AFRO American Newspapers • October 24 2025

2025 Civil Rights Week breakfast sparks conversation on justice and equity

By Kendra Bryant / Special to the AFRO

Baltimore’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) hosted its 32nd Civil Rights Breakfast on Oct. 17, kicking off the 2025 Civil Rights Week.

AFRO American Newspapers • October 14 2025

Bank of America hosts three-day financial literacy event in West Baltimore

By Kendra BryantSpecial to the AFRO

Bank of America hosted “Maximize Your Growth,” a three-day event focused on financial literacy and wellness at the Bon Secours Community Resource Center on Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

The Towerlight • October 5 2025

Style Diaries with SGA President Allyyah Aali

By Kendra Bryant, Arts and Life Deputy Editor

AFRO American Newspapers • October 5 2025

The 50-year legacy of Black Classic Press

By Kendra Bryant / Special to the AFRO

Nearly 50 years after its founding, the Black Classic Press (BCP), founded in 1978 by former Black Panther Party member Paul Coates, continues to thrive as a staple of independent publishing in Baltimore.

AFRO American Newspapers • October 2 2025

Sunni Gilliam closes Teavolve after 20 years of success

Kendra Bryant / Special to the AFRO

Teavolve Cafe, a Harbor East Black-owned restaurant known for tea, closed on Sept. 19 after 20 years in business. Over the past two decades the establishment has made a name for itself as much more than just a trendy spot to enjoy a hot beverage and connect with friends.

AFRO American Newspapers • October 1 2025

EPW Law and Bernadette Armand Law partner to sue D.C. Youth Services Center for repeated sexual assault charges

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

A lawsuit filed by EPW Law PLLC and Bernadette Armand Law PLLC accuses the District of Columbia (D.C.) and the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) of neglecting continuous reports of sexual assault against a detained female minor.

AFRO American Newspapers • September 18 2025

Baltimore Rhythm Festival unites community through African culture, music and dance

By Kendra Bryant / Special to the AFRO

The Baltimore Rhythm Festival filled Guilford Avenue with culture, music, food and workshops on Sept. 13.

AFRO American Newspapers • September 17 2025

Community programs uplift Black single fathers through mentorship, school engagement and support

By Kendra Bryant/ AFRO Intern

Community-based programs within Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) are connecting Black single fathers to provide fellowship and guidance as they navigate parenthood.

AFRO American Newspapers • September 9 2025

Maryland Cycling Classic sparks dialogue on Black health and inclusion

By Kendra Bryant/ Special to the AFRO

The Maryland Cycling Classic returned to Baltimore Sept. 6, with cyclists racing from Harbor Point to the Inner Harbor for the first time in three years.
Taking home the winning jersey is Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka of Poland for the four-lap, 71.6-mile inaugural women’s race and Sandy Dujardin of France for the six-lap, 107.4-mile men’s race.

AFRO American Newspapers • August 25 2025

Civil rights leaders at Maryland gala urge unity, investment in young voices

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) on Aug. 23  hosted the 2025 Annual Civil Rights Gala at the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Arundel Mills, with a theme of “Looking Ahead, No Turning Back: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities.”

AFRO American Newspapers • August 21 2025

Baltimore women turn cultural roots and community ties into culinary success stories

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

According to the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, in 2024, women owned 34 percent of restaurants in the United States, with Black or African Americans making up only 9 percent of overall restaurant ownership.

AFRO American Newspapers • August 20 2025

Meet the Baltimore business turning ‘mess’ into a success

By Kendra Bryant/ AFRO Intern

In 2015, Baltimore was full of turmoil. After the April 19, 2015 death of Freddie Gray, many felt angry, while others felt hopeless. For Kalilah Wright, watching her community struggle after the brutal death and subsequent riots inspired a need for change.

The Katch • August 12 2025

The Story Behind the Crown: Miss Black D.C. USA tells all

By Kendra Bryant

Crystal Crowell, the reigning Miss Black D.C. USA, tells her story of overcoming insecurity and self-doubt to find confidence and purpose through pageantry.

AFRO American Newspapers • August 1 2025

Maryland public defender boosts exoneration efforts with 2nd innocence clinic at Maryland Carey School of Law

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern 

Maryland’s Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) reinforced its commitment to tackling false convictions, launching another Innocence Project clinic at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (Maryland Carey Law). Maryland’s first was established at the University of Baltimore School of Law (UBalt Law).

AFRO American Newspapers • July 31 2025

Baltimore schools take action to combat youth homelessness

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

School systems across the nation have introduced new programs in hopes of reducing youth homelessness rates and improving education outcomes for students.

AFRO American Newspapers • July 28 2025

Celebrating Buffalo Soldiers Day: A legacy of bravery and service

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

Each year on July 28 many across the country celebrate Buffalo Soldiers Day, honoring the legacy of the African-American soldiers who have valiantly served their country, even in the face of oppression.

AFRO American Newspapers • July 26 2025

Enoch Pratt announces construction of Park Heights library branch

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

The Enoch Pratt Free Library has announced plans to begin construction on a new Park Heights branch this summer.

AFRO American Newspapers • July 19 2025

Episcopal trailblazer Rev. Canon Sandye A. Wilson remembered for a life of faith and justice

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

Loved ones and colleagues gathered July 12 at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Baltimore, Md., to celebrate the life of the Very Rev. Canon Sandye A. Wilson.

AFRO American Newspapers • July 18 2025

Firefighters feel unsupported as Baltimore plans to downgrade four medical units

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

Baltimore City firefighters have reached their breaking point with the city’s decision this month to downgrade four medical units from Advanced Life Support (ALS) to Basic Life Support (BLS).

AFRO American Newspapers • July 16 2025

Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood visits HBCUs and historic sites in D.C. area to empower Black youth

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood traveled to Washington, D.C., this month to tour two historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) along with historical monuments and museums.

AFRO American Newspapers • July 13 2025

BMORENews celebrates founder Doni Glover’s 60th birthday, honors Baltimore media trailblazers

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern 

BMORENews.com celebrated Publisher Doni Glover’s 60th birthday and the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards on June 27 at Unity Hall in Baltimore.

AFRO American Newspapers • July 10 2025

Baltimore police release bodycam video in fatal shooting of 70-year-old woman

By Kendra Bryant/ AFRO Intern

The Baltimore Police Department has released bodycam video footage of the police-involved shooting on June 25 that resulted in the death of Pytorcarcha Clark-Brooks on the 2700 block of Mosher Street.

AFRO American Newspapers • July 5 2025

Baltimore Community Lending celebrates opening of new headquarters

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) recently celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in downtown Baltimore with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

AFRO American Newspapers • June 25 2025

City leaders respond to Bilal “BJ” Abdullah Jr. death with resource fair as body-cam footage is released

By Kendra Bryant / AFRO Intern

Baltimore City leaders hosted a resource fair to aid the community in the Upton area on June 24. The event was aimed at helping residents as the city mourns the tragic death of  Bilal “BJ” Abdullah Jr, a well-known arabber.