Ten years later: Charleston remembers slain parishioners as push for gun reform gains urgency
By D. Kevin McNeir Special
Emanuel AME Church for a Bible study, in Charleston, South Carolina. Though they stepped into the oldest AME church in the South to strengthen their walk with
Our
God, they were joined by one visitor who had a different motive.
Driven by racial hatred, the young man they had welcomed with open arms,
opened fire during Bible study.
differences between Democrats and Republicans on the need for tougher laws. Ten years later, legislators
similar fates due in part, due to stark
lives are on the line—again:
What political violence means for Black America
As elected officials are murdered in their homes and threats escalate nationwide, we must confront the deadly cost of divisive rhetoric—and why it matters now more than ever to Black communities.
The recent targeted murders of elected officials in Minnesota are a national tragedy—shameful, despicable and heartbreaking. On June 14, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were gunned down in their Brooklyn Park home by a man impersonating a police officer. That same day, state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were critically wounded in a similar attack. Law enforcement later revealed that the suspect had compiled a hit list of more than 30 elected officials, including Gov. Tim Walz and
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. This violence is appalling but, tragically, it is not surprising.
In recent years, America has witnessed an alarming rise in political violence: the foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020, the 2022 hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol, and the arsonist who set fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home earlier this year. These acts aren’t random. They reflect an increasingly dangerous climate—one that has been stoked, not softened, by the words of those in power.
Chief among them is Donald J. Trump, the 47th president of the United States. For nearly a decade, Trump has used his platform not to unite, but to
vilify; not to uplift, but to provoke. In campaign rallies, speeches, interviews, and social media posts, he has painted his political opponents as enemies, traitors and threats to the nation’s survival. He has spoken of “bloodbaths” if he loses elections. He’s suggested that top military officials deserve execution. He has referred to immigrants as people who are “poisoning the blood of our country” and revived dehumanizing language like “vermin” to describe his critics.
Even members of his own party have not been spared. He said Sen. Mitch McConnell had a “death wish” and publicly mocked McConnell’s wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, using a racist nickname. In 2019, he told four congresswomen of color—including Rep. Ilhan
Omar—to “go back” to the “crime-infested countries” they came from, though all were U.S. citizens and three were born in America.
These aren’t gaffes. They are intentional rhetorical choices, often delivered with a smirk and later defended or repeated. And while many Americans dismiss them as showmanship or tough talk, the real-world consequences are now impossible to ignore. Violent language can—and does— lead to violent action. The Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, carried out by supporters who believed Trump’s repeated lies about a stolen election, proved that. In its aftermath, rather than denounce the rioters, Trump referred to them as patriots. Earlier this
to the AFRO
This month marks the 10 year anniversary of the Mother Emanuel mass shooting that took place in Charleston, S.C.
change in the name of Tywanza Sanders (top, left); Rev. Clementa Pinckney; Rev. Daniel Simmons; Rev. Sharonda Singleton; Cynthia Graham-Hurd; Ethel Lance (middle left); Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor (middle, right); Susie Jackson Lane (bottom, left) and Myra Thompson (bottom, right).
Meta (Instagram)/ ACLU of SC
AP Photo/David Goldman
Meta(Instagram)/ Alana Grant Meta (Facebook)/ Rachelle Estrill
AP Photo/Chris Carlson
Meta (Instagram)/ columbiacollegesc
Meta (Instagram)/ Community Renewal Society - Chicago
AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton
Photo courtesy of City of Charleston Department of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability
Meta (Facebook)/ Rev. Clementa Pinckney
WHAT’S TRENDING ON AFRO.COM
Across the country, schools officials work to protect students from immigration raids
By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Intern
Schools across the country are working hard to develop and reinforce policies that protect immigrant students within their student body.
In a recent statement given to the AFRO, Sherry Christian, the media and public relations manager for Baltimore City Public Schools, said district leadership is aware of recent reports involving immigration agents conducting so-called “wellness checks” at the homes of some families in Baltimore.
“We want to reassure our community that we take these concerns seriously. We have consistently provided our schools and families with guidance on what to do if approached by immigration authorities—whether at home or on school grounds,” said Christian.
In 2017, during the current president’s first term, Board of School commissioners representing Baltimore City
Continued from A1
are still fighting for change.
