Delegate N. Scott Phillips (D–District 10) has been unanimously elected chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland following leadership shifts in the General Assembly. Phillips, the first chair from Baltimore County, pledged to center policies that advance Black Marylanders, while Sen. Shaneka Henson was elected first vice chair after Delegate Melissa Wells’ appointment to a new House committee. Founded in 1970, the caucus now counts 67 members statewide.
Tag: Catherine Pugh
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.
Former Baltimore mayors honored with portrait unveiling
By Ericka Alston BuckSpecial to the AFRO On Nov. 1, the Rotunda of Baltimore City Hall was filled with pride, reflection and gratitude as four of the city’s former mayors– Sheila Dixon, Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Catherine Pugh and Bernard “Jack” Young– joined Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott for the unveiling of their official portraits. […]
Community acts fast as drug crisis grips Baltimore
A mass overdose involving 27 people in Baltimore’s Penn-North area has sparked urgent community and city-wide response, highlighting both the depth of the drug crisis and the effectiveness of rapid interventions like Naloxone distribution. City leaders, including Sen. Antonio Hayes, emphasized the need for long-term investment and wraparound services to address the systemic neglect that has long plagued the area.
Ashburton community honors 100-year-old civic leader with “Mr. Herb Brown Way” street unveiling
Herbert “Herb” Brown, a World War II veteran and trailblazing entrepreneur, was honored with the unveiling of “Mr. Herb Brown Way” in Ashburton, Baltimore, in recognition of his impact on the city’s civic and political landscape and his legacy of service and love.
Morgan State hosts mental health awareness panel addressing community, youth and law enforcement wellness
A panel of experts gathered at Morgan State University’s Center for Urban Violence and Crime Reduction on May 13 to discuss the intersection of mental health, crime, and community wellness, emphasizing the need for culturally competent care, holistic approaches and systemic change.
Funeral arrangements announced for Armstead B.C. Jones, director of Baltimore City Elections
By AFRO Staff Funeral arrangements have now been announced for longtime Baltimore City Board of Elections Director Armstead Bernard Crawley Jones Sr. A viewing will take place on April 11 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Saint Paul Baptist Church of Baltimore City, located at 3101 The Alameda. A celebration of life will […]
Former AFRO editor-in-chief Anthony McCarthy dies March 16 after long battle with kidney disease
Baltimore mourns the loss of Anthony McCarthy, who passed away on March 16 after a battle with kidney disease. A respected figure in Baltimore’s media and political circles, McCarthy was a journalist, broadcaster, political strategist, ordained minister, and dedicated community leader.
The case for a presidential pardon for Marilyn Mosby
President Biden is urged to grant Marilyn Mosby a presidential pardon to ensure that the principles of fairness and equality under the law remain intact, as her prosecution has raised serious questions about selective prosecution and political retribution.
Glenard Middleton, former president of Baltimore’s AFSCME Local #44, dies
Glenard Middleton, a longtime Baltimore union leader and civil rights advocate, has passed away while in hospice care, leaving behind a legacy of fighting for the working class and a loving family.
Former Baltimore lawmaker Melvin Stukes laid to rest
Melvin L. Stukes, a former Baltimore City councilman and member of the Maryland House of Delegates, was remembered for his dedication to his community and his commitment to public service at his homegoing services on Oct. 8.
AFRO High Tea returns to D.C.
The AFRO High Tea honored four women for their contributions to political and community service, including Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Cora Masters Barry, and former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt.

