A statue of the first Black winner of the Preakness Stakes, George “Spider” Anderson, is unveiled on May 10 in Park Heights, ahead of the 150th running of the race on May 17. Shown here, Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore (left), with son, James and Gov. Wes Moore; Baltimore City’s first family Hana and Charm, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Ceron Pugh III; Yolanda E. Jiggetts, CEO of Park Heights Renaissance; Dana Henson, vice president of Henson Development Co.;
By Lauren Burke
President Donald Trump abruptly fired the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on May 8. Hayden made history in 2016 as the first woman and first African American to run the Library of Congress. Her firing arrived in the form of a short email in the evening hours. There are fears that President Trump may also target a second prominent Black federal official, Smithsonian Chief Lonnie Bunch, for no other reason than the perceived political bias in a position not known for partisan activity.
Outrage is being expressed across the country after the firing of Carla Hayden. The former Librarian of Congress was abruptly relieved of duty with no warning on May 8. She previously served as the longtime chief of the Baltimore library system.
“Carla, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service,” the terse communication to Hayden read.
The Library of Congress confirmed that Hayden had been informed she was fired by The White House. According to the Associated Press, Hayden “recently faced criticism from a conservative advocacy group aligned with Trump’s political allies. The group, the American Accountability
Foundation, accused her and other library officials of promoting children’s books with what it called “radical” themes.”
Since his return to office Trump’s Administration has been focused on removing anyone who may disagree with their policy agenda. Many of the removals have introduced a
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
By Stacy M. Brown
Black America is taking pride in a truth shaking up the Vatican and resonating through the streets of New Orleans: Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago—has Black and Creole roots.
The pope’s factual anthropological roots are not just symbolic.
According to genealogist Jari Honora, his maternal lineage traces directly to the Black community of New Orleans’ 7th Ward, with family ties to Haiti, and census records identifying his ancestors as “Black” or “Mulatto.”
“By the Europeans’ own ‘1/8th’ rules, we have a Black Pope,” noted author Elie Mystal declared, noting that the “Pope’s grandfather is Haitian.”
Further, New Orleans historian Jari Christopher Honora, speaking to the National Catholic Reporter and Black Catholic Messenger,
detailed how the pope’s grandparents married in 1887 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church on Annette Street in New Orleans before migrating north. His mother, Mildred Martínez, was the first child in the family born in Chicago.
“The Holy Father’s ancestors are identified as either Black or Mulatto,” Honora said.
The Chicago Tribune and New York Times also reported on Pope Leo’s mixed-race background and Creole lineage, noting that his election marks a defining moment in the Church’s evolving identity.
“As a Black man, a proud son of New Orleans, and the U.S. Congressman representing the very 7th Ward neighborhood where our new Pope’s family hails from, I am bursting with pride today,” said Rep. Troy Carter. “This is history! The first American Pope, with Creole
By Jaimie Ding
Associated Press
A security guard was charged May 6 with murder in the shooting death of the dean of a small technical college near Los Angeles, officials said.
The dean of student affairs, Cameisha Denise Clark, died at the hospital May 5 after being shot three days earlier at the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology campus in Inglewood, according to family. Another female employee was wounded in the shooting.
Jesse Figueroa, 40, was charged with murder, attempted murder and several counts for possessing a firearm as a felon. He also faces gun sentencing enhancements, which can lead to additional penalties when a gun is used during a crime.
Figueroa will appear in court May 29 and faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison if convicted as charged. His public defender did not respond to a request for comment.
The technical college’s campus president, Chris Becker, said Figueroa worked for a company that provides security to the school.
“Her leadership, integrity, and deep sense of purpose helped shape futures of countless students from the campus of Clark Atlanta University to Spartan College.”
Inglewood Mayor James Butts said last week it appeared to be an incident of workplace violence, but charging documents did not lay out a possible motive.
Clark’s family said she had been recently promoted to dean at the school.
“Cameisha uplifted everyone fortunate enough to cross her path,” her family said in a statement to KNBC.
“Her leadership, integrity, and deep sense of purpose helped shape [the] futures of countless students from the campus of Clark Atlanta University to Spartan College. She believed in the potential of others
even when they could not yet see it in themselves.”
Clark was a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, a historically Black institution in Atlanta, where she has strong familial ties. The university said it is creating a $10,000 scholarship fund in her honor.
“Dr. Cameisha Clark exemplified the Panther spirit,” said Dr. George T. French Jr., president of Clark Atlanta University, in the statement. “She lived with purpose, led with heart, and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to uplift and inspire the CAU Nation for generations to come.”
By Stacy M. Brown
Outrage has turned to action in Rochester after a White woman launched a racist verbal assault on a 5-yearold Black child at a public
park—an incident that has sparked national condemnation, a surge of community support and a flood of donations aimed at helping the young victim heal.
The Rochester Branch of
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the NAACP said the incident, which occurred on April 30, was a deliberate and threatening act of racial hate—not a misunderstanding or isolated outburst. According to the organization, the child, who is also reportedly on the autism spectrum, was targeted with repeated racial slurs, including the n-word, after he was allegedly seen looking through a bag she left nearby. The woman did not express remorse and doubled down when confronted by a bystander.
“This was not simply offensive behavior—it was an intentional racist, threatening, hateful and verbal attack against a child, and it must be treated as such,” the Rochester Branch of the NAACP said in a statement. “Public parks should be safe, inclusive spaces for children and families— not sites of hate and trauma.”
A widely circulated video of the incident drew sharp backlash, as did the woman’s subsequent move to launch a fundraising campaign for herself. She identified herself as Shiloh Hendrix and claimed she needed financial help to relocate in the aftermath. In less than 24 hours, her campaign raised nearly $150,000. As of this week, it has surpassed $600,000, with many of her supporters openly defending her use of racial slurs and demonizing the child.
In response, the Rochester Branch of the NAACP acted quickly, launching a GoFundMe campaign to support the young victim and his family. That campaign has since raised $341,484 in just two days, thanks to an outpouring of support from across the country and around the world. The NAACP has since closed the fundraiser at the family’s request.
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“From the beginning, this campaign was rooted in a powerful truth: no child should ever be dehumanized, and love must always be louder than hate,” the NAACP said.
According to the organization, 100 percent of the funds raised—minus standard platform fees—will be placed in a trust account solely managed by the child’s parents. “No member of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP has received—or will receive— funds from these donations,” the organization clarified. The incident has drawn attention to a rising tide of hate and bigotry not only in Rochester but across the nation. Over the past year alone, the Rochester NAACP has documented a troubling number of racially motivated acts in the area, including racist slurs painted on a bridge near Century High School, a noose and effigy used to intimidate
“This
was not simply offensive behavior—it was an intentional racist, threatening, hateful and verbal attack against a child, and it must be treated as such.”
a Black family, and swastikas and racial epithets spray-painted on the home of a local representative. Islamophobic and antisemitic acts have also increased.
“This is not an isolated incident,” the NAACP said.
“It is part of a troubling and painful trend that continues to escalate across the country.” Community members seeking to do more are encouraged to
support the NAACP’s ongoing work through the Rochester Branch’s Fighting Fund for Freedom.
“This is about more than one incident. It’s about who we are as a community and what we choose to stand for,” the Rochester Branch of the NAACP said. “Help us match the funds raised in defense of hate with an equal force of love, justice, and action.”
By AFRO Staff
The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes will take place on May 17 at the Pimlico Race Course. For well over a century the event has provided a burst of energy each May, drawing thousands to Pimlico Race Course in the Park Heights community of Baltimore, and pumping millions into Maryland’s economy.
This year, Baltimoreans and visitors from around the world had an added layer of culture: Preakness Festival 150.
The week-long event included a variety of activities, from the Fourth Annual George “Spider” Anderson Music and Arts Festival to the The Baltimore Region Investment Summit, hosted by the Black Chamber of Commerce. All of the Preakness Festival 150 provided an opportunity to expand community access to the historic race and increase the economic footprint left behind as thousands come together in their finest threads.
Now, it’s time for the jockeys to hit the race track and give it their all.
“The Preakness Stakes are about uplifting our city and showcasing the best of Baltimore,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Our city’s renaissance is in full swing, and we’re excited for visitors and native Baltimoreans alike to see that growth firsthand.”
The Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes, has been nestled in the Park Heights neighborhood of Northwest Baltimore since opening its doors in October 1870 as Pimlico Fair
Grounds. The racetrack, which measures 9.5 furlongs (1 3/16 miles), is the second-oldest in America.
The history of the course and the iconic race begins with Gov. Oden Bowie, a sports enthusiast and equestrian, who provided the momentum for bringing professional horse racing to the Free State. Bowie pledged to build a racetrack in Baltimore after attending a dinner in Saratoga Springs, New York, in 1868.
The first Preakness horse race was held in 1873 and was originally established as an independent “prestige” horse race. Bowie named the Preakness after a thoroughbred with a similar name who won the racetrack’s first “Dinner Party Stakes” on opening day.
While the Preakness has been run at Pimlico Race Course for many of the past 150 years, other locations have shared the honor. After the 1889 Preakness, the race temporarily moved to New York’s Westchester County. The 1889 race was significant, as it was the first year the Preakness Stakes trophy, known as the Woodlawn Vase, was won by a Black man, George “Spider” Anderson. The Baltimore native began racing horses at age 12 and got his nickname “Spider” due to the small build of his stature. At a slender 80 pounds –something that worked to his advantage during his jockey days– Anderson rode into the history books at just 18 years old with an impressive time of two minutes and 17.5 seconds.
The race returned to Maryland after three years, only to move again to
Gravesend Race Track in Brooklyn, NY, where the race was held between 1894 and 1908. The Preakness finally returned to its home at Pimlico permanently in 1909.
In December 1950, the Preakness officially became the second race in the Triple Crown when the Thoroughbred Racing Associations in New York formally sanctioned the name. Through the decades it has become a signature event in Baltimore on an annual basis.
In 2024, Gov. Wes Moore signed legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly that set aside $400 million in state bonds to renovate the Pimlico Race Course. On July 1, the Stronach Group – now doing business under the name 1/ST – transferred ownership of the Pimlico Race Course and nearby Laurel Park race course to the newly created Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority for $1.
The Pimlico racetrack is scheduled for a full renovation in 2026, including a new clubhouse, stables for up to 700 horses, a training facility, an event venue for the community, and a hotel to be built by a private entity, said Craig Thompson, CEO of the Maryland Stadium Authority.
“This is more than just the construction of a racetrack,” said Thompson. “This is about bringing hundreds of millions of dollars to the city and community of Park Heights.”
Thompson estimates that the redeveloped Pimlico will expand from 15 to more than 100 race days every year.
The Preakness Stakes is scheduled to
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alum, I know how deeply faith and resilience run in our community. We celebrate this moment—with joy, with prayers, and with pride.”
Former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial called Leo XIV’s background “universal,” saying, “Here’s an American whose ministry was in Peru, who has roots in the American South and also ancestry in the American Black community.” Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian Order, named after the African
AFRO Photo / James Fields
The Preakness Stakes brings thousands to the Baltimore area on an annual basis. Shown here, Rachel Goodman, chief of airport technology and innovation for the Maryland Aviation Administration, enjoying the 148th running of the Preakness Stakes.
return to a revitalized Pimlico in 2027.
Scott, who grew up in Park Heights, has been a vocal advocate for Pimlico’s revitalization for years and said is proud to see more of the community welcomed to the Preakness Stakes.
