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.
Category: Arts & Culture
Posted inBaltimore News
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.
Posted in!Front Page Arts and Entertainment
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.
Posted inMusic
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.
Posted inBaltimore News
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.
Posted inBaltimore News
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.
Posted inHair
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.
Posted inArts & Culture
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.
Posted inBUSINESS
Beyond the recording studio: Musicians turned business moguls
For generations, Black musicians have shaped American culture while battling an industry that often denied them fair compensation. Today, many are reclaiming power by turning their art into platforms for business ownership and generational wealth.
Posted inDMV News
Upcoming Juneteenth events in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area
Celebrate freedom, culture and community at Juneteenth events happening across Baltimore, Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C. From family-friendly festivals and historical reenactments to live music, art showcases and educational panels, this year’s celebrations honor the legacy of emancipation while spotlighting Black excellence. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant parade, local vendors, or space for reflection, there’s something for everyone to engage, uplift and remember.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Awards bring star power as Doechii, Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey shine in 25th anniversary show
The 25th BET Awards celebrated Black excellence and social impact with standout moments from Doechii, Jamie Foxx and Mariah Carey, blending emotional speeches with powerful performances. The night featured heartfelt tributes, sharp comedy from Kevin Hart, and Kendrick Lamar’s win for album of the year, while honoring icons like Snoop Dogg and Kirk Franklin.
Posted inAFRO CHARITIES
Afro Charities team closer to meeting funding goal after ‘Wildest Dreams’ fundraiser
By Michelle RichardsonSpecial to the AFRO On Saturday, June 7, Afro Charities held its second annual Wildest Dreams Spring fundraiser at Cinghiale Restaurant in Harbor East. Guests enjoyed a live DJ, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction of various art pieces from local artists such as Tom Miller, SHAN Wallace, Quinn Bryant and Charles […]