Maryland’s HBCUs celebrated fall 2025 commencements at Morgan State University, Bowie State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, honoring student achievement, resilience and community. Graduates and speakers highlighted the unique support HBCUs provide amid political and economic uncertainty, urging students to use their degrees to build legacy, uplift others and pursue lifelong learning.
Tag: Morgan State University
Posted inBaltimore News
Building, thriving, celebrating: Charm City Wins from 2025
2025 was a year of growth, creativity, and empowerment across Baltimore. From new Black-owned businesses and parks to wellness events and neighborhood projects, these highlights showcase the people and initiatives strengthening the city’s communities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine to make Rose Bowl parade debut
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Members of Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine will start the year off strong, proudly representing the historically Black institution at the 137th Tournament of Roses (Rose Bowl) parade on Jan. 1, 2026. The marching band of the National Treasure, led by Dr. Jorim Reid, will bring the flavor and […]
Posted inOpinion
MacKenzie Scott’s gift is a chance to rewrite the future of Black higher education
MacKenzie Scott’s donation of $740 million to 16 HBCUs provides them with unrestricted capital and trust to address affordability, build durable institutional power, and expand research capacity, potentially creating a generational impact.
Posted inBlack Press
Charles F. Robinson III, award-winning journalist and news director, dies at 69
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Veteran journalist and news director Charles F. Robinson III died Dec. 15. Robinson was a giant of the Black Press and a vital member of the Maryland Public Television (MPT) team. Travis Mitchell, senior vice president and chief content officer at MPT, described Robinson as “one of the rare individuals […]
Posted inMoney
Rising costs push Black households to cut back on everyday comforts
Black households across Baltimore and beyond say rising costs are reshaping their daily lives from food spending to basic beauty routines. Women like Sydney Robinson and Olivia Dreux describe holding on to hairstyles longer and cooking more at home as inflation outpaces income. Their stories along with those of new parents Rya and Eric Greene reflect a growing sense that even simple comforts have become harder to afford.
Posted inClimate Change
Baltimore residents tracking climate change through new Morgan State weather station project
Baltimore residents are helping scientists track local climate impacts by collecting data from newly installed Morgan State–supported weather stations placed in neighborhoods across the city. The project aims to empower communities that often face environmental injustices by giving them ownership of climate data and a role in shaping research.
Posted inMaryland News
Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild now estimated at $4.3–$5.2 Billion, opening delayed to late 2030
The rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is now estimated to cost between $4.3 and $5.2 billion, with an anticipated reopening delayed until late 2030. Rising material costs, federally mandated safety upgrades, and expanded pier protection have all contributed to the higher price and extended timeline, highlighting the complexity of reconstructing one of Maryland’s most critical transportation links.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Bowie State University awarded 50 million from MacKenzie Scott
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 […]
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 inCollege
Morgan State alum launches platform to level NIL playing field for underrepresented athletes
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Since the NCAA lifted its ban on name, image and likeness (NIL) deals in 2021, the industry has grown to be worth nearly $1.67 billion, according to a report from Opendorse, a leading NIL marketplace and technology company. But, it’s far from a fair playing field. Division I men’s basketball […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
At Morgan State theater, ‘Ain’t No Mo’’ mixes comedy with painful honesty
Morgan State University’s theater department staged the 2019 play “Ain’t No Mo’” on Oct. 28, transforming the Murphy Fine Arts Center into a space filled with laughter, tension and reflection. Set in an alternate America where the U.S. government offers Black citizens one-way plane tickets to Africa, the play used scenes that ranged from grief to parody to explore race, identity and survival.