Nine upcoming books for Black K-12 students are set to be published in 2025, featuring diverse narratives that celebrate culture, history, and personal growth, empowering students to see themselves reflected and represented in literature.
Category: ENTERTAINMENT
Baltimore poet and author Mecca Verdell stars in ‘Once Again (For the Very First Time)’
Mecca Verdell, a local poet and author, stars in Boaz Yakin’s new film “Once Again (For the Very First Time)”, which explores the fusion of battle rap, poetry, and dance, and pays homage to the creative vibrancy of the community.
Dr. Lance London talks growing his Southern-cooking restaurant Carolina Kitchen
Dr. Lance London, founder of the Southern-cooking restaurant chain Carolina Kitchen, recently opened a new location in Owings Mills, MD, focusing on providing plant-based options, and plans to open a new concept named for his grandmother in Upper Marlboro, MD in 2025.
AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ Draper highlights work of Dr. Carl J. Murphy in new book, ‘Prayer and Pen’
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher and CEO of the AFRO-American Newspapers, has released a new book honoring her grandfather, Dr. Carl J. Murphy, and his contributions to the AFRO, including his prayers and legacy as a publisher.
Baltimore rings in New Year with Inner Harbor fireworks
Baltimore celebrated the New Year with fireworks, a concert from The Jonathan Gilmore Experience, and extended hours at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink, with Mayor Brandon M. Scott and his wife, Hana, in attendance.
National Hip-Hop Museum honors Kool Moe Dee, Lords of the Underground, among others at Hip-Hop Holiday Honors
The National Hip-Hop Museum honored hip-hop legends at the Hip-Hop Holiday Honors, held at the historic Bethesda Theater, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the movie “Beat Street”.
Denzel Washington, Magic Johnson, Fannie Lou Hamer, among those to receive Medal of Freedom
President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, including Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Denzel Washington, and Bono, for their contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
BeyoncĂ©’s performance highlights Netflix’s NFL debut
BeyoncĂ©’s halftime performance at the NFL game between the Texans and the Ravens on Christmas Day 2024 was a success, with Netflix reporting that viewers in all 50 states tuned in within minutes of the pregame show going live.
Nikki Giovanni laid to rest in Cincinnati
Nikki Giovanni, a prolific author and activist, was laid to rest in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, following a public visitation in Blacksburg, Virginia, where she served as a Virginia Tech professor for more than three decades.
Six culturally relevant holiday books to add to your gift list
This holiday season, consider gifting Black K-12 students books that celebrate Black heritage, provide a sense of belonging, and inspire them to make a difference in their communities.
A soul-stirring celebration: ArtsCentric’s ‘Black Nativity’ reimagines Langston Hughes’ classic at Baltimore Center Stage
ArtsCentric’s production of “Black Nativity” at Baltimore Center Stage, featuring original music and choreography, has been extended due to popular demand, and has been praised for its powerful and uplifting performance.
Single in the City: Whole and healed for the holidays
This holiday season, choose self-love and wholeness by investing in your own growth, setting boundaries, creating your own traditions, and celebrating small wins, rather than feeling pressured to find a partner.

