A new documentary premiering April 15 revisits Morgan State’s championship-era swimming and diving program, tracing how former teammates are working to preserve a legacy of winning, connection and Black achievement that many outside the group may not fully know.
Tag: Tavon N. Thomasson
Short-staffed and stretched thin: Special Ed crisis leaves Black students with disabilities at risk
Black students with disabilities often depend on individualized education programs for support, but severe special education staffing shortages and burnout are making that support harder to deliver. With 70 percent of K–12 schools reporting vacancies, educators say the growing workload is driving many out of the field, leaving students without the consistent help they need.
Rebuilding trust in Baltimore starts with owning past wrongs
At a West Baltimore exhibit on July 11, residents, city leaders and grassroots organizers gathered to confront decades of broken trust between police and communities, culminating in a powerful panel calling for urgent action, accountability and shared power.
Love Groove Festival returns with new energy, venue and vision
The Love Groove Festival returns to West Baltimore on Sept. 13 with a new location, national headliners, local talent and expanded activities like a skate park, community run and bike ride. Founded by Emmy-winning composer John Tyler, the free festival is now in its ninth year.
Community rally honors three young men lost to gun violence
A July 12 rally at Athletic Republic in District Heights, Maryland, will honor Shahid Omar Jr., Myles Prentice and Donnell Stephenson—three young men lost to gun violence. The event, hosted by Kim Lee King and supported by the S.E.L.F. Foundation, will feature guest speakers, music, food and a raffle to remember the lives lost and call for justice.
DCPS rolls out districtwide phone ban to cut distractions
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee gives information on the districtwide ban on personal cell phones and electronic devices for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
Baltimore City Council president demands action after multiple police-involved deaths
Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen has called for a hearing to examine the city’s mental health crisis response systems after recent deaths involving law enforcement.
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.
Morgan State and Visit Baltimore recognized at 67th Capital Emmys
Baltimore HBCU Morgan State University earned its first individual Emmy at the 67th Capital Emmy Awards for the documentary “History of a National Treasure,” highlighting its legacy and commitment to Black storytelling. Visit Baltimore was also honored in the Short Form Content category for its video “Celebrating Baltimore’s Civil Rights Legacy,” showcasing the city’s historical contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
2 shootings in 1 night leave 8 people wounded in Baltimore
By Tavon N. ThomassonAFRO Intern Within the span of a few hours on June 23, two separate mass shootings erupted in Baltimore, leaving multiple people wounded. The first incident occurred about 7 p.m., after the sound of gunfire echoed from the 1900 block of McHenry St., alerting officers nearby. At the scene, police found three […]
AFRO honors Maryland HBCUs at Juneteenth Breakfast
The AFRO hosted its third annual Juneteenth Breakfast on June 18, honoring Maryland’s HBCUs for their vital role in advancing Black education and leadership. Held at the Center Club in Baltimore, the event celebrated the legacy of institutions like Morgan State, Coppin State, and others, while also reflecting on the enduring significance of Juneteenth as a symbol of freedom, resilience, and progress.
Associated Black Charities honors past leaders at 40th anniversary gala
Associated Black Charities (ABC) is celebrating its 40th year of service in 2025. On June 14 the organization held its annual anniversary gala, celebrating decades of impact, leadership and progress in advancing racial and economic equity.

