Baltimore City officials and community members gathered for a resource fair to provide aid and support after the police-involved shooting death of Bilal “B.J.” Abdullah Jr., with vendors offering testing for STDs, housing resources, drug rehabilitation programs, food, books, and school supplies.
Category: Baltimore News
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Scott Appoints Dr. Melanie Bryant as Director of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs
By The Baltimore City Office of the Mayor BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, June 25, 2025) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the appointment of Dr. Melanie Bryant as Director of Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. Her leadership will play a crucial role in supporting the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community policies and initiatives that […]
Posted inMusic
Words that echo: The lasting impact of song lyrics on Black communities
Hip-hop lyrics have long served as a reflection of the Black experience, from messages of unity and resistance to today’s dominant themes of money, violence and survival. As the music industry continues to shape what gets heard, artists and scholars are questioning how modern rap lyrics are influencing identity, values and the well-being of Black communities—especially among youth. Many are now calling for a return to more empowering narratives.
Posted inBaltimore News
2 shootings in 1 night leave 8 people wounded in Baltimore
By Tavon N. ThomassonAFRO Intern Within the span of a few hours on June 23, two separate mass shootings erupted in Baltimore, leaving multiple people wounded. The first incident occurred about 7 p.m., after the sound of gunfire echoed from the 1900 block of McHenry St., alerting officers nearby. At the scene, police found three […]
Posted inBaltimore News
The Pikes Studio Cinema: Bringing big-screen culture back to Pikesville
Pikes Studio Cinema is more than a movie house — it’s a community-driven space where themed films, local partnerships and free weekly screenings bring people together. Owner Michael Eugene Johnson is on a mission to make cinema meaningful again in Pikesville.
Posted inBaltimore News
Star power and local pride shine at AFRAM 2025
Day One of AFRAM 2025 brought over 150,000 people to Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park for a celebration of Black culture, music, and community featuring stars like JT, Stefflon Don, and Juvenile. The festival also introduced a new stage for local talent and showcased everything from food and fashion to art and wellness.
Posted inHair
Black Follicles Matter Expo 2025: A safe space for curls, coils and conversations
The Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo will host “Black Follicles Matter” on June 28, 2025, spotlighting natural hair, cultural pride, and community wellness. Led by salon founder Malaika Tamu-Cooper, the event offers workshops, live demos, and a marketplace promoting Black beauty, health, and empowerment.
Posted inMaryland News
Governor Moore declares State of Preparedness to enhance government coordination amid extreme heat forecast
Governor Wes Moore signed a State of Preparedness to protect Marylanders from a potentially hazardous heat wave, urging them to stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable family members and friends to ensure their safety.
Posted inBaltimore News
Port of Baltimore could see tariff impacts in June
Shipping containers stack up at the Port of Baltimore, as officials await the delayed impact of the United States’ President’s tariffs on Chinese goods.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Former senator Jill Carter launches Walter P. Carter Institute for Leadership and Service
Former Maryland lawmaker Jill P. Carter has launched the Walter P. Carter Institute for Leadership and Service to honor her father’s civil rights legacy and empower Baltimore communities through collaboration, education and cultural preservation.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore City NAACP speaks on death of man killed in police involved shooting
Officials are investigating the circumstances of a police-involved shooting near the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. and Laurens St. on June 17. According to the Baltimore City NAACP, the man killed was Bilal “BJ” Abdullah.
Posted inBUSINESS
Shoppers grapple with supporting retailers as they scale back equity, diversity and inclusion efforts
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com As Juneteenth approaches, Black consumers are increasingly split on whether to support major retailers like Walmart and Target— companies that have faced growing scrutiny for scaling back their diversity, inclusion and equity efforts. Amid calls for store boycotts from leaders such as Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, of Georgia’s New Birth […]