“Seeing how far Preakness has come is personal for me. I came to my first Preakness in 2019. Over the last few years, I’ve seen more and more of my childhood neighbors take part,” he said. “Increasingly, Preakness isn’t just an event held in Park Heights, but with Park Heights.”
theologian St. Augustine of Hippo. His election came from a conclave in which two other leading contenders—Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo— were also men of African descent.
Administration has been focused on removing anyone who may disagree with their policy agenda. Many of the removals have introduced a sense of partisanship that Washington hasn’t seen in certain sectors such as the Library of Congress.
“This is yet another example in the disturbing pattern of the President removing dedicated public servants without cause—likely to fill the position with one of his ‘friends’ who is not qualified and does not care about protecting America’s legacy,” wrote House Democrat Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) in a statement on Hayden’s firing.
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, of California, also weighed in via a statement late on May 8.
“President Trump’s unjustified decision to fire Dr. Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress is deeply troubling and just the latest example of Trump’s assault on the legislative branch of government,” said Padilla. “It’s also the latest demonstration of his blatant disregard for public servants who dedicate their lives to serving the American people.”
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) held a fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget town hall on May 6 at Coppin State University. Residents heard from city officials about what’s in the budget and how it may impact them. Attendees also had the opportunity to voice concerns about the budget and neighborhood matters.
At the top of the town hall, Scott explained the state of the budget and potential looming setbacks.
“We put forth a fiscally balanced budget that met the needs of our city in light of all the things that we know are happening in the world,”
By Harriette Cole
There was something extraordinary about Doris Cole. When she entered a space, the energy changed. It was as if a light had been turned on— a light that radiated joy, connection and grace.
“Doris Cole greeted every person with a smile and a twinkle of her eye,” daughter, Harriette Cole, said. “When she looked at you, you knew she was paying attention and that she cared. She never had a bad word to say about anybody. She chose to see the goodness in people and celebrate that.”
Doris Irene Freeland was born on Oct. 28, 1929, in Baltimore to Harvey Freeland, a porter, originally from Calvert County, Md., and Carrie Alsup Freeland, from Baltimore, a maid. Her parents were so-called “poor,” but they never lived that way. Doris and her older brother,
“She chose to see the light of God in everyone and everything, and we were all the better for it.”
Wendell, who became a prominent civil rights attorney in Pittsburgh, Pa., always had enough.
Carrie Freeland, Doris’ mother, who stood a solid 4-feet-9-inches tall, was a sweet powerhouse. She grew up not long after the end of slavery and endured unmentionable indignities as a colored woman in the South. Carrie taught Doris to live through a lens of love, to see goodness in everyone and to resist judging people for any reason at all.
Doris attended Booker T. Washington Junior High School, Frederick Douglass High School and Coppin State College. She had her heart set on being an educator, and
that is exactly what she became.
In 1957, Doris married the man whom the AFRO named “The Most Eligible Bachelor of the Year,” at the time. His name was Harry Cole, a charismatic dreamer who was intent on impacting the world. Harry would go on to become the first Black state senator in Maryland and the first Black judge on the Maryland Court of Appeals.
The two shared 41 years of marriage before Harry died in 1999.
Harry and Doris had three daughters, Susan Cole Hill, Harriette Cole and Stephanie Cole Hill.
With laser focus, Doris taught her girls how to live honorable lives.
said Scott. “Given the uncertainty that we’re facing, especially at the federal level, we have to understand that what we have done so far might not matter, and we might have to change.”
Scott noted how federal cuts and rollbacks are already trickling down, affecting the city.
“They’ve already made what we think are irresponsible, messy cuts to programs that feed the elderly, fund schools, support violence reduction across the city and they are just beginning,” said Scott. “We will do everything in our power to handle that possibility and fight in every way that we can. But, I need everyone here to take back to your fellow community members and family members to understand
those impacts that are coming from this administration’s reckless behavior.”
Scott rolled out his $4.6 billion preliminary fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget on April 2, facing an $85 million deficit. He emphasized how the proposal balances that deficit without cutting services, layoffs or furloughs.
The budget was balanced by increasing general fund revenue, restructuring contracts and equipment budgets, raising certain fees, removing miscellaneous funds and vacant positions, and using grants to cover some costs.
Instead of a Q-and-A, the town hall included small group discussions at
“Mama taught me that when times are hard and you are searching for ways to relieve your pain, do something for someone else. And it works!” said Susan Cole Hill.
By Megan Sayles
Staff Writer
The Baltimore Development Corp. (BDC) and community stakeholders gathered at the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Conference Center in Mondawmin on May 7 for a spring update on the city’s comprehensive economic development strategy, Baltimore Together. During the gathering, BDC president and
CEO Colin Tarbert held a fireside chat with Harry Coker Jr., secretary of Maryland’s Department of Commerce. The pair tackled growth opportunities and challenges for Baltimore’s economic future and statewide initiatives to boost Maryland’s broader economy.
Coker began by highlighting the fiscal challenges Maryland faces.
“For many years now, it’s been clear that the state of Maryland is not seeing the sustained economic growth that we are capable of and that our residents deserve,” said Coker. “As
Governor Moore has noted multiple times, between 2017 and 2022, the national economy grew by 11 percent, while Maryland’s economy grew by just over 3 percent. That’s not sustainable.”
Coker explained that the reason for the state’s stagnant growth is that it hasn’t had a plan to leverage its assets, including leading research universities, federal agencies, the biotechnology sector and an educated, diverse workforce.
Maryland has identified three “lighthouse”
Susan, who lives in Los Angeles, now runs HR for an international toy company.
industries to drive economic growth: technology, aerospace and life sciences. Though the state has a strategic focus in these areas, Coker stressed that it will not take away from support for other industries or small, local businesses.
“We are still committed to economic inclusion. We’ll still be actively looking for opportunities to support small-, minority-, womenand veteran-owned businesses, but we are very confident that there will be a multiplier effect in the growth of those three ‘lighthouse’ sectors that will increase economic growth across our state,” said Coker. “The Moore-Miller administration’s economic development vision shares a lot with the Baltimore Together strategy. Notably, our initial goals are to build a
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture marked 20 years of preserving and celebrating Black art, history and culture with its 20th Anniversary Black Tie Gala.
The gala took place on Thursday, May 8, at the M and T Bank Exchange in Baltimore.
Presented by Horton Mechanical and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the milestone event recognized the Museum’s powerful legacy and continued leadership in the protection, preservation and amplification of Black stories –especially at a
The evening was hosted by
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“lighthouse” industries to drive economic growth: technology, aerospace and life sciences. Though the state has a strategic focus in these areas, Coker stressed that it will not take away from support for other industries or small, local businesses.
“We are still committed to economic inclusion. We’ll still be actively looking for opportunities to support small-, minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses, but we are very confident that there will be a multiplier effect in the growth of those three ‘lighthouse’ sectors that will increase economic growth across our state,” said Coker. “The Moore-Miller administration’s economic development vision shares a lot with the Baltimore Together strategy. Notably, our initial goals are to build a more equitable economy and receive world-class leadership in key industry sectors.”
Baltimore Together was adopted by the city’s Planning Commission in 2021. The five-year plan is a public-private initiative with four key strategies: working together, investing in people and places, building from strength and competing to succeed. Aside from achieving premier industry leadership and an equitable economy, its goals include creating a stronger workforce, fostering an innovation and small business ecosystem and growing Baltimore’s population.
The city has already begun to make headway on the strategy. BDC, in partnership with Bloomberg Associates, has launched the Baltimore Economic Dashboard, giving community members real-time updates and data on progress that’s been made.
One success at the top of 2025 was the ribbon-cutting of 4MLK, a $180-million hub for life sciences situated near the University of Maryland BioPark, University of Maryland, Baltimore and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Another win Tarbet highlighted was the Baltimore Business Assistance and Support for Equity (BASE) Network, which deployed more than $50 million in post-pandemic recovery grants to Black-, Indigenous-, and people of color-owned small businesses.
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Daughter Harriette Cole also spoke to her mother’s spirit and teachings.
“Mama, like her mother Carrie Freeland before her, taught us to keep good company,”said Harriet Cole. “She said if you surround yourself with people of integrity and grace, your life and theirs will be better for it. Resist spending time with people who want to bring you down or speak negatively about others. Be positive, always.”
Harriette, the first female editor-in-chief of Ebony, has run her own media company for more than 30 years.
Stephanie Cole Hill also shared a favorite lesson learned from her mom: “She taught me
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six tables with agency heads. Topics included neighborhood development, clean and healthy communities, prioritizing youth, public safety, the capital budget and responsible stewardship.
that if you know better you have to do better no matter what anyone else is doing around you. You have to do the right thing, show love, respect and stand up for yourself or people [who] need you to stand up for them.”
Stephanie currently runs a $17 billion business for Lockheed Martin and is the highest-ranking Black woman executive in the aerospace and defense industry. Doris wasn’t just about imparting wisdom, though. She and her husband had lots of fun. The couple hosted elegant New Year’s Eve parties in their basement, where Baltimore’s Black elite came, mink coats in tow, to dance the night away to a live band amidst the intimacy of fellowship. All of this merriment was important, especially when set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, the fight for equality and fair
and rotten eggs,” said Fowlkes. “I don’t even use the water to cook and drink. I buy bottled water.”
Zaied assured her the water quality in the city is good, but acknowledged infrastructure issues.
employment practices for this very same community.
Being part of the heart of Black Baltimore, Doris and Harry understood that no matter what your station in life, Black people were family.
Harry was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The Boule and The National Bar Association. Doris belonged to the Family and Children’s Society, The Continentals (for which she was founding member of the Baltimore Chapter), The Smart Set, Philomathians, Precious Collection and Modern Grannies. These organizations gave Black women a chance to build meaningful relationships, serve their communities and foster joy.
Doris Cole is survived by:
deputy mayor of equity, health and human services, responded.
children, Susan Cole Hill, Harriette Cole (George), Stephanie Hill (Corey); four grandchildren, Kori-Morgan McKoy (Christopher), Cole-Stephen Hill, Cameron-Davis Hill and Carrie Chinsee; one great-grandchild, Harper-Grace McKoy; three nieces, Patricia Branch, Estalena Cole and Lisa Freeland (George); one nephew, Michael Freeland; two grand-nephews, Delvin Branch and Daquan Branch; five close friends, Margaret Turner, Ellen Howard, Mattie Mumby, Alice Smith and Herbert Brown; caregivers, Shirleen Champagne, Tracey Little, Lekisha Mcdonald and all of the loving caregivers at Morningside House of Ellicott City, and a host of other family and friends.
version of the budget on May 7.
“The Baltimore Together plan isn’t a BDC plan. It’s a city-wide plan and, in some ways, a regional plan for our partners,” said Tarbert. “We view it as a shared responsibility, but we also want to make sure that it’s a shared success.”
Baltimore and Maryland are centering equity in their economic development strategies amid escalating attacks on equity, diversity and inclusion from the 47th president. Tarbert and Coker argued that embedding equity in economic plans is not just socially responsible—it’s a smart business strategy.
“Equity is not giving anyone an unfair advantage,” said Coker. “It’s leveling the playing field.”
He used the example of education. In classrooms, students have different needs and learning styles, and teachers adapt to them. Much like educators, states should tailor resources to meet the diverse needs of their communities.
“With equity, it’s recognizing that we can deliver exposure to things, like people, networks and opportunities,” added Coker. “Equity is not designed to disadvantage anyone.”
Critical to Maryland and Baltimore’s economic strategies is readying a workforce to support the region’s key industries. This includes tapping into young people.
To help meet the demand, Coker said the Maryland Department of Labor is expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities across the state. During these experiences, participants earn money while receiving one-on-one training from a skilled craftsperson. The average annual starting salary for apprenticeship graduates is $50,000, according to the labor department.
