Kyhla Desire was misdiagnosed twice before her Type 1 diabetes was correctly identified at age five, highlighting the challenges Black children face in receiving timely care. Today, she channels her experience into advocacy as a founding youth board member of the African American Diabetes Association, working to bring education, support and life-saving resources directly into Black communities.
Tag: COVID-19 pandemic
Beverly Richards launches family soap business to honor late mother
Baltimore native Beverly Richards launched MFrank Apothecary, a luxury goat milk soap company, to honor her late mother while creating a family legacy. Each bar is hand-poured with natural ingredients, crafted by Richards and her children and grandchildren to nourish skin and celebrate tradition, love and artistry.
Chronically absent: Why Black kids are still missing from classrooms
Chronic absenteeism in public schools has surged post-pandemic, with nearly 40% of Black students missing 10% or more of the school year—far above the national average. Experts cite systemic barriers like housing insecurity, school disinvestment, and political attacks on education, calling for community-driven solutions that reengage students and support families.
Marilyn Mosby completes her year-long home detention
As of June 20, former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has completed her one-year home detention sentence. Convicted of two counts of perjury and one count of mortgage fraud, Mosby was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service and three years of supervised release. A court filing now indicates that U.S. Probation may seek early termination of her remaining supervision. Speaking at the State of the People’s National Assembly on the day her sentence ended, Mosby declared her intent to continue advocating for change and rebuilding her life for the sake of her two daughters.
Ten facts about mental health
Mental illness affects one in four American adults each year, yet more than half of those in need go without treatment due to stigma, misinformation or lack of access. With rising rates intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the facts, recognizing symptoms early and connecting to available resources are critical steps toward healing and support.
Divergent Donuts is redefining baked goods with bold flavors and community spirit
Ewuraesi Richetts opened Divergent Donuts in Havre de Grace, Md., to reimagine what a donut shop could be—offering bold flavors like pizza and crème brûlée alongside a community-centered space for events and connection. Rooted in family and inspired by her Ghanaian upbringing, Richetts sees the shop as both a tribute to her late father’s entrepreneurial dreams and a launchpad for others.
What is a family or resident nursing home council and how common are they in Washington, D.C.?
Family councils in nursing homes can improve residents’ quality of life and provide oversight, but are rarely utilized due to funding and labor shortages, and are required to respond to issues raised by both resident and family councils.
Mindful meditation, yoga and other ways to relieve stress
Engaging in activities such as breathing exercises, chewing gum, drinking tea, napping, laughing, kissing, watching TV, listening to music, reading, practicing religion and spirituality, cooking and baking, healthy eating, exercising, yoga, aromatherapy, hypnosis, and petting dogs and cats can help reduce stress and improve whole-body wellness.
PRESS ROOM: DC Circuit Court of Appeals to hear landmark case: Jenkins v. The Howard University
The DC Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in the case of Jenkins v. The Howard University on Sept. 19, which alleges the university’s governance practices are illegal and breach its by-laws.
New report exposes tax system’s role in widening racial wealth gap, calls for urgent reforms
Color of Change and Americans for Tax Fairness have released a report highlighting the deep racial inequities in the U.S. tax system and calling for reforms to make the tax code work for everyone, not just the top 1 percent.
D.C. leads in markets for women-owned businesses
Washington D.C. is a leading region for women entrepreneurs, with a strong economy, a highly educated workforce, and a commitment to providing support to women-owned businesses.
Marilyn Mosby avoids prison, sentenced to one year home detention for mortgage fraud, perjury convictions
Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby was sentenced to three years of supervised release and 12 months of home detention for mortgage fraud and perjury, and was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.

