A new apprenticeship program at the University of the District of Columbia’s Congress Heights campus is helping District residents launch careers in the rapidly growing cybersecurity industry.
Category: LOCAL
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.
Bowser moves to formally repeal D.C.’s ‘sanctuary city’ status
By Martin Austermuhle It was five years ago that Mayor Muriel Bowser called D.C. a “proud sanctuary city,” but now she’s trying to scrub the designation and protections it offers some immigrants. As part of her proposed budget for 2026, Bowser is pushing to repeal a 2019 law that limits how and when city agencies […]
Report identifies need for new jail in the District of Columbia
By DaQuan LawrenceSpecial to the AFROdlawrence@afro.com According to a recent report issued by the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor (ODCA), the nation’s capital is overdue for a new jail. The extensive report, titled “Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail,” outlines deteriorating conditions at the current jail facility. Authors of the report say the […]
AFRAM 2025 offers star studded line up and fun for the whole family
The AFRAM Festival, a celebration of African-American culture, returned to Baltimore on June 21-22, featuring international artists such as Amerie, Patti LaBelle, Juvenile and Teedra Moses, and offering fun, food, and more for the whole family.
Baltimore’s A Taste of Summer to offer community and culinary adventure
Baltimore’s “A Taste of Summer” Long Table Dinner Series, founded by Nailah Queen and James Dickey, uses food, fashion and fellowship to celebrate community, culture and local entrepreneurship. With a vibrant outdoor dining experience and spotlight on Black and minority-owned culinary talent, the event transforms a shared meal into a powerful symbol of connection and creativity.
Free Independence Day Lyft rides offered throughout Greater Washington to prevent drunk driving
To reduce drunk driving during one of the deadliest holidays for traffic fatalities, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) will offer free Lyft rides on July 4 from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. on July 5 across the D.C. metro area. The SoberRideⓇ initiative, which covers up to $15 of a Lyft fare, aims to prevent impaired driving and save lives during Independence Day celebrations.
DCPS rolls out districtwide phone ban to cut distractions
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee gives information on the districtwide ban on personal cell phones and electronic devices for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
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.
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.
Baltimore City Council president demands action after multiple police-involved deaths
Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen has called for a hearing to examine the city’s mental health crisis response systems after recent deaths involving law enforcement.
Marilyn Mosby completes her year-long home detention
As of June 20, former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has completed her one-year home detention sentence. Convicted of two counts of perjury and one count of mortgage fraud, Mosby was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service and three years of supervised release. A court filing now indicates that U.S. Probation may seek early termination of her remaining supervision. Speaking at the State of the People’s National Assembly on the day her sentence ended, Mosby declared her intent to continue advocating for change and rebuilding her life for the sake of her two daughters.

