Paul Coates, a former Black Panther Party member, founded Black Classic Press in 1978 as a program to provide books for incarcerated African American people. From chicken dinners to book drives, the business has now become a publishing and printing house where a few of his children and grandchildren work to continue the mission of sharing Black narratives.
Category: Media
Posted inMedia
In Black columnist’s firing, advocates fear decreasing diversity, vital perspectives in news media
The Washington Post’s firing of columnist Karen Attiah over social media posts has raised concerns among advocates and journalists about shrinking newsroom diversity and the silencing of Black voices.
Posted inPrince George's County News
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.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Which are the best colleges for your tuition (and tax) dollars?
The Washington Monthly magazine released its 2025 college rankings, which upend everything you thought you knew about which colleges are the best.
Posted inMusic
CeCe Winans celebrates 30 years of solo success with intimate NPR Tiny Desk concert
CeCe Winans celebrated the 30th anniversary of her solo debut album with a soulful NPR Tiny Desk performance, which has now amassed over 881,000 views on YouTube.
Posted inBaltimore News
Pilot of ‘3 Blind Mice’ shines spotlight on Baltimore while exploring Black identity
Inspired by the spirit of 90s classics, “3 Blind Mice” follows a young Black woman’s search for identity and belonging after transferring to a historically Black college in Baltimore. The pilot, filmed entirely in the city, weaves themes of culture, community and self-discovery while showcasing Baltimore as a character in its own right.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Kid ‘n Play to be inducted into the National Hip-Hop Museum’s Hall of Fame
By Mekhi AbbottSpecial to the AFROmabbott@afro.com The National Hip-Hop Museum will conclude the summer by inducting a new class of Hall of Fame honorees, which include Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin of Kid ‘n Play, at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre on Aug. 23. The induction ceremony will be followed by a concert headlined by Kid […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ousted Librarian of Congress tapped by Mellon Foundation
Carla Hayden, the former Librarian of Congress ousted under the 47TH presidential administration, has been named a senior fellow at the Mellon Foundation, where she will advise on advancing public knowledge through libraries and archives. Her appointment marks a return to cultural leadership amid growing national debates over censorship, federal funding cuts, and access to information.
Posted inBaltimore News
‘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.
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 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.