In the wake of market volatility, Engage Wealth CEO Byron Deese urges near-retirees and young professionals to reassess their retirement strategies. From 401(k) reallocation to Roth IRA options, real estate and diversified investments, Deese highlights practical steps to protect and grow retirement savings during uncertain times.
Tag: AFRO
Posted inMental Health
No more suffering in silence: Black men demand space to heal
As suicide rates among Black men continue to rise, mental health advocates are urging a shift from silence to support—calling for culturally competent care, honest dialogue and systemic reform to save lives and restore hope.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore residents demand fair budget, aid for immigrants at taxpayers’ night
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com The Baltimore City Council held its fiscal year (FY) 2026 Taxpayers’ Night on May 15. Taxpayer’s Night is an annual opportunity for the community to voice their thoughts and concerns about Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s (D) proposed budget before the council decides whether to accept the mayor’s budget as is […]
Posted inBaltimore Government
State’s attorney Ivan Bates to host town hall on youth crime
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates (left) and Councilman Mark Conway (D-District 04) (right) will join city agencies and residents for the May 20 solutions pact town hall at Huber Memorial Church. The event will address juvenile crime, offer youth resources and connect families with summer programs and city services.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Locals to face off in ‘Ask a D.C. Native, Live!’ trivia showdown
Ask a D.C. Native, Live!” will bring to life the popular “Ask a D.C. Native” column with a live trivia showdown celebrating D.C. Natives Day. The May 19 event at Eaton House will provide locals an opportunity to test their District knowledge and celebrate hometown pride.
Posted inEducation
Proposed D.C. charter school could let teens graduate college a year after high school
NewU University is proposing a tuition-free charter high school that would let students earn up to 80 college credits before graduation. The goal is to save time and money while expanding access to a bachelor’s degree—especially for students who might otherwise be priced out.
Posted inBlack History
From the AFRO Archives: A look at the Preakness Stakes through the years
By AFRO Staff For more than a century, Black spectators, numbers men, stable hands and jockeys have left a lasting mark on the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico and the equestrian industry at large. Bringing their elegant fashions and countless behind-the-scenes contributions, the archived moments shown here tell a fuller story of Black presence at Maryland’s […]
Posted inHealth
Nursing students talk purpose, pain and pushing through challenges
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Two Coppin State University nursing students recently shared their inspiring stories about why they are pursuing a career in nursing and how they find the motivation to persevere. “I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field,” said Mawata Keita, a sophomore at Coppin. “I didn’t know if […]
Posted inHealth
Training tomorrow’s nurses today: Inside a Baltimore high school’s health care pipeline
At Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy, students are getting a head start on nursing careers by earning professional certifications before they graduate. Through hands-on experience and early exposure, they’re preparing to meet the urgent demand for compassionate health care workers.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Bowser announces $570k in grants to support small businesses in D.C.
Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development announced a $570,000 investment to support 60 small businesses through the 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program. Grants up to $10,000 will cover key operational expenses.
Posted inHBCU
Morgan State breaks ground on $337M science center
Maryland officials broke ground on Morgan State University’s $337 million Science Research Center on May 14, the largest state investment in the school’s history. The facility will boost innovation, research and HBCU excellence.
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Scott hosts town hall to address budget concerns
At a budget town hall, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) presented the city’s $4.6 billion FY26 budget, addressing an $85 million deficit without cutting services, while warning of looming federal funding cuts. Residents engaged in small-group discussions with city officials, voicing concerns on issues from youth job access to water quality, as the budget advances toward council approval by June 26.