By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writer YouthWorks, the program within the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development that provides a five-week summer job opportunity to thousands of Baltimore City youth and young adults will return in 2026. The program, which began in 1973 as “Blue Chip,” creates employment opportunities each year for people ages 14 […]
Tag: Baltimore City
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott named 2025 AFRO Person of Year
For Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, 2025 was a year of pressure and progress, from record-breaking reductions in violent crime to major investments in youth, education and neighborhood revitalization. As 2026 begins, Scott says he plans to build on those achievements while continuing his focus on public safety, economic development and changing the national narrative about Baltimore.
Posted inBaltimore News
Gun violence summit highlights improvements to public safety, accountability in firearm industry
The Center for American Progress held its 11th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together advocates, policymakers and survivors. Attendees explored strategies, shared stories, and built networks to reduce gun violence nationwide.
Posted inOpinion
Strengthening BCYF to better serve Baltimore’s youth
The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) is a non-profit organization that provides funding and technical support to youth-serving community-based organizations across Baltimore, and the City Council is looking to update the authorizing legislation to better align with the organization’s current operations.
Posted inBaltimore News
Greater Baltimore Urban League announces new board chair and return to full standing with the National Urban League
The Greater Baltimore Urban League has announced Kevin Seawright as the new chair of its board of directors as the organization returns to full compliance and good standing with the National Urban League. Leaders say the appointment marks a new chapter focused on strong governance, transparency and expanded community impact across Greater Baltimore and Maryland.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Allendale rec center reopens after nearly three years of closure
Baltimore’s Allendale community celebrated the reopening of the Mary E. Rodman Rec Center after nearly three years of closure. The $1.8 million renovation brings new fitness, a playground and community spaces for local youth and families.
Posted inBaltimore News
One Baltimore event unites leaders around mental wellness, healing and community action
KEYS Development’s “One Baltimore” gathering brought together mental health providers, elected officials and community leaders to strengthen collaboration around healing, emotional wellness and youth support in the city. Speakers, including Mayor Brandon Scott and Sen. Antonio Hayes, emphasized that building a healthier Baltimore requires collective leadership, sustained investment and community-driven action.
Posted inBaltimore News
City leaders unveil 10-year financial plan to stabilize Baltimore, strengthen services
Baltimore City Administrator Faith Leach says Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s 10-year plan aims to target the city’s current budget deficit, while investing in service delivery, infrastructure and making taxes more equitable for residents.
Posted inMental Health
Baltimore leaders urge awareness, support for suicide prevention
Suicide remains a serious public health issue, with 2 percent of young adults and 20 percent of high schoolers reporting suicidal thoughts or attempts. In Baltimore, leaders are working to expand mental health resources in underserved communities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council releases 2025 annual report
The Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council’s new report outlines a $100 million plan to demolish and renovate more than 2,000 vacant properties. The initiative aims to revitalize Baltimore’s neighborhoods and reduce long-standing housing blight.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore mourns the loss of longtime civil servant and deputy mayor Anthony Barksdale
Baltimore Deputy Mayor Anthony Barksdale died Nov. 6, prompting Baltimore leaders to share reflections on his life and legacy.
Posted inCommentary
Legally Written: The missing voice in America’s access to justice PART 1
By Kisha Brown “Access to justice” is a term of art and action in legal and policy circles — a call for better inclusion and participation in our legal system. That system of course is not relegated to just the courts; it includes nearly every facet of life from healthcare to education to housing to […]