Grammy-winning artist Ciara was granted citizenship in Benin on July 26 under a groundbreaking new law offering citizenship to descendants of enslaved Africans. The move is part of Benin’s wider effort to confront its role in the transatlantic slave trade and invite Afro-descendants to reconnect with their ancestral roots through cultural heritage and “memorial tourism.”
Category: Arts & Culture
Posted inBaltimore Events
National Night Out brings music, food and unity to Baltimore City
On Aug. 5, Baltimore’s National Night Out brought music, food, and back-to-school giveaways to neighborhoods across the city. Mayor Brandon M. Scott visited nine sites, highlighting the event’s goal of fostering unity between residents, law enforcement, and community leaders.
Posted inDMV News
UniverSoul Circus brings culture, creativity and high-flying thrills to the D.C. area
The UniverSoul Circus, currently performing at National Harbor until Aug. 10 before heading to Baltimore, offers a high-energy, multicultural experience filled with breathtaking acts and audience participation. More than just entertainment, the show celebrates Black culture and creativity, honoring its legacy and impact on generations of families.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Rare Essence, D.C.’s legendary go-go band, proves they still have the magic touch
Go-go elite Rare Essence, continues to draw audiences to its live performances of Washington, D.C.’s homegrown sound delivered in the band’s signature style.
Credit: AFRO Photo/ J. Pamela Stills
Posted inTV and Film
Beloved ‘Cosby Show’ star Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies tragically at 54
Fans across the globe took to social media to mourn the tragic death of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who reportedly drowned while vacationing with family in Costa Rica. Best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” Warner was widely celebrated for helping redefine the portrayal of Black middle-class life on television.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Paris unveils mural of Josephine Baker to honor her legacy
A new mural honoring Josephine Baker has been unveiled in northeast Paris, celebrating the legendary entertainer’s legacy as a performer, World War II spy, and civil rights activist. Painted by artist FKDL, the mural is part of a street art festival and serves as a tribute to Baker’s enduring spirit of freedom, resistance, and cultural impact, fifty years after her death.
Posted inBaltimore News
Charlene Hyman, Baltimore fashion icon, remembered for global impact and creative legacy
Charlene Hyman, pioneering Baltimore fashion designer and founder of Hyman and Hyman Fashion Designers, died on June 20 at age 68. Celebrated for her glamorous couture, international acclaim and mentorship within the fashion community, Hyman left an enduring legacy of creativity, compassion, and trailblazing artistry that touched both runways and hearts.
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Grandma’s house endures as the heart of family, even in changing times
Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com For generations, family gatherings often centered around one place: Grandma’s house. While shifting lifestyles, the pandemic and modern technology have changed how families come together, that familiar home still serves as the heart of connection for many. Olivia McCall, a 25-year-old professional ballerina from Baltimore, said she has seen […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Black Restaurant Week returns to Baltimore for 5th year of food and culture
Black Restaurant Week returns to Baltimore, spotlighting Black-owned culinary businesses and driving visibility, community ties, and growth. The Empanada Lady’s success reflects its power to amplify local talent.
Posted inArts & Culture
Building confidence and change through theatre
Over nearly 50 years, Penumbra Theatre in Saint Paul, Minn. has evolved from a pioneering Black arts institution into a national leader in racial healing and artistic excellence. Meanwhile, Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center empowers Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) youth with classical arts training that builds confidence, discipline and cultural pride.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ousted Librarian of Congress tapped by Mellon Foundation
Carla Hayden, the former Librarian of Congress ousted under the 47TH presidential administration, has been named a senior fellow at the Mellon Foundation, where she will advise on advancing public knowledge through libraries and archives. Her appointment marks a return to cultural leadership amid growing national debates over censorship, federal funding cuts, and access to information.
Posted inArts & Culture
AFRAM 2025 offers star studded line up and fun for the whole family
The AFRAM Festival, a celebration of African-American culture, returned to Baltimore on June 21-22, featuring international artists such as Amerie, Patti LaBelle, Juvenile and Teedra Moses, and offering fun, food, and more for the whole family.