After surviving a life-altering brain tumor, Zazel-Chavah O’Garra refused to let disability or societal prejudice define her future. Once a successful dancer and model, she rebuilt her life through resilience, community support and faith—eventually becoming a licensed social worker and founding an inclusive dance company for disabled performers. Alongside mentor Dr. Donna R. Walton, O’Garra highlights the challenges disabled women face, while demonstrating the power of perseverance, representation and self-determination.
Category: Living
Posted inBaltimore Community
Aging while Black: Seniors say listening is the first step to care
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com When discussing how to best serve older residents, it can be easy to get lost in statistics and policies. Experts and seniors alike say what’s most important when considering the aging Black population is communication. “When we think about seniors and look at the social determinants of health, I think […]
Posted inHealth
Alpha Eta Phi: The sorority changing life for women with multiple sclerosis
Four women living with multiple sclerosis (MS) found each other through a sorority for women with chronic illnesses — and realized there was no space built specifically for women with MS to connect, heal and thrive. So they created their own, founding Alpha Eta Phi in 2021 as the first and only non-collegiate sorority dedicated to women navigating life with the disease.
Posted inLiving
Seniors sound off on what people should know about life after 60
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com For many Americans, life after 60 is often framed as slowing down as one transitions into a new phase of life. But for older adults themselves, life after 60 can look different for everyone. Joyce Willis Chapman, a 71-year-old caregiver from Baltimore, said being present is key. “Live in the […]
Posted inLiving
Relationship experts and couples say romance doesn’t need grand gestures to thrive
This Valentine’s Day, don’t break the bank with meaningless tokens of love. Experts say engaging in low-cost or free activities that foster deeper connection, show kindness or offer support could be the most romantic move of all.
Posted inLiving
Single in the City: Swipe fatigue and choosing yourself this Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, take a break from the pressure of online dating and focus on self-love, rest, and intentional connection, rather than performance.
Posted inLiving
What to know about dating and companionship after 60
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Dating can provide renewed confidence and companionship, but as time passes, returning to the dating scene after divorce or widowhood can appear intimidating. Modern dating, online scams and emotional unavailability or stagnancy have created new challenges that experts say should be approached with community, caution and patience. Lauren Sanders is […]
Posted inWord In Black
Racial healing starts with honest conversations
Honest conversations about race help young people affirm their identity and process racism without internalizing harm. Families, educators, and mental health experts say early, open dialogue builds resilience and supports long-term racial healing.
Posted inCOMMUNITY
Ways to celebrate Kwanzaa
As Kwanzaa begins on Dec. 26, longtime observers are helping guide people interested in celebrating the holiday but unsure how to begin. Rooted in seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba, Kwanzaa offers families a time to reflect, reconnect and honor Black culture.
Posted inHealth
From heartbreak to advocacy: Bianca Carolina’s HIV awareness journey
By Clayton Gutzmore Discovering you have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can be one of the most devastating pieces of news a person can receive. For Bianca Carolina, it was crushing — but she refused to remain in shambles. Today, Carolina is an HIV advocate, a wife, an expecting mother of two, and an inspiration to […]
Posted inMoney
Rising costs push Black households to cut back on everyday comforts
Black households across Baltimore and beyond say rising costs are reshaping their daily lives from food spending to basic beauty routines. Women like Sydney Robinson and Olivia Dreux describe holding on to hairstyles longer and cooking more at home as inflation outpaces income. Their stories along with those of new parents Rya and Eric Greene reflect a growing sense that even simple comforts have become harder to afford.
Posted inClimate Change
Winter storm warnings stretch across the northern US, bringing snow, cold and risky conditions
By The Associated Press undefined A lot of snow, rain and cold weather await travelers for the rest of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with winter storm warnings posted Nov. 28 across the northern part of the country and more snow falling over the Great Lakes region. Storm warnings and advisories extended from Montana to New […]