Ben’s Chili Bowl is temporarily closing its historic U Street location in Washington, D.C., for the first time in over 60 years to undergo essential repairs and renovations. During construction, the beloved eatery will continue serving customers from a nearby pop-up location starting July 17.
Category: Travel
Black Restaurant Week returns to Baltimore for 5th year of food and culture
Black Restaurant Week returns to Baltimore, spotlighting Black-owned culinary businesses and driving visibility, community ties, and growth. The Empanada Lady’s success reflects its power to amplify local talent.
Power in Action: Delta Sigma Theta hosts 57th National Convention
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is hosting its 57th National Convention from July 8–13, 2025, in Washington, D.C., gathering over 20,000 members in person and 13,000 virtually to celebrate more than a century of sisterhood, service, and social action. Events include community service projects, scholarship awards, entrepreneurship competitions, and a keynote address by Senator Cory Booker at the Social Action Luncheon.
A beer pioneer, South Africa’s first Black female brewery owner trains a new generation
Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, South Africa’s first Black female craft brewery owner, is training a new generation of brewers—most of them young Black women—at her Brewsters Academy in Johannesburg. With a focus on science, tradition, and inclusivity, she aims to diversify the male-dominated beer industry while reviving African brewing heritage.
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.
Thousands turn out for Artscape’s Memorial Day makeover
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Artscape returned to Baltimore at a different time of year and in a new location over the 2025 Memorial Day weekend. Thousands packed the downtown Baltimore area to hear the likes of LeToya Luckett, Tweet, Fantasia, Robin Thicke and more on May 24 and 25. The dates for the country’s […]
Baltimore’s creative pulse takes center stage at inaugural Scout Art Fair
The inaugural Scout Art Fair, part of Baltimore’s revitalized Artscape and curated by Derrick Adams and Teri Henderson, showcases over 40 local artists in a landmark cultural moment that affirms the city’s arrival as a major force in the contemporary art world.
Locals to face off in ‘Ask a D.C. Native, Live!’ trivia showdown
Ask a D.C. Native, Live!” will bring to life the popular “Ask a D.C. Native” column with a live trivia showdown celebrating D.C. Natives Day. The May 19 event at Eaton House will provide locals an opportunity to test their District knowledge and celebrate hometown pride.
Six Flags to close Maryland park at end of 2025 season
Six Flags theme park is closing in Prince George’s County at the end of the 2025 season. The news hits hard at a time when many county residents are being laid off from federal employment and the Washington Commanders football team just announced a move to Washington, D.C.
Adaptability and advocacy: The vital role of mobile nurses
Travel and strike nurses play a critical role in maintaining patient care during staffing shortages and labor disputes. With adaptability, compassion, and cultural competence, they step into unfamiliar environments to deliver expert care. Beyond the misconceptions about pay, these nurses are driven by a calling to serve, support safe staffing, and advocate for patient trust and quality outcomes.
Gospel Fest brings church to the Symphony Hall
In a time when divisions often feel louder than unity, Gospel Fest was a moment of communion—a reminder of the beauty that emerges when tradition, excellence, and faith share the same stage. The event, held at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore on April 3, featured the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Pastor Smokie Norful, and three of the nation’s most distinguished HBCU choirs, Bowie State University Choir, Howard Gospel Choir and Morgan State University Choir.
Soulful country duo, The War and Treaty, set to hit Howard Theatre stage
War and Treaty will bring their genre-blending mix of soul, country and rock to Washington, D.C.’s Howard Theatre on April 11 as part of their Plus One Tour. Known for their emotionally-charged performances, the husband-and-wife team says the show is a space for healing, joy and connection—”a family reunion” where fans will “leave lighter than you came

