Baltimore’s historic drop in youth homicides and gun violence is the result of intentional investments in Black-led organizations, youth arts programs, recreation centers and public spaces, not chance. Drawing from her work with Creative Nomads, Kayenecha Daugherty argues that art, community-based leadership and equitable funding are proven public-safety strategies—and warns that recent gains are fragile without sustained support.
Category: NEWS
Posted inAfro Briefs
From Washington to Bogotá, protests grow as Maduro faces US judge
The arrest and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to a U.S. federal court sparked widespread protests across the United States and abroad, with demonstrators questioning the legality and consequences of the 47th U.S. president’s action. As Maduro appeared under heavy guard in Manhattan, rallies erupted from New York to Bogotá and Caracas, drawing condemnation from global leaders and deepening international tensions over U.S. intervention and international law.
Posted inNational Sports
Ravens have a long offseason to think about where to go next after stunning loss to Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens’ season ended in heartbreak with a 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning field goal in the final minute, eliminating Baltimore from playoff contention. Despite three touchdown passes from Lamar Jackson and a strong rushing performance by Derrick Henry, defensive breakdowns, costly penalties and a late Steelers drive led by Aaron Rodgers sealed a stunning defeat and left the Ravens facing an uncertain and potentially turbulent offseason.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott named 2025 AFRO Person of Year
For Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, 2025 was a year of pressure and progress, from record-breaking reductions in violent crime to major investments in youth, education and neighborhood revitalization. As 2026 begins, Scott says he plans to build on those achievements while continuing his focus on public safety, economic development and changing the national narrative about Baltimore.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Gunmen kill at least 30 villagers and abduct others during raid in northern Nigeria
Gunmen killed at least 30 villagers and abducted several others during a Jan. 3 raid on Kasuwan-Daji village in Nigeria’s Niger state, according to police and local residents. Survivors and church officials say the death toll could exceed 40, with bodies still unrecovered amid delayed security response, highlighting ongoing insecurity in the region.
Posted inU.S. Government
How the Monroe Doctrine factors into US arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro
The White House cited the Monroe Doctrine as justification for U.S. military action that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, reviving a two-century-old policy long used to rationalize American intervention in Latin America. Scholars say the 47th president’s framing follows a historical pattern of invoking the doctrine to advance U.S. strategic and commercial interests, particularly energy, while raising questions about prolonged U.S. involvement in Venezuela and tensions within the “America First” movement.
Posted inOPINION
47th president’s foreign policy is White supremacy
By Dayvon Love One of the impacts of the descent of news media into the realm of pop culture is a general neglect of political discourse in Black spaces on foreign policy. The focus on things that will get likes and shares disincentivizes rigorous foreign policy conversations in Black civic and political circles. This has […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
USPS honors Phillis Wheatley, first published African-American poet, with 49th Black Heritage Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service will honor Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet, with the 49th stamp in its Black Heritage series, celebrating her enduring literary legacy and impact on American history. Issued Jan. 29, the Forever stamp recognizes Wheatley’s groundbreaking achievements as an enslaved woman whose poetry helped shape African American literature and inspired generations.
Posted inNational News
Average household electricity bills in 2025 ran 9.6 percent higher than in 2024, rising faster than wages and overall inflation
A nationwide analysis shows U.S. households paid significantly more for electricity and natural gas in 2025, with average electricity bills rising 9.6 percent over 2024—outpacing wage growth and inflation. Driven by aging grid upgrades, climate-related weather stress, rising demand from AI data centers, higher fuel costs, and policy decisions slowing clean energy expansion, the increases are affecting more than 150 million utility customers nationwide.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Dozens missing after boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsized off the coast of Gambia
Dozens of migrants are missing after an overcrowded boat carrying more than 200 people capsized off the coast of Gambia on New Year’s Eve, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue operation involving emergency services and local fishermen. The tragedy underscores the deadly risks faced by African migrants attempting the perilous Atlantic route to Europe in search of better opportunities.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
U.S. strikes Venezuela, says its leader has been ‘captured’ and flown out of the country
Legal experts are examining military action taken by the United States in Venezuela on Jan. 3 to determine if the “capture” of the country’s president and first lady can be legally justified. The two are said to be in U.S. custody to face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons charges in New York.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Gospel giant Richard Smallwood, composer of timeless hits, has died at 77
Richard Smallwood, the eight-time Grammy-nominated, classically trained gospel composer and recording artist whose work reshaped contemporary gospel music, died Dec. 30 at age 77 from complications of kidney failure. Over a five-decade career, Smallwood blended classical, pop and gospel traditions, creating enduring songs like “Total Praise,” “I Love the Lord” and “Center of My Joy,” while influencing generations of artists across gospel, R&B and popular music.