To keep kids engaged during the summer heat, the D.C. Public Library has launched “Discover Summer: Adventure Begins at Your Library!”—a citywide series of events, programs, and challenges for youth of all ages. From summer bingo and LEGO socials to virtual reality game time and cultural events like Yoruba drumming, the initiative offers a wide variety of enriching and entertaining activities through Aug. 31.
Category: NEWS
Baltimore Community Lending celebrates opening of new headquarters
Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters at 301 N. Calvert St. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local leaders, investors, and community supporters. The event honored BCL’s mission to uplift underserved communities and small Black-owned businesses, including a tribute to late lending officer Frank Coakley.
Demolition of Key Bridge’s remaining structure set to begin in July
Demolition of the remaining Key Bridge structures begin in July as part of a major rebuild effort. Nearby communities seek continued involvement and safeguards against environmental and noise impacts.
McDonogh students host CPR training and other heart healthy workshops
McDonogh High School’s First Aid Club raised over $6,000 for the American Heart Association and led CPR and heart health workshops to educate younger students on life-saving skills. The initiative, led by student William Ashley III and supported by his father, emphasized empowering youth—especially in Black communities disproportionately affected by heart disease—to become advocates for their own health and that of their families.
Turner Station residents speak out on flooding and infrastructure needs during ABC’s Community Convo
Residents of Turner Station are facing intensified flooding and longstanding neglect following the 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Community members expressed frustration over delayed county action and called for urgent investment to address the neighborhood’s critical infrastructure and environmental challenges.
Swanisha Hinton receives The Arc Baltimore’s Visionary Leadership Award
Swanisha Hinton is the 2025 Visionary Leadership Award recipient at The Arc Baltimore’s Catalyst for Change Awards Ceremony, recognizing her impact on advocacy and person-centered care.
Reconnecting Baltimore, rebuilding Haiti: Why H.R. 1114, Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025 matters now
H.R. 1114, the Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025, proposes a $5 billion investment to revitalize Haiti’s economy—an effort that would also benefit Baltimore through strengthened trade and historic cultural ties. With deep Haitian roots embedded in the city’s past and present, passing the bill would reconnect Baltimore to a shared legacy of resilience and mutual prosperity.
Youth-led protests erupt again in Kenya over police brutality and poor governance
Youth-led protests erupted again across Kenya on June 25, driven by outrage over police brutality, economic hardship, and government corruption, coinciding with the anniversary of deadly anti-tax demonstrations in 2023. Demonstrators—primarily from Generation Z—took to the streets and social media demanding justice, accountability, and reform, despite government efforts to suppress coverage and dissent.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering, convicted of prostitution offense
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was convicted of two prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges, and could still face up to 10 years in prison.
Revitalizing Sandtown-Winchester: A call for community health investment and local control
By Rosine Beleho I care deeply about Sandtown-Winchester because I’ve walked its streets, talked with its residents, and seen both its history and its pain firsthand. As someone pursuing a career in social work and committed to healing communities, what’s happening here breaks my heart and motivates me to speak out. If you live in […]
NAACP, environmental group notify Elon Musk’s xAI company of intent to sue over facility pollution
The NAACP and environmental advocates plan to sue xAI over pollution from its Memphis data center, citing concerns about air quality and the impact on the predominantly Black communities surrounding the facility.
Florida’s Raiford Prison bans AFRO edition from inmates; warden cites threat to security and rehabilitation initiatives
Florida’s Raiford Prison banned the AFRO’s special edition on George Floyd and racial justice, claiming it posed a security risk and threatened rehabilitation efforts. Critics argue the ban reflects a broader pattern of censorship that suppresses inmates’ access to reform-focused content and silences marginalized voices behind bars.

