Baltimore’s “A Taste of Summer” Long Table Dinner Series, founded by Nailah Queen and James Dickey, uses food, fashion and fellowship to celebrate community, culture and local entrepreneurship. With a vibrant outdoor dining experience and spotlight on Black and minority-owned culinary talent, the event transforms a shared meal into a powerful symbol of connection and creativity.
Category: Arts & Culture
‘Trailblazer:’ Carol Moseley Braun reflects on legacy, loss and leadership during Enoch Pratt event
Former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun reflected on her historic career, personal struggles, and lasting legacy during a June 30 conversation at Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library, where she discussed her new memoir “Trailblazer.” Sharing lessons on resilience, faith, and public service, Moseley Braun offered an unfiltered look at the triumphs and pain behind her groundbreaking journey as the first Black woman in the U.S. Senate.
Charm City glows with Pride
Baltimore celebrated 50 years of LGBTQIA+ Pride with its 2025 “50 Shades of Pride” festival, featuring a week of vibrant events and a heartfelt parade that highlighted Black joy, love, and advocacy. From multigenerational families to strong allyship, the celebration reflected both the progress made and the urgent need for continued support and representation.
Public Enemy drops surprise album ‘Black Sky Over the Projects’
BLACKPRESSUSA–Public Enemy has released “Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025,” a surprise 12-track album blending old-school hip-hop with urgent social commentary. Available for 72 hours on a pay-what-you-want basis from June 30, the album tackles topics from gun violence and ageism to climate denial, reaffirming the group’s legacy of resistance and relevance.
Celebrating Black music month: From Billie to Gabby, Go-Go to Gospel
Black Music Month is a celebration of the Baltimore-Washington corridor’s rich musical tapestry, from jazz legends Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington to hip-hop artists like Sisqó and Gabby Samone, and gospel choirs like the Howard Gospel Choir and Morgan State University Choir.
Cherry Hill Festival returns July 4 to unite Baltimoreans in shared celebration
The Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival returns to Baltimore on July 4 at Middle Branch Park, featuring live performances, family-friendly activities, and a custom drone show. The event, now in its ninth year, will partner with the city’s Inner Harbor festivities to offer an all-day celebration of art, culture and community.
Snapshots of sound: A look at the icons who shaped Black music
Black Music Month celebrates the achievements, activism, and work of Black creatives across various genres, including country, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel, while also recognizing Black music icons who shaped the music industry and American culture.
Death and hip-hop: The toll of drill rap and pushes for positive music
The rising deaths linked to drill rap have sparked urgent conversations about whether the music reflects harsh realities or fuels ongoing violence among youth. Community advocates like Sajda “Purple” Blackwell are working to promote positive rap as a powerful alternative that uplifts rather than harms.
The Pikes Studio Cinema: Bringing big-screen culture back to Pikesville
Pikes Studio Cinema is more than a movie house — it’s a community-driven space where themed films, local partnerships and free weekly screenings bring people together. Owner Michael Eugene Johnson is on a mission to make cinema meaningful again in Pikesville.
Star power and local pride shine at AFRAM 2025
Day One of AFRAM 2025 brought over 150,000 people to Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park for a celebration of Black culture, music, and community featuring stars like JT, Stefflon Don, and Juvenile. The festival also introduced a new stage for local talent and showcased everything from food and fashion to art and wellness.
Black Follicles Matter Expo 2025: A safe space for curls, coils and conversations
The Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo will host “Black Follicles Matter” on June 28, 2025, spotlighting natural hair, cultural pride, and community wellness. Led by salon founder Malaika Tamu-Cooper, the event offers workshops, live demos, and a marketplace promoting Black beauty, health, and empowerment.
AFRAM 2025 to feature Patti LaBelle, Juvenile and Saweetie
Patti LaBelle and Juvenile will headline this year’s AFRAM festival on June 21-22 at Druid Hill Park. The free event will also feature Saweetie, Teedra Moses, Amerie, and Vedo, celebrating Black culture with music, food, and vendors. AFRAM attracts over 100,000 attendees annually.

