Posted inBaltimore News

Mayor Scott and Maryland’s Capitol Hill delegation address record lows in crime rates, fight against cuts in federal funding

Mayor Brandon Scott and members of Maryland’s congressional delegation gathered at Baltimore City Hall to highlight record-setting crime reductions and express unified opposition to looming federal funding cuts, including those affecting Medicaid and education. Officials praised the city’s public safety progress and pledged to fight against harmful budget decisions from the Trump administration that threaten vulnerable Baltimore communities.

Posted inBaltimore News

Carmelo Anthony comes home with a legacy-fueled vision for Baltimore

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony returned to Baltimore to announce a citywide cultural initiative that honors his legacy while empowering local youth through storytelling, mentorship and community programming. Centered on an upcoming exhibit at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the project aims to inspire the next generation by celebrating Baltimore’s resilience and potential.

Posted inArts & Culture

Building confidence and change through theatre

Over nearly 50 years, Penumbra Theatre in Saint Paul, Minn. has evolved from a pioneering Black arts institution into a national leader in racial healing and artistic excellence. Meanwhile, Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center empowers Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) youth with classical arts training that builds confidence, discipline and cultural pride.

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 inAfro Briefs

Florida’s Raiford Prison bans AFRO edition from inmates; warden cites threat to security and rehabilitation initiatives

Florida’s Raiford Prison banned the AFRO’s special edition on George Floyd and racial justice, claiming it posed a security risk and threatened rehabilitation efforts. Critics argue the ban reflects a broader pattern of censorship that suppresses inmates’ access to reform-focused content and silences marginalized voices behind bars.

Posted inENTERTAINMENT

Jury reaches verdict on 4 of 5 counts in Diddy trial but is told to keep deliberating

A jury has reached a verdict on four of five charges in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs but remains deadlocked on the most serious charge: racketeering conspiracy. Judge Arun Subramanian declined to accept a partial verdict and instructed the jury to continue deliberating on the unresolved count, which carries the potential for a life sentence if Combs is convicted.

Posted inBaltimore News

Charm City glows with Pride

Baltimore celebrated 50 years of LGBTQIA+ Pride with its 2025 “50 Shades of Pride” festival, featuring a week of vibrant events and a heartfelt parade that highlighted Black joy, love, and advocacy. From multigenerational families to strong allyship, the celebration reflected both the progress made and the urgent need for continued support and representation.

Posted inMusic

Public Enemy drops surprise album ‘Black Sky Over the Projects’

BLACKPRESSUSA–Public Enemy has released “Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025,” a surprise 12-track album blending old-school hip-hop with urgent social commentary. Available for 72 hours on a pay-what-you-want basis from June 30, the album tackles topics from gun violence and ageism to climate denial, reaffirming the group’s legacy of resistance and relevance.

Posted inBaltimore News

State of the People wraps three-day national tour in Baltimore

The State of the People National Assembly concluded its three-day gathering in Baltimore, bringing together Black leaders, activists, and organizations to build a national agenda rooted in empowerment, community healing, and political action. Key discussions—such as the “Black Women Leading Change” panel—centered on the importance of rest and wellness as vital tools of resistance, especially for Black women bearing the weight of communal responsibility and systemic stress.

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