Coppin State University will host its annual excellence gala to celebrate the rich history of the university on May 2 at 7 p.m. inside of the Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore. This year’s theme is “An Ode to Black Excellence.
Category: NEWS
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Millions invested into structured summer activities and resources for D.C. youth
The District of Columbia is awarding over $2 million in grant funding to 30 nonprofit organizations to provide structured summer activities and resources to an estimated 1,300 minors in the District.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Prince George’s County opens second reentry hub in Laurel
Prince George’s County has opened its second reentry hub in Laurel, expanding services for returning citizens transitioning back into the community. The hub connects formerly incarcerated residents to health care, employment and education resources aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting long-term stability.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Laurel prepares for 151st Preakness Stakes and influx of visitors
The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes will be held in Laurel, Md., this year, bringing thousands of visitors to the city. Local officials say the temporary relocation, while the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore undergoes renovations, is expected to boost small businesses and generate economic activity across Prince George’s County.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces property tax payment plans enrollment is now open
Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces that enrollment is open for Baltimore’s new Residential Property Tax Payment Plan Program, allowing eligible homeowners to pay past-due property taxes through flexible monthly payments and avoid tax sale. The program, established through recently passed legislation, marks the first time the city offers a payment plan option for overdue real property taxes and remains open for enrollment through May 12, 2026.
Posted inMental Health
A deadly pattern: Violence against Black women raises alarm nationwide
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO Brutal cases of domestic violence in the Black community have rocked the nation in recent weeks, highlighting a need to understand the root cause of intimate partner violence and how to prevent it. On April 1, Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, of Coral Springs, Fla.was found dead in […]
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
Securing statehood dominates 2026 Emancipation Day conversation in D.C.
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO Washingtonians of all ages, some even in strollers and wheelchairs, filled city sidewalks and streets, enjoyed a liberty-themed luncheon as guests of the mayor, and frolicked on the fields at RFK Campus, April 16 – 19, for a four-day celebration that marked 2026 DC Emancipation Day. Event planners […]
Posted inHealth
A call to action to help fight kidney failure in at-risk communities: American Kidney Fund urges people to be APOL1 Aware
April 28 marks AMKD Awareness Day, highlighting the urgent need for communities—especially those of African ancestry—to understand their risk for APOL1-mediated kidney disease.
Posted inNational News
DC gala shooting suspect aired grievances against 47th president in writings to family
Authorities say Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old California man, is accused of attempting a politically motivated attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25, after sending writings to family expressing grievances against the 47th president’s administration. Investigators believe Allen acted alone, legally acquired multiple weapons, and intended to target administration officials before being subdued by security, prompting a chaotic scene and the evacuation of the president, who was unharmed.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Board of Trustees selects Dr. Denise Jones Gregory as president of Jackson State University
Denise Jones Gregory has been selected as the 14th president of Jackson State University following an eight-month national search. A longtime academic leader at the university who served as interim president since May 2025, Gregory brings experience as provost and vice president of academic affairs, along with a strong background in chemistry and higher education leadership.
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Baltimore and Maryland are investing billions in transit—so why aren’t residents building wealth along the way?
Michael Eugene Johnson is creator of the Pikes Studio Cinema and cofounder of Black Men Unifying Black Men. This week, he argues that new development near transit needs to include ownership opportunities for average residents in order to foster distributed, generational wealth.
Posted inArts & Culture
SNF Parkway Theatre selects Wordsmith for its inaugural residency program
With renovations complete, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Parkway Theatre is launching an artist residency program to support local creatives, including Wordsmith, who will present original works blending youth theater, music and storytelling. His productions, including “Uncle Bey’s Will” and “Network to Freedom,” center Black storytelling, history and community, while aiming to uplift Baltimore’s young and emerging artists.
