The Laurel Cemetery Memorial Project has worked to restore the memory of the tens of thousands of Black Baltimoreans buried at the Laurel Cemetery, with the unveiling of a new commemorative sign, and the continued efforts of researchers and descendants to identify and honor their ancestors.
Category: NEWS
Posted inBaltimore News
Morgan State homecoming unites generations through celebration, remembrance and school pride
Morgan State University’s 2025 homecoming united thousands of students and alumni for a week of celebration, reflection, and community pride centered around the historic HBCU’s enduring legacy. From lively concerts and parades to moments of remembrance, the festivities showcased the deep bonds and shared spirit that continue to define the Morgan experience.
Posted inBaltimore News
Elected officials call out blatant racist messages
Black officials are increasingly confronting racist attacks online, by phone and email. Leaders like Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) are exposing the derogatory comments to highlight its persistence and the resilience it demands.
Posted inBooks
Kamala Harris draws sold-out D.C. crowds on book tour, urges Democrats to stay in the fight
Former Vice President Kamala Harris drew sold-out crowds at Washington, D.C.’s Warner Theatre on Oct. 9 to discuss her new book, “107 Days,” reflecting on her 2024 presidential campaign and America’s political challenges. In candid remarks, she urged Democrats to stay engaged and united as the fight for democracy continues.
Posted inPOLITICS
SCOTUS faces loyalty test in new term
As the U.S. Supreme Court opens its 2025–26 term, justices will confront cases that could reshape national policy on race, gender, campaign finance, and presidential power. With public trust at historic lows, observers say the Court’s rulings this term will test its independence — and the nation’s commitment to equality and democracy.
Posted inClimate Change
Planting hope: How Baltimore locals use trees to fight climate change
Baltimore residents like Everett Mitchell and Leah Oliver are leading grassroots efforts to plant trees in underserved neighborhoods, helping to combat climate change and restore green spaces. Their work brings environmental healing, education, and a renewed connection to nature in the heart of the city.
Posted inHealth
Bringing diversity to the mat: Maryland studio owners work to make yoga more inclusive
Dana Smith and Kendra Blackett-Dibinga, two Maryland yoga instructors and studio owners, are working to make the practice more inclusive. Both women opened their studios to create welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds—especially Black communities—can see themselves represented in yoga.
Posted inMental Health
Breaking cycles: Black parents embrace self-care and mindful parenting
Black parents across the U.S. are embracing self-care and teaching children mindfulness, affirmations and boundaries as part of a shift in parenting. Advocates say the approach helps break cycles while giving kids tools to thrive.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Bridging the ‘Black-Blue Divide’ — one congregation at a time
Faith and Blue, a national initiative launched in 2020 by MovementForward, invites police officers into houses of worship to foster trust and dialogue with communities that have often viewed law enforcement with skepticism. At Set the Captives Free Outreach Center in Maryland and hundreds of churches nationwide, congregations are bridging the “Black-Blue divide” through worship, conversation, and shared activities with local officers.
Posted inNational News
LaRuby May and team of attorneys file suit against Pfizer, claim negligence in premature release of sickle cell drug therapy
LaRuby May and her legal team are representing clients who were harmed by the withdrawn Pfizer drug, Oxbryta, and are advocating for research and treatments for sickle cell disease.
Posted inClimate Change
In Kenya, a search for links between a changing climate and mental health
In Kenya’s Kilifi County, researchers are finding that droughts and floods linked to climate change are worsening mental health challenges for women farmers. A new study by The Aga Khan University shows that extreme weather is associated with rising levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in rural communities.
Posted inWord In Black
Meet the 5 MacArthur ‘geniuses’ making the future Black and brilliant
Five Black innovators — filmmaker Garrett Bradley, archaeologist Kristina Douglass, social justice artist Tonika Lewis Johnson, musician Craig Taborn, and chemical engineer William Tarpeh — have been named 2025 MacArthur Fellows. Each recipient of the prestigious “genius grant” is using creativity, science, and storytelling to redefine what’s possible in their fields and to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and inspired future.