In this deeply personal commentary, Jarvis Houston reflects on becoming a father under crisis when his son was born prematurely due to preeclampsia while the family was in Colombia. Through the experience of navigating a foreign health system, witnessing the fragility of life in the NICU, and advocating for his partner’s survival, Houston examines the realities of Black fatherhood, the dangers of maternal health inequities facing Black women, and the collective nature of survival, care and love.
Category: NEWS
Posted inNational News
ICE officer kills a Minneapolis driver in a deadly start to White House’s latest immigration operation
An ICE officer fatally shot a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement operation, an incident federal officials described as self-defense but city and state leaders condemned as reckless and avoidable. The shooting, captured on video, sparked protests and vigils, intensified criticism of large-scale ICE deployments in the Twin Cities, and prompted state and federal investigations amid growing tension over immigration crackdowns.
Posted inNEWS
Baltimore’s first project labor agreement aims to boost union jobs, local workforce
Baltimore has reached its first-ever project labor agreement, prioritizing union labor and local hiring on four major Department of Public Works infrastructure projects. City officials say the deal will improve worksite conditions while ensuring projects are completed on time and to high-quality standards.
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Maternal care deserts are no accident—they are disinvestment zones harming Black mothers
Despite recent declines in overall U.S. maternal mortality, Black women continue to face rising and disproportionately high death rates due to systemic racism, chronic disease and inequitable access to care. The author argues that so-called “maternal care deserts” are intentionally under-resourced areas and should be reframed as “maternal care disinvestment zones” to highlight structural neglect and drive accountability.
Posted inDMV News
D.C.’s ‘Black Broadway’ comes alive as fans celebrate 50 years of go-go music
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO The old magic of “Chocolate City” returned on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. The theatre, located in the U Street corridor known as “Black Broadway,” is where legendary entertainers musicians like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong once showcased their musical prowess […]
Posted inSports
Anthony Joshua posts his first public update since the car crash that killed two of his friends
Anthony Joshua shared his first public message since surviving a car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and team members, posting a photo with his mother and others alongside a tribute caption. The former heavyweight champion sustained minor injuries in the Dec. 29 crash near Lagos, while his strength coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele were killed; the driver has since been charged as investigations continue.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Emergency aid begins reaching Baltimore families
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervemejicanos@afro.com After announcing more than $4.6 million in emergency aid for food, rent and child care during the government shutdown on Oct. 28, 2025 Baltimore officials are still working to distribute the funds to the individuals and organizations selected to receive them. Michelle Suazo, director of The Food Project in Southwest […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Scott reflects on historic crime drop and looks toward 2026
Baltimore ended 2025 with a record low of 133 homicides, the fewest in nearly 50 years. Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) and city leaders highlighted strategies to sustain reductions and announced a new five-year violence plan, which will be released later this year.
Posted inNational Sports
AP Source: John Harbaugh leaving the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons as coach
John Harbaugh is leaving the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons as their head coach, following a disappointing 8-9 season and playoff miss.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Five years later, former Capitol Officer Harry Dunn says Jan. 6 was ‘worst day’ of his life
By Stacy BrownNNPA Newswire On the fifth anniversary of Jan. 6, a date now fixed in the American conscience, former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn returned to the moment that altered his life and the nation’s course. Appearing on “Let It Be Known,” Dunn spoke about the unforgettable day that’s shaped by time, pain, and […]
Posted inBaltimore News
YouthWorks opens 2026 summer job applications for Baltimore youth
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writer YouthWorks, the program within the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development that provides a five-week summer job opportunity to thousands of Baltimore City youth and young adults will return in 2026. The program, which began in 1973 as “Blue Chip,” creates employment opportunities each year for people ages 14 […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Baltimore’s violence drop proves investing in Black-led youth and the arts works
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.
