Sources close to the AFRO say Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21), 59, is poised to become Maryland’s next Speaker of the House of Delegates when votes are held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
Tag: Adrienne Jones
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones steps down after six years
Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones announces resignation after six years of service. She made history as the first African American and first woman to hold the position.
Posted inBUSINESS
Stalled Progress for Women on Maryland’s Corporate Boards, Executive Alliance Reports
Baltimore, MD — Maryland’s progress toward gender equity in corporate boardrooms has slowed significantly, according to the newly released 2025 Executive Alliance Census Report on Women Board Directors in Maryland. The report highlights that women hold only 28% of board seats in publicly traded companies headquartered in the state — well behind the national S&P […]
Posted inHealth
Wash, dry, enroll: Finding medicaid help at the laundromat
Fabric Health, a startup, is connecting people with Medicaid and ACA coverage by meeting them at laundromats, helping them with their health needs and enrolling them in coverage programs.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Moore’s proposed budget features tax reform and massive cuts
Gov. Wes Moore has proposed a budget that raises income taxes for Maryland’s highest earners and cuts education and other programs, including for people with developmental disabilities, in an attempt to balance the state’s fiscal challenge and reduce its $3 billion deficit.
Posted inBaltimore News
Former Baltimore lawmaker Melvin Stukes laid to rest
Melvin L. Stukes, a former Baltimore City councilman and member of the Maryland House of Delegates, was remembered for his dedication to his community and his commitment to public service at his homegoing services on Oct. 8.
Posted in!Front Page
Maryland’s first Black women in government
Through their life and work, the following Black women have made an impact in the State of Maryland through their leadership in state and local government. (l-r) Verda Welcome, Lena K. Lee, Sheila Dixon, and Adrienne Jones. (AFRO Archives and Courtesy Photos) Civil rights leader and former Maryland State Sen. Verda Welcome, was the second […]