Hundreds of Washington, D.C., residents filled the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for a mayoral forum where six candidates addressed key issues like housing, child care, public safety and the city’s budget. The largely civil event highlighted differing approaches to economic growth and governance while encouraging voters to prepare for the upcoming primary and new ranked-choice voting system.
Category: LOCAL
Morgan state hosts inaugural Intimate Partner Violence Symposium
By Alexis LaRueAFRO Internalarue@afro.com Morgan State University’s Center for Urban Violence and Crime Reduction hosted its inaugural Intimate Partner Violence Symposium on March 24. The event served as a platform for experts, advocates and survivors to address the issue of domestic violence, share solutions and offer resources as a way of prevention. Attendees gained valuable […]
District leaders, residents and visitors celebrate Emancipation Day
By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO More than 100 years ago, on April 16, 1862, the Compensated Emancipation Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. On that day, slaves in the District of Columbia gained their freedom. More than a century later, the residents of D.C. gather on an annual basis to honor and celebrate […]
The AFRO’s Baltimore Tea returns with spotlight on women in the C-suite
The AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea will be held April 25 at Martin’s West from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each year the event serves as a time to celebrate the Black community and bring together the best of Baltimore. Shown here, 2025 attendees Jade Madden (left), Michelle Johnson and Dikesha Robinson.
NCBW 100 Baltimore Chapter hosts third annual Pearls with a Purpose event
The Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. hosted its third annual Pearls with a Purpose Deluxe Bull Roast Day Party on April 12 at Martin’s West, with a record 1,200 attendees. Members of Baltimore’s Divine Nine and representatives from Morgan State University’s School of Social Work were present in support of the organization’s mission.
Love the Avenue Day’ – community revitalization in action
By West North Avenue Development Authority On Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) will host “Love the Avenue Day,” a community-led initiative focused on clean-up, beautification, and activation of the corridor. This event will highlight: The event will take place on the 2800–2900 blocks of […]
New Visit Baltimore CEO, Kireem Swinton pledges to reframe Charm City’s story
Kireem Swinton has been named permanent president and CEO of Visit Baltimore after serving in the role on an interim basis since July 2025. In his new role, Swinton said he aims to expand tourism while reshaping how Baltimore is perceived on the national and global stage through storytelling and major events.
Funeral home founder Al Wylie celebrates his 80th birthday with street renaming ceremony
Community members gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of funeral home founder Al P. Wylie on April 10 at Wylie Funeral Homes. Wylie received personal certificates from Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates and Baltimore City Police Department Western District’s Major Natalia Preston and a street was renamed in his honor.
Devin Allen takes the helm for SCOUT, Baltimore’s affordable art fair
Baltimore photographer Devin Allen has been named curator of SCOUT 2026, the city’s affordable art fair held as part of Artscape. As curator, Allen will spotlight local and national artists while helping build stronger connections between creators and the community.”
Moore unveils Baltimore Transit-Oriented Development Plan
State and local officials unveiled the Baltimore Regional Transit-Oriented Development Strategy at Rogers Avenue Metro Station on April 6. The strategy aims to boost housing, expand transit access and drive economic growth, including 400 new housing units and major Light Rail investments.
The Links hosts voter registration training April 16 in Baltimore
Three Maryland chapters of The Links, Inc. will host a voter registration certification training on April 16 in Baltimore, aimed at equipping community members to register voters. The session, led by the Baltimore City Board of Elections, seeks to strengthen civic engagement and expand voter outreach efforts.
Special committee seeks public input on changes to Baltimore City charter
Baltimore’s Charter Review Special Committee is gathering public input on potential changes, including revisions to how city contracts are awarded. Residents and council members alike say understanding the charter’s complexities is key to making informed decisions.

