For many older adults, financial wisdom didn’t come from classrooms or dinner table conversations but from years of experience, mistakes and hard-won lessons. Now, Washington residents Verlincia Roach, 62, and Carol Fillmore, 79, are sharing what they wish they had known about saving, spending and building financial stability in hopes younger generations can avoid the same missteps.
Category: Baltimore News
Baltimore County to take over Randallstown, Dundalk swim centers as Y exits
Baltimore County will assume operations of the Randallstown and Dundalk swim centers on Aug. 31 after the Y in Central Maryland ends its 15-year partnership, citing facility limitations. Community members worry the transition could include a temporary closure and disrupt access to vital swim programs that support safety, health and connection, particularly for Black youth.
Ellen Louise Dolvey Howard, Baltimore educator and TRIO leader, dies at 97
Ellen Louise Dolvey Howard, a Baltimore educator and national TRIO leader, died at 97 after a decades-long career helping low-income and first-generation students access higher education and trade programs.
Mfume secures $500k grant to expand job training for returning citizens
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com The National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) closed out national Second Chance Month with a $500,000 federal grant secured by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) during the federal appropriations process to support returning citizens and prevent recidivism. The funds, which were delivered on April 27, will be used for 50 […]
Coppin State University Ball hosts ‘powerful’ night of Black excellence
By Kendra BryantSpecial to the AFRO Coppin State University (CSU) hosted its annual ball, “An Ode to Black Excellence,” on May 2 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, celebrating 126 years of nurturing potential and transforming lives. Each year, the ball serves as a time to honor the past, while also drumming up financial support for […]
Many retirees rely on Social Security—but confusion and delays can cost them
Many Black retirees rely on Social Security as a primary source of income, but experts say confusion about when to claim benefits and missing documentation can lead to reduced payments or delays.
An announcement of the passing of the Rev. Dr. Marie Murphy Phillips Braxton
The Rev. Dr. Marie Phillips Braxton, a devoted educator, faith leader and longtime AFRO shareholder and Board member, has passed away after a lengthy illness.
Scott sets transit, infrastructure agenda as new BMC chair
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, newly appointed chair of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, highlights transit and infrastructure as key priorities for the region.
Coppin State University annual gala to serve as ‘An Ode to Black Excellence’
Coppin State University will host its annual excellence gala to celebrate the rich history of the university on May 2 at 7 p.m. inside of the Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore. This year’s theme is “An Ode to Black Excellence.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces property tax payment plans enrollment is now open
Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces that enrollment is open for Baltimore’s new Residential Property Tax Payment Plan Program, allowing eligible homeowners to pay past-due property taxes through flexible monthly payments and avoid tax sale. The program, established through recently passed legislation, marks the first time the city offers a payment plan option for overdue real property taxes and remains open for enrollment through May 12, 2026.
Opinion: Baltimore and Maryland are investing billions in transit—so why aren’t residents building wealth along the way?
Michael Eugene Johnson is creator of the Pikes Studio Cinema and cofounder of Black Men Unifying Black Men. This week, he argues that new development near transit needs to include ownership opportunities for average residents in order to foster distributed, generational wealth.
SNF Parkway Theatre selects Wordsmith for its inaugural residency program
With renovations complete, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Parkway Theatre is launching an artist residency program to support local creatives, including Wordsmith, who will present original works blending youth theater, music and storytelling. His productions, including “Uncle Bey’s Will” and “Network to Freedom,” center Black storytelling, history and community, while aiming to uplift Baltimore’s young and emerging artists.

