Maryland Sen. Antonio Hayes reflects on the enduring influence of his mother, Sonia Hayes, and grandmother, Mildred Frisby, in a heartfelt Mother’s Day commentary about resilience, sacrifice and public service. Drawing from his upbringing in West Baltimore’s Penn North community, Hayes connects his legislative work to the struggles and hopes of the women who shaped his life and inspired his commitment to improving Baltimore neighborhoods.
Tag: Baltimore
Posted inOPINION
Baltimore is investing—now our children deserve the results
Despite Baltimore’s high investment in public schools, student outcomes remain below average, indicating a need for greater accountability and transparency from the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners.
Posted inObituaries - Baltimore
Ellen Louise Dolvey Howard, Baltimore educator and TRIO leader, dies at 97
Ellen Louise Dolvey Howard, a Baltimore educator and national TRIO leader, died at 97 after a decades-long career helping low-income and first-generation students access higher education and trade programs.
Posted inBaltimore News
Mfume secures $500k grant to expand job training for returning citizens
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com The National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) closed out national Second Chance Month with a $500,000 federal grant secured by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) during the federal appropriations process to support returning citizens and prevent recidivism. The funds, which were delivered on April 27, will be used for 50 […]
Posted inWord In Black
500 voices, one mission: Reviving Baltimore’s gospel sound
Combining past, present and future, Eric Waddell’s vision is about more than harmony. It’s about reconnecting young people to a legacy built in Baltimore’s choir lofts. Hundreds of singers are pushing back, one rehearsal at a time.
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Conway leads MONSE oversight hearing after IG report findings
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com Councilman Mark Conway (D-District 4) led a public safety legislative oversight hearing on April 28 focused on the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE). The hearing followed an investigative report from the Baltimore City Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that raised concerns about potential fraud […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Laurel prepares for 151st Preakness Stakes and influx of visitors
The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes will be held in Laurel, Md., this year, bringing thousands of visitors to the city. Local officials say the temporary relocation, while the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore undergoes renovations, is expected to boost small businesses and generate economic activity across Prince George’s County.
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Baltimore and Maryland are investing billions in transit—so why aren’t residents building wealth along the way?
Michael Eugene Johnson is creator of the Pikes Studio Cinema and cofounder of Black Men Unifying Black Men. This week, he argues that new development near transit needs to include ownership opportunities for average residents in order to foster distributed, generational wealth.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Meet Chinai Routté, the Baltimore‑born performer and educator turned Everyman Theatre resident actor
Baltimore native Chinai Routté, now a member of Everyman Theatre’s Resident Company, brings both passion and purpose to the stage as Cassandra in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” while also using her work as an educator to empower young people through the arts. The play is running through April 19.
Posted inBUSINESS
New Visit Baltimore CEO, Kireem Swinton pledges to reframe Charm City’s story
Kireem Swinton has been named permanent president and CEO of Visit Baltimore after serving in the role on an interim basis since July 2025. In his new role, Swinton said he aims to expand tourism while reshaping how Baltimore is perceived on the national and global stage through storytelling and major events.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Devin Allen takes the helm for SCOUT, Baltimore’s affordable art fair
Baltimore photographer Devin Allen has been named curator of SCOUT 2026, the city’s affordable art fair held as part of Artscape. As curator, Allen will spotlight local and national artists while helping build stronger connections between creators and the community.”
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Power’ exhibit showcases work by Baltimore-based artist and former MICA professor, Paula Phillips
A new exhibition at SBM Gallery in Charm City highlights decades of work by Baltimore-based artist Paula Phillips. The exhibit, which opens on April 3 at 5 p.m., explores themes of identity, spirituality and community through mixed media.