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 […]
Tag: Congressman Kweisi Mfume
Posted inPolitics
Mfume secures $500k grant to expand job training for returning citizens
A $500,000 federal grant appropriated by U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) will support vocational training opportunities for 50 Baltimore residents at the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives. The 17-week program offers hands-on instruction in skilled trades designed to help returning citizens secure employment and reduce recidivism.
Posted inBaltimore County Government
Turner Station receives federal funding to fight flooding
Turner Station, a historic Black community in Baltimore County, has received a $3.15 million federal grant to improve flood resiliency and reduce decades of persistent flooding. The funding will support the first phase of the community’s Flood Resilience Roadmap, including mitigation pumps, drainage upgrades and new plantings to protect homes, streets and infrastructure.
Posted inMaryland News
Free tax preparation returns through CASH Campaign of Maryland
The CASH Campaign of Maryland has launched its free tax preparation services for the 2026 tax season, helping households earning under $69,000 claim valuable tax credits and refunds. Last year, the program assisted more than 308,000 Maryland households in securing nearly $455 million in tax refunds and credits.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott named 2025 AFRO Person of Year
For Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, 2025 was a year of pressure and progress, from record-breaking reductions in violent crime to major investments in youth, education and neighborhood revitalization. As 2026 begins, Scott says he plans to build on those achievements while continuing his focus on public safety, economic development and changing the national narrative about Baltimore.
Posted inArts & Culture
Dance Institute of Washington’s Spirit of Kwanzaa – standing for the culture and community
The Dance Institute of Washington will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its “Spirit of Kwanzaa” production with a performance featuring the Washington area’s best young dance artists, honoring the principles of Kwanzaa and the legacy of its founder, Fabian Barnes.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland leaders praise Speaker Adrienne Jones as she steps down from historic, transformative tenure
News of Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones’ immediate departure from her speakership role in the state legislature has led to an outpouring of love and appreciation for her time as the first woman and first Black person to hold the role. Leaders across the state credited her with steady, principled leadership through crises, landmark legislative victories, and major investments in HBCUs and underserved communities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore City celebrates soldiers at annual Veterans Day Parade
By Kendra BryantSpecial to the AFRO The Baltimore City Veterans Day Parade took place on Nov. 8, honoring the men and women who served in the U.S. military. Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, members of the Baltimore Police Department and several Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) from area high school programs participated in […]
Posted inCivil Rights
2025 Civil Rights Week breakfast sparks conversation on justice and equity
The Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) hosted the 32nd Civil Rights Breakfast on Oct. 17, kicking off the 2025 Civil Rights Week. The program, led by WMAR 2 News reporter Ja Nai Wright, sparked conversations amongst city leaders, lawmakers and activists to take action against today’s democracy.
Posted inHBCU
Thousands unite in Baltimore as Morgan State claims homecoming glory
By AFRO Staff Tens of thousands descended upon Morgan State University to attend the annual homecoming parade and football game on Oct. 11. The homecoming activities took place both on and off campus without incident, as a sea of orange and blue washed across the Northeast Baltimore campus. Young and old alike came together in […]
Posted inOpinion
What were they thinking: A betrayal of leadership?
Black Americans across the nation are questioning why Black leaders such as Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) voted for a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, the conservative commentator who often made disparaging comments about the Black community. This week, AFRO News Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances Murphy Draper speaks on the legislators who voted to honor Kirk, and praises those like Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) (center) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) (right), who stood against the resolution put before them.
Posted inOpinion
It’s time to make affordability a priority
Congressman Kweisi Mfume discusses the need for a living wage, affordable housing, healthcare, and education in order to build a prosperous America.