Coker said he also has a personal focus in shifting Maryland’s employers away from rigid college degree requirements and toward evaluating candidates based on skills and practical knowledge.
“A lot of us don’t have the resources, time, money or energy to go to college, but we still might have the skill set and knowledge necessary to do a job,” said Coker. “I want to eliminate traditional job requirements that are not relevant and eliminate far too much of the talent that’s pursuing positions not just in state government but across the economy.”
Khalil Zaied, director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, led the clean and healthy communities table. Baltimore resident Erica Fowlkes raised concerns about her water quality.
“I’ve noticed that in the mornings my water smells like bleach
“Every once in a while, there is a need to add additional chlorine to the water; it is a practice we do on a regular basis that is not unique to Baltimore,” said Zaied. “We have to admit that some of our pipes are old. [During] the travel of the water from the treatment plant to your home, the problem could be anywhere.”
Community activist Kim Trueheart asked about youth employment for those not placed through YouthWorks. John David “J.D.” Merril, Baltimore City’s interim
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and award presentations recognizing leaders who have significantly impacted business, the arts, public service and community development.
This year’s TITAN Award was presented to Loida N. Lewis, a respected philanthropist and businesswoman, and wife of the late Reginald F. Lewis.
David Bramble, the prominent Baltimore-based developer whose work has reshaped communities, also received a TITAN Award. The MAVERICK Award went to renowned arts advocate Dr. Leslie King Hammond and Mayor Brandon M. Scott, both recognized for their visionary leadership and dedication to public service.
The TRAILBLAZER Award honored Gary Bowden, the visionary architect behind the design of Lewis Museum, and a special tribute went to the late George L. Russell, Jr., founding board chair and fierce museum advocate.
The evening’s distinguished guests included First Lady of Maryland Dawn Moore, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, and more—each lending their presence in support of the Museum’s mission and legacy.
This year’s gala was made possible through the generosity of a wide range of corporate, civic, and philanthropic supporters. Presenting Sponsors include Horton Mechanical and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.
The 20th Anniversary Gala serves not only as a celebration, but as a recommitment to the Museum’s mission at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum remains a critical beacon for education, community dialogue and cultural pride.
All photos courtesy K. Finch Photography
“We received around 13,000 applications,” said Merril. “We have the same number of slots–8,500–as we had last summer. Just as when you apply to college, you apply to several different colleges and then you pick one offer. Young people often apply for multiple jobs. There’s a drop-off between the number of people who apply and the people who get employment.”
Merril added that 8,500 jobs meet the need, and all youth who needed work through the city in summer 2024 received it.
Baltimore City Budget Director Laura Larsen said the Board of Estimates will pass its approved
“From there, it will get referred out to committee within the city council, and that allows them to have hearings with city agencies where they can talk more in-depth about the recommendations in the budget,” said Larsen.
The preliminary budget will then be handed off to the Baltimore City Council, which will introduce it on May 12. Then, on May 15, the Council will host a taxpayers night, “where residents can come in and can provide additional feedback and testimony about things that they’re seeing in the budget,” Larsen said. Further hearings on the matter will be held May 28–June 4 and the budget finalized by June 26.
By D.
History will soon be made in the nation’s capital when Washington, D.C., marks the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations. Three weeks of events will take place between May 17 – June 8, shedding light on the LGBTQ+ community and its ongoing fight for equality, visibility and justice. D.C.’s Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) will host the celebration along with global partner Interpride and WorldPride 2025, a global movement that brings together voices from around the world in support of the LGBTQ+ community. In a statement from the partnering organizations, they explained the reasons behind the chosen theme,
“The Fabric of Freedom.”
“Following the results of the 2024 U.S. election, this year’s theme is one of unity and a global call to action to LGBTQ+ people and their allies,” they wrote. “At a time of division, when the LGBTQ+ community finds itself threatened both in the U.S. and around the world, the
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By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
Longtime scientists Lewis Ross Brown and Shamira A. Brown created Virginia Environmental Action Network (VEAN) to help individuals and organizations apply for environmental grants and to raise awareness about pressing ecological issues in local communities.
With environmental issues increasingly sidelined at the national level, the pair are moving forward with a new program to monitor local waterways for contaminants that are toxic to community members. They believe their findings will help to hold government officials accountable for enforcing environmental protections.
Shamira A. Brown (left) and Lewis Ross
are creators of the Virginia Environmental Action Network, an organization they established to address ecological hazards and to support organizations applying for environmental grants.
“The state of Virginia needed an unbiased, detailed water
pollution and quality analysis program designed to combat the ever-growing pollution problems caused by harmful
algal blooms, organic and inorganic pesticides, organic waste and heavy metals,” said Shamira A. Brown. “Lewis and I felt that the creation of VEAN would be the answer to the water pollution issues from these contaminants. Additionally, we feel that VEAN will be able to make sure federal regulations, like the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Act, are followed throughout the state of Virginia— a duty that the EPA does not do nor has a desire to do under the new administration.”
Two priority areas for the scientists are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These man-made,
How Washington, D.C.’s unbanked population compares to the rest of the US
By Dom DiFurio
Most financial experts agree that the best time to start using a credit card is 18, as long as one is equipped with the financial education to tackle the responsibility of taking on debt. The sooner someone can begin building a history with banks, the better. In a country where taking part in the banking system is a necessary tool for economic opportunity, about 1 in 25 Americans still don’t participate.
What do you wish more people did to be better neighbors?
D.C.’s unique energy is distinctive and palpable — each neighborhood tells its own story and celebrates a wide array of identities.
Many people have weighed in on what it means to be a good neighbor in the District, offering tips that help make this city of quadrants feel like a single, thriving community.
As a third-generation
D.C. native, I’ve seen the city evolve, holding on through the ebbs and flows while maintaining deep and personal connections. I’ve witnessed the sweeping transformation of neighborhoods — both in the landscape and population. What was once a more relaxed, steady rhythm has sped up significantly, blending a mix of old and new energy. While some neighborhoods have managed to preserve their roots, others have taken on a polished, upscale feel — bringing economic growth but also pushing out longtime residents who once defined these spaces.
For many of us natives, the familiar sights and sounds that colored our childhood experiences — candy ladies, local shops, block parties, stoop conversations — have gradually faded. But one thing that endures is our collective drive for connection and community.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you consider these values and craft your own style of neighborliness.
Take small actions that have a lasting impact
• Embrace the mix: D.C. has a lively mix of backgrounds and perspectives. Even if you don’t always see eye-to-eye with your neighbors, being respectful and open-minded makes your building, block or neighborhood more inclusive and welcoming for all.
Be open and communicative: If you’re planning a party or renovations, give your neighbors a headsup. Friendliness and transparency make it easier to work through any issues that might arise.
Who are they, and why don’t they manage their finances with banks? These adults who don’t use traditional credit cards, savings or debit accounts are known as the “unbanked.” Based on a national analysis, Spokeo analyzed data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to illustrate where in the U.S. the most unbanked Americans live and how Washington D.C. compares. About 4.2 percent of
• Show up for the community: Small gestures, from joining a monthly cleanup to supporting local shops, can build strong connections. Saying “hi” to neighbors might seem small, but it makes a difference!
• Keep the noise down and respect space: In close quarters like apartment buildings, noise control goes a long way, especially at night. Being mindful of shared spaces like hallways and elevators adds to a friendly, considerate atmosphere.
Maintain your shared resources: Clean and accessible common areas like
laundry rooms or community spaces create a positive experience for everyone.
Get involved: Consider joining your neighborhood listserv, community garden group, school board or civic association. Many of these groups plan local events, organize beautification projects and play a role in infrastructure planning — all of which add to your local pride and sense of community.
• Learn before you lead: Before advocating for change, get to know your neighborhood’s history and its people. Understanding the roots of your community will help you be a respectful, informed neighbor who works alongside others, honoring their experiences and stories.
Get familiar with local resources
In D.C., a little knowledge goes a long way. Knowing where to point someone in need or where to go to solve a neighborhood issue can make all the difference. Here are a few resources that can help you make an impact or resolve problems respectfully:
Everyone Home DC: Their slogan says it all, “Be a good neighbor.” They offer vital support to D.C. residents facing homelessness and housing challenges. Their site also provides information on how you can get involved.
• DC Villages: This network of thirteen “villages” aims to reduce isolation among older adults, promote health, and foster community connections. They help people age in place and feel supported in their own neighborhoods.
• Capital Area Food Bank: With a search tool to locate food banks nearby, this organization makes it easy to lend a hand to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
• Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division:
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fabric of the flag symbolizes the strength of the community, the shared humanity and the unshakeable unity that defines resilience, love and acceptance.”
And while the proportion of American adults who identify as LGBTQ+ has nearly doubled since 2020, rising to 9.3 percent of the population, according to a Gallup Poll released earlier this year, the obstacles those Americans face are unprecedented.
Ashley Smith, board president of CPA and WorldPride 2025, said even with a host of unusual conditions in their path, he remains optimistic.
“We’ve weathered storms in the past because our ancestors navigated the terrain and created new pathways and spaces,” Smith said. “While several organizations have withdrawn their endorsement and financial support, we identified other resources, new partners. We have a vibrant slate of programming and cultural events that will feature our diversity.”
Smith said the events are meant to “both inspire and empower our community and allies.”
An estimated 3 million visitors from around the globe are expected to attend this year’s festivities, and Mayor Muriel Bowser said she and the rest of the District are proud to lead the way.
“We’re celebrating the rich history of the DC LGBTQIA+ community and we remain committed to building a city where everyone can thrive,” said Bowser.
The mayor said visitors and residents can expect to attend Pride safely with local law enforcement out in force and
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Americans were considered unbanked in 2023, according to survey data the FDIC released in November. In Washington D.C., 7.2 percent of residents do not have a bank account. Not using banking services can be expensive and time-consuming. Researchers at the Federal Reserve have referred to being unbanked as “financial exclusion.”
Access to banking services can provide the resources to turn ideas into businesses. Banks offer accounts for storing wages and building financial security through savings. They also lend money to entrepreneurs, which creates jobs and benefits communities. Living without access to the services banks provide means consumers are left to deal with more predatory financial institutions, including payday lenders, check cashing and title loan companies, where consumers pay much higher interest rates than they would if they used banks.
Single mothers are more likely to be unbanked than single fathers, but single men without families are more likely to be unbanked than single women without families. There is also a geographic difference in unbanked rates, with people living outside of dense metropolitan areas less likely to use banking services, though that gap has narrowed in the past several years.
Since the 1980s, the share of unbanked individuals in the U.S. has declined. Most recently, it’s fallen from 5.4 percent in 2019 to 4.2 percent in 2023—a sign that Americans continue to recognize the banking system’s value. Still, in an era where nearly anyone can trade stocks in seconds on their cell phone, millions of Americans are still missing out on the value of participating in the banking system. Education level, race and ethnicity, and income are the biggest factors determining whether a person is more likely to use banking services.
present at events. She said that “at the core of D.C. values” is an assurance that all “residents and visitors are not only visible but loved and supported.”
“We celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and their contributions to the vibrancy of the District,” said Bowser.
Smith noted that Pride, which was born out of a protest mindset, has always been about the march for freedom.
progress has been made in support of the LGBTQ+ community since D.C.’s first Pride celebration.
“This 50th anniversary provides an inflection point for us to look back and to consider how far we have come,” he said. “With recent attacks on LGBTQ health care, efforts by some states to prohibit same-sex marriage, assaults on the trans community and the challenges which children face just to exist and
“We want people to understand that the work continues in this pivotal time of historical American and global events,” he said. “Our goal is to build space long term both now and for those who come after us in the future, remember that we stand on the shoulders of those who led the way in the past.”
