Artist and entrepreneur Nate Couser, founder of VashtiBlue Jewelry and The Artist Exchange, uses fashion, jewelry, and teaching to honor and preserve Black culture through creative expression. Through deeply personal and spiritual artwork, Couser creates wearable pieces that tell stories and celebrate individuality, while advocating for the proper teaching and representation of Black art history.
Category: !Front Page
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore shipping channel reopened after explosion on cargo ship near site of 2024 bridge collapse
A coal-laden cargo ship departing Baltimore’s harbor exploded near the site of the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, prompting a temporary closure of the shipping channel on Aug. 19. No injuries were reported, and the channel has since reopened as investigators work to determine the cause of the blast.
Posted inNational Sports
John Wall, five-time All-Star, retires after 11 NBA seasons
John Wall, a five-time All-Star point guard, has announced his retirement from the NBA after 11 seasons.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Gladys William celebrates 100 years of life
Gladys William, a Washington, D.C., resident and retired nurse, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. A native of North Carolina, she was raised by her father after losing her mother as an infant. William spent 65 years in the nursing profession, working in hospitals, nursing homes and private care. Surrounded by her daughter and adopted son, she continues to be celebrated for a life of service and resilience.
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 inBaltimore News
Charm City is farm city: How Baltimore’s urban farms might be the best weapon against rising food costs
Baltimore’s network of 40 urban farms and 60 community gardens is helping residents cope with rising grocery costs by providing affordable—or often free—fresh produce in neighborhoods with limited healthy food options. Rooted in a century-old tradition and strengthened by decades of city policy, these farms not only feed communities but also foster job skills, entrepreneurship and social connection.
Posted inBUSINESS
From vision to venture: Founders building with heart and hustle
Black business ownership is on the rise, with entrepreneurs like Anissa Truitt, Christina Sledge and Ceal Starks transforming personal missions into purpose-driven, community-centered ventures.
Posted inBaltimore News
Abell Foundation names Fagan Harris as new president and CEO
Fagan Harris, chief of staff to Governor Wes Moore, has been named the next president and CEO of the Abell Foundation. He will assume the role Jan. 5, 2026, becoming only the second leader in the foundation’s history after Robert C. Embry Jr., who served nearly 40 years.
Posted inBaltimore News
Young Successful Leaders Incorporated to Receive $50,000 Huddle Up for Health Grant from CareFirst and Baltimore Ravens
CareFirst and the Baltimore Ravens have awarded Young Successful Leaders Inc. (YSLI) a $50,000 grant to expand its mental health, violence prevention and youth development programs in Baltimore.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore sees progress on gun violence
Baltimore’s recent drop in gun violence, including a record-low number of homicides in April, signals progress driven by focused intervention strategies like the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS). Experts warn, however, that cuts to federal funding and growing online threats could undermine fragile gains. Leaders are calling for sustained investment, youth engagement and statewide collaboration to keep the momentum going.
Posted inCommentary
August is ‘Make a Will Month’: Here’s why it should matter to every Marylander
Making a will is an important legal document that allows you to protect your family, your wishes and your legacy, and should be done by everyone regardless of age, marital status, or whether they have children.
Posted inAFRO Black History: Preserving Our Legacy
Partnership between photographer Devin Allen and the AFRO highlights Black family and community
Andrea StevensAFRO Staff Writerastevens@afro.com A new collaboration between renowned photographer Devin Allen and the AFRO aims to reshape narratives about Baltimore by using art, storytelling and social media to highlight often overlooked voices in the Black community. The partnership is part of a pilot program between the historic newspaper and the Information Integrity Lab, designed […]