As World Autism Month calls for greater awareness and acceptance, advocates and creatives alike are pushing for more inclusive narratives. In Baltimore, Donte Lewis uses music and media to build community, while Taya Dunn Johnson challenges biases that delay diagnoses and deny dignity to individuals with autism.
Category: Prince George’s County News
Posted inMoney
Saving, spending and surviving: Real talk on financial literacy
As financial literacy takes center stage this month, individuals are finding creative ways to budget, save and manage rising costs. From cutting back on dining out to using cash-only spending methods, everyday people share how they navigate their finances. While some prioritize emergency savings, others focus on investments or stretching their dollars with strategic shopping. Their stories highlight the realities of financial planning and resilience in today’s economy.
Posted inMental Health
Funding restored to Maryland youth mental health initiatives
By Sasha Allen Maryland mental health advocates and providers are relieved coming out of this year’s legislative session, where state lawmakers decided against a drastic cut in funding to the state’s year-old, big-money program aimed at improving the mental health of its young people. The Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports, created under the state’s ambitious […]
Posted inHealth
Federal legislation aimed at reform highlighted during Black Maternal Health Week
Lawmakers acknowledge Black Maternal Health Week and highlight top legislation from the 119th Congress that aim to improve maternal health care in America. U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) expressed concern over federal restructuring efforts and affirmed her commitment to expanding access to care for pregnant women.​
Posted inArts & Culture
Gospel Fest brings church to the Symphony Hall
In a time when divisions often feel louder than unity, Gospel Fest was a moment of communion—a reminder of the beauty that emerges when tradition, excellence, and faith share the same stage. The event, held at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore on April 3, featured the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Pastor Smokie Norful, and three of the nation’s most distinguished HBCU choirs, Bowie State University Choir, Howard Gospel Choir and Morgan State University Choir.
Posted inCommentary
Budgeting and saving: Telling your money where to go
Frances Murphy Draper is the publisher and CEO of the AFRO. This week she reflects on the resilience, contributions and financial empowerment of Black communities—highlighting how faith, determination and collective action have shaped our economic journey.
Posted inBaltimore News
AFRO High Tea returns to Baltimore
The AFRO’s High Tea returns April 26 at Martin’s West, honoring historic organizations and celebrating community legacy. With nearly 1,000 guests expected, the event features live entertainment, local vendors and support.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Prince George’s County breaks ground on Civic Plaza, the first signature project of the Blue Line Corridor Initiative
Prince George’s County broke ground on Civic Plaza at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, marking the first of five major projects in the County’s Blue Line Corridor revitalization strategy. Set to open in December 2025, the plaza will be a vibrant, multi-use public space designed through community input to celebrate culture, connection, and inclusive growth.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Rapid-response teams aid troubled youths in New Jersey – but funding limits Maryland’s similar effort
By Colin McnamaraCapital News Service A New Jersey girl tormented others in her kindergarten class. Alienated from her classmates, she physically attacked other students and colored the bathroom walls with a permanent marker. Access to mental health care was complicated in her rural county, and school officials considered suspending the 6-year-old. That was when the […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Moore holds first bill signing of 2025 with focuses on workforce growth
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) held his first bill signing of 2025 on April 8, hours after the close of the 90-day general assembly session. Over 800 bills were passed this legislative session.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland General Assembly legislators work to finalize bills on last day of session
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland legislators worked throughout the day to pass as many bills as they could before session ended at midnight on April 7. The legislative session was an eventful one with drastic federal actions looming over Maryland and balancing the budget remaining the topic of discussion throughout the 2025 session. Around […]
Posted inNational News
Breaking News: RFK Jr. oversees mass and sudden firings at FDA
Thousands of FDA employees were abruptly fired or forced to resign on April 1 under a sweeping directive from the Trump administration, dismantling Biden-era leadership and reshaping the agency’s structure. The mass firings, including the departure of top vaccine official Dr. Peter Marks, sparked concerns over the agency’s direction under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic accused of promoting misinformation.