Mecca Verdell, a local poet and author, stars in Boaz Yakin’s new film “Once Again (For the Very First Time)”, which explores the fusion of battle rap, poetry, and dance, and pays homage to the creative vibrancy of the community.
Category: NEWS
New schizophrenia drug may have milder side effects
The FDA has approved the first new drug in decades to treat chronic schizophrenia, which is effective and has fewer side effects than existing treatments, and could be beneficial to the Black community, where the rate of schizophrenia diagnoses is estimated to be up to five times higher than in the White community.
FDA updates the definition of ‘healthy’ foods
The FDA has finalized new standards for what food companies can label as “healthy,” requiring products to contain a certain amount of food from one or more food groups and limiting added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat.
Here are the medical appointments you need to make in 2025
This year, individuals should schedule a variety of medical appointments, including a primary care visit, reproductive care screenings, dental visits, immunizations, and mental health screenings, to ensure optimal health and well-being.
Ben Cardin reflects on his life, legacy and plans for retirement
Former U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin has announced his retirement after 58 years of public service, and reflects on his accomplishments and advice for the next generation of aspiring politicians.
Shaneka Henson poised to become first Black woman of Anne Arundel County, Md. to serve in the Maryland Senate
Maryland Del. Shaneka Henson has been nominated by the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee to the state Senate, and if approved by the governor, she will become the first Black woman to represent Anne Arundel County, Md. in the state Senate.
Ex-Washington police officer convicted of lying about leaks to the Proud Boys leader
Retired Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Shane Lamond was convicted of obstructing justice and making false statements after leaking confidential information to the leader of the Proud Boys extremist group, Enrique Tarrio, who was under investigation for burning a Black Lives Matter banner.
Dr. Lance London talks growing his Southern-cooking restaurant Carolina Kitchen
Dr. Lance London, founder of the Southern-cooking restaurant chain Carolina Kitchen, recently opened a new location in Owings Mills, MD, focusing on providing plant-based options, and plans to open a new concept named for his grandmother in Upper Marlboro, MD in 2025.
Walking in a Winter wonderland: Baltimoreans dig out of the snow after first storm of the year
Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency on January 5 due to a winter storm that caused snowfall, road closures, and school and office closures, with the National Weather Service recording 6.6 inches of snow in Baltimore.
Joy Evans Therapeutic Center opens in Ward 7
The Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center, a $40.4 million project, has opened in Ward 7 to provide Washingtonians with critical services that strengthen physical, cognitive and emotional wellness, and is named after a former resident of Forest Haven, a D.C. institution for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Gov. Moore awards Y in Central Maryland $300,000 grant to fight poverty
The Y in Central Maryland has been awarded a $300,000 planning grant from the Maryland Governor’s Office of Children’s ENOUGH Act to address the root causes of poverty in the Greater Waverly area.
AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ Draper highlights work of Dr. Carl J. Murphy in new book, ‘Prayer and Pen’
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher and CEO of the AFRO-American Newspapers, has released a new book honoring her grandfather, Dr. Carl J. Murphy, and his contributions to the AFRO, including his prayers and legacy as a publisher.

