Novartis AG has reached an undisclosed settlement with the estate of Henrietta Lacks over claims it profited from her cells, taken without consent in 1951 and used in groundbreaking medical research. The case is one of several lawsuits filed by her family seeking compensation for the use of the HeLa cell line.
Category: NEWS
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ward 3 residents call for more affordable housing, raise alarm over upzoning plans
Ward 3 Housing Justice is pushing back against planned upzoning along Connecticut and Wisconsin avenues, saying new developments risk excluding low-income families despite promises of increased housing. The D.C. Office of Planning estimates the changes could add 10,000 new units, including 2,000 affordable under the Inclusionary Zoning Plus program, but community advocates say that doesn’t go far enough.
Posted inBUSINESS
New leadership at Baltimore Development Corporation aims to reimagine economic development
The Baltimore Development Corporation has a new senior leadership team, with Jeremy Watson and Roy Broderick joining to help reimagine the city’s approach to economic development. Both leaders emphasized equity as a guiding principle, pledging to advance opportunities and growth for Baltimore’s Black businesses and neighborhoods.
Posted inLiving
Seniors sound off on what people should know about life after 60
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com For many Americans, life after 60 is often framed as slowing down as one transitions into a new phase of life. But for older adults themselves, life after 60 can look different for everyone. Joyce Willis Chapman, a 71-year-old caregiver from Baltimore, said being present is key. “Live in the […]
Posted inObituaries - Baltimore
Alice Fitts, First Lady and longtime educator, dies at 80
Alice Louise Alston Fitts, longtime Baltimore City public school counselor and first lady of First Baptist Church, passed away Feb 2. 2026. She was 80 years old.
Posted inBlack History
Autherine Lucy Foster’s courage opened doors at the University of Alabama
Autherine Lucy Foster became a civil rights pioneer when the University of Alabama rescinded her 1952 admission after learning she was Black. With legal backing from Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP, she won the right to enroll in 1956, but violent protests led to her suspension and expulsion. Decades later, the university reversed its decision, and Foster earned her master’s degree in 1991. She was later honored by Morgan State University for her role in desegregating higher education.
Posted inMaryland Government
Then and now: Black History Month underscores the ongoing battle to protect the ballot
As Black History Month is underway, Maryland lawmakers are championing bills to strengthen voting rights and protect minority voters. The proposed legislation aims to safeguard ballots and ensure legal recourse against voter intimidation or suppression.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Activists, politicians and celebrities hold alternatives to State of the Union address
In a historic display of legislative dissent, a coalition of more than 80 lawmakers bypassed the official presidential address to convene an “alternative union” on the National Mall, framing their absence as a rejection of executive rhetoric. The atmosphere inside the Capitol remained volatile, punctuated by the forced removal of a congressman protesting racial imagery and verbal clashes over the domestic consequences of immigration enforcement.
Posted inTech
Black tech leaders call for ownership, access and leadership
Black tech leaders in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., are urging greater ownership, access and representation as artificial intelligence reshapes industries and daily life. Through community-building, entrepreneurship and AI governance, they say Black professionals must move from consumers of technology to architects of the systems shaping the future.
Posted inBlack History
Black leaders highlighted in ‘Strong Men and Women in Virginia History” exhibit
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor An attorney, a U.S. Army officer, a civil rights pioneer and a public health advocate are all honored in the 14th annual “Strong Men and Women in Virginia History” exhibit. Presented by Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia, the leaders were recognized this Black History Month alongside scholars who […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Elders call for ownership, mentorship and mindset shift to secure Black progress
Community elders say sustaining Black progress will require mentorship, economic literacy and resilience amid shifting diversity efforts. They urge the next wave of leaders to focus on ownership, mindset and long-term impact to strengthen future generations.
Posted inArts & Culture
Protecting the source: Tom Miller Week rallies support to preserve iconic murals
This week creatives and art lovers everywhere are celebrating the sixth annual Tom Miller Week, an annual time to honor the life and legacy of the Baltimore artist. The 2026 celebration is focused on restoring and preserving Miller’s work.