By Michael Eugene Johnson To be a Black man in Baltimore, 2026 is to live in a state of profound, exhausting duality. It is to walk the streets of a city that is simultaneously breaking historic records for safety and still grappling with the jagged, unhealed remains of a century of systemic neglect. As we […]
Category: LOCAL
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland House, Senate pass emergency bills on ICE
Maryland lawmakers passed emergency legislation ending local cooperation with ICE and banning most masked law enforcement, aiming to protect immigrant communities and rebuild trust. Advocates called it a historic victory for families and public safety.
Posted inBaltimore News
Bmore Empowered shuts down after eight years of service
After serving more than 3,000 Baltimore families, Bmore Empowered is closing its doors, citing ongoing funding challenges. The nonprofit’s founders say the decision was painful but necessary as capital for Black women-led organizations becomes increasingly scarce.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland House passes redistricting plan, while Senate vote looks bleak
While the House passed a redistricting plan to reshape Maryland’s congressional districts, Senate President Bill Ferguson signaled the effort is stalled. He argued the “window has closed” as the Senate prioritizes economic and affordability issues.
Posted inBaltimore News
Hundreds protest ICE raids, condition of local federal building used to hold immigrants
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writer On Jan. 30 protestors gathered in downtown Baltimore, Minneapolis and cities nationwide to oppose the violent immigration raids and recent deaths at the hands of agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol and other federal agencies. In Baltimore, the march and rally came as legislators and […]
Posted inBaltimore News
BGE launches customer-focused education campaign on Maryland’s energy crisis and rising electric bills
By Baltimore Gas and Electric BGE announced the launch of a public education campaign designed to help Maryland customers better understand why energy bills are rising. The campaign, which uses non-recoverable funds and is at no cost to customers, explains options for how utilities can support customers while affordability and reliability challenges intensify. The education […]
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore praises Boys & Girls Clubs in Maryland’s fight against child poverty
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore praised the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maryland at the organization’s annual legislative breakfast, highlighting their role in youth development and the state’s strategy to combat child poverty through community-based support. He pointed to increased state funding, expanded club access, and mentorship as critical tools, with Youth of the Year honoree Jared Jefferson’s story illustrating the clubs’ impact in building confidence, opportunity, and leadership for young people across the state.
Posted inArts & Culture
Baltimore August Wilson Celebration continues with ‘Fences’
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will produce August Wilson’s “Fences” as part of the citywide Baltimore August Wilson Celebration. The production is the sixth of 10 plays in Wilson’s American Century Cycle, being staged as part of the celebration, and will run Feb. 6–March 1. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, “Fences” centers on […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
UDC launches School of Education and Learning Sciences
The University of the District of Columbia is reinvigorating its founding mission of training educators with the launch of the School of Education and Learning Sciences (SELS). The new school will offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees and aims to strengthen the District’s teacher pipeline while preparing a diverse generation of educators for every classroom.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland legislators advance redistricting plan after tense hearing
Maryland legislators advanced a partisan congressional redistricting bill Jan. 27, sending it to the floor amid support from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Senate backing remains uncertain and Republicans are criticizing the process.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Eleanor Holmes Norton speaks on retirement after 35 years on Capitol Hill
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, has officially announced her retirement. After 35 years representing the District, Norton has filed paperwork to end her reelection campaign. In a Jan. 27 letter speaking on her retirement, Norton reflected on her career and its impact on the city. “I’ve had the privilege of […]
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland faith leaders press Ferguson to back congressional redistricting
Faith leaders across Maryland are urging Senate President Bill Ferguson to prioritize mid-cycle redistricting legislation ahead of a House hearing. The appeal comes as lawmakers consider a proposed congressional map that critics say could eliminate the state’s lone Republican seat and backfire on Democrats.