On June 16, Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC06) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), along with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and other members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, announced legislation to close the “Charleston loophole” and
Schools signed a resolution that designates the Baltimore City Public School system as an “inclusive safe and welcoming district for all students regardless of immigration status, religion, or country of origin.”
The resolution cites Plyler v. Doe, a Supreme Court case, which made it so that no public school district has a basis to deny education based on immigration status. In letters to the community, they have provided mental health and immigration resources within the area.
In Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb —- has provided guidance to schools and families through a Frequently asked Questions document. The attorney general notes that due to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA), schools do not allow access to student records without written authorization from the parent or legal guardian or a court order. According to the document, it is illegal to share
establish universal background checks for firearm purchases.
“June 17, marks the 10th anniversary of the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. On that horrific night in 2015, a shooter motivated by racial hatred opened fire during a bible study at this historic place of worship, killing nine worshipers,” said Clyburn, in a statement. “He was able to obtain the gun because of a provision in federal law that allows the sale to take place if the background
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records otherwise.
Further up on the east coast, the New York City Public Schools District operates in a similar fashion, while also providing “know your rights” workshops for students and parents. The sessions connect them to resources such as “Project Open Arms,” which provides support to students seeking asylum.
According to Nicole Brownstein, press secretary for New York City Public Schools, the school district does not track immigration status or collect data on the country of origin of its students.
Melissa Aviles-Ramos, chancellor of New York City Public Schools, said her district– the largest in the country– is standing with its immigrant student population.
“We unequivocally stand with all children in our city regardless of immigration status. We want to be very clear—our policies have not changed.”
She encouraged parents to keep sending their children to
check is still unresolved after three business days. Ten years ago, it became known as the Charleston loophole.”
“I am proud to join Rep. Mike Thompson in introducing The Enhanced Background Checks Act that would eliminate the three-day period and establish in its place a more thorough process that would keep guns out of dangerous hands, while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens,” Clyburn continued.
Rep. Mike Thompson spoke on the legislation in a statement sent to the AFRO.
“Keeping guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves, or others just makes sense — and Americans overwhelmingly agree,” Thompson said. “That’s why 90 percent of non-gun owners and 90 percent of gun owners support universal background checks for firearm purchases. “Background checks are quick and effective tools to keep our communities safe while still respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. It’s time Republican leaders in the House get on board and help us pass this sensible legislation.”
Congressman Hamilton R. Grant, 36, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, recently completed his first session in office as a representative for District 79, in Richland County, South Carolina.
As the father of three, ages 5, 3, and 1, Grant said tougher legislation must be enacted to protect his children and others from potential racially motivated violence in the future.
“For some, this is a conversation that occurs once a year and is more of a social media phenomenon,” he said. “But for my wife and me – we live with the tragedy of Mother Emanuel every day.”
Grant is tied to Rev. Daniel Simmons, one of the Mother Emanuel victims, by marriage.
“We’re reminded that nine people died because of the color of their skin. While the president may want to erase history, we cannot forget what happened. And elected officials must do everything in our power to prevent anything like this happening again,” Grant said. “The Republicans control the governor’s office and the House and Senate. They have been unwilling to
School officials are speaking out against immigration raids taking place in classrooms across the nation. Teachers and administrators are doing what they can to protect immigrant families who now have to reconsider if school buildings are truly a safe space for their students.
school.
In Los Angeles, amidst widespread protests and deportations, Alberto Carvalho spoke to members of the media in support of immigrant students.
“We stand strongly on the right side of law. Every student in our community, every student across the country, has a constitutional right to a free public education of high quality, without threat.” said Carvalho, in a press conference held by the district. “Every one of our
pass tougher legislation. But we cannot give up. We have a long way to go.”
Democratic Leader Jeffries echoed Grant’s sentiments.
“We will continue to press forward with the fierce urgency of now until we crush the gun violence epidemic in the United States of America once and for all,” said Jeffries via a statement.
Charleston native remembers the shooting like it was ‘yesterday’
Shemeka Wright, 42, a Charleston, South Carolina native, had just gotten home on the evening of June 17, 2015, when the news broke that there had been a shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Her
students, independently of their immigration status, has a right to a free meal in our schools. Every one of our children, no questions asked, has a right to counseling, social emotional support, mental support.”
