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.
Category: Living
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 […]
Posted inHealth
Bridging the gap in diabetes tech: Dr. Sherita Hill Golden speaks on who benefits—and who’s left behind
Dr. Sherita Hill Golden calls automated insulin delivery systems one of the most exciting advances in diabetes care, offering better control and freedom for patients. Still, she says, not everyone is comfortable—or able—to use the technology.
Posted inHealth
Faith Over Fear: Two powerful journeys through breast cancer
By Chianti MarksAFRO Intern At the age of 30, Akosua “Sua” Bamfo found a small lump in her breast. It was October 2022. She immediately scheduled an appointment with her OB-GYN. After undergoing an MRI and ultrasound, she was told her breasts were too dense for clear imaging and that they would follow up in […]
Posted inHealth
Fighting back: How three women beat breast cancer– more than once
Three women share their powerful stories of surviving multiple fights against breast cancer. Through faith, family and determination, Tirra Pack, Marcia Victor and Linda Hamilton have turned pain into purpose, proving that survival is more than a medical — it’s spiritual, emotional and deeply human.
Posted inHealth
Celebrating National Caregivers Month: Dr. Toni A. Boulware Stackhouse honors those who serve
National Caregivers Month is a time to recognize the vital role of family members who provide daily care and compassion to loved ones. Dr. Toni A. Boulware Stackhouse is just one of the millions of caregivers in America.
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Scammers don’t take holidays: How to help protect your money this season
With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to be aware of the increasing sophistication of online scams and to take steps to protect yourself, such as shopping with trusted retailers, being wary of unrealistic deals, and using secure payment methods.
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Overcoming barriers to homeownership: Assistance programs for first-time buyers in Baltimore
Homebuyers in Baltimore can access down payment assistance programs, such as grants, forgivable loans, deferred-payment loans, and low-down payment loans, to help cover the upfront costs of homeownership.
Posted inMoney
When success isn’t enough: Why the Black middle class is still struggling
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com A stable job, homeownership and a family often defines the concept of the “American Dream.” However, for Black Americans across the country, it can feel impossible to reach, even for those who have “made it.” Caprice Risby was born to teenage parents. Her family relied on different types of federal […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Black-owned floral businesses blossom with creativity and community care
Fleurs d’Ave in Baltimore and Postal Petals in Los Angeles use flowers to spark creativity, encourage self-care and build community, blending floral design with events and wellness activities.