D.C.’s 50-year Pride history
Giovanni Rocco, 33, a CPA board member, was born in Chile but moved with his family to the U.S. at the age of nine. He said he’s proud that
Differences in unbanked rates between Black or Hispanic households and White households exist at every income level, according to the FDIC.
A disadvantage inextricably linked to race
An FDIC survey of unbanked Americans in 2023 found that the most common reason cited for not having a bank account was an inability to meet minimum balance requirements. Banks typically require customers to deposit between $25 to $100 to open a checking or savings account, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Survey respondents said they also do not trust banks and are concerned about the fees associated with using them.
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persistent and toxic chemicals have been widely used to resist heat, water and oil, making them ideal for products, like non-stick cookware, firefighting foam and waterproof fabrics.
PFAS and PFBs enter waterways through industrial discharge, firefighting foam runoff, landfill leakage and wastewater systems that can’t filter them out. Once in the water, these chemicals can persist for years without breaking down, accumulating in fish, wildlife and, eventually, human bodies through drinking water and food consumption.
“Generally speaking, PFAS chemicals are known to interfere with human immune systems in a negative manner, rendering humans exposed to them with a very weakened and compromised immune system,” said Shamira A. Brown.
explore their own sexual identity, one might think we’re moving backwards. But 50 years ago, our community lived in the closet – we weren’t even visible.”
“Yes, we still face discrimination, particularly in housing, employment and healthcare,” Rocco continued. “But despite the federal government’s pushback, those who live in cities like Washington, D.C., and in many states across America, refuse to allow our rights to be eradicated. If anything, they have doubled down in their support.”
the banking system by racist policies and practices.
Black-owned banks originated during the post-Civil War era to serve communities excluded from the mainstream financial system. But banks serving majority Black communities have been on the decline over the past two decades, severely limiting access to financial services. Today, majority Black and Latino or Hispanic neighborhoods have fewer choices in banks to go to than majority White neighborhoods, meaning they live in a less competitive environment for banks and are potentially subject to higher service rates, according to a 2021 Brookings Institution analysis.
Digital banking has exploded over the past decade and
One of the more significant events that has pushed more Americans toward opening bank accounts in recent history had to do with extreme necessity: the government stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost half of unbanked Americans who began using banks in that period said the stimulus was a reason they opened an account, according to the FDIC. Federal agencies have tried to increase the population of banked Americans, but a 2022 report from the Government Accountability Office found that the success of these efforts is difficult to assess. Its recommendations that the FDIC and other agencies adopt clear measurement systems for the impact of public awareness
However, there are other reasons besides trust that keep Americans excluded from the financial system. Some avoid banks to increase their sense of privacy. Others reported that bank locations and hours of operation were inconvenient. States with the largest populations of unbanked individuals are also states with significant Black populations that have historically been intentionally excluded from participating in
promises to eliminate many barriers to using financial services, like lack of transportation. However, there are still people who rely on physical banking. FDIC surveys have shown that low-income Americans and those with lower education levels are more likely to use in-person banking services—something banks have divested from as they move more of their operations online.
campaigns and other efforts have yet to be implemented. This story was originally published by Stacker Studio. Story editing was done by Carren Jao with additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing was done by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story features data reporting by Elena Cox, writing by Dom DiFurio, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states and Washington D.C.
Lewis Ross Brown’s background is in environmental toxicology, researching how exposure to pesticides and chemical pollutants affect living organisms and, in particular, humans. Shamira A. Brown specializes in environmental chemistry and oncology.
The pair met when they were paired up for a biological research project while attending Dillard University, a historically Black college in Louisiana. They previously worked with the Louisiana Environmental Action Network before coming to D.C. to work for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
They left the government agency during the 47th president’s first term, as he sought to reduce support for the EPA and roll back protections for the first time. Now that he is back in office, they are also stepping up to support scientists and researchers who have lost their jobs or fear they may be terminated.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two prominent PFAS. Shamira A. Brown explained that exposure to PFOA can result in significantly elevated cholesterol levels and changes in liver function.
Exposure to PFOS leads can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including kidney, testicular, anal, breast and prostate. She said there is also a strong connection between PFOS exposure and changes in hormone levels in men and women between the ages of 16 and 67.
PCBs can also cause a range of health problems.
“Furthermore, we have shown that high exposure levels of PCBs can induce severe liver and kidney damage in humans, as well as developmental effects in children born to mothers with high PCB exposure levels,” said Shamira A. Brown.
The researchers will also be analyzing waterways for lead, arsenic and mercury. They will also collect tissue samples from fish and birds. They plan to publicize the information and to enable community members to learn more about the hazards these contaminants pose to both environmental and human health.
A special focus will be put on aiding underserved communities, who typically bear the brunt of environmental harms.
“We’re going to hold meetings where people can tune in and ask all of the questions they want to ask. We are going to come to your community to help because that’s our job,” said Lewis Ross Brown. “If we don’t help, nobody is going to help us.”
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• Multi-Door is all about resolving disputes without the drama. Through mediation and alternative dispute resolution, they provide an accessible way to work out conflicts — helping neighbors settle differences peacefully and promoting lasting community ties. Wendt Center for Loss and Healing: Nationally recognized for its expertise in grief and trauma, the Wendt Center provides support for people navigating loss, illness, or other crises. With services for all ages, they help people in the D.C. area find renewed hope and resilience. Reflecting on what it means to be a good neighbor in today’s D.C., I think it’s about balancing the character of existing communities and people and embracing the city’s inevitable changes. Building
“The biggest fight we have on our hands right now is getting these federal workers to work again and back to doing the things that they love to do, which is to help our society,” said Lewis Ross Brown. “When he laid those people off, it was nothing short of stupid because it’s going to cost a lot of money to build that government agency back up.”
The researchers are helping to connect displaced federal environmental workers with consulting jobs. Lewis Ross Brown noted that these positions offer flexible hours and wages that exceed those from government jobs. They have set up a hotline for people who are in need of employment. Individuals can call 703-594-2302 for help. Once they must submit a current resume, they will be connected with a range of consulting opportunities.
As the 47th president and his administration continue to defund climate initiatives and research, Lewis Ross Brown and Shamira A. Brown are uneasy. But, through VEAN, they plan to hold institutions accountable for their environmental impact. Under the current administration, “ we are mainly concerned about the elimination of research grants in the sciences, especially medical, environmental health, toxicology and chemistry,” said Shamira A. Brown. “Trump’s inane and insensitive gutting of research grants at the federal levels and his asinine policies targeting HBCUs and other colleges who don’t agree with his outdated, moronic policies are enough for anyone to be concerned. VEAN will stand up to these antiquated, outdated policies.”
connections takes effort, but when we aim for harmony, everyone benefits.
My wish is that more people consider this question for themselves, so the city can experience the beauty that comes from answering a neighbor’s call.
On May 19, the 51st will host “Ask a D.C. Native” Live! at the Eaton House, located at 1203 K Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005. Hosted by poet, artist, and organizer Dwayne Lawson-Brown, two teams of D.C. natives will go head-tohead, testing their hometown knowledge in front of a live audience.
Whether you were born in D.C., been in the District for a while or just arrived, cheer for your favorite team and test your own wit for a chance to win prizes from local sponsors. Expect plenty of laughs and spirited debates in a mostly judgment-free zone. Sponsors for the event include AFRO News and AVAD, LLC.
By Janet Currie Special to the AFRO
Spring is a great time to dust off more than just your shelves. While you’re tackling closet clutter, consider doing the same for your finances. With a few simple, strategic moves, you can tidy up your money habits and leave your financial life feeling fresh and organized.
Scrub Your Subscriptions
List: Just like cleaning out a cluttered closet, it’s worthreviewing your monthly expenses and clearing out the ones you no longer use. Take stock of your subscriptions, streaming services and memberships—cancel or downgrade anything that’s not serving you. The money you save can be redirected toward your savings goals or paying down debt.
Refresh Your Budget: Just as you refresh your home, take time to refresh your budget by taking a look at how you’ve been doing during the first few months of the year. Are there any adjustments you can make based on the economic environment? Could you put more toward savings? Conducting a budget check-in can ensure that your financial plan stays aligned with your goals.
If you need to build a budget from scratch or do a full reset, Better Money Habits, Bank of America’s free financial education platform, has a guide on how to create a budget.
Dust Off Your Emergency Fund: Life is unpredictable. While you may not know what it will throw at
The time has come for young people to take their rightful seat at the table. As the founder of Journey of A Dreamer INC., I’ve seen firsthand the incredible leadership, passion and vision that youth bring to their communities. But far too often, their voices go unheard and their contributions are overlooked. It’s time for us to stop treating them as the “future” and recognize that they are already leading in meaningful ways today. When I was younger, I didn’t have a voice. It always felt like my opinions didn’t matter simply because I was young. I felt that I was too small, too inexperienced and not worthy of being heard. It’s something many young people today still feel. They are told to wait their turn, to be quiet, to step aside for adults to take charge. But when we do this, we deny them the opportunity to learn, grow and lead. Through Journey of A Dreamer INC., I’ve had the privilege of offering youth the opportunity to take leadership positions in our summer youth employment programs and school-year initiatives. These programs aren’t just about helping them gain work
Courtesy photo
Janet Currie is president of Bank of America, Greater Maryland. This week she offers advice on how to spring clean your finances—by reviewing subscriptions, updating your budget, rebuilding your emergency fund, optimizing credit card rewards, using digital coupons, and enjoying free local events to save while having fun.
you next, having an emergency fund helps you be more prepared for those unexpected moments. If you’ve been neglecting your emergency fund, use this season to build it back up. Begin with small, consistent contributions and aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Better Money Habits’ guide to building an emergency fund can help.
Declutter Your Wallet: For the everyday expenses you do have to make, be sure you’re being rewarded. Start by decluttering your wallet—remove any cards you don’t currently use or that
“Life is unpredictable. While you may not know what it will throw at you next, having an emergency fund helps you be more prepared for those unexpected moments.”
don’t offer meaningful perks. Then, focus on using a credit card that aligns with your spending habits. For example, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers 3 percent cash back in the category of your choice including, gas/EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvement/furnishings; 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/ grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter); and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases.
Pro tip: Earn even more rewards on your shopping by making sure you’re enrolled inyour bank’s loyalty program.
“Clipping” for a Cleaner Budget: Swap garden clippings for digital ones to give your budget a fresh start. Many grocery stores and retail apps now offer easily accessible discounts right from your phone, no scissors required. Taking a few minutes to browse and
“clip” digital coupons before shopping can lead to significant savings over time, especially on essentials like food, toiletries and household goods. Enjoy the Season, Free: Don’t forget, as you “clean” your finances this spring, to take time to have some fun! Save money by taking advantage of free offerings in the area. For instance, Baltimore’s AFRAM Festival, the city’s official Juneteenth celebration, takes place June 21 and June 22 at Druid Hill Park. The festival features free musical performances, arts and cultural experiences. Also, during the first weekend of every month, Bank of America offers its cardholders free admission to The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture and the Maryland Science Center through its Museums On Us program. So, step out and enjoy some free fun.
or serve them better, I noticed something: many of them felt weird –almost uncomfortable– when asked for their opinions. Some seemed unsure, even hesitant, to speak up. It was as if they were afraid to use their voices because they had been shut down before, or worse, never asked for their input at all. The realization that these youth were not used to being heard hit me hard. Their hesitation was not because they lacked ideas or passion—it was because they had never been given the space to share those ideas.
heard and to lead. But more needs to be done. Youth should not have to wait for permission to share their voices; they should be included from the start.