Carvalho also explained that they are working to provide protections during some of the more than 100 graduations anticipated to happen throughout the month of June as well as the beginning of summer courses. The school district is the second largest in
Emanuel AME Church, known colloquially as “Mother Emanuel” was founded as more than a place of worship– it was a movement. According to information released by Mother Emanuel, the denomination known as the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) was founded on May 9, 1816 as a way for Black people to worship free of the bias and racism prevalent in the Methodist Church.
What began in Philadelphia under the leadership of Reverend Richard Allen was spread to Charleston by Reverend Morris Brown. By 1818, there were multiple AME Church meeting houses in Charleston. One location, in the Hampstead com-
the country. In Chicago, lawmakers are working to prohibit public schools from denying a student access to free education based on that child’s immigration status or that of their parents.
In places like Houston and Atlanta there have also been widespread protests and ICE raids. They each have released statements re-iterating that students have a constitutional right to access a free public education regardless of immigration status.
unincorporated Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church purchased the present site of Emanuel.”
The original wooden two-story church built in 1872 at the present Mother Emanuel site had to be rebuilt after an earthquake on Aug. 31, 1886. By 1892, another building was erected for $35,000 while the church was being led by Reverend Lewis Ruffin Nichols.
More renovations came in the 1940s and 50s and during the Civil Rights Movement, the building was a common stop for leaders fighting for change. Still today, legislators and would-be elected officials flock to Mother Emanuel to speak to the Black community of
mother had been scheduled to attend a meeting there that evening. Not knowing who had been shot nor who had been killed or injured, she said her “heart dropped.”
“I felt a little better after I was able to reach my mother on her cell,” said Wright.
“Our church has a relationship with the members of Mother Emanuel, so I knew many of the people, including the former pastor, who were murdered that day. While we will never forget, we must find a way to forgive the shooter. The church is a place where we are called to seek peace and to forgive – as difficult as that may be.”
Wright said she struggles to explain what happened on that tragic evening to her daughters, who are 8 and 9, as well as to her nephew, now 21, who once played in the church’s education building.
A history rooted in strength
munity, was the church home of none other than Denmark Vessey, the former slave and rebellious carpenter responsible for plotting one of the largest slave uprisings in history. Ultimately, his plan was discovered before it could be carried out, and Vessey- along with more than 30 others- was sentenced to death by hanging. But that wasn’t enough. Outraged, White residents then burned down the church Vessey attended. For a while, the intimidation worked.
According to Emanuel AME Church history, “because of further White hostility, the African church became dormant. Many members went back to White churches, while others continued to worship within the African Church tradition secretly. This continuation of meetings of the Hampstead congregation enabled them to resurface with 3,000 members in 1865.”
In a brilliant display of resiliency, “on September 6, 1865, the trustees of the new but
Charleston when considering public office. In the face of disasters and racial terror, time and time again the church has risen to triumph over tragedy. Ten years after the deadly shooting, the church is still moving forward.
“My nephew is only now beginning to understand the full extent of what happened and why,” Wright said. “He was just a little boy 10 years ago but now, as an adult, he’s getting a true dose of reality. As for my daughters, I don’t want to frighten them. But the truth can be painful.”
“They must understand that as girls – as Brown people –there are those in the world who do not like them and may hurt them simply because of the color of their skin, their gender, or both,” she continued. “Racism is alive and well here in South Carolina and across the nation. Many are angry in America. Somehow, we’ve got to get on the same page.”
AP Photo/Eric Thayer
AP Photo/Chuck Burton
Nine ribbons in honor of the victims killed on June 17, 2015 shooting at the Mother
Emanuel AME Church blow in the breeze in front of the church in Charleston, S.C.
NAACP, environmental group notify Elon Musk’s xAI company of intent to sue over facility pollution
By Adrian Sainz
The NAACP and an environmental group said June 17 that they intend to sue Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI over concerns about air pollution generated by a supercomputer facility located near predominantly Black communities in Memphis.
The xAI data center began operating last year, powered in part by pollution-emitting gas turbines, without first applying for a permit. Officials have said an exemption allowed them to operate for up to 364 days without a permit, but Southern Environmental Law Center attorney Patrick Anderson said at a news conference that there is no such exemption for turbines — and that regardless, it has now been more than 364 days.
A 60-day notice of an intent to sue, a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit under the Clean Air Act, was sent to xAI in a letter.
The SELC is representing the NAACP in its possible legal challenge against xAI and its permit application, now being considered by the Shelby County Health Department.
The xAI company responds
The company said June 17 that it takes its commitment to the community and environment seriously.
