Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino says the state must overhaul systems that have long failed young men and boys. She outlines efforts to rebuild trust, strengthen reentry support, expand mentorship, and align with Gov. Wes Moore’s Young Men and Boys Initiative to create real opportunities for youth and reduce cycles of neglect and incarceration.
Category: Maryland News
Posted inPrince George's County News
Family mourns death of Dacara Thompson as advocates push for change in media coverage
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com Officials have announced that the man accused of taking the life of Prince George’s County teen, Dacara Thompson, will be held without bond. Police have charged Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, of Bowie, with first and second degree murder. According to information released by the Prince George’s County Police Department’s […]
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore officially launches 2026 re-election campaign
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) officially launches his 2026 re-election campaign Sept. 9, emphasizing his work in increased job growth, reduced crime, education investment and bipartisan leadership across Maryland.
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland Cycling Classic sparks dialogue on Black health and inclusion
The Maryland Cycling Classic returned to Baltimore, hosting inaugural men’s and women’s races for teams across the country. The event sparked conversations amongst African American spectators on health benefits and the lack of representation within the sport.
Posted inBaltimore News
Advocates warn of racial harm in new juvenile monitoring guidelines
The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services is changing how it handles youth on electronic monitoring, allowing for detention if they reoffend. While state officials say the move balances safety and support, advocates warn it will deepen racial disparities and criminalize youth before trial.
Posted inHBCU
MPT to debut documentary on Thurgood Marshall during HBCU Week 2025
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com In a public media partnership that offers content about the history, legacy, cultural heritage and degree programs offered by America’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Maryland Public Television (MPT) will debut “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect.” The new documentary will explore the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall, […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Wes Moore, Brandon Scott reject 47th president’s National Guard plan for Baltimore
Gov. Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott denounced the Oval Office’s plan to send the National Guard to Baltimore, calling it unnecessary and “performative.” At a Sept. 5 press conference in Park Heights, they pointed instead to record crime reductions, with homicides at a 50-year low. City leaders and community advocates stressed that resources should go toward collaboration, jobs and housing — not militarization.
Posted inMaryland News
Family, city council members call for reform after in-custody death of Dontae Melton Jr.
The family of Dontae Melton Jr. is speaking out against his death in police custody, which was ruled a homicide, and is demanding full disclosure and improved police training on mental health calls.
Posted inMaryland Sports
Maryland Cycling Classic returns Sept. 6 with men’s, women’s races held for the first time entirely within Baltimore City limits
The Maryland Cycling Classic will return on September 6th, with the debut of men’s and women’s races on a course contained entirely within the City of Baltimore, and the Benin National Team making history as the first all-Black African women’s national team to compete in a UCI-ranked race in North America.
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Wes Moore signs executive order to expand affordable housing
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed an executive order on Sept. 3 to expand affordable housing in Maryland. The move comes amid reports showing many residents, especially Black and Latino households, struggling to afford rent and lacking financial safety nets.
Posted inBaltimore County Government
Nelson Brown, Jennifer Dwyer team up to run for Baltimore County Democratic seats
Nelson Brown and Jennifer Dwyer are running mates for Baltimore County Democratic State Central Committee seats in District 10, aiming to strengthen community engagement and party support. They plan to focus on public safety, economic growth and government transparency if elected.
Posted inBaltimore News, Maryland News, NEWS
Maryland Guard unveils WWII mural, honors Maryland 400 heroes
By Maryland Military Department The Maryland Military Department will honor the Maryland National Guard’s long tradition of service to the state and nation with a historic World War II mural unveiling and a Maryland 400 dedication ceremony during the reopening of the Maryland Museum of Military History, located at the Fifth Regiment Armory, on Sept. […]
