After a mother-son duo from Maryland turned advocacy into action, residents with autism and other hidden disabilities can now voluntarily self-identify on state IDs—paving the way for safer, more informed police interactions.
Category: Maryland News
Posted inBlack History
Business mogul Reginald F. Lewis remembered by mantra, ‘Keep going, no matter what’
Reginald F. Lewis, the first Black billionaire in the U.S., is being honored for his groundbreaking achievements in business and his deep commitment to family and community. A new exhibit and public events at the museum bearing his name celebrate his legacy of resilience, vision and determination to “keep going, no matter what.”
Posted inMaryland News
After complaints go nowhere, Maryland woman pushes for accountability from local lawyers
After hiring a bankruptcy attorney to challenge what she believed were inflated mortgage charges, Iris McClain says she was left with missed deadlines, a dismissed case and no refund. She’s now warning others and calling for greater accountability, alleging the state’s attorney oversight system is built to shield lawyers, not protect clients.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland’s forgotten victims: Shedding light on the state’s lynching legacy
Since 2018, the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project has worked to uncover the state’s legacy of racial terror, documenting dozens of lynchings that were long ignored or forgotten. Its leaders say reckoning with these truths is essential to healing—and to preventing history from repeating itself.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Protecting Moses African Cemetery: Residents return to court to safeguard the remains of Bethesda’s historic Black community
The headline says it all. Black bodies are buried underground in wealthy, well-educated, multi-ethnic, Bethesda, Maryland. This is a story you won’t believe is true – right next door to the nation’s capital. But it’s true.
Posted inMaryland News
From journalism to justice: Judge Kimberly C. McBride’s path to the bench
In 2024, Judge Kimberly C. McBride was appointed to the Baltimore City Circuit Court by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a moment she describes as “life-changing.” With a strong commitment to fairness and empathy, McBride strives to make thoughtful decisions while inspiring more Black women to pursue careers in law and justice.
Posted inMaryland News
Raising Adam: From diagnosis to empowerment
The Forbes family has found strength, joy and deep pride in raising their son Adam, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Through early intervention, resilience and unwavering love, they’ve learned to celebrate progress on their own terms—while encouraging other families to embrace the journey.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland public defender boosts exoneration efforts with 2nd innocence clinic at Maryland Carey School of Law
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender has launched a second Innocence Project clinic at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, joining the existing clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law, to help exonerate the wrongfully convicted.
Posted inHealth
An overlooked crisis: Women with disabilities and maternal health inequity
Black mothers with disabilities face unique challenges during pregnancy, including medical dismissal and higher costs. Advocates call for systemic change to ensure equitable, compassionate care for all mothers navigating these barriers.
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland lawmakers denied entry to Baltimore ICE facility
Maryland lawmakers were blocked from inspecting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding areas during a scheduled oversight visit to the Baltimore Field Office on July 28. ICE officials cited directives from headquarters, sparking outrage from the delegation and drawing a comparison to the historic targeting of Black Americans by Rep. Kweisi Mfume.
Posted inBaltimore News
Protesters defend Marilyn Mosby amid reported complaint by Baltimore State’s Attorney
Supporters of former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby held a protest outside the State’s Attorney’s Office on July 18, denouncing what they view as a political attempt to discredit her and revoke her law license.
Posted in#Education
When the bullying follows you home: A teen’s guide to surviving online cruelty
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Before the rise of social media, group chats and online forums, bullying was often confined to the school yard, classroom or cafeteria—places teens could physically leave behind at the end of the day. But now, digital devices and 24/7 connectivity have extended those boundaries, allowing harmful behavior to follow young […]