“The temporary power generation units are operating in compliance with all applicable laws,” an xAI statement said.
Musk’s xAI has said the turbines will be equipped with technology to reduce emissions — and that it’s already boosting the city’s economy by investing billions of dollars
in the supercomputer facility, paying millions in local taxes and creating hundreds of jobs.
The company also is spending $35 million to build a power substation and $80 million to build a water recycling plant to the support Memphis, Light, Gas and Water, the local utility.
The chamber of commerce in Memphis made a surprise announcement in June 2024 that xAI planned to build a supercomputer in the city. The data center quickly set up shop in an industrial park south Memphis, near factories and a gas-powered plant operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
What opponents are saying
Opponents say the supercomputing center is stressing the power grid. They contend that the turbines emit smog and carbon dioxide, pollutants that cause lung irritation such as nitrogen oxides and the carcinogen formaldehyde.
The SELC said the use of the turbines violates the Clean Air Act, and that residents who live near the xAI facility already face cancer risks at four times the national average. The
group also has sent a petition to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Critics say xAI installed the turbines without any oversight or notice to the community. The company requested to operate 15 turbines at the site, but the SELC said it hired a firm to fly over the facility and found up to 35 turbines operating there at times.
The permit itself says emissions from the site “will be an area source for hazardous air pollutants.” A permit would allow the health department, which has received 1,700 public comments about the permit, to monitor air quality near the facility.
A contentious public meeting
Opponents of the facility say city leaders have not been transparent with the community about their dealings with xAI, and they are sacrificing the health of residents in return for financial benefit.
At a community meeting hosted by the county health department in April, many of the people speaking in opposition cited the additional pollution
burden in a city that already received an “F” grade for ozone pollution from the American Lung Association.
A statement read by xAI’s Brent Mayo at the meeting said the company wants to “strengthen the fabric of the community,” and estimated that tax revenues from the data center are likely to exceed $100 million by next year.
“This tax revenue will support vital programs like public safety, health and human services, education, firefighters, police, parks and so much more,” said the statement.
The company also apparently wants to expand: The chamber of commerce said in March that xAI had purchased a 1 million square-foot property at a second location, not far from the current facility.
The mayor of Memphis weighs in Mayor Paul Young said in his weekly newsletter June 13 that an ordinance now requires that 25 percent of xAI’s city property tax revenue be reinvested directly into neighborhoods within 5 miles of the facility.
Young also said that no tax incentives or public dollars are
Jurors see clips of ‘freak-off’ marathons central to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking charges
By
The jury at Sean “Diddy” Combs ’ sex trafficking trial got a glimpse June 16 at some of the “freak-off” sex marathons at the heart of the case, with prosecutors showing excerpts of explicit videos that the hip-hop mogul recorded during the drug-fueled sessions. Prosecutors played portions of three sex videos recovered from a Combs-linked account on a cellphone that his former longtime girlfriend Cassie provided to authorities, giving jurors a close-up view of the encounters they’ve heard about repeatedly since testimony began May 12.
One video was from Oct. 14, 2012, the same day prosecutors say Combs had a “freak-off” in New York City with Cassie and sex worker Sharay Hayes, known as “The Punisher.” Before playing the clip, prosecutors showed jurors an invoice for an Oct. 14, 2012, stay at the Trump International Hotel and Prosecutors also showed jurors text messages in which Cassie, the R&B singer whose real name is Casandra Ventura, arranged the Oct. 14 meetup with Hayes. In one message, she wrote: “Can we actually do 3 a.m. at the Trump hotel, Columbus Circle?” Hayes replied: “Great. I’ll text when I’m on my way,” and told her
his fee for the encounter was $200 cash.
Tower in Manhattan that was booked under Combs’ alias, Frank Black. A note on the invoice said the guest requested to have the room at 3 a.m.
Jurors were also shown excerpts of videos taken on Oct. 20, 2012, and Dec. 4, 2014. Collectively, the clips shown to jurors were several minutes long and although at least one juror winced at a video, their reactions mostly were muted. Defense lawyers have said the videos prove Combs was engaging in consensual sex rather than crimes.
Because of their graphic nature, the excerpts were available for viewing only for jurors, the prosecution and defense teams and Combs, all of whom wore headphones to hear the audio portion. Reporters and members of the public were not allowed to see or hear the videos. The videos were the most notable part of an otherwise dry day in court as prosecutors wind down their case
with so-called summary witnesses — government agents who are reading aloud heaps of text messages, travel records and other document-based evidence.
