The AFRAM Festival, a celebration of African-American culture, returned to Baltimore on June 21-22, featuring international artists such as Amerie, Patti LaBelle, Juvenile and Teedra Moses, and offering fun, food, and more for the whole family.
Tag: Baltimore
Reconnecting Baltimore, rebuilding Haiti: Why H.R. 1114, Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025 matters now
H.R. 1114, the Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025, proposes a $5 billion investment to revitalize Haiti’s economy—an effort that would also benefit Baltimore through strengthened trade and historic cultural ties. With deep Haitian roots embedded in the city’s past and present, passing the bill would reconnect Baltimore to a shared legacy of resilience and mutual prosperity.
Black music: The soul of every sound
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.
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 […]
Sowebo festival celebrates 42 years of art music and community
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com Baltimore welcomed the Sowebo Arts and Music Festival in the historic Hollins Market neighborhood on May 25. Local vendors had the opportunity to showcase their fashion, food and art at the event, now in its 42nd year. Artists and attendees gathered during the Memorial Day weekend to enjoy […]
Afro Charities set to host ‘Wildest Dreams’ fundraiser
Afro Charities will host its annual “Wildest Dreams” fundraiser on June 7 in Baltimore to support the preservation of the AFRO’s more than 130-year-old archival collection. The event reflects the organization’s ongoing work to honor Black legacy, expand public access to historical records and invest in community memory.
Wes Moore’s veto of the Maryland reparations commission bill is counter revolutionary
Dayvon Love is director of public policy for the Baltimore-based think tank, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. This week he speaks on Gov. Wes Moore’s veto of Maryland’s reparations study bill and what he thinks that says about the limits of mainstream Black political leadership when it is not rooted in militant, transformative struggle.
The true cost of police violence: Trauma, trust and taxpayer burdens
Police brutality inflicts deep, lasting trauma on families and communities, while cities across the U.S. face mounting financial burdens from costly misconduct settlements. Advocates say adopting insurance and risk management strategies could help ease the strain on public funds and promote accountability.
Rereading the News: Afro Charities honors legacy of Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson
Afro Charities, in partnership with the Lillie May Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum, is honoring the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson this month. The spring edition of the “ReReading the News” series focused on Jackson’s historical activism, the role of Black motherhood, civic leadership and archival storytelling.
Jazzy Summer Nights opens 25th and final season at Hopkins Plaza
More than 1,000 people pack Hopkins Plaza on May 1 for the kickoff of the 25th and final season of Jazzy Summer Nights, a beloved Baltimore tradition since 2000. With high-energy DJ sets, live percussion and a vibrant, joyful crowd, the opening night celebrates the legacy of music, community and culture in the heart of the city.
The necessity of political warfare
Dayvon Love is director of public policy for the Baltimore-based think tank, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. This week, he speaks on the political warfare being waged by the current presidential administration.
TSU Terry’s ‘Roll Call’ brings Baltimore club music to Fortnite’s global stage
Baltimore native and choreographer TSU Terry has brought his hometown’s signature sound to the global stage with his track “Roll Call” featured in Fortnite, a video game with over 650 million players. The milestone not only celebrates Terry’s musical journey, but also highlights Baltimore club music and Black cultural expression for a new generation of players around the world.

