One thing that excites Mothyna James-Brightful is marriage. The passion is evident in her voice when she talks about it. Today, as a married women and a promoter of sisterhood, James-Brightful wants to spread the importance of marriage to more women. That’s why “relationships” is the theme for this year’s Heal a Woman to Heal […]
Category: Baltimore News
Killer Sentenced
One of the two men accused of murdering an AFRO security guard last spring was sentenced to life in prison with all but 35 years suspended by a circuit court judge April 11. Troy Taylor, 20, pled guilty to first-degree murder, the use of a handgun in the commission of a crime, conspiracy to commit […]
New Addition to State’s Attorney Office to Polish Police Prosecution Division
Three months into his post as Baltimore’s top prosecutor and in the wake of a high-profile police towing corruption scandal, City State’s Attorney Gregg Bernstein has tapped a local attorney to head his newly minted police prosecution division. Criminal Defense lawyer Janice Bledsoe will close a private practice she opened in 2007 to lead the […]
Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Lawrence Bell
A state prosecutor dismissed all criminal charges against former City Council President Lawrence Bell III April 7 after the woman plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence. Shan Mabry had alleged Bell, 49, burglarized her home, stole prescription sunglasses worth $700, harassed and repeatedly stalked her over several months in 2010. Mabry, who claimed she dated […]
State Legislators Greenlight Minority Business Bill
Just before the General Assembly wrapped up this week, state lawmakers gave final approval to a bill changing how minority contractors are viewed when dealing with state contracts. Under the new legislation, state agencies fulfill their commitment to MBE by outsourcing 25 percent of the total value of their contracts to either of the defined […]
Morgan Shares in $95.8 Million Grant; Largest in School History
Morgan State University will receive a landmark $28.5 million portion of a massive $95.8-million, five-year grant from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The grant, which allows the East Baltimore school to conduct research supporting NASA’s Earth and space science projects, is the largest in Morgan’s 144-year history. Morgan will now play an integral part in […]
Mayor Releases Budget Proposal
Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has proposed to cut library and 311 hours, restructure city employee health benefit plans and halve the city’s contribution to recreation centers in an attempt to close a $65 million budget gap. Her budget proposal, released last week, cuts 10 percent of the city’s administration costs without raising taxes and […]
Coppin Dedicates Art Gallery in Memory of Former Photography Professor
Cary Beth Cryor captured stunning images of life at its best and worst. Her passion for photography led her to Morgan State University where she earned a bachelor’s in art education and later to the Pratt Institute of Art in New York where she received a master’s in photography. Cryor also attended the University of […]
Family, Neighbors, Friends Mourn Remington Woman
A week after her gruesome murder, several teddy bears, flowers and cards lay strewn on the sidewalk before Jhoma Blackwell’s home. A child’s pencil drawing of what looks like a girl and a large flower is taped to a porch wall. One man, who lives three doors down from Blackwell, remembers her as a quiet […]
New Community Program Set to Change the Image of Black Men
Hip hop has taken major hits over the years for a history, perceived by some as a troubling caricature of African-American males toting guns and degrading women. Civic leaders and public officials have protested hip-hop culture and the music’s misogynistic and sometimes violent lyrics have sparked national debate. Yet community organizers like Fanon Hill and […]
K&G Superstore to Help Local African-American Men Dress for Success
K&G Fashion Superstore wants to help local African-American men reach their career goals by ensuring they are dressed for the part. So the company launched a three-month series of seminars – “Suit Up to Win: Mind, Body & Soul” – celebrating and supporting Baltimore’s Black men. The initiative was announced during a luncheon March 31 […]
Nation’s Top State School Superintendent Stepping Down
Maryland Board of Education Superintendent Nancy Grasmick on March 30 announced she would retire June 30 after 20 years on the job. Grasmick, who steered the state system to a top national ranking for the last three years, told the Associated Press that she wanted to spend more time with her family. Her announcement triggered […]

