The Baltimore City Public School Board decided on Jan. 14 to not renew the charter of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys. The all-boys public charter school also faced closure in 2023 with reported concerns about financial management and low test scores.
Tag: Mekhi Abbott
Behind the byline: AFRO reporters talk top stories, lessons learned in 2025
An amazing group of tenacious reporters empowered the AFRO to cover everything from health and education to politics, public safety, business and more. Click the link to learn a bit about the reporters and the work done in 2025.
First public hearing held regarding the future of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys
Parents, students and community members rallied at a Dec. 11 public hearing to urge Baltimore City Schools officials to keep Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys open, citing the school’s role in academic growth, mentorship and emotional support for Black boys. District leaders have recommended closure due to low test scores, enrollment shortfalls and financial issues, but families argue the all-boys public charter school is breaking cycles of trauma and incarceration while giving students a chance to thrive.
How ancient practices at UMBC heal old wounds
Embracing a concept nearly as old as mankind, students, faculty and campus leaders at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County have embraced the concept of racial healing to help unify the campus, heal old wounds and resolve conflicts.
Mayor Scott and Maryland’s Capitol Hill delegation address record lows in crime rates, fight against cuts in federal funding
Mayor Brandon Scott and members of Maryland’s congressional delegation gathered at Baltimore City Hall to highlight record-setting crime reductions and express unified opposition to looming federal funding cuts, including those affecting Medicaid and education. Officials praised the city’s public safety progress and pledged to fight against harmful budget decisions from the Trump administration that threaten vulnerable Baltimore communities.
Capital Youth Empowerment Program: Helping fathers mentally, professionally and emotionally
Capital Youth Empowerment Program: Helping fathers mentally, professionally and emotionally
Patrons experience last Preakness prior to Pimlico renovation
Thousands gathered in Baltimore for the historic 150th Preakness Stakes, marking the final race at Pimlico Race Course before major renovations begin. While attendees enjoyed the race and cultural festivities, some expressed frustration with event organization despite the excitement and tradition surrounding the event.
AFRO wins over 20 awards in Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association contest
The AFRO earned top honors at the 2024 Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Press Association Awards, taking home over 20 awards across multiple categories and reinforcing its 133-year tradition of journalistic excellence. Amid growing political challenges for the press, these wins underscore the essential role of Black media in uplifting community voices and safeguarding the truth.
Norfolk State sweeps Howard in double-header, enters MEAC basketball tournament as top seed
The Norfolk State men’s and women’s basketball teams concluded the 2024-’25 regular season with wins over Howard, securing the number one seed in the Mideastern Athletic Conference tournament.
Maryland Horse Library and Education Center hosts Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers
The Maryland Horse Library and Education Center is hosting a traveling exhibit, “Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers,” showcasing the contributions of Black horsemen and horsewomen to horseracing from the 1800s to present day.
New Jersey hosts inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic, featuring four ranked teams
The Coretta Scott King Classic, a women’s basketball tournament held at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, marked the first time the Kings’ family name has been licensed for a sporting event, with Texas defeating Maryland 89-51, and UCLA defeating Baylor 72-57.
National Hip-Hop Museum honors Kool Moe Dee, Lords of the Underground, among others at Hip-Hop Holiday Honors
The National Hip-Hop Museum honored hip-hop legends at the Hip-Hop Holiday Honors, held at the historic Bethesda Theater, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the movie “Beat Street”.