After six weeks of witnesses and evidence, prosecutors said they plan to rest on June 18. After that, Combs’ lawyers said they’ll start calling witnesses.
Earlier in the trial, a forensic video expert retained by the prosecution to enhance the videos identified them by date. During that testimony, a prosecutor described the videos as “sex videos.”
Until June 16, jurors had only seen still images taken from the “freak-off” videos. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges after his September arrest at a New York hotel. He was denied bail multiple times and has remained incarcerated at a federal lockup in Brooklyn ever since. This article was originally published by The Associated Press.
tied to the project.
“Let’s be clear, this isn’t a debate between the environment and economics,” Young said.
“It’s about putting people before politics. It’s about building something better for communities that have waited far too long for real investment.”
Boxtown punches back
One nearby neighborhood dealing with decades of industrial pollution is Boxtown, a tight-knit community founded by freed slaves in the 1860s. It was named Boxtown after residents used material dumped from railroad boxcars to fortify their homes. The area features houses, wooded areas and wetlands, and its inhabitants are mostly working class residents.
Boxtown won a victory in 2021 against two corporations that sought to build an oil pipeline through the area.
Valero and Plains All American
Pipeline canceled the project after protests by residents and activists led by State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who called it a potential danger to the community and an aquifer that provides clean drinking water to Memphis.
Pearson, who represents nearby neighborhoods, said “clean air is a human right” as he called for people in Memphis to unite against xAI.
“There is not a person, no matter how wealthy or how powerful, that can deny the fact that everybody has a right to breathe clean air,” said Pearson, who compared the fight against xAI to David and Goliath.
“We’re all right to be David, because we know how the story ends,” he said.
Reporter Travis Loller contributed from Nashville, Tenn. This article was originally published by The Associated Press.
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Michael R. Sisak and Larry Neumeister
AP Photo/George Walker IV
The NAACP and environmental advocates plan to sue xAI over pollution from its Memphis data center.
Andrea Morales, MLK50
Boxtown community and leaders like Rep. Justin Pearson push back against xAI expansion.
COMMENTARY
Legalization was never about justice–and Illinois just proved it
For years, I lived in a neighborhood where the closest store to my house in any direction was a liquor store or convenience store plastered with ads for tobacco, alcohol and the lottery. It was no accident. These stores weren’t serving the community, they were feeding off of it.
I watched neighbors struggle with addiction, families trapped in cycles of poverty and young people surrounded by messages telling them that their value was in what they could smoke, drink or gamble away.
Confronted daily with the predatory tactics of the addiction-for-profit marijuana industry—especially in its targeting of minority communities—I became firmly opposed to any legislation that would commercialize marijuana or regulate it like alcohol.
When the Illinois General Assembly passed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act to legalize recreational marijuana in 2019, it was touted as the “most equity-centric legalization effort in the nation.” Now, six years later— as in state after state across the country—those promises are unraveling, revealing yet again that addiction-for-profit corporations are just as
Courtesy photo Will Jones III is the director of community engagement and outreach for Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). He is a third generation Washingtonian. This week, he shares his thoughts on the toll of “Big Marijauna” on the Black and Brown community.
relentless in blocking minority-owned competitors as they are in targeting minority communities with their products. Seven minority and women-owned cannabis transportation companies are now suing the state, alleging they were left behind by a process rigged in favor of larger, politically connected businesses. These entrepreneurs followed the rules, waited years for licenses and drained their life
savings while competitors fast-tracked ahead of them. Finally fed up, the transportation companies are now highlighting a much larger trend within the industry. A 2024 state-commissioned study on social equity outcomes in the cannabis industry found that 60 percent of recreational and medical marijuana licenses went to minority and/or women-owned businesses. On the surface, that may sound promising. But when it comes to equity in outcomes, the picture is much more bleak. Despite the majority of licenses going to racial minorities, White men, as a collective, saw 78 percent of recreational dispensary sales and 91 percent of grower sales by the close
of 2023. Not a single dollar in grower sales was documented as going to Black or Hispanic owners.
These numbers are disappointing. They reveal that the equity language was a smokescreen, not a solution.
The struggles of these independent transporters expose the brutal truth about a cannabis industry that hides behind equity rhetoric while actively reinforcing the very disparities it claims to dismantle.
