Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney’s new work “We Are Gathered” explores same-sex marriage and Black queer love amid renewed political threats to LGBTQ rights following the 47th president’s return to the White House. Premiering during WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C., the play celebrates love and resilience while underscoring the urgency of preserving hard-won freedoms in a shifting political climate.
Category: Arts & Culture
Patrons experience last Preakness prior to Pimlico renovation
Thousands gathered in Baltimore for the historic 150th Preakness Stakes, marking the final race at Pimlico Race Course before major renovations begin. While attendees enjoyed the race and cultural festivities, some expressed frustration with event organization despite the excitement and tradition surrounding the event.
Locals celebrate D.C. Natives Day 2025 with live trivia showdown
Dwayne Lawson-Brown, a poet, author and artist known as the “Crochet Kingpin,” serves as host of the inaugural “Ask a D.C. Native, Live!” event, held in honor of D.C. Natives Day. Shown here, Lawson-Brown (standing) as he introduces a trivia category to test audience knowledge of slang used by D.C. natives.
“To Baltimore With Love”: Call for artists – $500 honorarium for selected creators
“To Baltimore With Love,” a new exhibition curated by Baltimore Unity Hall and The Mary Ann Connelly Fund in Support of Artists, invites local creators to celebrate the city’s spirit through art. Submissions are open until June 9, 2025, with selected artists receiving a $500 honorarium.
Baltimore artists take center stage in prestigious $30K Sondheim Art Prize show
The Walters Art Museum is presenting the 2025 Janet and Walter Sondheim Art Prize Finalists Exhibition, featuring the work of five finalists, and the award ceremony will take place on June 26.
Cassie testimony against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs ends after she spent days describing abuse
R&B singer Cassie testified in court on May 13 that music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs abused and sexually exploited her for years, describing coerced participation in violent, drug-fueled sex acts known as “freak offs” and physical assaults during their relationship.
DC to host historic 50th anniversary Pride and WorldPride 2025 amid rising challenges
Washington, D.C. will celebrate 50 years of Pride with an unprecedented three-week event, coinciding with WorldPride 2025 and themed “The Fabric of Freedom,” highlighting the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience and global solidarity. Despite political setbacks and funding withdrawals, organizers remain steadfast in their mission to celebrate progress, amplify visibility, and defend hard-won rights at a pivotal moment for the community.
North Carolina Museum of History lends Thomas Day masterpiece to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
By North Carolina Museum of History Foundation While the North Carolina Museum of History’s physical building remains closed for renovation, the museum’s mission continues through partnerships, public programs and storytelling that share North Carolina’s history far beyond its walls. The museum has announced that a piece from its collection will be featured in “Superfine: Tailoring […]
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial to delve into the seediest side of rap’s ‘bad boy’
Sean “Diddy” Combs faces a federal trial beginning May 5 on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, with prosecutors alleging he used his fame and businesses to abuse women over decades, while his defense argues the encounters were consensual.
BOPA announces winners of the 20th annual Baltimore Screenwriters Competition
By Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts The Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts (BOPA) proudly announced the winners of the 20th annual Baltimore Screenwriters Competition on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the SNF Parkway Theatre during the Maryland Film Festival’s “Maryland Film Day” weekend. This annual contest is a project of the […]
Inside the Met Gala: Under a petal-filled sky, guests honor Black style, hail a ‘monumental night’
By Jocelyn Noveck “Well, it took a minute,” said Spike Lee, surveying the glittering Met Gala crowd during cocktail hour through bright orange glasses that matched his New York Knicks cap. “But we’re here now, that’s the most important thing.” Lee was referring to the fact that for the very first time, the Met Gala […]
TSU Terry’s ‘Roll Call’ brings Baltimore club music to Fortnite’s global stage
Baltimore native and choreographer TSU Terry has brought his hometown’s signature sound to the global stage with his track “Roll Call” featured in Fortnite, a video game with over 650 million players. The milestone not only celebrates Terry’s musical journey, but also highlights Baltimore club music and Black cultural expression for a new generation of players around the world.

