Black churches are keeping many of the Easter traditions that have long defined the season, while also introducing new activities aimed at engaging families, young people and surrounding communities. Church leaders said the core meaning of Easter remains unchanged, but many congregations are finding creative ways to carry that message to the next generation through service projects, expanded worship experiences and community-centered gatherings.
Category: Religion
Posted inWord In Black
What is Holy Week and why does it matter?
Holy Week marks the final seven days of Jesus’ life leading up to Easter, inviting Christians to reflect on his suffering, death, and resurrection. Beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Resurrection Sunday, the week highlights themes of sacrifice, justice, love, and spiritual renewal, while many observe it through worship, prayer, fasting, and acts of service.
Posted inWord In Black
‘Spend in the Black’ turns faith into economic power
Salem Baptist Church in Chicago is leading “Spend in the Black,” a faith-driven initiative encouraging residents to support Black-owned businesses and strengthen local economic power. Through large marketplace events and community partnerships, the effort channels consumer spending into Black communities, boosts small businesses, and promotes long-term wealth building. Organizers see it as a scalable movement that blends faith, activism, and entrepreneurship to rebuild the “Black dollar” and foster sustainable economic ecosystems.
Posted inBlack History
7th Annual Black History Month Prayer Breakfast
By Kappa Alpha Psi Baltimore Alumni Chapter On Feb. 21, 2026, the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation of Metropolitan Baltimore (KAPFMB) hosted its seventh Annual Black History Month Prayer Breakfast (BHMPB) at the 5-Star Family Life Center on the campus of Morning Star Baptist Church in Gywnn Oak, Md. The Black History Month Prayer Breakfast franchise […]
Posted inReligion
Zion Baptist Church prepares for the ribbon cutting at new East Baltimore location
Zion Baptist Church, led by Dr. Marshall F. Prentice, will celebrate their new location at 1600 Harford Ave. in East Baltimore on March 21 and March 22.
Posted inBUSINESS
Rev. Jamal Bryant’s announcement ending Target boycott met with fierce criticism
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO It lasted more than 400 days, but on March 11, the nationwide boycott of Target initiated by Black leaders was brought to an end. During a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the Rev. Jamal Bryant, along with former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner […]
Posted inReligion
National Week of Prayer confronts HIV in Black communities
Churches nationwide are observing the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, March 1–8, a faith-based initiative founded by Pernessa C. Seele and organized through Balm In Gilead. The annual campaign combines worship with HIV testing, education and outreach, addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black Americans and working to reduce stigma through faith and public health partnerships.
Posted inObituaries - Baltimore
Alice Fitts, First Lady and longtime educator, dies at 80
Alice Louise Alston Fitts, longtime Baltimore City public school counselor and first lady of First Baptist Church, passed away Feb 2. 2026. She was 80 years old.
Posted inWord In Black
5 books by Black authors to read during Lent
Lent offers a season of reflection, repentance and renewal, and for Black Christians it also carries deep connections to history, resistance and communal faith. Five books by Black authors explore how ancient Lenten practices intersect with liberation theology, embodied dignity and the lived experiences of Black communities.
Posted inWord In Black
What is Lent? A guide to fasting, prayer and sacrifice
Lent is the 40-day Christian season of prayer, fasting and sacrifice leading up to Easter, commemorating Christ’s suffering and resurrection. While many believers give up favorite foods or habits, others practice various forms of fasting or add meaningful spiritual disciplines to deepen faith and prepare for renewal.
Posted inWord In Black
In Minneapolis, faith groups provide shelter from the ICE storm
As ICE raids escalate in Minneapolis, faith leaders and lay communities are turning churches, streets, and teaching spaces into sanctuaries—offering food, trauma care, and resistance grounded in Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community.
Posted inReligion
‘Total Praise’: Smallwood’s signature anthem embodies Jan. 24 celebration of life service
Thousands gathered at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Maryland to celebrate the life and legacy of gospel composer and singer Richard Smallwood, honoring the “Maestro” with music, testimony and tributes from faith leaders, artists and public officials. The Jan. 24 service highlighted Smallwood’s enduring impact as a theologically grounded musician whose compositions bridged church, campus and global stages.