Illinois’ cannabis industry is proving exactly what my organization, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), has warned about for years: legalization is not a solution to past social inequities, it is a setup.
The president’s last tax cuts failed Americans like
me– let’s
not repeat the mistake
In early 2018, I remember sitting at my kitchen table, trying to make sense of how the 2017 Trump tax law was supposed to help families like mine.
I’d read headlines promising “middle class tax relief.” But when tax season rolled around, there was little relief to be found — especially for me, a Black woman navigating caretaking for elderly parents and a demanding career. My refund was smaller, my deductions had vanished and the math simply didn’t add up. It was clear then, as it is now: the Trump tax cuts weren’t designed with people like me in mind.
Now as more GOP tax cuts for the rich move through Congress, history is poised to repeat itself. The bill would disproportionately benefit the well-off — and harm the financial well-being of millions of working Americans, including Black women like me.
Instead, lawmakers should embrace the “Black Women Best” framework and take a different path. Coined by Janelle Jones, the principle is that when Black women are
“Let’s be clear: the 2017 Trump tax cuts failed Black women — and millions of others — the first time around. It widened inequality, rewarded the wealthy, and ignored the economic realities of everyday families.”
thriving, then the economy is truly working for everyone.
For example, when the 2017 tax cuts were passed, most of the benefits went to wealthy, white households. Had lawmakers considered the financial realities of Black women, who are typically underpaid, they could have made a package better designed for all those who need the most help — not just Black women, but everyone struggling to make ends meet.
Refundable tax credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are one of the most direct ways the government supports working families. When structured fairly, they give families a much-needed financial boost. The 2017 tax law increased
the CTC from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. But many families receive far less because it restricted the refundable part of the credit for those with modest earnings. That left out many of the lowest-income families — including 45 percent of Black children (double the share of their white peers) — whose parents didn’t earn enough to qualify.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act, which temporarily restructured the CTC to make it larger and fully refundable. For the first time, all the families at the bottom received the full credit. The results were stunning: child poverty hit record lows. But that progress was
short-lived. The expanded credit has not been renewed, and child poverty shot right back up.
This time around, the House temporarily boosted the CTC to $2,500. But limits on the refundable portion would be continued, meaning 17 million of the lowest-income children in America will still be left out.
Using the “Black Women Best” framework would make those expanded benefits permanent — not just because it’s the right thing to do for Black families, but because it lifts up the entire economy.
But instead, in this way and others, the bill favors the already wealthy.
Another significant example is the bill’s deduction for income people receive from “pass-through” businesses. Rather than pay a corporate income tax, these business owners pay taxes on their profits through their personal taxes. The 2017 tax law created a 20 percent deduction for this kind of income — and now lawmakers want to permanently increase it to 23 percent.
Increasing this deduction means Congress is giving handouts to those already holding the keys to wealth. A Treasury report showed a
For decades, we have been sold systems that promised opportunity but delivered exploitation; from redlining in housing to inequities in education and criminal justice. The cannabis industry is now running the same playbook, repackaged in progressive language.
In Illinois and across the country, legalization has become a bait-and-switch: it promises reparative justice but delivers market consolidation and regulatory chaos.
Seven years after Shanita Penny, the president of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, warned, “Time is really up on selling your business dream as a social justice movement,” minority business owners have
echoed the same sentiment almost verbatim.
As Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford, who represents parts of Chicago’s West Side, put it, “The truth is the dream of being a cannabis business owner in Illinois is falling far short.” It doesn’t matter whether the substance is alcohol, tobacco or marijuana; addiction-for-profit recreational drug industries have only one goal: to make as much money as possible, regardless of who is harmed in the process. It’s time to expose the facade, face reality and hold Big Marijuana accountable. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.
jarring 90 percent of the people who received this benefit were white. Only 5 percent of the benefits went to Hispanic taxpayers — and just 2 percent to Black taxpayers.
Let’s be clear: the 2017 Trump tax cuts failed Black women — and millions of others — the first time around. It widened inequality, rewarded the wealthy, and ignored the economic realities of everyday families. Repeating those
mistakes in 2025 would be more than negligent — it would be a deliberate choice to uphold a broken system. But there’s another way. When Black women thrive, everyone wins. It’s time for our tax code to reflect that truth.
This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.
