Shawnta Privette, Baltimore City’s first African-American woman CAD technical manager, overcame early challenges to build a trailblazing career in public safety communications. Rising from a teen mother to a leader in her field, she emphasizes perseverance and the importance of data-driven public safety.
Category: Baltimore News
Homeownership wellness check: What you need to know about your deed and tax credits
Maryland homeowners may be missing out on valuable tax credits and financial assistance programs that can help reduce property taxes and fund essential home repairs. By ensuring their name is on the deed, applying for the Homestead and Homeowners Tax Credits, and exploring estate planning services, residents can take crucial steps to protect their home’s affordability and long-term stability.
Inspiring readers, building leaders: Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School celebrates Read Across America
Leith Walk Elementary/ Middle School celebrated Read Across America with a day of inspiring guest speakers, including city leaders, police officers and athletes, who encouraged students to embrace literacy and leadership. Despite ongoing challenges in reading proficiency, Baltimore City Public Schools have seen significant literacy gains, highlighting the importance of quality instruction and community engagement in fostering student success.
Gov. Wes Moore provides update on budget negotiations as deadline draws near
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) reaffirmed his commitment to tax code reforms and economic competitiveness while ruling out a sugary drink tax and business-to-business taxes in the FY 2026 budget. With a $3 billion deficit looming, Senate leaders anticipate deeper cuts, while Republican lawmakers remain skeptical about potential tax hikes.
Opinion: Maryland Democratic Party’s cold war
Dayvon Love is director of public policy for the Baltimore-based think tank, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. This week he speaks on infighting within the Democratic Party.
Governor Wes Moore outlines vision for Maryland’s economic growth, federal worker support and FBI relocation
Maryland Governor Wes Moore hosted a highly anticipated telephone town hall with over 5,000 of the state’s constituents on March 18. The town hall meeting, which focused on key topics such as economic growth, support for federal workers, the relocation of the FBI headquarters and veteran benefits, served as an important opportunity for Moore to update Marylanders on his administration’s progress and future plans.
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks announces Spring Break Camp offerings
By Special to the AFRO While schools are closed for spring break, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (Rec and Parks) will host Spring Break Camps for youth ages 5 to 17 from April 14 to 21 (excluding April 18). The camps will include a week of games, crafts, sports and outdoor adventures citywide. Registration is […]
Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Club honors scholarship recipients
By Special to the AFRO The Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Club hosted its 40th Carver Washington Scholarship Brunch on Feb. 8 – its first in-person event since the Covid-19 pandemic. The event, held under the theme “The Future is Now: Navigating the New Normal,” was described by the crowd of alumni, students, parents, educators and community […]
Morgan State University unveils new Henrietta Lacks statue for National Blacks in Wax Museum
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Henrietta Lacks, the woman whose immortal cells have circled the globe, contributing to medical breakthroughs, research and vaccines, was honored at Morgan State University (MSU) with a wax figure on March 15. Lacks, born in August 1920, is the Black woman responsible for giving the world the first cells capable […]
What to look out for on Opening Day for the Baltimore Orioles
By Mekhi AbbottSpecial to the AFROmabbott@afro.com The Major League Baseball season will begin on March 18 when the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs travel to Japan to play in the “2025 MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series.” The Baltimore Orioles will open up their season on March 27 in Canada as they face off […]
Former AFRO editor-in-chief Anthony McCarthy dies March 16 after long battle with kidney disease
Baltimore mourns the loss of Anthony McCarthy, who passed away on March 16 after a battle with kidney disease. A respected figure in Baltimore’s media and political circles, McCarthy was a journalist, broadcaster, political strategist, ordained minister, and dedicated community leader.
Maryland first lady Dawn Moore announces inaugural Preakness Festival
The inaugural Preakness Festival, announced by Maryland first lady Dawn Moore and state officials, will take place from May 10-15, celebrating Maryland’s historic Preakness Stakes with a mix of cultural, entertainment and equestrian events. Designed to boost economic impact and community engagement, the festival will feature concerts, farm tours and fundraisers, while renovations at Pimlico Race Course prepare for a revitalized future for the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.