By Dayvon Love
The Trump administration has been clear that it is engaging in political warfare against those it views as its opponents. The aggressive deportation policies, attacks against Black history and culture and threatening the c3 status of non profit organizations has been central to the executive orders signed by the president. This has been accompanied by withholding federal funding from entities that Republicans view as their political adversaries. As a result,vital services and resources to our community have been interrupted in very brutal and detrimental ways.
Much of the political discourse regarding what Trump has done has been based on him being morally bankrupt and having a desire for authoritarian power.
While these descriptions are true, this lends itself to omitting discussions about what has put us in this position to be so vulnerable to the brutal policies of the Trump administration.
So much of the discourse surrounding the last three presidential elections has been about saving democracy. The reality is that America is not a democracy, it is a settler colony that functions to maintain the 500 year project of European domination of the world. Making moral appeals to a society that have no meaningful commitment to protecting the humanity of Black people and other oppressed people is futile.
Love is director of public policy for the Baltimore-based think tank, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. This week, he speaks on the political warfare being waged by the current presidential administration.
doing the work of building an infrastructure that makes the community safe, while seizing resources from conservative right wing forces is the kind of strategic political warfare that we need to be engaged in as Black people who are vulnerable to Trump’s policies.
Another example is Sinclair Broadcasting/Fox45 Baltimore and its clear right wing agenda. Too many Democrats are being friendly to them instead of challenging their legitimacy as a news media organization.
experience—they’re about giving them a voice. I’ve seen how having the responsibility of leading a project has shaped their confidence and their sense of worth. Youth who have never been asked for their opinions or ideas are suddenly given a platform, and they respond with an enthusiasm that’s nothing short of inspiring. Yet, when I first began asking the youth how we could improve our programs
I will never forget how many of these youth thanked me for trusting them and for giving them the chance to lead. They told me it made them feel seen, valued and heard. It wasn’t just about the work they accomplished; it was about feeling like their voices mattered. That’s what leadership opportunities can do: they show young people that they are not just the future—they are the present, and their voices are powerful right now.
How we can make a difference
The solution is simple: We must listen.
Across New York City and Washington, D.C., organizations like Journey of A Dreamer INC. are providing youth with platforms to be
As an advocate for CASA NYC youth, I’ve seen the profound impact that giving youth the opportunity to speak up can have on their futures. Too many of our youth feel disconnected from the decision-making that affects their lives. That’s why we need to make youth participation in leadership and community decision-making a priority. Youth deserve a seat at the table—and not just as a token gesture. We need to create spaces where they can actively participate, collaborate, and contribute to the solutions that affect their lives.
A final thought
If we continue to silence the voices of young people, we risk losing the perspectives and solutions they have to offer. It’s time to stop saying that youth are the future and start recognizing that they are already here, ready to lead, and ready to change the world.
Let’s give them the chance. Let’s listen.
Too much time and energy has been spent on pointing out how terrible Trump is and pleading with people to vote for any Democrat, and not enough time spent talking about building the instruments of political warfare needed to go on the offensive against those who are attacking us. For instance, law enforcement has been a reliable network for right wing and largely Republican candidates for public office.
The history of law enforcement shows they have been a vehicle for denigrating Black social movements through programs like cointelpro and local versions of the program designed to disrupt Black organizations and groups who are interested in social transformation.
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and organizations in Maryland like the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association (MSAA) continue to advocate for right wing policies on criminal justice that prop up mass incarceration (i.e. automatic charging of youth as adults, opposition to community control of law enforcement). What has happened in the past few years is increased funding for community based violence prevention, which largely involves funding Black led-grassroots organizations. Taking resources from law enforcement and putting it in the hands of community based organizations that are
I observe local Maryland elected officials engage them as a good faith media outlet, instead of calling them out for their racist political propaganda. Folks who understand that we need to be engaged in political warfare if we are serious about understanding the moment we are in, would be more aggressive in addressing the negative impact they have had in fueling mass incarceration and demonizing Black people and organizations that are in charge of distributing public resources.
The lesson that we continue to not learn is that we are not in a situation of trying to convince otherwise persuadable people to preserve American democracy, but that we need to have strategic conversations about how to successfully defeat our political enemies from causing our community collective harm.
The reality is that the hope and change that we were propagandized into during the Obama years made us ill prepared for this political moment.
Barack Obama symbolized the ultimate level of inclusion into the American democratic experiment. The reality is that the election of Barack Obama seduced our community into a fantasy of inclusion into what Martin Luther King Jr. said shortly before he was assassinated, a burning house. That burning house is America. Our only hope as a people is to build the power that we need to execute a strategy of political warfare against those who seek our collective subordination to the system of White supremacy.
“To dominate in multiple categories—general news, critical thinking, editorial and profile–shows how far we’ve come in evolving our storytelling, while staying rooted in our mission that began nearly 133 years ago,” said Draper. “The continued success of Black press institutions like the AFRO speaks volumes about our resilience and relevance at a time when many journalists face increased restrictions and pressures—especially under the policies of the current 47th presidential administration—the Black press remains a vital lifeline for truth, justice and informed citizenship.”
Throughout the first 100 days in office, the 47th presidential administration has toed the line of limiting certain news organizations’ ability to cover federal matters and has rolled back federal equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, causing a mass exodus from many “DEI” and “Black” initiatives.
“It makes your heart feel good to hear from your peers that your work is good.”
Black America has already begun to see the erasure and alterations of Black history under this administration, but Black press organizations like the AFRO persist and continue to flourish.
“We have always served our communities in times of challenge and change, and we will continue to do so with boldness, integrity and unwavering resolve,” said Draper.
James Fields, AFRO photographer, won first place for his photo of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
“When I started taking pictures, I never thought I’d be recognized for something like this,” said Fields, who received recognition for his images of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. “Going down to the bridge– when you see it in person– it’s even more devastating. It was chilling.”
He said he was able to board a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, which brought him close to the wreckage and allowed him to take this
award-winning shot.
Fields said compliments poured in from his fellow photographers when the image was published.
“It makes your heart feel good to hear from your peers that your work is good,” said Fields.
Alongside AFRO reporters, several African-American journalists throughout the DMV area were recognized for their wins at the 2024 MDDC awards.
“Every year, the MDDC is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work it takes to do what we do every day as journalists,” said Micha Green, managing editor of the Washington Informer, who won first place for her editorial “No Excuse for Having No Empathy” alongside several other awards. “Annually, I look forward to it, just to see all of the amazing work happening across Maryland, Delaware and Washington D.C.”
Green particularly spoke of the heightened importance of recognizing the work of Black journalists in today’s society.
“Journalism is not as appreciated as it should be on a global scale,” said Green.
But despite that, Green pressed that “no matter which way you slice it, you cannot erase the Black community, the Black stories or the Black storytellers.”
“We’ve been doing it in the Black Press for 198 years and we will be doing it another 198 and beyond because our stories remain critical to the American narrative,” said Green.
The MDDC Awards divides media companies into divisions based on company size.
The AFRO competes in Division F, however, the first and second place winners of each division are all considered for the “Best of Show” award.
AFRO Managing Editor Alexis Taylor, who won Best of Show for Editorial and Blog Video, said she was “proud of how the AFRO editorial team and all of the hard work put in by all of the AFRO team members.”
“AFRO reporters are known for amplifying Black voices and Black issues. When I look at the individual articles recognized by the MDDC Press Association, it lets me know that we are still operating in the spirit of the AFRO founders,” said Taylor. “From Black maternal health to election coverage and criminal justice reform, we are still leaning into tough issues. Nearly two centuries after the founding of the Black Press, we are still more than capable of ‘pleading our own cause.’” See the full list of awards won by AFRO team members on AFRO.com.
Janet Currie President,
This edition of the AFRO puts a spotlight on mental health in the Black community, exploring the impact of workplace anxiety, the unique challenges facing college students, and the role of the Black Church in promoting emotional and mental wellness.
Keep this edition handy as a resource to better understand, support and uplift mental health in your community.
By Andrew Lisa
Defined by the American Psychiatric Association as “health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior,” mental illness affects millions of Americans, often disrupting their social lives, personal relationships and school or career performance.
Although many find relief through professional treatment, many, many more never do—but not because treatment is not possible. It is in most cases, but a variety of factors prevent all too many sufferers from getting the help they need or even seeking it out in the first place. Instances of mental illness and its most negative outcomes—most notably suicide—were already on the rise for the past two decades before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. But the coronavirus crisis—and the stress and uncertainty that came with it— led to dramatic spikes in the number of people seeking help with problems involving their mental health and well-being.
America’s mental health crisis is now and has for a long time been aggravated by widespread misinformation and ignorance about mental illness and the people who struggle with it. The nature of mental illness is widely misunderstood, as are its causes, consequences and potential treatments and outcomes.
Those who suffer from mental illness battle not only the condition itself, but public perceptions and attitudes that are commonly unhelpful, often harmful and usually rooted in misinformation. Read below to understand key facts about mental health by using data and expert information from sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) Mental Health America (MHA), the
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
1. Mental illness affects tens of millions of Americans
According to JHM, “An estimated 26 percent of Americans ages 18 and older – about 1 in 4 adults – suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.” Data shows that roughly 9.5 percent of all Americans over the age of 18 are struggling with a “major depressive illness,” such as “major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia” on an annual basis.
2. Mental illness usually begins at a young age
About 20 percent of children have suffered from what the CDC classifies as a “seriously debilitating mental disorder,” most commonly an anxiety, behavior or mood disorder. Three out of four cases of chronic mental illness begin by age 24 and half begin by age 14.
3. Many factors can contribute to mental illness
Mental illness can be caused by genetics, life experiences, environmental factors, stress and trauma, individual biochemistry, drug and alcohol use, traumatic brain injury, or any combination of them all, according to MHA. In many cases, it’s not possible to trace the exact source of an individual’s condition.
4. Know the warning signs Depending on the condition and the individual, mental illness
may or may not include red-flag symptoms like a decline in hygiene, significant weight loss or gain, a sudden increase in drug use or reckless behavior, or a departure from reality in the form of paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations. Symptoms of mental illness are complex and can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, but extended periods of sadness or lethargy are common symptoms, according to NAMI, as are radical changes in sleeping habits, personality or behavior. A sudden increase in episodes of overwhelming panic or fear could be a warning
sign, as could thoughts of self-harm, extreme changes in sex drive and a withdrawal from friends and social activities.
5. There are many other kinds of mental illness
Mental illness can take many forms beyond anxiety disorders and mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. Among the most common are eating disorders, personality disorders, behavioral disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessivecompulsive disorder, substance abuse disorders, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
6. Many with mental health challenges wage multifront battles
People who struggle with serious mental illness are at a greater risk for cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, according to the NAMI. Roughly one in five struggle with substance abuse at the same time as mental illness.
7. They don’t struggle alone
NAMI estimates that at least 8.4 million Americans serve as caregivers for adults with mental or emotional illness. On average, they spend 32 unpaid hours per week providing care.
8. Too many people go without treatment
According to MHA, 56 percent of adults and 61.5 percent of youths with mental illness do not receive any treatment. Contrary to a common stereotype, however, it’s
often not for lack of trying. Millions of Americans of all ages report giving up after repeated attempts to get help in vain.
9. Only a tiny percentage are violent or unpredictable One of the biggest myths surrounding people with mental illness is that they’re prone to fits of violence and other unpredictable outbursts. The truth, according to MentalHealth. gov, is that the overwhelming majority are no more likely to be violent than the general population. Just 3 -5 percent of violent crimes are committed by people with mental illness.
