A coal-laden cargo ship departing Baltimore’s harbor exploded near the site of the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, prompting a temporary closure of the shipping channel on Aug. 19. No injuries were reported, and the channel has since reopened as investigators work to determine the cause of the blast.
Tag: Baltimore
Posted inBaltimore News
Charm City is farm city: How Baltimore’s urban farms might be the best weapon against rising food costs
Baltimore’s network of 40 urban farms and 60 community gardens is helping residents cope with rising grocery costs by providing affordable—or often free—fresh produce in neighborhoods with limited healthy food options. Rooted in a century-old tradition and strengthened by decades of city policy, these farms not only feed communities but also foster job skills, entrepreneurship and social connection.
Posted inBaltimore News
Abell Foundation names Fagan Harris as new president and CEO
Fagan Harris, chief of staff to Governor Wes Moore, has been named the next president and CEO of the Abell Foundation. He will assume the role Jan. 5, 2026, becoming only the second leader in the foundation’s history after Robert C. Embry Jr., who served nearly 40 years.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore sees progress on gun violence
Baltimore’s recent drop in gun violence, including a record-low number of homicides in April, signals progress driven by focused intervention strategies like the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS). Experts warn, however, that cuts to federal funding and growing online threats could undermine fragile gains. Leaders are calling for sustained investment, youth engagement and statewide collaboration to keep the momentum going.
Posted inAfro Events
Diversity on tap: How Maryland wine and beer makers are shifting the industry
Two Black-owned Maryland companies, Noir Sunshine Wines and Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company, are reshaping the craft wine and beer industries by embracing innovation and community engagement.
Posted inBaltimore News
Three key tips for newspapers to thrive for the next 100 years
AFRO leaders share three key tips for Black newspapers to thrive: balancing legacy, innovation, and engagement with younger generations amid industry challenges.
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Baltimore’s roads were built on Black suffering; now it’s time to build something different
Steven K. Ragsdale argues that Baltimore must reckon with its legacy of slavery and disinvestment—particularly in West Baltimore—by fully committing to projects like the Red Line, which can serve as a form of reparative justice for communities historically harmed by systemic neglect.
Posted inObituaries
Funeral services announced for minority business advocate and attorney Anthony ‘Tony’ Robinson
Anthony “Tony” W. Robinson, a civil rights attorney and longtime advocate for minority businesses, has died at 76. Funeral services will be held Aug. 11–12 in Baltimore to honor his decades of service, including his leadership of the Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Posted inOpinion
Baltimore, do you hear Carrollton Ridge crying?
Chrissy M. Thornton serves as president and CEO of Associated Black Charities, and this week she spotlights Carrollton Ridge, a historically Black neighborhood in Southwest Baltimore that is calling out for attention as it battles decades of systemic neglect, rising violence, crumbling housing and political disregard. A recent “Community Convos” session hosted by ABC highlighted both the community’s urgent needs and the resilience of its residents and grassroots organizations, while also exposing a glaring absence of politicians and of concrete city plans to restore the neighborhood rather than demolish it.
Posted inOpinion
We know what hurts us, and we know what heals us
Floyd Taliaferro IV is the CEO of All Walks of Life (AWL), a Maryland-based organization focused on improving urban communities through culturally responsive mental health care. This week, he shares insight into the need for a new response to the mental health crisis.
Posted inBaltimore News
Activist turned rapper: Erricka Bridgeford celebrates resilience with ‘I Did It’
Community activist Erricka Bridgeford has added “rapper” to her list of titles with the release of “I Did It,” a feel-good anthem written by her son, Paul “Bmore Lovechild” Bridgeford. The song and video, filled with joy, children, and West Baltimore pride, celebrate Bridgeford’s journey, resilience, and love for her community.
Posted inBaltimore News
Charlene Hyman, Baltimore fashion icon, remembered for global impact and creative legacy
Charlene Hyman, pioneering Baltimore fashion designer and founder of Hyman and Hyman Fashion Designers, died on June 20 at age 68. Celebrated for her glamorous couture, international acclaim and mentorship within the fashion community, Hyman left an enduring legacy of creativity, compassion, and trailblazing artistry that touched both runways and hearts.