Mary’s House for Older Adults was celebrated last year as Washington, D.C.’s first housing development created for LGBTQ+ seniors. Now, the housing complex is facing criticism from former residents and community members who allege problems with safety, management, affordability and accountability.
Tag: The AFRO
Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James removed by board
Dr. Kevin James was removed from his role as president of Morris Brown College after seven years, with the Board of Trustees citing gratitude for his service but providing no specific cause. Nzinga Shaw, a current trustee and co-chair of the Board’s Facilities Committee, will serve as interim president, while James criticized the timing and governance of the decision in a LinkedIn statement.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott named 2025 AFRO Person of Year
For Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, 2025 was a year of pressure and progress, from record-breaking reductions in violent crime to major investments in youth, education and neighborhood revitalization. As 2026 begins, Scott says he plans to build on those achievements while continuing his focus on public safety, economic development and changing the national narrative about Baltimore.
Honoring Charles F. Robinson III: A mentor who believed in unapologetic Black leadership
Charles F. Robinson III, a legendary reporter and radio producer, was a mentor and supporter of the political organization Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, and his coverage of their work gave them political legitimacy.
Maryland lawmakers launch bid to slash the cost of asthma treatments
Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks are advancing legislation designed to bring down the soaring cost of inhalers, nebulizers and other essential respiratory treatments. Their proposal would cap monthly expenses for insured and uninsured patients alike, expanding Medicare coverage and easing the financial strain on families managing asthma. The lawmakers say the measure is urgently needed as hospitalizations and racial disparities in respiratory illness continue to climb.
Family and friends mourn death of Hilda E. Kelson
The AFRO sends condolences to the friends, family and all those who knew and loved Hilda E. Kelson. The Morgan State alumna was 102 years old at the time of her death.
Securityplus Federal Credit Union proudly supports The AFRO’s Black Business Matters EXPO
Securityplus Federal Credit Union sponsored and participated in The AFRO’s Black Business Matters EXPO to celebrate entrepreneurship, support small businesses and strengthen Baltimore’s community connections.
The erosion of special education: Fix what is broken, do not wipe it out
The U.S. Department of Education’s decision to dismantle its Office of Special Education threatens essential services for students with disabilities and removes critical oversight. Rather than eliminating support systems, writer Kanika Cousine argues the government should repair and strengthen them to ensure every child has equitable access to education.
Legally Written: The missing voice in America’s access to justice PART 1
By Kisha Brown “Access to justice” is a term of art and action in legal and policy circles — a call for better inclusion and participation in our legal system. That system of course is not relegated to just the courts; it includes nearly every facet of life from healthcare to education to housing to […]
AI, fear and a bag of chips: How a Maryland teen became the latest victim of a broken system
by Frances Toni Draper, CEO and Publisher of the AFRO I keep thinking about a teenager—Black, 16, a student-athlete—who did what kids do after practice: he ate snacks with friends and waited for a ride. Minutes later, eight police cars rolled up to Kenwood High School in Baltimore County. Officers drew their guns, ordered him […]
30 years later, Million Man March spirit lives on in local gatherings
This week, the AFRO commemorates the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Million Man March, the historic event orchestrated by the Minister Louis Farrakhan and a host of other community organizations focused on improving the plight of Black men and women. The AFRO was present three decades ago, with images coming from the late J.D. Howard, and will document anniversary events taking place this October.
EPW Law and Bernadette Armand Law partner to sue D.C. Youth Services Center for repeated sexual assault charges
Black-women owned law firms, EPW Law and Bernadette Armand Law, have partnered to sue the District of Columbia (D.C.) and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) for the neglect of a young woman who was continuously sexually assaulted by DYRS guard, Kelvin Powell.

