Over nearly 50 years, Penumbra Theatre in Saint Paul, Minn. has evolved from a pioneering Black arts institution into a national leader in racial healing and artistic excellence. Meanwhile, Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center empowers Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) youth with classical arts training that builds confidence, discipline and cultural pride.
Category: Washington D.C. News
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority returns to D.C. for 57th National Convention
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. hosted its 57th National Convention in Washington, D.C., drawing more than 20,000 members to the city where it was founded in 1913. The five-day event celebrated over 111 years of sisterhood, scholarship and service, and featured public meetings, civic engagement and educational forums focused on issues impacting the Black community.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Mayor Bowser expands youth curfew with an eye to public safety
Mayor Muriel Bowser has signed emergency legislation expanding D.C.’s youth curfew to address rising juvenile crime, allowing earlier curfews in designated zones and extending coverage to 17-year-olds. The measure equips police with more flexibility and aims to prevent disturbances in high-traffic areas while supporting youth safety and engagement.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Zion Baptist Church champions affordable senior housing in Ward 4
The Rev. Dr. Keith W. Byrd Sr. calls for Ward 4 seniors to age in place with dignity through the church’s new housing initiative.
Posted inHBCU
Displaced federal workers start journey toward new careers in Maryland’s K-12 classrooms
Dozens of displaced federal workers in Maryland are beginning new careers in K-12 education through alternative teacher certification programs at area colleges and universities. Funded by a $1 million state grant, these initiatives aim to address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage while offering former government employees a meaningful new path in the classroom.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ousted Librarian of Congress tapped by Mellon Foundation
Carla Hayden, the former Librarian of Congress ousted under the 47TH presidential administration, has been named a senior fellow at the Mellon Foundation, where she will advise on advancing public knowledge through libraries and archives. Her appointment marks a return to cultural leadership amid growing national debates over censorship, federal funding cuts, and access to information.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
UDC launches ‘Cybersecurity Tech Hub’ at Congress Heights campus
A new apprenticeship program at the University of the District of Columbia’s Congress Heights campus is helping District residents launch careers in the rapidly growing cybersecurity industry.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Power in Action: Delta Sigma Theta hosts 57th National Convention
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is hosting its 57th National Convention from July 8–13, 2025, in Washington, D.C., gathering over 20,000 members in person and 13,000 virtually to celebrate more than a century of sisterhood, service, and social action. Events include community service projects, scholarship awards, entrepreneurship competitions, and a keynote address by Senator Cory Booker at the Social Action Luncheon.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Bowser moves to formally repeal D.C.’s ‘sanctuary city’ status
By Martin Austermuhle It was five years ago that Mayor Muriel Bowser called D.C. a “proud sanctuary city,” but now she’s trying to scrub the designation and protections it offers some immigrants. As part of her proposed budget for 2026, Bowser is pushing to repeal a 2019 law that limits how and when city agencies […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Report identifies need for new jail in the District of Columbia
By DaQuan LawrenceSpecial to the AFROdlawrence@afro.com According to a recent report issued by the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor (ODCA), the nation’s capital is overdue for a new jail. The extensive report, titled “Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail,” outlines deteriorating conditions at the current jail facility. Authors of the report say the […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Facing pressure from Black voters, Democrats detail fight against 47th president’s agenda
With the 47th president back in office and rolling out sweeping policy changes, U.S. senators address Black voters who are demanding to know how Democrats are pushing back. In response, U.S. Senate Democrats point to legal challenges, grassroots engagement, and judicial appointments as evidence they are actively fighting on multiple fronts.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Deltas on the Fairway: Celebrating the legacy of Helen Webb Harris
Helen Webb Harris, a pioneering educator and founder of the nation’s first African American women’s golf club, will be recognized at the Deltas on the Fairway National Golf Tournament on July 8 at the University of Maryland Golf Course.