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.
Tag: AFRO
Mayor Brandon M. Scott to deliver 2025 State of the City address
Mayor Brandon M. Scott will deliver his 2025 State of the City address on April 21 at 6 p.m., outlining progress on public safety and housing while unveiling new goals around literacy, property tax relief and the arts. Framed by the theme “Built Different, Building Different,” the speech aims to chart a steady course for Baltimore amid national uncertainty.
Empowering teens: A guide to budgeting and saving for the future
Tammira Lucas, an assistant professor of business at Coppin State University, believes that teaching high school students about money management is essential for their long-term success. She outlined a year-by-year financial plan for teens, encouraging them to start saving early, set clear financial goals and eventually explore investment opportunities as they approach adulthood.
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.
Enoch Pratt Free Library honors AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze and others at annual luncheon
The Enoch Pratt Free Library hosted its second annual “Women in Workforce Luncheon” on March 19, celebrating seven influential women for their community contributions and professional achievements. The event featured empowering sessions on workplace well-being and personal growth, alongside honoring leaders like AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze.
Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, offering a time to bring attention and support to an issue often overlooked in the Black community.
JPMorgan Chase expands virtual jobs to military spouses in Maryland
JPMorgan Chase expanded its virtual call center in Baltimore to provide job opportunities for military spouses within a 90-mile radius. Dawn Moore, Maryland’s first lady, praised the effort, emphasizing the value military spouses bring to the workforce.
D.C. leaders work to tackle housing and eviction issues
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) have introduced the RENTAL Act of 2025, aiming to preserve affordable housing and restore the District’s eviction process to pre-pandemic standards. The legislation includes provisions to expand rent assistance eligibility and allow evictions for tenants arrested for violent offenses in or near their rental units.
Shawnta Privette: From 911 dispatcher to Baltimore’s CAD technical manager
Shawnta Privette, Baltimore City’s first African-American woman CAD technical manager, overcame early challenges to build a trailblazing career in public safety communications. Rising from a teen mother to a leader in her field, she emphasizes perseverance and the importance of data-driven public safety.
Black Press celebrates 198 years of advocacy
Journalists will gather at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., on March 16 to celebrate the 198-year legacy of the Black Press and the 60th anniversary of The Washington Informer. Publisher Denise Rolark emphasized the newspaper’s historical significance, its commitment to truth, and its digital expansion as a path forward to ensure Black voices remain represented in the evolving media landscape.
Deadline looms as Maryland caucuses push for key diversity and equity bills
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com One week before the Maryland General Assembly’s crossover deadline, six legislative caucuses held a historic joint press conference. On March 10 the legislators came together to advocate for policies promoting diversity, equity and economic stability. If the bills they support do not pass by the deadline, they are unlikely to […]
Fired federal workers could see relief under proposed Maryland bills
State Del. Jazz Lewis and State Sen. Nick Charles are pushing legislation to provide more resources for federal workers who have been laid off due to the Trump-Musk administration’s initiative to cut “wasteful” federal spending.

