The Greater Baltimore Urban League is transforming lives by equipping youth and entrepreneurs with the tools to lead, succeed and build wealth. Through programs like the Saturday Leadership Program and hands-on business coaching, GBUL empowers future leaders with life skills, mentorship and access to real opportunities.
Category: Maryland News
“House of Melo” exhibit shines spotlight on Baltimore resilience
By Chianti MarksAFRO Intern On Oct. 25, 2025, Baltimore native and 10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony celebrated the opening of the “House of Melo” exhibit at the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Branch. The event followed Anthony’s recent induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The exhibit, open through Dec. 20, 2025, highlights […]
Marylanders weigh in on their favorite local gems
Maryland ranks second in the U.S. for its share of Black-owned businesses, with 10 percent of companies owned by African Americans, according to a 2025 Pew Research Center report. To celebrate this entrepreneurial spirit, the AFRO spoke with residents about their favorite Black-owned businesses, highlighting local gems from bookstores to restaurants.
100 unmarked graves, 33 automatic offenses: Maryland must stop failing children
The discovery of 100 unmarked graves near Cheltenham Youth Detention Center highlights Maryland’s failure to protect children in the justice system.
The AFRO Named Among the Nation’s Top Black News Outlets on Two Feedspot Lists
The AFRO-American Newspapers, the nation’s oldest continuously published Black-owned newspaper still owned by its founding family, has been named to Feedspot’s list of the “45 Best Black News Websites of 2025.” The recognition honors The AFRO’s legacy of trusted journalism and its continued innovation in digital media, storytelling, and community engagement.
Survivors to inspire hope at 23rd annual Maryland Kidney Walk
Larry Jones, a kidney transplant recipient who received the gift of life from his son, will return to participate in the 23rd Annual Maryland Kidney Walk alongside fellow survivor and DJ, Thomas LaVon Thomas Jr. The event highlights stories of resilience and awareness about kidney disease, which disproportionately affects the Black community.
Maryland’s housing order aims to boost affordable housing, cut barriers
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed the Housing Starts Here executive order to speed up housing development, reduce regulatory barriers, and expand affordable options amid a statewide shortfall of about 96,000 units. The plan emphasizes transit-oriented development, streamlined permitting, and stronger state-local coordination to close the housing gap and ease costs for renters and homeowners.
Maryland joins national fight to protect inclusive sex education programs
Maryland joins other states in defending comprehensive, evidence-based sexual health education against federal overreach.
Bank of America hosts three-day financial literacy event in West Baltimore
Bank of America recently held a three-day event, educating locals on financial literacy and wellness programs. The event took place at the Bon Secours Community Resource Center from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.
Black Philanthropy Circle invests $1M into Baltimore nonprofits
The Black Philanthropy Circle reached a $1 million milestone in its mission to fund Black-led nonprofits. The grants support education, housing and community initiatives, strengthening solutions to challenges facing Baltimore residents.
Common headlines United Way of Central Maryland’s 100-year celebration at the Meyerhoff
United Way of Central Maryland celebrated its 100th anniversary with a star-studded concert at Baltimore’s Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, headlined by Common and featuring performances from CeCe Peniston and the Baltimore City College Choir. The evening honored a century of community service while inspiring hope for the organization’s next hundred years of impact across Central Maryland.
Missing U.S. Naval Academy midshipman found dead near Annapolis campus
The U.S. Naval Academy announced that Midshipman Second Class Kyle Philbert James, a 20-year-old junior from New Jersey who went missing on Oct. 9, was found dead near the Annapolis campus. Authorities have not released details about the circumstances of his death, which remains under investigation.

