A former Ohio sheriff’s deputy was convicted of reckless homicide in the 2020 shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr., a 23-year-old Black man who was entering his grandmother’s home with sandwiches when he was killed. Jurors deadlocked on a murder charge against ex-deputy Jason Meade, whose second trial renewed scrutiny of police shootings of Black Americans and demands for accountability in Ohio.
Category: NEWS
Posted inEducation
Dr. Otis Eldridge takes 2026 Teacher of the Year title for Baltimore City Public Schools
Dr. Otis Eldridge is officially the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). Eldridge, a band director and music teacher at Hamilton Elementary Middle School, learned of the honor on May 7 via surprise visit by City Schools CEO Dr. Sonya Santelesis.
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
D.C. Council extends federal transparency laws
Washington, D.C. transparency laws governing the Metropolitan Police Department’s interactions with federal officers have been extended through November, amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity and debate over accountability, oversight and public trust in policing throughout the District.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. schools bring voter registration to students ahead of elections
Schools and community organizations in Washington, D.C. are bringing voter registration and civic education directly to students as the District prepares for upcoming elections and ranked choice voting.
Posted inHBCU
HBCU presidents announce collaboration to expand research and innovation
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editordbailey@afro.com Leaders at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the nation have declared an initiative to invest in the future of research and discovery. Fifteen of America’s HBCUs high-capacity research institutions have announced the Association of HBCU Research Institutions. The umbrella organization has a mission to expand world-class research, […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Coppin State hosts economic inclusion conference, highlights West Baltimore revitalization efforts
Coppin State University brought together elected officials, business leaders and community advocates for its 2026 Economic Inclusion and Innovation Research Conference, focusing on strategies to expand economic mobility and investment in West Baltimore. Panelists highlighted ongoing revitalization efforts along the West North Avenue corridor, including housing redevelopment, small business support and workforce development initiatives aimed at strengthening neighborhood wealth-building opportunities.
Posted inNational News
Black leaders demand corporate accountability for $175 billion in tariff refunds
Following the Supreme Court’s Feb. 20 ruling to strike down the current administration’s tariffs, Rep. Steven Horsford is leading an effort to demand corporate accountability regarding the distribution of $175 billion in refunds.
Posted inD.C. Community, D.C. Events, DMV News, Washington D.C. News
Thousands celebrate culture with ‘Around the World Embassy Tour’
By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO On May 2 the 19th annual Around the World Embassy Tour was held in Washington, D.C., with over 69 Embassies welcoming over 50,000 people. The University District of Columbia (UDC), a historically Black institution, hosted several of the embassies. The Embassy Tour is one of the biggest events in […]
Posted inNational News
Inside Sierra Club’s pattern of Black leadership departures
By Dr. Angelo A. WilliamsThe Observer EDITOR’S NOTE: Between 2023 and 2025, a cluster of departures across the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation — including routine board turnover, resignations, a discrimination lawsuit and the firing of former Executive Director Ben Jealous — fueled a debate over who holds power inside one of the […]
Posted inDMV News
Ben’s Chili Bowl reopens after lengthy renovation
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO Whether you are a go-go aficionado, a radio icon, a Hollywood superstar, or just someone from the D.C. area longing for a half smoke, Ben’s Chili Bowl is once again the place to go. The long-awaited grand reopening of the flagship location of Ben’s Chili Bowl took place […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Morgan State hosts inaugural caregivers conference focused on wellness and support
Morgan State University’s School of Social Work hosted its inaugural Caregivers Conference on April 25 to highlight the mental, emotional and physical well-being of caregivers. The event emphasized resilience, shared experiences and access to resources for those supporting loved ones with serious health needs.
Posted inBaltimore News
Tax payment plan to prevent property loss debuts in Baltimore
Baltimore City has opened enrollment for its first residential property tax payment plan, offering homeowners a way to catch up on past-due taxes through manageable monthly payments designed to reduce tax sales and prevent home loss.