10. Help is available and accessible
Treatment does not have to be expensive or overwhelming and anyone suffering from mental illness, or who knows someone who is, has resources at their disposal. The CDC maintains a list of crisis hotlines, helpful links for those seeking treatment, links to mental health campaigns and advocacy groups, and resources that are specific to certain demographics, like veterans or abuse survivors. Organizations such as the NIH, NAMI and many others offer similar information, and groups like MHA offer free mental health screenings, which can help sufferers determine what kind of mental illness they likely have and which steps they should take next.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This article was originally
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com
Mental health professionals are calling attention to the urgent need for culturally competent care, open dialogue and systemic reform as it relates to suicide in the Black community.
Black men, specifically, are rarely given safe spaces to feel vulnerable—and have even fewer opportunities to build emotional intelligence. Now, advocates say it’s time for a change.
Jason Jennings-Wright, a traveling hospital social worker, psychiatric rehabilitation therapist and adjunct
professor, said many Black men are suffering in silence.
“We don’t give men, especially Black men, space to say, ‘I’m not okay,’” Jennings-Wright said. “We’ve internalized this idea that vulnerability is weakness. But that silence is costing lives.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the suicide rate among males in 2023 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Men make up 50 percent of the U.S. population but account for nearly 80 percent of suicides.”
Jennings-Wright believes part of the issue lies in stigma and a lack of culturally
relevant information.
“If we don’t have enough messaging highlighting the importance of mental health in Black communities, our own thought processes won’t allow us to even recognize what’s happening inside of us,” he said.
Mark E. Carrington, a Black man who began therapy after experiencing severe panic attacks, said generational silence shaped his early understanding of mental health.
“Growing up, nobody talked about therapy. You just went to church and tried to pray it away,” Carrington said. “But that wasn’t enough. Therapy helped me get to the root of issues that started in
“There are people like me—Black men— creating spaces where others can show up fully, with all their pain and questions.”
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childhood.”
Both Carrington and Jennings-Wright emphasized the importance of judgment-free spaces where Black men can express themselves without fear of being labeled weak.
“It’s not a weakness to ask for help. If anything, it’s a strength—it shows self-awareness, discernment and the critical thinking skills we should be encouraging in every Black man,” Jennings-Wright said.
Carrington said therapy helped him build coping tools to manage anxiety and emotional distress.
“You have to go at your own pace. Therapy isn’t a race,” he said. “You need to feel comfortable with your therapist, or you won’t see results. It only works when you’re honest—with yourself and with them.”
Jennings-Wright also warns against viewing mental health as a purely individual issue.
“We can’t just focus on personal responsibility. That’s a Band-Aid,” he said. “We have to talk about systemic issues—poverty, racism, and capitalism—that make life feel unbearable for so many. It’s not just about fixing the person. It’s about fixing the conditions they’re living in.”
That message resonated with Carrington, who said his own journey began when he saw peers making the choice
to seek help. He said community plays a vital role in shifting attitudes.
“It helps when you have friends who are already in therapy. They make it easier to open up—and help break the false stigma that Black men don’t need an outlet. We absolutely do,” he said.
Both men agree that healing can’t happen in isolation.
Lasting change requires cultural and institutional commitment.
“There are people like me—Black men—creating spaces where others can show up fully, with all their pain and questions, but we need more. ” Jennings-Wright said. “We need families, schools, churches, and policymakers to show up too. Until we treat Black men’s mental health as a collective responsibility, we’ll keep losing lives that could have been saved.”
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
Mental health remains a significant issue in the United States. According to Mental Health America, more than 50 million adults—20.78 percent of the population— experienced a mental illness between 2019 and 2020.
Several nutrition experts say food choices can help
reduce stress and depression and support mental wellness.
“Beneficial foods include fatty fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, sardines and mackerel that have omega-3 fatty acids,” said Gregory Lafortune, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collards, as they have vitamins and minerals, like folate and magnesium, which support mood and focus.”
Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce depression and anxiety by supporting neurotransmitters and decreasing inflammation, said Lafortune.
Vandana Sheth, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, also recommends fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, as well as nuts and seeds. Fruits, particularly berries and citrus, are also helpful.
“Berries and citrus contain Vitamin C and other antioxidants that support anti-aging and overall cognitive health,” said Lafortune.
Foods to avoid include alcohol and added sugars.
“Alcohol interferes with neurotransmitter function
and can lead to disruptions in sleep, memory and mood,” said Lafortune. “In excess, sugar can lead to insulin resistance in the brain, which is a precursor for dementia.”
Lafortune also stressed the importance of key nutrients.
“Inadequate levels of Vitamin D are linked to increased depression and stress risk,” said Lafortune. “Magnesium supports mood and helps to calm the nervous system.”
Jessica McAllister, a registered dietician nutritionist based in Honolulu, Hawaii, agreed and warned against consuming highly processed foods.
“Highly processed foods and refined sugars, such as fast food and sugary treats, can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to mood swings and increased stress responses,” said McAllister. “Excessive caffeine and energy drinks may induce jitteriness and exacerbate anxiety, especially in those prone to panic attacks.”
McAllister laid out why Black Americans in particular should be mindful of the foods they eat that can improve or worsen their mental
wellness.
“We know that chronic stress disproportionately affects Black Americans, often leading to conditions such as high blood pressure and mental health issues,” she said. “Improving diet quality by emphasizing nutrient-dense, culturally significant foods like leafy greens and sweet potatoes can help reduce our risk.”
For tips specific to Black Americans, Lafortune suggests keeping vegetables in the “culture “ and being mindful of heart health when preparing soul food.
“Being mindful of what you eat can make a big difference in both your physical and emotional health.”
“Cultural dishes that feature vegetables like collard greens, okra, sweet potatoes, beans, peas and more contain a wide array of nutrients that support gut and brain health,” said Lafortune.
In order to maintain heart health, Lafortune suggested baking or air frying instead of
submerging foods in hot oil.
For those concerned about the cost of eating healthy, McAllister offered a simple solution.
“It is not necessary to consume only organic or specialty foods to benefit mental health, or overall health, for that matter,” said McAllister.
“Affordable staple foods, like seasonal vegetables, beans and whole grains, can be just as valuable to a healthy diet.”
When it comes to seasonings, herbs are beneficial.
“Herbs generally are anti-inflammatory and can support brain health,” said Lafortune.
“High sodium seasonings, especially those with additives such as MSG and artificial flavor enhancers, may significantly reduce the nutrient quality of meals,” added McAllister.
Bridget Wood, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, stressed the value of a well-balanced and mindful diet.
“It’s important to monitor your intake of things like sodium, sugar, higher-fat dairy items, red meat and other animal products,” said Wood. “These items are ok from time to time, but if eaten in excess over a long period of time, they can impact your mental wellbeing negatively and increase inflammation. Being mindful of what you eat can make a big difference in both your physical and emotional health.”
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Coppin State University (CSU) students react to the new SheCare Wellness Pods, introduced in partnership with the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and Kate Spade New York on May 2. The pods were conceptualized by renowned actress Taraji P. Henson, who created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and attended the unveiling at CSU.
The SheCare Wellness Pods initiative aims to assist around 25,000 Black women at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) with mental health support. The pods provide a free, safe and nurturing environment for students to prioritize their mental health through mental health therapy sessions tailored to women, quiet spaces, guided yoga sessions and more.
“Black women continue to face significant disparities in mental health, from unequal access and lower quality of care, to the overwhelming burden of psychosocial stress and the social determinants of health that impact both physical and mental well being,” said Aniah Brewer, a senior social work major and Maxie Collier Scholar at CSU.
“They represent an intentional commitment to equity, healing and empowerment.”
CSU repurposed an indoor space to create the first indoor wellness pod of this initiative. Coppin joins three other HBCUs in this initiative: Alabama State University, Bennett College and Hampton University.
“By offering equitable access to care right here on campus, we are removing barriers that have stood in the way for far too long,” said Brewer. “These wellness pods will help normalize conversations around mental health, provide culturally responsive support and encourage students to prioritize their emotional well-being without fear of stigmatization, because joy is our birthright.”
Brittany Thompson, a CSU health science major, and Katelyn Lemon, a biology major, shared their reactions to the new wellness pods.
“This is going to be good for the students on campus,” said Thompson, 18. “It is stressful being on campus, going to class and making sure your grades are up to par every day.”
Lemon and Thompson, both members of the CSU freshman class, said they are ready to check it out and encouraged others on campus not to
“knock it” until they try it.
“It will be nice to have a space where I can relax outside the dorms,” said Lemon. “I’m at school for three to four hours, at work for eight hours and I am on my feet all day.”
Lemon, who comes from a family of Coppin alumni, said she’s proud of what’s happening at CSU.
“I think it’s an exciting, innovative pathway that Coppin is on,” said Lemon, 19. “We started as a smaller HBCU in one building, and then it developed all across North Avenue. It’s pretty cool to see the growth.”
“These wellness pods will help normalize conversations around mental health, provide culturally responsive support and encourage students to prioritize their emotional well-being... without fear of stigmatization, because joy is our birthright.”
By Anissa Durham Word in Black
A new initiative is transforming mental health support for Black and Brown college students, reaching over 50 campuses nationwide — and it’s just getting started. The Excellence in Mental Health on Campus program is spearheaded by The Steve Fund, a national organization that works to support the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
With the rates of mental health illness, overdose and suicide death increasing among young people of color — the organization is offering campus level resources by and for students. Monica Ingkavet, director of program and partnerships at the organization, says part of their focus on young people of color is because of existing disparities they experience.
The initiative comes at a time when access to mental health resources is increasingly difficult, expensive, and scarce. Meeting students where they are offers young college students the opportunity to get connected with others and care for their mental health.
Word In Black sat down with Ingkavet, who shared more about this initiative and its importance to the mental health of young Black and Brown students. Comments were condensed and edited for clarity.
Word In Black: Tell me how the excellence in mental health on campus initiative started?
Monica Ingkavet: We have three strategic priorities and pillars. The first one, we transform educational, organizational and emotional well being of young people of color. The
“The main goal is to guide and support institutions through an impactful 18-month process that makes the mental health of students a campus wide priority.”
second one is to provide resources and skill building directly to young people. Three is, we shape the field. We started the excellence in mental health on campus initiative. The main goal is to guide and support institutions through an impactful 18-month process that makes the mental health of students a campus wide priority. We have worked with 66 institutions. And we are recruiting for our eighth cohort to kick off in the fall.
WIB: What is happening during this 18-month process?
MI: When each institution joins, they have to create a steering committee. It’s usually about eight to 12 people. We encourage the committee to include students and is a representation of the campus community. Those steering committee members then join a learning community that meets throughout these 18-months.
This committee will gather data and share it with The Steve Fund. Based on that data, they create a needs assessment report — then one of our coaches works with them to submit an action plan. We work with this committee to implement this action plan. And they work with our mental health experts who are giving them additional professional development resources.
WIB: What has been the response so far?
MI: Several cohorts have hosted mental health symposiums. Some of them have also invited other colleges and universities to join. One school hosted a mental health event on campus, including all staff and faculty — so that everyone can be supportive of student’s mental health.
One school learned from their student listening sessions that students felt they didn’t have enough peer support. That school worked to increase group offerings. Another institution has increased their culturally responsive training for faculty and staff — to be more trauma informed.
Many schools have increased listening sessions and workshops for their students. We also provide tool kits to help students who are going back to school.
