The federal government reported that new home construction fell sharply in May, the first month after the federal homebuyer tax credit expired. “No doubt, a certain amount of building and buying activity that would have taken place in May was pulled forward to accommodate the program’s end date, which is why we have projected some […]
Category: NEWS
Posted inNational News
“Mobile Money” for Haiti
Through a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the United States Agency of International Development has created a $10 million banking fund to jumpstart financial services in mobile banking in Haiti. “Mobile Money” will provide the delivery of cash assistance to Haitians devastated by the earthquake and help lift them out of extreme […]
Posted inNational News
Haiti Recovery Inches Forward
At first glance, you wouldn’t think much has changed in Haiti since an unprecedented tremor ravaged Port-au-Prince five months ago. “There are piles of rubble everywhere and some parts of Port-au-Prince look like Armageddon,” said American Red Cross spokeswoman Julie Sell with a heavy sigh. She added, “People who work in the humanitarian and disaster […]
Posted inNational News
Life, Death Converge Through Photographer’s Lens
Haiti is a paradox; a place where dueling forces of life and death exist at an impasse – a reality made even starker by the 7.0-magitude earthquake that shook the nation’s core and destroyed its capital. AFRO freelance photographer J.D. Howard said he felt compelled to capture the Caribbean nation’s story on camera. “I wanted […]
Posted inBaltimore News
African American Heritage Festival Provides Unique Cultural Experience
Complete with live performances, historical exhibits and art that highlights Baltimore’s rich Black influence, this year’s African American Heritage Festival is sure to give families across the area the perfect Father’s Day weekend. Kicking off on June 18, R&B crooner Ryan Leslie will open for the blue-eyed soul balladeer Robin Thicke. On June 19, various […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Local Church Finds its “Sanctuary” in Business
Pastor Anthony G. Maclin and the Sanctuary at Kingdom Square has a model for success many other churches in the area just don’t have. It has its own mall. “I think it’s a good thing that people know that they can come somewhere where they can trust you,” said Shelley McClain, owner of Just 4 […]
Posted inBaltimore Community, Baltimore News
Through My Father’s Eyes
Marty Henson wants to be a good father. A rough-and-tumble past and a series of poor decisions made it difficult for him to be a nurturing parent, but he now recognizes his shortcomings. It took several prison stays and a strained relationship with his two daughters for him to reevaluate his life and change. Shortly […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
P.G. Council Budget not as Bad as Feared, Still Falls Short
The Prince George’s County Council recently approved the county’s $2.6 billion budget. The budget will eliminate some of the furloughs county officials expected, but it’s still not enough to completely bail the county out of it’s financial hole. Overall, fiscal year 2011 budget provides $4.3 million more in funding for Prince George’s County than FY […]
Posted inBaltimore Community, Baltimore News
Coppin State Cuts Energy Costs with New Solar Installations
Coppin State University will install energy-saving solar systems on eight campus rooftops in efforts to reduce energy costs. The final project is expected to be completed by April 2011. The project, funded by the Maryland Energy Administration’s Sunburst Program, will provide nearly three to five percent of Coppin’s total annual consumption and will cut annual […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Federal Workers Union Endorses Gray
City Council Chairman Vincent Gray, a candidate in this year’s mayoral race, poses with members of the American Federation of Government Employees, which has endorsed Gray. See story on Afro.com.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Parents Concerned about Proposed School Transfer
Parents at Whitehall Elementary School in Bowie are upset about a proposed transfer of students to Kenilworth Elementary next school year. Roughly 140 students would be transferred and parents say they aren’t confident the county has done its due diligence. ” is going with old numbers and inaccurate numbers and they really didn’t consider the […]
Posted inBaltimore News
BCCC Bids Farewell to Walter Dean and Harry Smith
As the 2010 academic year draws to a close, Baltimore City Community College says goodbye to two pillars of its scholastic community. These men, who forged excellence and demonstrated their ability to change lives are: Walter Dean, 40-year educator, Baltimore area civil rights pioneer and member of the Maryland House of Delegates, who implored people […]