By Kendra Lee, Black Health Matters Why is loss of pregnancy still such a taboo subject? Midway through my appointment, my gynecologist went silent. Her face screwed up a little, and she announced, “I don’t hear a heartbeat.” My own heartbeat stopped, too, for a second, maybe two. “What?” I managed to croak. She was […]
Category: OPINION
Posted inBaltimore News
The Moore Report: Legal marijuana in Maryland: what will it mean for convicted users, sellers and future consumers?
By Ralph E. Moore Jr., Special to the AFRO Change has been coming to Maryland for some time now. Voters in Maryland approved legalizing marijuana in the fall election last year. The results: 1,302,161 “yes” votes to 635,572 “no” votes. It was a landslide win, with 67.20 percent in favor of joining the many states […]
Posted inCommentary
Black History Month 2023: The Power of Black Resistance
By Karsonya Wise Whitehead In 1644, as our nation was still in the very early stages of growth and development, the first documented moment of Black protest and resistance happened in America. Eleven enslaved men and women living in the Black community of New Amsterdam, the principal port city and capital, petitioned for and won […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter to the Editor: Maryland’s paid family and medical leave legislation
By Farheen Qurashi “As a physician and mother, I am thrilled that Gov. Wes Moore is making investments in Maryland’s paid family and medical leave program a priority. This plan will help Marylanders of all incomes have the financial security to take time off work to care for sick family members, bond with a new […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: My governor is Black
By Sam McKenzie Back in September of last year, I interviewed for a position in state government under the Hogan administration. When I made my way to the waiting area, I looked up and saw a picture of the then-current Governor Larry Hogan, and Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford. As I stood there looking at his […]
Posted inNews
Commentary: Arts and culture: paint us as we are
By “Lady” Brion Gill, Special to the AFRO “The Black artist is dangerous. Black art controls the Negro’s’ reality, negates negative influences, and creates positive images.” – Sonia Sanchez Recently, the Washington Post ran a Jan. 6 article highlighting a painting of Thurgood Marshall by the renowned Baltimore artist, Ernest Shaw. The article prompted this […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: A call to action: can Baltimore’s responsible adults please stand up?
By Rev. Dr. Harold Carter Jr. I kind of recall hearing a report about a shooting in Edmondson Village involving several young persons recently. The news came after I returned home from our midweek worship service on Wednesday, Jan. 4, but it didn’t really register. When I woke up Thursday morning I heard, with greater […]
Posted inOPINION
MARYLAND’S ‘MOORE’ PERFECT UNION: Reflections on a Historic Inauguration, King’s Dream, Democracy, and Demographics in the Divided States in Americas
By Dr. Zekeh S. Gbotokuma The Juneteenth weekend 2022 coincided with the 45th annual AFRAM Festival at Baltimore City’s Druid Hill Park. My wife Madeleine and I joined the urban community in enjoying outdoor activities that we have missed for two years due to COVID-19 draconian measures. My wife heard about Wes Moore before via […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: On taking a second look at The Embrace
By Jannette J. Witmyer, Special to the AFRO The real beauty of art is that its “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Since folks see things differently, it is meant to stimulate thought and initiate conversations, allowing for the discussion of subjective interpretations, objectively. The bottom line is that people either like a […]
Posted inOPINION
Volunteer income tax assistance programs bridge the financial equity gap in Maryland
By Rosie Allen-Herring Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC Awareness Day on Jan. 27, can be seen as the launch of tax season. EITC is a refundable tax credit available to qualifying lower-wage workers and their families. Childless workers younger than 25 are eligible for Maryland EITC (only childless workers aged between 25 and 64 […]
Posted inCommentary
Rev. Al Sharpton calls for stronger Congressional oversight over hospital pharmaceutical program
By Rev. Al Sharpton Over the past year, Democrats in Washington have begun to level the playing field between healthcare special interests like Big Pharma manufacturers and regular Americans, especially those most in need. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership and the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors will enjoy an annual cap on how […]
Posted inOPINION
It’s time to know the true history of Dr. King and Native Americans
By David Carr, Word in Black On Jan. 16, the United States celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday and paid homage to the civil rights leader who helped move the nation to live up to its potential. While much has been written about King’s community organizing, his guidance in the Southern Leadership Conference, and […]