Black music is more than sound — it’s identity, soul and storytelling passed down through generations. Baltimore musicians John Thomas and Robert Vandervall explore how gospel, blues and rhythm express emotion, history and spiritual resilience. Their stories show that while styles evolve, the heart of Black music remains unchanged.
Tag: AFRO
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Capital Youth Empowerment Program: Helping fathers mentally, professionally and emotionally
Capital Youth Empowerment Program: Helping fathers mentally, professionally and emotionally
Posted inBlack History
A look at the legacy of gospel: From hymns to hip-hop
Gospel music, a powerful thread in Black culture, continues to shape Black identity and inspire generations. As Black Music Month begins, it’s clear gospel’s influence on faith and music endures.
Posted inBaltimore News
2 shootings in 1 night leave 8 people wounded in Baltimore
By Tavon N. ThomassonAFRO Intern Within the span of a few hours on June 23, two separate mass shootings erupted in Baltimore, leaving multiple people wounded. The first incident occurred about 7 p.m., after the sound of gunfire echoed from the 1900 block of McHenry St., alerting officers nearby. At the scene, police found three […]
Posted inBaltimore News
The Pikes Studio Cinema: Bringing big-screen culture back to Pikesville
Pikes Studio Cinema is more than a movie house — it’s a community-driven space where themed films, local partnerships and free weekly screenings bring people together. Owner Michael Eugene Johnson is on a mission to make cinema meaningful again in Pikesville.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Faith organizations rally behind migrants amid nationwide ICE crackdowns
By Ali HalloumAFRO Interns Amid ongoing immigration crackdowns by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, faith leaders of every denomination are calling for action. On June 8, the 47th president federalized the California National Guard to quell protests against ICE raids, over the objection of Governor Gavin Newsom. The agency has detained individuals outside of […]
Posted inFinancials
How to spot and avoid digital fraud
Financial solutions investment advisor Zakiyyah Muhammad warns that Cash App scams are becoming more prevalent, particularly targeting elderly retirees and young users. By understanding common fraud tactics and staying vigilant, individuals can better protect their finances and avoid falling victim to digital payment scams.
Posted inENVIRONMENT
Virginia Environmental Action Network tackles toxic contaminants in local waterways
Lewis Ross Brown and Shamira A. Brown founded Virginia Environmental Action Network to address the growing environmental challenges in local communities, focusing on water pollution from toxic chemicals like PFAS and PCBs. Their efforts aim to hold government officials accountable and raise awareness about the dangers these contaminants pose to both human health and the environment.
Posted inEducation
Pell Grants at peril: 7 million recipients face $9 billion program cut
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. In this piece, she examines how a House-passed FY 2026 budget proposal that cuts $9 billion from Pell Grant funding, threatens access to higher education for millions of low-income students by reducing grant amounts, tightening eligibility, and disproportionately impacting adult learners and students of color.
Posted inEducation
Keeping history alive: Tips for parents and teachers amid political pushbacks
Amid growing efforts to restrict Black history education, parents and teachers must preserve and share the true stories with Black youth.
Posted inJuneteeth
AFRO honors Maryland HBCUs at Juneteenth Breakfast
The AFRO hosted its third annual Juneteenth Breakfast on June 18, honoring Maryland’s HBCUs for their vital role in advancing Black education and leadership. Held at the Center Club in Baltimore, the event celebrated the legacy of institutions like Morgan State, Coppin State, and others, while also reflecting on the enduring significance of Juneteenth as a symbol of freedom, resilience, and progress.
Posted inBaltimore News
State of the People tour set to stop in Baltimore on Juneteenth
By Elijah QuallsAFRO Intern The State of the People National Assembly is coming to Baltimore to provide the framework for Black policy advocacy, impactful intergenerational leadership, and community empowerment. This National Assembly on June 19 will be the final stop of their State of the People POWER Tour. It is no coincidence that this tour […]