By Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor Bowie State University received notification of a $50 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott on Nov. 14. The unrestricted grant represents the largest philanthropic gift in Bowie State’s history and doubles the size of a $25 million gift Scott granted to Bowie in 2020. “Her generosity arrives at a pivotal moment […]
Tag: Deborah Bailey
Posted inHealth
Postscript for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Just keep that mammogram appointment
After skipping mammograms for four years, healthcare professional Laurene Scott finally got screened—just as her cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Doctors say anxiety, busy lives, and fear often delay screenings, especially among Black women, who remain 38 percent more likely to die from the disease.
Posted inHealth
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: A Black family’s journeyÂ
Jesse Bennett, a two-time prostate cancer survivor and Morgan State University health education graduate, uses his journey to inspire other men to take charge of their health by learning their PSA numbers and speaking up when something feels wrong.
Posted inTravel
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park: A powerful destination for your travel list
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park in Church Creek, Maryland is a popular destination for visitors from around the world to pay homage to Tubman’s legacy and learn about her life and work, with the site hosting national events, exhibits, and activities throughout the year.
Posted inPolitics
Senator Alsobrooks tests positive for Covid-19
By Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md. tested positive for Covid-19 on Aug. 14, according to her Washington Senate Office. Out of an abundance of caution, the first-term Maryland senator cancelled planned events at Chesapeake College as well as an appearance at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conference in Ocean City on […]
Posted inHBCU
Displaced federal workers start journey toward new careers in Maryland’s K-12 classroomsÂ
Dozens of displaced federal workers in Maryland are beginning new careers in K-12 education through alternative teacher certification programs at area colleges and universities. Funded by a $1 million state grant, these initiatives aim to address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage while offering former government employees a meaningful new path in the classroom.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Six Flags to close Maryland park at end of 2025 season
Six Flags theme park is closing in Prince George’s County at the end of the 2025 season. The news hits hard at a time when many county residents are being laid off from federal employment and the Washington Commanders football team just announced a move to Washington, D.C.
Posted inNational News
Altadena residents connect with NAACP, BET to form community preservation fund
Local residents and groups in Altadena, CA have established the Altadena Community Preservation Fund to protect the community’s rich cultural heritage and prevent displacement from predatory real estate developers.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Local jazz artist and UDC instructor nominated for Grammy Award
Christie Dashiell, an adjunct professor of music at the University of the District of Columbia, has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for her latest project “Journey In Black.”
Posted inPrince George's County News
Food insecurity is on the menu: Pre-Thanksgiving turkey giveaways run out of food in Prince George’s County
Wanda Durant’s Family Foundation and Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Sydney J. Harrison hosted Thanksgiving food drives in Prince George’s County, providing 500 turkeys and food boxes to those in need, while the National Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Report confirmed that 50% of Prince George’s County residents have experienced food insecurity this year.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. area HBCUs create home base for student veterans and dependents
Veterans and their dependents are enrolling in colleges and universities in record numbers thanks to the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007, which provides educational benefits to those who have served honorably in the military.
Posted inHealth
Eli Lilly lowers price on popular obesity medication
Eli Lilly has announced a significant price reduction for its weight loss medication Zepbound, which is now available for $399 for a four-week supply of the 2.5 mg dose, and $549 for a four-week supply of the 5 mg dose.