United Way of Central Maryland, led by Franklyn Baker, is marking its 100th anniversary with a star-studded benefit concert on Oct. 11 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, featuring Common, CeCe Peniston, and Elyscia Jefferson. The celebration not only honors a century of impact but also calls on the community to continue supporting the organization’s mission to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods across Greater Baltimore.
Category: !Front Page
Black creators discuss equity, compensation and community impact at CBCF Annual Legislative Conference
Black creators have long shaped culture through music, fashion, food, art and sports, yet they often face appropriation and limited economic gain. At a panel during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2025 Annual Legislative Conference, artists, entertainment professionals and digital creators discussed strategies for ownership, fair compensation and using cultural influence to empower Black communities.
With homicides at 50-year low, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says focus should turn to quality-of-life crimes
Baltimore has hit historic lows in violent crime, with homicides at their lowest in more than 50 years. But State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says the city is falling short in addressing quality-of-life crimes, like car break-ins, vandalism and public drug use.
Bomb threats against HBCUs, public universities continue
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Morgan State University (MSU) officials are taking extra precaution on the Northeast Baltimore campus after receiving a bomb threat on Sept. 30. Leaders of the historically Black university put out a statement saying that they “received an email threat indicating a potential explosive device in the Richardson Library.” School authorities […]
There’s a clear gap in credit scores depending on race and place: How Baltimore is working to fix it
By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer vmejicanos@afro.com The weight of a number For residents of Baltimore, the barrier to buying a home, starting a small business or managing unexpected costs doesn’t rely on ambition alone. There’s a three digit number that plays a major part: the credit score. Research shows that a person’s credit score, […]
Ravens scramble to fix mistakes, injuries threaten playoff hopes
The Baltimore Ravens face an uphill battle after a 1-3 start marked by sloppy play, key injuries—including quarterback Lamar Jackson—and defensive struggles. Coach John Harbaugh and players emphasize reassessment, adjustments, and returning to fundamentals as the team aims to regain momentum and compete for the playoffs.
Baltimore state’s attorney Ivan Bates to host citywide listening tour in October
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates is hosting his annual listening tour ahead of the 2026 legislative session to give constituents an opportunity to provide feedback.
Admission experts share tips for graduates continuing their education
Graduate school can open doors—but only if you’re prepared for the demands. Admissions officers from Coppin State University and Morgan State University share their best advice on funding, time management and finding support before the first day of class.
Homegoing services announced for Dr. Earl Richardson
By AFRO Staff Memorial services for Dr. Earl Richardson, ninth president of Morgan State University, will be held Sept. 26-27 in Princess Anne, Md. Richardson, who served at Morgan State’s helm for 26 years, is widely regarded for the institution’s transformation from an undergraduate liberal arts institution into a doctoral research university and for his […]
Assata Shakur, Black liberation icon and US fugitive, dies in Cuba at 78
By Philip Marcelo The Associated Press Assata Shakur, a Black liberation activist who was given political asylum in Cuba after her 1979 escape from a U.S. prison where she had been serving a life sentence for killing a police officer, has died, her daughter and the Cuban government said. Shakur, who was born Joanne Deborah […]
Black women and workers lead urgent call to action at CBCF conference
At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 54th Annual Legislative Conference, Black women leaders and labor advocates highlighted the urgent need to defend civic power, public education, and workers’ rights amid rising unemployment and attacks on equity. Panelists called for unity, grassroots organizing, and bold action to secure justice and opportunity for Black communities.
47th U.S. president threatens to take over D.C. police again over immigration enforcement
By Gary Fields and Chris Megerian President Donald Trump on Sept. 15 threatened to once again federalize Washington, D.C.’s police force, in what he suggested could come in response to the city’s mayor’s stated refusal to cooperate with immigration enforcement. Trump’s emergency order, which took over the local police force, expired last week. Hours before […]

