The Rev. Dr. Jesse Jackson Sr., civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has died at 84. A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate, Jackson spent his life fighting for racial, economic and social justice— inspiring generations of leaders and activists.
Tag: Maryland Governor Wes Moore
City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises named finalist for National Superintendent of the Year
By Baltimore City Public Schools Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is proud to announce that Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, chief executive officer, has been selected as one of four finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year award, following her recognition as Maryland Superintendent of the Year. This prestigious national honor, presented by […]
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Honors former Vice President Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris received the Phoenix Award at the 2025 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Gala, honoring her contributions to public service and leadership. The event brought together lawmakers, civil rights leaders and cultural figures for an evening of speeches, awards and performances.
Family mourns death of Dacara Thompson as advocates push for change in media coverage
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com Officials have announced that the man accused of taking the life of Prince George’s County teen, Dacara Thompson, will be held without bond. Police have charged Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, of Bowie, with first and second degree murder. According to information released by the Prince George’s County Police Department’s […]
Local officials respond to 47th president’s federal takeover of D.C. police department
The 47th president has declared a national crime emergency in Washington, D.C., placing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control amid concerns over rising violent crime. However, local leaders, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, argue that crime is actually declining and criticize the move as an unprecedented overreach of federal authority.
From journalism to justice: Judge Kimberly C. McBride’s path to the bench
In 2024, Judge Kimberly C. McBride was appointed to the Baltimore City Circuit Court by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a moment she describes as “life-changing.” With a strong commitment to fairness and empathy, McBride strives to make thoughtful decisions while inspiring more Black women to pursue careers in law and justice.
Governor Moore unveils $400M initiative to reduce racial wealth gap on Juneteenth
On Juneteenth, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the $400 million Just Communities initiative to combat the racial wealth gap by prioritizing investment in historically underserved neighborhoods impacted by redlining, mass incarceration and economic exclusion. He also issued nearly 7,000 additional cannabis possession pardons, underscoring his administration’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting economic equity across the state.
Testimonies at Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final hearing call for reparations, healing and accountability
The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission (MLTRC) held its final public hearing to examine the enduring legacy of racial terror lynchings, with testimonies advocating for reparations and police accountability. Experts, advocates, and community members emphasized the need for radical reparations and a shift in how law enforcement engages with Black communities, urging both acknowledgment and concrete action to repair historical harms.
‘Key Bridge Disaster: Reflect, Recover, Rebuild’ documentary from MPT and WBAL-TV premieres in time for 1 year anniversary of bridge collapse
One-hour special looks back at one of the nation’s largest maritime disasters. Film examines the event’s impacts on the region’s people and economy while looking ahead to the construction of a new bridge. OWINGS MILLS, MD – Maryland Public Television (MPT), in partnership with WBAL-TV, presented the premiere of “Key Bridge Disaster: Reflect, Recover, Rebuild” […]
Faith leaders answer the call, partnering with ABC to lead Baltimore’s social justice movement
Associated Black Charities’ Black History Month Faith Leaders Breakfast brought together 130 faith leaders to discuss how they can use their collective power to dismantle systemic barriers and uplift Baltimore’s Black communities, with a focus on education, healthcare, economic mobility, and criminal justice.
Gov. Moore awards Y in Central Maryland $300,000 grant to fight poverty
The Y in Central Maryland has been awarded a $300,000 planning grant from the Maryland Governor’s Office of Children’s ENOUGH Act to address the root causes of poverty in the Greater Waverly area.
Baltimore Museum of Art celebrates 110th anniversary
The Baltimore Museum of Art celebrated its 110th anniversary with a sold out BMA Ball, honoring artists LaToya Ruby Frazier and Sir John Akomfrah, and raising over $900,000, while Governor Wes Moore emphasized the importance of the arts community for a thriving city.

