From a Disney performance in 2021 to “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and now “American Idol” and beyond, Gabby Samone is proving that her story is only beginning. For Baltimore and for fans nationwide, the rise of Gabby Samone is one to watch — a young artist grinding, glowing, and stepping fully into her moment.
Category: Arts & Culture
Faith, harmony and surprise moments mark 2025 Dove Awards
Brandon Lake emerged as the night’s top winner at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, taking home five honors including Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” performed alongside Jelly Roll and surprise guest Jon Batiste. The star-studded event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena featured powerful performances from CeCe Winans, Carrie Underwood, and Tamela Mann, as well as a historic Opry 100 medley by Steven Curtis Chapman, Lady A, and Vince Gill.
The AFRO Named Among the Nation’s Top Black News Outlets on Two Feedspot Lists
The AFRO-American Newspapers, the nation’s oldest continuously published Black-owned newspaper still owned by its founding family, has been named to Feedspot’s list of the “45 Best Black News Websites of 2025.” The recognition honors The AFRO’s legacy of trusted journalism and its continued innovation in digital media, storytelling, and community engagement.
Malcolm X meets Shakespeare in revisioning of ‘The Tragedy of Julius Caesar’ at D.C.’s Folger Theatre
“Julius X: A Revisioning of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare” is a powerful and emotionally charged play that merges the lyrical brilliance of spoken word artist Al Letson with the time-revered speeches and scenes of William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” featuring renowned Shakespearean actor Brandon Carter as Malcolm X.
Government shutdown forces Smithsonian to temporarily close all museums and National Zoo
The Smithsonian owns 17 museums within the Washington D.C area, in addition to the National Zoo. Since Oct. 12, all 21 of the Smithsonian museums nationwide and the zoo have been closed. Shown here, would-be visitors, as they learn that the doors to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History are closed due to the shutdown.
Neo-soul icon D’Angelo dies at 51 — fans, radio and the music world mourn
D’Angelo, the influential neo-soul artist, passed away at the age of 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving a void in modern music and a legacy of soulful intensity, stylistic daring, and deep musical integrity.
Common headlines United Way of Central Maryland’s 100-year celebration at the Meyerhoff
United Way of Central Maryland celebrated its 100th anniversary with a star-studded concert at Baltimore’s Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, headlined by Common and featuring performances from CeCe Peniston and the Baltimore City College Choir. The evening honored a century of community service while inspiring hope for the organization’s next hundred years of impact across Central Maryland.
Creative Nomads honors the past and celebrates 10 years at annual “Jubilee Noir”
Creative Nomads, a Baltimore-based arts advocacy organization, celebrated its 10th anniversary with its annual fundraiser, Jubilee Noir, at Clifton Mansion, which was once a slave plantation, to honor the sacrifices of those who toiled there and to celebrate the joy of the arts in the community.
The National Civil Rights Museum announces 34th Freedom Award honorees
The National Civil Rights Museum will honor Marc H. Morial, Velma Lois Jones, and Mark Suzman with its 34th annual Freedom Award on Oct. 16 in Memphis. The event will celebrate their lifelong commitments to advancing civil and human rights and feature performances, student programming, and community engagement.
“Daily Hustle” exhibit brings photos of I. Henry Phillips to life
The new “The Daily Hustle” exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Industry spotlights I. Henry Phillips, Sr.’s photographs, chronicling Black laborers and business owners in mid-20th century Baltimore. The photos highlight style, entrepreneurship and community stories often overlooked in history.
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System is hosting more than 50 programs to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring music, art, dance, literature, and film from Mexico, Central and South America, Spain, Portugal, and the wider Hispanic diaspora.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park: A powerful destination for your travel list
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park in Church Creek, Maryland is a popular destination for visitors from around the world to pay homage to Tubman’s legacy and learn about her life and work, with the site hosting national events, exhibits, and activities throughout the year.