WIB: When thinking about
Mental illness, overdose and suicide rates are increasing in
and Brown communities. Now, experts like Monica
director of program and partnerships for The Steve Fund, are working hard to change the statistics with initiatives that meet college students where they are.
the rates of mental health illness, overdose and suicide rates in Black and Brown communities — how did that influence the decision to target young POC on college and university campuses?
MI: Rates of mental illness are similar across racial and ethnic groups. However, there are
disparities in overdose, suicide rates, access to mental health services among certain populations. The Steve Fund provides programs and resources tailored to benefit young people across the board and address the gaps in services. This article was originally published by Word in Black.
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
The church has historically served as more than a place of worship for Black faith communities— it’s been a central institution, providing a hub for political organizing, community support, education and cultural expression. Pastors have acted as spiritual advisers, trusted ears and problem solvers in their congregations.
In the face of a national mental health crisis, they’re now increasingly being called to support a different need: the mental and emotional well-being of their parishioners.
“The church is made up of families. When those families come into the church, they’re coming with whatever they’re going through in their homes. We need to be better equipped to assist people in our community because they’re going to come to church looking for help,” said Barbara Palmer, a pastor for Kingdom Celebration Center. “We’re supposed to be the pillar of the community and a place where everybody can come for whatever resources they need.”
Palmer helps to lead the non-denominational church in Gambrills, Md. alongside her husband Bishop Antonio Palmer. As part of her
ministry, she runs Kingdom Kare, a nonprofit organization that houses childcare, family support, mentoring and entrepreneurship services.
Mental health advocacy is personal to the Palmers.
Their 19-year-old son died by suicide a few years ago, a tragedy that transformed how they think about care and crisis.
“We didn’t realize that he was in a crisis. We just thought he was going through something for the day,” said Barbara Palmer. “Especially as African Americans, we don’t really talk about mental health in our communities.
Once we went through that experience, we began to educate our community on the fact that when someone is in a crisis, we can’t leave it there. We have to get them help and the resources they need.”
When an individual does not know where to go for help, Barbara Palmer explained that it presents an opportunity for a pastor to guide them to the professional support they need. A few years ago, Barbara Palmer, herself, became certified in belief therapy, a faith-based approach that focuses on replacing false beliefs with biblical truth.
“As churches it’s important that we don’t stigmatize mental health. We can’t say
that we don’t want to talk about, we don’t want to deal with it or that we just want to pray our way through it,” said Barbara Palmer. “It’s important as pastors and clergy that we have the tools we need to effectively minister to people in our congregations using our faith.”
Abraham Shanklin Jr., a clinical Christian therapist with New Momentum Health and Wellness, explained that stigmas within Black, faith-based communities can often prevent individuals from seeking the mental health support they need.
Shanklin, himself, suffered a traumatic childhood. His father was abusive to him and his mother. He carried his pain into adulthood, but he couldn’t identify how to heal. The experience put him on a path to becoming a therapist and a minister.
According to Shanklin, one of the misconceptions surrounding mental health in religious communities is the belief that seeking help is selfish, a sign of ingratitude or even contrary to their faith.
“We have to learn not to demonize humanity in order to champion spirituality.
God gave us the gift of both. Spirituality is not just sacred, being human is sacred too,” said Shanklin. “Having emotions that are negative does not mean that you don’t trust God.”
Shanklin delineated a few ways that church leaders can engage their congregations in conversations about mental health. But, he first stressed that pastors should evaluate their own emotional
well-being and seek help if they need it. They should also be open about their mental challenges with their parishioners.
Shanklin suggested that pastors collaborate with mental health practitioners to create supportive environments where faith and professional care can work hand-inhand. He recommended that they raise awareness about local mental health organizations and include mental
health components as part of community events or other ministries.
“The key is constructing a bridge between faith and mental health, not trying to blow it up. If we can allow them to explore mental health support, they’ll be more open and understand that it does not take away from their faith,” said Shanklin. “If anything, it helps them to have a richer, deeper faith because they won’t have obstacles hindering them.”
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
U.S. Army veteran Twanna Carter became a career coach to help other Black women navigate the mental battles and societal and professional pressures that often go unspoken but deeply impact their confidence and success.
Carter’s desire to coach stemmed from personal struggles with social anxiety, inferiority complex and imposter syndrome. During her time in the military, she often felt insecure, isolated and inadequate— only to later realize that both her peers and subordinates had looked up to her all along.
“I didn’t have mentors. I didn’t have sponsors. I was out there on my own,” said Carter. “That experience lends the most to what I do today. I tell my clients that I am now the person who I needed to do better in my career.”
The AFRO connected with Carter to discuss imposter syndrome’s effects on Black women in the workplace and strategies to heal from it.
AFRO: Can you define imposter syndrome and describe what it looks like in the workplace?
Twanna Carter: The concept of imposter syndrome dates back to the 1970s. It’s the belief that no matter what you do, how hard you work and what you’ve accomplished, it’s all been a fluke. We tell ourselves we got lucky or that at some point someone will peek behind the curtain and realize we don’t know anything or belong.
We go forth with that fear, and we don’t think that we, ourselves, or our work is
who elevated boys over girls.
When I went to the army, I was already dealing with an inferiority complex because of how I was treated growing up. I wouldn’t know until I was almost 40 that I also had social anxiety. This created the perfect storm for imposter syndrome. My internal dialogue and inner critic was vicious. I grew up believing I was less than boys, less than White people and less than people who had more money than my family did.
So, sometimes imposter syndrome can come from your upbringing. We don’t always start on a firm foundation— whether we’re the first person to go to college or told that we aren’t going to be anything because our parents aren’t anything.
Then, you go into workplaces where it’s predominantly White folks, and we already have these messages that we’re less than, and sometimes the environment reinforces those messages. They might treat you as less than because you are a Black woman. You can encounter microaggressions with people questioning your authority. All the while, your inner critic is already loud.
job. You’re not going to put yourself up for jobs, and neither are they.
What tends to happen with Black women is we become the work horses of organizations. We might be the most educated, dedicated, trustworthy and responsible, but we don’t see our values. We stay year after year doing all the grunt work and making other people successful. As Black women, many of us stay stuck in workplaces that we should have long left.
AFRO: What are some strategies you recommend for managing or overcoming imposter syndrome?
TC: You should start off by finding a mentor or coach. I’m not saying that you can’t overcome this by yourself, I did. But, it took me 10 to 15 years. It’s better to journey with someone who understands what you’re going through.
You also have to have awareness of your thoughts. If you ruminate over feeling less than long enough, you become less confident and it can impact how you act and carry yourself. Write the negative thought down and start to gather evidence.
worthy.
AFRO: What are some of the unique pressures that Black women face in the workplace and intensify imposter syndrome?
TC: Let’s use my experiences for a moment. I grew up in a predominantly Black environment, but I remember being called the N-word for the first time at 4 or 5 years old. There was still racism. Being called that word and treated that way made me feel less than. There were also folks in my family
It influences how we move in the corporate world, nonprofit world and the government. Some of us were set up to fail early— even if people didn’t do it on purpose— and imposter syndrome just jumps on board.
AFRO: How can imposter syndrome affect a Black woman’s career advancement?
TC: I am a firm believer of energy. When we tell ourselves we’re not worthy, we give that energy off. Other folks can pick up on it and think the same. If they don’t think you’re worthy and you don’t think you’re worthy, you have no one advocating for you at your
By Cathy Bussewitz
Her first panic attack came at a company-wide meeting, right before her scheduled presentation. Carolina Lasso had given many similar talks about her marketing team’s accomplishments. When her name was called this time, she couldn’t speak.
“I felt a knot in my throat,” Lasso said. “My head, it felt like it was inside a bubble. I couldn’t hear, I couldn’t see, and it felt like an eternity. It was just a few seconds, but it was so profound, and in a way earth-shattering to me.”
Lasso was struggling after a cross-country move followed by a divorce. Her boss suggested a mental health leave, a possibility she didn’t know existed. She worried whether taking time off would affect how her team viewed her or cost her a future promotion, but in the end she did.
“I’m thankful for that opportunity to take the time to heal,” Lasso, 43, said. “Many people feel guilty when they take a leave of absence when it’s mental health-related. ... There is some extra weight that we carry on our shoulders, as if it had been our fault.”
Despite a fear of repercussions, more adults are recognizing that stepping back from work to deal with emotional burdens or psychological conditions that get in the way of their lives is a necessary choice, one that a growing number of employers recognize.
ComPsych Corp., a provider of employee mental health programs and absence management services, encourages its business clients to make the well-being of workers a priority before
individuals get to a breaking point while also having processes in place for those who require leaves of absence.
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, collectively we’ve just been in this constant state of turmoil,” Jennifer Birdsall, the senior clinical director at ComPysch, said.
“We just have had this barrage of change and uncertainty.”
workers with serious health conditions to paid or unpaid leaves of up to 12 weeks, depending on state and local laws.
Some employers require people to use sick days or accumulated vacation days to continue receiving a paycheck while out. For longer leaves, workers can access shortterm disability plans, if their employer offers one.
“Taking a mental health leave is not necessarily a cure-all, but it is important to give yourself a break and allow yourself to regroup….”
Depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder, which involves excessive reactions to stress, were the top three diagnoses of employees who took mental health leaves in the past two years among clients of Alight, a Chicago-based technology company which administers leaves and benefits for large employers.
Structuring a leave
A mental health leave can last weeks or months. In some cases, workers get approval to work a reduced schedule or to take short periods of time off when needed, using an approach called “intermittent leave.”
At most U.S. organizations with 50 or more employees, people can request leaves through the Family and Medical Leave Act. The federal law entitles
Lasso’s leave lasted six months, and included therapy and travel to India for additional treatment. She returned to her job but decided after a year to leave for good. She later launched a business to train people on fostering a more humane work culture.
A mental health leave is “not only OK, but it can really unlock new possibilities once we have the time to do the work — therapy, medication, whatever it is — and have enough distance from work to be able to reconnect with ourselves,” Lasso said.
Talking openly about struggles
A social stigma around mental health challenges causes many people to avoid seeking treatment or requesting a leave
of absence. Newton Cheng, director of health and performance at Google, hopes to change that by sharing his own struggles.
His first self-disclosure happened during the pandemic, when a senior manager invited employees at a meeting to share how they were doing. When it was his turn, Cheng started crying.
He explained he was struggling to live up to his expectations of himself as a father and didn’t know how to turn things around.
“It was just totally horrifying to me because, one, I had just cried in front of my coworkers and I was definitely taught as a professional — and as a man — you do not do that,” Cheng recalled. “And then two, I had never really articulated and said out loud those words. I hadn’t even allowed myself to think that. But now they’re out there and I had to face them.”
Colleagues responded by relaying their own struggles, but Cheng’s difficulties continued. By February 2021, he couldn’t get out of bed because he felt paralyzed by dread, he said. A therapist said he was showing symptoms of major depression and anxiety.
“I just realized, ‘I’m struggling a lot and this goes pretty deep. I don’t think I can keep just putting duct tape on this. I probably need to take some leave,’” Cheng recalled.
Hoping his decision would benefit others, he announced to 200 people at a conference that he planned to take mental health leave. Instead of derailing the gathering as he feared, his honesty inspired fellow conference attendees to open up.
“It was like a fireworks
Ask yourself, “What is the evidence that I am less than, incompetent or not good enough?” Make a list. Then, go to the other side and ask, “What is the evidence that I am competent and good enough?” Make a list. You will be surprised. You start to recall all of the things you do for other people and the people that trust and depend on you. Typically, the list of why you’re competent is way longer. When you start to feel that you’re less than again, pull that list out and look at all the things that refute the fact that you’re not good enough.
show,” Cheng said. “They’re like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe he did that.’ Then they forgot about me. But the tone was set. It was like ’Oh, this is what we’re doing. Let me talk about what’s going on with me, too.’”
