By Stephanie Harper Special to the AFRO Summer doesn’t officially start in Baltimore until the AFRAM Festival kicks off, bringing residents and visitors from the entire region to enjoy all things related to African-American culture. The 46th annual AFRAM festival is currently taking place, celebrating today’s hottest artists, Black culture and Black businesses. This year, the […]
Category: NEWS
Posted inEvents
Own Your Freedom: a celebration of Black Independence Day
By AFRO Staff A day of food, festivities and fun was celebrated among family and friends on June 10 at the “Own Your Freedom” event in honor of Juneteenth. Speaker and entrepreneur Cheryl D. Gray hosted the event, which included a signing for her book “In Support of Myself.” The Juneteenth celebration recognized the historic […]
Posted inReligion
Telling our story: a look at the history passed down via church and the family bible
By Marnita Coleman, Special to the AFRO For generations, family Bibles held information on the important occurrences that took place in the Black family. African Americans trusted their bibles for much more than sacred writings— they also relied on the book to discover those who went before them. Take a peek into that gigantic bible […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Towson Wines and Spirits owner calls Black customer racial slur on camera
By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, msayles@afro.com The owner of Towson Wines and Spirits in Towson, Md. was caught on camera calling a Black customer a “ni**er” on June 16. Shaka Pitts, a communications associate for the Baltimore County Register of Wills Office, went into the store, located at 6 W Pennsylvania Avenue, to buy […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Associated Black Charities hosts annual gala, recognizes the AFRO and local community organizations
By AFRO Staff Associated Black Charities hosted their annual gala on June 10 at The Hall inside of Maryland Live Casino. The organization recognized the AFRO American Newspapers along with several non-profit organizations and community groups that are doing the work to improve Baltimore and the state of Maryland as a whole. Founded in 1985, […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Building a Path to Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Homeownership has long been a symbol of the American dream. Our homes often represent far more than just shelter – they’re central to family life and building strong communities. The economic impact of homeownership can’t be overlooked either. Homes are the largest source of wealth for Americans, which makes […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Telling our stories: The longstanding tradition of quilting
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Throughout history, African Americans have been forcefully silenced from their natural inclination to express their culture, needs and desires. Quilting was and continues to be a way for Black people, Black women especially, to memorialize moments that are important to Black culture or a specific Black family. “Quilting […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Telling our story: the Black traditions of dance, song and theater
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Historically, Black people have had to find ways to uplift one another and celebrate life— even in the face of racism and inhumane treatment. As the Black community celebrates Juneteenth, the AFRO is considering how African Americans and their ancestors have used their creativity to rebel, come together […]
Posted inSponsored Content
DEI, More than a Buzzword
By Tonya Odom For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about justice. I was invested in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) before DEI was considered a buzzword. It is why I went to law school. It’s why I served as a judge and why as a little girl, I was the […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Applications Open Now: Comcast RISE to Award 100 Small Businesses in Baltimore City with Comprehensive Grant Packages
By Comcast RISE Comcast is awarding 100 small businesses in Baltimore City with comprehensive grant packages through Comcast RISE. The grant packages include a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production of a 30-second TV commercial, a media schedule, a technology makeover, business consultation services, and educational resources. Through June 30, eligible businesses in Baltimore City can […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Telling our stories: afros, cornrows and more
By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com The Black community has truly mastered the art of storytelling. Using art as a form of communication and documentation is nothing new— we tell our stories with the written word, songs, dance— and yes, even via the very hair on our heads. Whether it be a voluminous Afro, […]
