By Mekhi AbbottSpecial to the AFROmabbott@afro.com Baltimore hosted the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship tournament for the fifth consecutive year at CFG Bank Arena. The weeklong tournament, from Feb. 24-28, saw the Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team and the Fayetteville State University men’s basketball team leave Charm City as victors. The men’s championship […]
Tag: Brandon Scott
Posted inNational News
Baltimore mayor among honorees at National Action Network’s annual King Holiday 2026 Inauguration Breakfast
African American leaders honored at NAN’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Awards Breakfast. Rev. Al Sharpton and M.L. King III recognize advocates for advancing Dr. King’s dream.
Posted inBaltimore News
Bates pulls out of city’s violence-reduction partnership; Mayor Scott urges continued cooperation
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates (D) announced his office will end direct coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), citing a “veil of secrecy.” His actions raise questions about the future of the Group Violence Reduction Strategy, which is led by MONSE and is largely credited for recent public safety improvements.
Posted inPolitics
We are the resistance: Black America and the fight for the future
One year into the 47th U.S. presidency, Black leaders across the nation are sounding the alarm and mobilizing communities to resist what they describe as an unprecedented assault on civil rights, democracy, and Black progress. From mayors to activists, their message is unified: survival and victory will depend on collective power, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protect and uplift Black America.
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland lawmakers lead opposition to president’s plan for National Guard in Baltimore
President Trump has signaled plans to deploy National Guard troops to Baltimore, though he has not specified when. Maryland leaders at every level say the move is unnecessary and warn it could jeopardize the city’s recent gains in reducing violent crime.
Posted inCommentary
Baltimore doesn’t need occupation — or threats
Baltimore City Mayor Bradon M. Scott and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have made it clear that they will not welcome federal intervention in response to threats from the 47th president of the United States– especially given that crime is down, according to 2025 data.
Posted inOpinion
Firing the best and the brightest
The dismissals of trailblazing Black women leaders like Lisa Cook (left) and Carla Hayden (right), along with attacks on Black-led cities and officials, is revealing a deliberate effort to undermine excellence, representation and equity, sending a dangerous message that no achievement by Black Americans is safe.
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Scott and Maryland’s Capitol Hill delegation address record lows in crime rates, fight against cuts in federal funding
Mayor Brandon Scott and members of Maryland’s congressional delegation gathered at Baltimore City Hall to highlight record-setting crime reductions and express unified opposition to looming federal funding cuts, including those affecting Medicaid and education. Officials praised the city’s public safety progress and pledged to fight against harmful budget decisions from the Trump administration that threaten vulnerable Baltimore communities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Star power and local pride shine at AFRAM 2025
Day One of AFRAM 2025 brought over 150,000 people to Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park for a celebration of Black culture, music, and community featuring stars like JT, Stefflon Don, and Juvenile. The festival also introduced a new stage for local talent and showcased everything from food and fashion to art and wellness.
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Wes Moore draws buzz as Democrats look ahead
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is gaining national attention as a potential Democratic presidential contender, praised for his leadership, charisma, and unifying presence following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. While Moore insists his focus remains on Maryland, party members nationwide view him as a rising star and a beacon of hope for the Democratic Party’s future.
Posted inOPINION
Op-Ed: 10 opportunities for the next BDC leader
By Mark Anthony Thomas At a time where Maryland and all of the Baltimore Region’s jurisdictions are committing to greater investments in economic development, recently announced transitions offer a chance to celebrate impactful public leaders and use this moment of change to build stronger organizations that drive our future. Former Thurgood Marshall International Airport CEO […]
Posted inBaltimore News
$50 million in funding deployed to help redevelop vacant housing in Baltimore City
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has opened the Fiscal Year 2026 application round for the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative (BVRI), prioritizing efficiency and performance in addressing the city’s vacant housing crisis. With $50 million in funding, the initiative aims to support community development organizations in acquiring, stabilizing, renovating, and demolishing vacant properties to revitalize neighborhoods and create new housing opportunities.