Medical experts stress that adults over 60—especially Black patients facing long-standing health disparities—should actively prepare for doctor visits by writing down questions, reviewing medications and bringing a trusted advocate when possible. Regular screenings, including cancer, vision, hearing and bone density tests, along with open discussions about prescriptions and symptoms, are key to maintaining health and catching potential issues early.
Tag: Victoria Mejicanos
Posted inBaltimore Community
Aging while Black: Seniors say listening is the first step to care
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com When discussing how to best serve older residents, it can be easy to get lost in statistics and policies. Experts and seniors alike say what’s most important when considering the aging Black population is communication. “When we think about seniors and look at the social determinants of health, I think […]
Posted inBlack History
AFRO Book Corner: Good reads for Black History Month 2026
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com From picturebooks to powerful nonfiction, Black authors continue to tell stories that educate, inspire and affirm. This Black History Month, take time to turn off the screen and pick up a good book. With offerings for all age groups and walks of life, there is sure to be something special […]
Posted inArts & Culture
SNF Parkway launches inaugural artist residency, invites Baltimore creatives to apply
SNF-Parkway theatre is inviting Baltimore artists to apply to its inaugural artists residency program. Those selected will have their work presented in the Parkway’s theatre as well as a $6,000 stipend to support their work.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Baltimore’s Rhyan Gray among 100 students chosen for Disney Dreamers Academy
Rhyan Gray, a 17-year-old student from Baltimore, has been selected to participate in the Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2026, an all-expenses-paid program that provides mentorship and career exploration for students passionate about access and equity.
Posted inNEWS
Shirley Raines, Black community advocate and Beauty 2 The Streetz founder, dies at 58
Shirley Raines, founder and CEO of Beauty 2 The Streetz, a nonprofit organization providing resources to people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, has died at age 58, leaving behind a legacy of service and advocacy.
Posted inDMV News
D.C and Maryland officials declare state of emergency ahead of winter storm
A major winter storm is expected to hit 200 million Americans this weekend, prompting local officials in Washington, D.C. and Maryland to declare a state of emergency and urge residents to stay inside and be prepared.
Posted inBlack History
Remembering the fight for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer vmejicanos@afro.com Nearly 60 years after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and decades after a hard-fought campaign to make his birthday a federal holiday, organizers, city leaders and scholars are preparing to celebrate on Jan. 19. Though Martin Luther King Jr. Day events are festive, many are […]
Posted inDMV News
Tradition and change usher in 2026 MLK celebrations
Though he is no longer physically present, the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lives on through the federal holiday in his honor and the work of activists across the world. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 will offer a variety of events for people of all ages and backgrounds on Jan. 19.
Posted inBaltimore News
YouthWorks opens 2026 summer job applications for Baltimore youth
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writer YouthWorks, the program within the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development that provides a five-week summer job opportunity to thousands of Baltimore City youth and young adults will return in 2026. The program, which began in 1973 as “Blue Chip,” creates employment opportunities each year for people ages 14 […]
Posted inBaltimore News
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.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Seven principles, one people: How Kwanzaa connects Black Americans to their heritage
Kwanzaa, a week-long, non-religious celebration observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, honors African heritage through the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba, encouraging reflection, creativity and community engagement. Celebrants say the holiday remains vital today as a way for Black Americans to reconnect with culture, strengthen community values and affirm identity amid ongoing challenges to Black history.