started Aug. 25. The initiative is meant to fight truancy and provide resources to families who may need extra support getting their […]
Posted inOpinion
The system has failed our men and boys. We can – and we must – fix it.
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino says the state must overhaul systems that have long failed young men and boys. She outlines efforts to rebuild trust, strengthen reentry support, expand mentorship, and align with Gov. Wes Moore’s Young Men and Boys Initiative to create real opportunities for youth and reduce cycles of neglect and incarceration.
Posted inDMV News
Historic African-American family celebrates 100th reunion
The Quander family, one of the oldest documented African-American families, celebrated its 100th reunion Aug. 7–10. The gathering honored their rich legacy, including the contributions of family historian Judge Rohulamin Quander, who attended just days before his passing.
