A new report links cuts and inconsistencies in Pell Grant funding to a nearly half-million drop in Black college enrollment over the past decade, with Southern HBCUs hit hardest. Researchers urge federal and state leaders to stabilize Pell funding to ensure equitable access to higher education.
Category: NEWS
Posted inAfro Newspaper
AFRO News honors ‘Unsung Heroes’ Department of Public Works in Baltimore
The AFRO celebrated their 3rd annual “Unsung Heroes” luncheon on Oct. 23, celebrating people from the Department of Public Works that have done so much for the Baltimore community.
Posted inHealth
Youth Mental Health Corps expands to Maryland, empowering young adults to bridge mental health gaps for their peers
The Youth Mental Health Corps (YMHC), launched by the Schultz Family Foundation, is expanding to 11 states — including Maryland — deploying 600 young adults to provide near-peer mental health support in schools, nonprofits, and clinics. The program aims to address the youth mental health crisis by training diverse young adults, ages 18–24, to offer culturally relevant support while earning credentials and exploring careers in behavioral health.
Posted inArts & Culture
Misty Copeland hangs up her pointe shoes after performing for adoring crowd at retirement show
Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre’s 85-year history, performed her farewell show Oct. 22 at Lincoln Center, marking her retirement after 25 years with the company. Surrounded by family, colleagues and admirers including Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen, Copeland celebrated a career that broke racial barriers in classical ballet while pledging to continue advancing diversity through her foundation and advocacy work.
Posted inSports
NBA scandal: 34 people indicted in major illegal gambling and betting operation
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones are among 34 people indicted in a federal probe into an illegal gambling ring tied to Mafia families. Prosecutors say the trio used insider information and rigged poker games to profit, leading the NBA to place Billups and Rozier on indefinite leave.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Baltimore’s Gabby Samone: From ‘American Idol’ breakout to rising R&B powerhouse
From a Disney performance in 2021 to “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and now “American Idol” and beyond, Gabby Samone is proving that her story is only beginning. For Baltimore and for fans nationwide, the rise of Gabby Samone is one to watch — a young artist grinding, glowing, and stepping fully into her moment.
Posted inBaltimore News
AFRO exclusive: LTYC founder responds to teacher lawsuit, cites delayed payments and funding challenges
Dermell Brunson, founder of Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center, is speaking publicly for the first time since former Baltimore City teachers sued his nonprofit and the school district over unpaid wages. Brunson said delayed payments from City Schools and other partners—compounded by outdated systems, tighter banking requirements for Black-led nonprofits, and post-COVID funding challenges—have created financial strain, though he stressed LTYC has acted in good faith.
Posted inWord In Black
USDA warns states about November SNAP benefits
By Jennifer Porter GoreWord in Black When Congress couldn’t agree on a budget to fund the government before Oct. 1, officials used some budget trickery to guarantee that the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, known as SNAP, would continue through the end of the month. But if Congress doesn’t pass a budget by Nov. 1, millions […]
Posted inHBCU
As others retreat amid anti-diversity sentiment, MacKenzie Scott deepens her commitment to HBCUs with $63M gift to Morgan State and $38M gift to UMES
Morgan State University is now the recipient of a $63 million donation from Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott. President David Wilson described the gift as not just a financial boost, but an affirmation of the university’s trajectory as a research institution.
Posted inNational Sports
Lamar Jackson back on practice field for Ravens after missing 2 games with hamstring injury
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to the practice field Oct. 22 after missing two games with a hamstring injury, giving the struggling team hope as they prepare to face the Chicago Bears. Although Jackson was limited in practice, teammates and coaches welcomed his presence, while Coach John Harbaugh remained noncommittal about Jackson’s status for Sunday’s game.
Posted inBaltimore News
4th annual Baltimore Together Summit to spotlight strides in economic growth
The fourth annual Baltimore Together Summit will take place on Oct. 27, bringing together city leaders, entrepreneurs and community stakeholders to celebrate progress and discuss strategies for an inclusive economy. The gathering will spotlight achievements in Black-owned business growth, neighborhood revitalization and workforce development while unveiling the latest Baltimore Together 2025 Progress Report.
Posted inU.S. Government
Federal shutdown drives rising need for food aid in Baltimore
As the federal shutdown stretches into its third week, Baltimore families are feeling the pressure, with many turning to food pantries for urgent support. Local leaders like Rev. Andre Samuel are seeing record demand at community pantries, while Mayor Brandon Scott emphasizes the city’s efforts to provide resources, job placements, and emergency aid. With food lines growing and uncertainty mounting, these grassroots efforts are becoming a lifeline for hundreds across the city.