In a time when divisions often feel louder than unity, Gospel Fest was a moment of communion—a reminder of the beauty that emerges when tradition, excellence, and faith share the same stage. The event, held at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore on April 3, featured the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Pastor Smokie Norful, and three of the nation’s most distinguished HBCU choirs, Bowie State University Choir, Howard Gospel Choir and Morgan State University Choir.
Category: Baltimore News
Posted inBaltimore News
Obituary: Former judge George L. Russell Jr., founding chairman of Reginald F. Lewis Museum, dies at 96
George L. Russell Jr., a trailblazing jurist and civic leader who became the first African American to hold several key legal positions in Maryland, has died at the age of 96. As the founding chairman of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, he played a pivotal role in securing its funding and establishing it as a beacon of Black history and excellence.
Posted inMaryland News
House of Ruth Maryland: Supporting financial independence after interpersonal violence
Financial independence is crucial for domestic abuse survivors. Savings, job readiness and legal resources help them achieve stability. This week, Shanna Norwood (left) , director of crisis response at the House of Ruth Maryland, and Lauren Corbin, a criminal defense attorney in Maryland, discuss how to financially prepare to leave an abusive relationship.
Posted inMaryland News
Testimonies at Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final hearing call for reparations, healing and accountability
The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission (MLTRC) held its final public hearing to examine the enduring legacy of racial terror lynchings, with testimonies advocating for reparations and police accountability. Experts, advocates, and community members emphasized the need for radical reparations and a shift in how law enforcement engages with Black communities, urging both acknowledgment and concrete action to repair historical harms.
Posted inBaltimore News
Empowering teens: A guide to budgeting and saving for the future
Tammira Lucas, an assistant professor of business at Coppin State University, believes that teaching high school students about money management is essential for their long-term success. She outlined a year-by-year financial plan for teens, encouraging them to start saving early, set clear financial goals and eventually explore investment opportunities as they approach adulthood.
Posted inCommentary
Budgeting and saving: Telling your money where to go
Frances Murphy Draper is the publisher and CEO of the AFRO. This week she reflects on the resilience, contributions and financial empowerment of Black communities—highlighting how faith, determination and collective action have shaped our economic journey.
Posted inBaltimore News
AFRO High Tea returns to Baltimore
The AFRO’s High Tea returns April 26 at Martin’s West, honoring historic organizations and celebrating community legacy. With nearly 1,000 guests expected, the event features live entertainment, local vendors and support.
Posted inBUSINESS
Money matters: How to be smart about saving
Certified financial planner Nicolas Abrams advises savers to be strategic by aligning their savings with specific goals rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. This week, he emphasizes the importance of choosing the right accounts—whether for retirement, homeownership or education—to ensure their money is working efficiently.
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Baltimore leaders discuss justice and reform 10 years after Freddie Gray’s death
Ten years after Freddie Gray’s death, the University of Maryland Carey School of Law and the Campaign for Justice, Safety and Jobs held a powerful reflection on Baltimore’s progress and ongoing challenges. Attorney William Murphy and community leaders discussed the fight for justice and the continued push for police reform under the federal consent decree.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Rapid-response teams aid troubled youths in New Jersey – but funding limits Maryland’s similar effort
By Colin McnamaraCapital News Service A New Jersey girl tormented others in her kindergarten class. Alienated from her classmates, she physically attacked other students and colored the bathroom walls with a permanent marker. Access to mental health care was complicated in her rural county, and school officials considered suspending the 6-year-old. That was when the […]
Posted inBaltimore Government
Baltimore officials strengthen security after $803K fraud incident
Baltimore City lost $803,000 in a fraud scheme where a scammer posed as a vendor representative. Officials are now enhancing security measures, including multi-factor authentication and employee training, to prevent future incidents.
Posted inBaltimore News
Funeral arrangements announced for Armstead B.C. Jones, director of Baltimore City Elections
By AFRO Staff Funeral arrangements have now been announced for longtime Baltimore City Board of Elections Director Armstead Bernard Crawley Jones Sr. A viewing will take place on April 11 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Saint Paul Baptist Church of Baltimore City, located at 3101 The Alameda. A celebration of life will […]