Nearly four out of every 10 Maryland households cannot afford the state’s basic cost of living despite many adults working full time, according to newly released ALICE data from United Way of Central Maryland. According to 2024’s household survival budget, it costs $42,120 for one adult to afford the essentials of standard living.
Tag: AFRO
‘Power of the Sister Vote’ poll spotlights Black women’s pay gap and economic concerns
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the Black Women’s Roundtable released the 10th Annual Power of the Sister Vote Poll on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, revealing that nearly half of Black women say they are paid less than white coworkers and are increasingly worried about job security and rising costs. The survey also found growing concern over protecting Social Security, Medicaid, voting rights and ending discrimination, with advocates calling for policy changes to close the wage gap.
Jack and Jill of America honors AFRO, Morgan State and community leaders at national convention
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com Jack and Jill of America kicked off their 47th National Convention with a town hall titled “The Power of Us” at the Baltimore Convention Center on July 21. The gathering honored seven community leaders who are driving change in education, Black business investment, digital equity, media, health and […]
The fight against sarcoma: Black patients push for earlier detection and better research
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month and according to Cleveland Clinic, sarcoma accounts for about 1 percent of adult cancers but 15 percent to 20 percent of childhood cancers. The Black community speaks on their experiences.
Maryland voters oust incumbent, choose Will Milam to lead the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
Will Milam won the Democratic primary for Montgomery County Sheriff with 65 percent of the vote and is scheduled to be sworn into office in early December 2026.
Independent autopsy: Nolan Wells cause of death ‘undetermined’
The independent autopsy results of 18-year-old college freshman Nolan Wells were revealed at a July 22 press conference. The results were detailed by civil rights attorney Ben Crump during a live stream from the NAACP’s 117th National Convention in Chicago. Wells’ cause of death was found to be “undetermined.”
A 10 percent credit card rate cap could close doors for Black businesses
Former Rep. Albert Wynn argues that a proposed 10 percent cap on credit card interest rates could reduce access to financing for Black-owned small businesses and drive entrepreneurs toward costlier, less-regulated lending options.
Harriet Tubman Museum seeks community support after first-ever break-in
The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, Md., is recovering from its first-ever break-in after thieves stole its donation box and damaged a door that is part of a celebrated Harriet Tubman mural. Museum leaders are seeking $25,000 to repair the damage, upgrade security and reopen the nonprofit institution, which had just resumed operations following yearlong flood-related renovations.
Hate crime charges filed after intruder confronts Craig Melvin at ‘Today’ show
NBC “Today” co-host Craig Melvin was unharmed after an intruder breached security at 30 Rockefeller Center, allegedly confronted him while searching for Al Roker and shouted a racial slur before being arrested on hate crime charges. The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of journalists and the disproportionate harassment Black reporters and broadcasters often face while doing their jobs.
The Roc’ is still alive: Jay-Z solidifies legacy with Yankee Stadium residency
New York native and hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter continues to gain fans with his music and artistry after 30 years in the rap industry. Hundreds of thousands of people packed out Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., during Carter’s recent three night residency.
Wildfire smoke threatens air quality, health across Baltimore
Major cities across the United States are experiencing severely poor air quality as a result of wildfires in Canada. The Maryland Department of the Environment issued a Code Purple Air Quality for Baltimore City on July 17, with local and statewide officials urging residents and visitors to minimize their time outdoors.
Nicole Earle makes history as first woman, first Black chair of Maryland Racing Commission
Nicole Earle has become the first woman and first Black person to chair the Maryland Racing Commission. She says her priorities include maintaining safety, engaging stakeholders and strengthening the state’s horse racing industry.