Take the time you need
While balancing classes and a full-time job during her last year of college, Rosalie Mae began struggling to get out of bed and crying uncontrollably. Yet she felt like she had “to keep it together” to avoid burdening her colleagues at the University of Utah bookstore, where Mae worked as an accounting clerk. Then she found herself calling a suicide hotline. “Once it reached that point, I knew, especially at the urging of my husband, we need to do something more,” Mae, 24, said. In her case, that meant taking a five-week work leave to put her own health and well-being first. She recommends the same for others who find themselves in a similar position.
“Taking a mental health leave is not necessarily a cure-all, but it is important to give yourself a break and allow yourself to regroup, make a plan of how to proceed and take the steps to work towards feeling better,” Mae said.
Telling managers and
colleagues Before broaching the subject of a mental health leave with a manager, consider the workplace culture and the strength of your professional relationships, Cheng said. He recalls saying, “For my health and well-being, and the sake of my family and what’s best for the business, the least risky thing for me to do is to go on leave soon.”
Individuals who suspect an unsympathetic reception can simply say, “I need to go on medical leave. I need time to recover,” he advised.
There’s also no legal or ethical requirement to tell everyone you work with the nature of your leave.
“Your coworkers don’t need to know why,” said Seth Turner, co-founder of AbsenceSoft, a leave and accommodation management solutions provider. “They just need to know, ‘I’m going to be here at this time, and I’m going to be gone at this time, and I’ll be back.’”
Have you overcome an obstacle or made a profound change in your work? Send your questions and story ideas to cbussewitz@ap.org. Follow AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at https://apnews. com/hub/be-well.
This article was originally published by
Associated
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION
ADMINISTRATION NO. 2022ADM703 ERNESTINE HICKMON AKA
ERNESTINE HICKMAN Name of Decedent
MARILYN CAIN GORDON 7603 GEORGIA AVENUE, NW #304 WASHINGTON, DC 20012 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before NOVEMBER 09, 2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before NOVEMBER 09, 2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: MAY 09, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
ANTHONY B BROXSON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 05/09, 05/16, 05/23/25
DWAYNE JONES whose address is 2919 KNIGHT CT, BRYANS ROAD, MD 20616 was appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of ERNESTINE HICKMON AKA ERNESTINE HICKMAN who died on JANURY 19, 2011 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before NOVEMBER
05/16, 05/23/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2024FEP000129 MAY 09, 2023 Date of Death IRIS B. GOODE Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
MICHAEL A. WASHINGTON whose address is 6220 BRISTOL PARKWAY APT#321 CULVER CITY, CA 90230 was appointed representative of the estate of IRIS B. GOODE deceased, by the SUPERIOR Court for LOS ANGELES County, State of CALIFORNIA, on JULY 12, 2024. Service of process may be made upon VICKEY A. WRIGHT-SMITH 1629 K STREET, NW #300, WASHINGTON, DC 20003 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1730 16TH STREET, NW, APT #16, WASHINGTON, DC 20009. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.
Date of first publication: MAY 16, 2025 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American
MICHAEL A. WASHINGTON Personal Reperesenative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 05/16, 05/23, 05/30/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000403 MICHAEL ANTHONY SESSION Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs WALTER WHITLEY whose address is 814 10TH STREET, NE. WASHINGTON, DC 20002 was appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MICHAEL ANTHONY SESSION who died on JANUARY 30, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before NOVEMBER 09, 2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before NOVEMBER 09, 2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: MAY 09, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
WALTER WHITLEY Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 05/09, 05/16, 05/23/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000416 JAMES HENRY SAUNDERS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs IRIS L. SAUNDERS- SHANNON MCKENZIE whose addresses are 12321 QUINTETTE LANE BOWIE MD, 20720-1205 MARCY AVE OXONHILL, MD 20145 was appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of JAMES HENRY SAUNDERS who died on FEBRUARY 14, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before NOVEMBER 09, 2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before NOVEMBER 09, 2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: MAY 09, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
IRIS L. SAUNDERS SHANNON MCKENZIE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 05/09,
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000418 QUYNH LE Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs STEVEN LE whose address is 3340 16TH ST NW WASHINGTON, DC 20010 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of QUYNH LE who died on FEBRUARY 09, 2025 without a Will and
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM16 JOHN TOBE Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs BRENDA H TOBE whose address is 1235 DELAWARE AVE SW WASHINGTON DC 20024 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN TOBE who died on JULY 25, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY INVITATION FOR BIDS
SUPPLY HOLLOW METAL DOORS AND FRAMES FOR GILMOR HOMES ENTRY DOORS
IFB NUMBER: B-2042-25
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) for interested and qualified contractors to completely remove and replace the doors and frames with hollow metal doors and frames at Gilmor Homes.
BIDS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, June 20, 2025
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting. The IFB and all supporting documents may be obtained on or after Monday, May 26 2025, at the following location:
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department Attention: Mary Kate Gagliardi, Senior Buyer Tel: (410) 396-3105 mary.gagliardi@habc.org
Questions regarding the IFB should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated above and must include the reference: HABC IFB Number B-2042-25.
RFP for Interior & Exterior Rehab.
Proposals are requested for the interior and exterior rehabilitation of Locust United Methodist Church located at 6851 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Work includes crawlspace encapsulation & access panel replacement; window replacement; remodel lower level open space into two huddle rooms; and restroom renovation.
Project is partly funded by the MD Historical Trust. All work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and all State regs., incl. EEO.
Proposals must be rec’d before Friday, June 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM EST by email to LocustUMCprojects@gmail.com. Contact: Judy Brown, LocustUMCprojects@gmail.com, 410- 531-5323.
Contract awarded to lowest proposal from a qualified firm conforming to project schedule. Mandatory Pre-proposal site inspection Monday, May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST at Locust United Methodist Church located at 6851 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044.
To review the full request, please send an email to LocustUMCprojects@gmail.com with subject line of “Request for RFP# LUMC-001 from [YOUR COMPANY NAME]”.
City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Procurement
Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore will be Received until, but not later than 11:00 am local time on the following dates for the stated requirements.
July 16, 2025
* SUPPLY & DELIVERY of FOOD EQUIPMENT at VARIOUS LOCATIONS RFQ-000705
* SUPPLY & DELIVERY of MECHANICAL JOINT DUCTILE IRON PIPE RFQ-000709 ENTIRE SOLICITATION CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWNLOADED BY VISITING THE WEBSITE: https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/supplier/baltimorecity/SupplierSite
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY INVITATION FOR BIDS GILMOR HOMES ROOF REPLACEMENT IFB NUMBER: B-2040-25
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) for interested and qualified contractors to completely remove and replace the shingle roof systems at (28) residential buildings at Gilmor Homes.
BIDS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, June 20, 2025
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting. The IFB and all supporting documents may be obtained on or after Monday, May 26 2025, at the following location:
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department Attention: Mary Kate Gagliardi, Senior Buyer Tel: (410) 396-3105 mary.gagliardi@habc.org
Questions regarding the IFB should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated above and must include the reference: HABC IFB Number B-2040-25.
and
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY INVITATION FOR BIDS WATER, SEWAGE, DRAINAGE UTILITY EMERGENCY, AND REPAIR SERVICES IFB NUMBER: B-2041-25
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) fointerested and qualified contractors to provide routine and emergency services such as repairing, installing, and restoring water, sewage, and drainage lines for various units for HABC.
BIDS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, June 13, 2025
A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, May 28 th , 2025, at 10:00 a.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting.
The entire IFB can be viewed and downloaded by visiting https://habc. bonfirehub.com/projects on or after Monday, May 19, 2025. Questions regarding the IFB should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated below and must include the reference: HABC IFB Number B-2041-25.
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 414 Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Attention: Mary Kate Gagliardi, Senior Buyer Tel: 410-396-3105 mary.gagliardi@habc.org
BOARD OF LIQUOR LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR BALTIMORE CITY
NOTICE – MAY 2025
Petitions have been filed by the following applicants for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages at the premises set opposite their respective names. The real property for these applications will be posted on or about May 19, 2025. Written protests concerning any application will be accepted until and including the time of the hearing. Public hearings may be scheduled on or after May 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM in the Liquor Board Hearing Room, located at 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2300, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Please visit llb.baltimorecity.gov under the link for & Hearing Schedules & for confirmation of the date, time, and place for all matters being heard by the Board.
1. CLASS “A” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE
Applicant: Manya, LLC T/a Eddie’s of Mt. Vernon - Kabita Mahat
Petition: Transfer of ownership (Amended)
Premises: 7 W. Eager Street 21201
(City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 40th)
Applicant: Rothenhoefer Brothers, Inc. T/a Three Brothers - Paramjit Singh and Narinder Singh
Petition: Transfer of ownership requesting off-premises catering and delivery of alcoholic beverages
Premises: 3061 Frederick Avenue 21223
(City Council District: 9th; State Legislative District: 40th)
2. CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE
Applicant: Blancos, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Dana Smith, Sr.
Petition: New restaurant license requesting live entertainment, outdoor table service, and off-premises catering
Premises: 413 N. Charles Street 21201
(City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: Progress Hospitality North, LLC T/a Mo’s Place – Stephen
James Jones and Timothy Ma
Petition: New restaurant license requesting outdoor table service and off-premises catering Premises: 3290 N. Charles Street 21218
(City Council District: 14th; State Legislative District: 43A)
Applicant: Bao Di Restaurant Group, LLC T/a Bao Di - Hanqi Wang and Eric Gregory Repas
Petition: New restaurant license
Premises: 3215 Eastern Avenue 21224
(City Council District: 1st; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: Dear Leon Howard, LLC T/a La Maison - Cheolsoo Lee
Petition: New restaurant license requesting outdoor table service
Premises: 2600 N. Howard Street 21218
(City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 43A)
Applicant: Josefina Baltimore, LLC T/a Joesefina - David Zamudio
Petition: New restaurant license
Premises: 1409 Point Street 21231
(City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: S & S Restaurant Enterprises, Inc. T/a The 1920 - Shawnta
A.L. Taylor
Petition: New restaurant license requesting live entertainment and off-premises catering Premises: 110 Water Street 21202
(City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 46th)
3. CLASS “B”, BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE (ARENA)
Applicant: 34 Market Place Concessionaire, LLC T/a Power Plant Live! - Jill R. Rosenberg
Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of live entertainment and outdoor table service
Premises: 34 Market Place 21202
(City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 46th)
4. CLASS “B”, BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE (RACETRACK)
Applicant: Maryland Turf Caterers, Inc. T/a Pimlico Race Course - Michael Latham, Rebecca J. Williams, and Timothy P. Luzius
Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of live entertainment, outdoor table service and off-premises
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY INVITATION FOR BIDS WATER, SEWAGE, DRAINAGE UTILITY EMERGENCY, AND REPAIR SERVICES IFB NUMBER: B-2041-25
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) fointerested and qualified contractors to provide routine and emergency services such as repairing, installing, and restoring water, sewage, and drainage lines for various units for HABC.
BIDS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, June 13, 2025
A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, May 28 th , 2025, at 10:00 a.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting. The entire IFB can be viewed and downloaded by visiting https://habc. bonfirehub.com/projects on or after Monday, May 19, 2025. Questions regarding the IFB should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated below and must include the reference: HABC IFB Number B-2041-25.
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 414 Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Attention: Mary Kate Gagliardi, Senior Buyer Tel: 410-396-3105 mary.gagliardi@habc.org
