By Stephanie Harper, Special to the AFRO The 46th annual AFRAM Festival that took place in Baltimore over Juneteenth weekend was a great success. The event opened up with the inaugural Baltimore Club Music Day, which took place on June 17, and was followed by a second day of exciting, innovative activities and entertainment. Over […]
Category: Arts & Culture
Posted in!Front Page Arts and Entertainment
Juneteenth: a celebration of Black music and culture
By Dandrea V. James As a future ancestor, I encourage young folks to consider what Juneteenth means to them. To me, Juneteenth means critical thinking, collective destiny and veneration of the spirit of solidarity. Since June is also Black Music Month, this is also a good time to reflect on socially conscious music. Juneteenth honors […]
Posted inBaltimore Events
K-Swift, crazy legs and snowballs: Baltimore Club Music Day makes debut at 46th annual AFRAM Festival
By Stephanie Harper Special to the AFRO Summer doesn’t officially start in Baltimore until the AFRAM Festival kicks off, bringing residents and visitors from the entire region to enjoy all things related to African-American culture. The 46th annual AFRAM festival is currently taking place, celebrating today’s hottest artists, Black culture and Black businesses. This year, the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Telling our story: the Black traditions of dance, song and theater
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Historically, Black people have had to find ways to uplift one another and celebrate life— even in the face of racism and inhumane treatment. As the Black community celebrates Juneteenth, the AFRO is considering how African Americans and their ancestors have used their creativity to rebel, come together […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Telling our stories: afros, cornrows and more
By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com The Black community has truly mastered the art of storytelling. Using art as a form of communication and documentation is nothing new— we tell our stories with the written word, songs, dance— and yes, even via the very hair on our heads. Whether it be a voluminous Afro, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Telling our stories: How the African griot tradition continues through modern art and media
By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com Black history is more than oppression and suffering. Throughout Black history we have seen moments of joy, liberation and innovation. Though traditional, White media may not have accurately recorded Black history, griots have been protecting and telling the stories of African people and their descendants— long before 1619. […]
Posted inNational News
White House Juneteenth concert celebrates Black music, denounces racism
By Stacy M. Brown, Senior National Correspondent, NNPA Newswire President Joe Biden delivered a powerful speech denouncing racism in the United States during the White House’s first major Juneteenth celebration on June 13. The Biden-Harris administration hosted a concert in celebration of the holiday, featuring renowned singers Jennifer Hudson, Audra McDonald and Ledisi. Organizers aimed […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Tory Lanez sentencing on Megan Thee Stallion shooting delayed to August
By The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tory Lanez’s sentencing for shooting and wounding hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion was delayed on Tuesday. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford accepted the defense’s request to delay Lanez’s sentencing, which is now scheduled for Aug. 7. Prosecutors are seeking a 13 year prison sentence and Lanez faces […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Center Stage celebrates 60th anniversary with annual gala
By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer Baltimore Center Stage (BCS) celebrates 60 years in operation this year. On June 3, elected officials, community members and Charm City creatives came out to party in true thespian style at the theater house, located in the 700 block of Calvert street. The anniversary celebration went above and beyond, […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Tupac Shakur receives Walk of Fame star honor in the same month as birthday
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr., AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tupac Shakur received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, just several days before the hip-hop legend’s birthday. The late rapper’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, accepted the star on behalf of their family. During her speech, she shed tears while describing […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Atlas Performing Arts Center Seeking artists and performing artists for our 2023 – 2024 season OPEN CALL Apply now!
The historic Atlas Performing Arts Center located in the H Street Corridor in Washington, DC is a leader in presenting arts of the now. A nonprofit organization, Atlas nurtures diverse artists, leverages partnerships to explore current issues, and promotes a passion for the arts. They believe the arts are essential for an inclusive and just society and model respect, creativity, and leadership. They’re committed to presenting local artists and are looking […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Darin Atwater to join Peabody Conservatory as Distinguished Visiting Faculty
By Peabody Post Composer, conductor, performer, producer and educator Darin Atwater will join the Peabody Conservatory as Distinguished Visiting Faculty in the 2023-24 academic year. In this new role, Atwater will serve as a diversity advocate supporting the selection and evaluation of the repertoire that is taught and performed at the Conservatory. He will also […]