By Brakeyshia Samms
Courtesy photo
Brakeyshia Samms is a senior analyst at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. This week, she discusses why Black women often don’t see the benefits gained from tax cuts put in place by political leaders.
WASHINGTON-AREA
Nationwide ‘No Kings’ day protests rebuke 47th president
By
Americans rallied together on June 14 to speak out against ruthless immigrant deportations, the 47th president’s attacks on equity, diversity and inclusion, the firing of millions of federal workers and more.
The movement, organized by activists and community members, was diverse and took place in roughly 2,000 cities across the nation. Though they came from different walks of life, those present spoke unanimously in defense of the nation they love.
Virginia State Senator Aaron Rouse (D-Va.-22) made an appearance at a protest in Arlington to condemn the actions of the current president and his administration, saying he “doesn’t care about anyone.”
“[The] reality is the majority of Americans and Virginians are struggling to keep a roof over their head, put food on their table and have health care,” Rouse said.
One of the president’s most controversial moves at the start of his second term was the mass firing of federal workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 59,000 federal government jobs have been lost since January, straining current staff and causing confusion among those remaining.
Bryan Coleman, a federal government contractor, said that although his job is not guaranteed, seeing people from all backgrounds at the demonstrations gave him hope.
“People are under attack,” Coleman said. “People treat it kind of like a game, but these are people’s livelihoods. To
know that there are folks who do understand how important the work is and are gonna stand by you, it makes you feel like things will be alright.”
Coleman may have been present to protest, but he also touched on the importance of joy while fighting for a better future. With a bubble wand in hand, he shared why he attempted to lighten the mood at the protest throughout the day.
“We want good energy, we want good vibes, we want people to celebrate, this is a celebration of democracy,” Coleman said.
In addition to Rouse and Coleman, the AFRO also spoke with a pair of young protestors at the Arlington rally, Janiyah Anderson and Malik Cameron. In an interview, Anderson called Trump’s actions “cartoonishly evil.” She shared her motivations for attending the “No Kings Day” protest, as the president prepared for his grand military parade in the nation’s capital.
“I’m personally here because something has to give,” Anderson said. “It’s getting to a point where innocent lives are being torn apart for no reason at all.”
Cameron encouraged young voters to get out and voice their concerns more. He noted that it takes a united front to produce genuine change, and no group of people can afford to sit on the sidelines amidst what many are calling a constitutional crisis.
Sen. Rouse called people to action, saying that the most effective way to fight back in a democracy is for people to make their voices heard in the upcoming midterm elections.
“All power lies in the ballot box,” said Rouse.
House passes several ‘anti-D.C. Home Rule’ bills
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed several bills that intend to reverse certain Washington D.C. local laws.
On June 10, U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-At-Large) spoke starkly against the consideration of two “anti-D.C. Home Rule” bills, as Norton refers to them, that were later passed by the House that same day.
“D.C. residents are treated as second-class citizens by Congress,” said Norton on the House floor on June 11. “They are required to pay federal taxes, serve on federal juries and register with Selective Service in the same manner as residents of states. They have served in the military since the Revolutionary War, which was fought to end taxation without representation and to give consent to the governed. Yet, Congress has denied them voting representation in Congress and full local self-government for over 200 years.”
The local council was created by the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973 as the legislative branch of the city’s local government, which was enacted by Congress and ratified by District voters. The law is a part of a larger
“Last Congress, over 100 bills and amendments were introduced to repeal or block local D.C. laws and policies.”
push by residents to control their local affairs. Norton has long championed bills to make D.C. an official state and expand the powers of the district, but they have failed to pass.
D.C. is home to over 700,000 residents–the majority of whom are Black and Brown. According to the U.S. Census, Black people make up 44 percent of the population in D.C.
The first bill, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), would prohibit D.C. residents who are not citizens from voting in local D.C. elections. The second, introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.-02), would repeal parts of the District of Columbia’s 2022 local police accountability and transparency law.
“Last Congress, over 100 bills and amendments were introduced to repeal or block local D.C. laws and policies,” said Norton.
“This Congress, 28 such bills and amendments have already been introduced, including bills to abolish the locally elected D.C.
government. Three months ago, Congress passed a bill that cut over $1 billion from the local D.C. budget, which consists entirely of locally raised revenue.”
“On November 21, 2022, the D.C. City Council made a radical decision to allow non-citizens to vote in local D.C. elections,” said Pfluger on the House floor on June 10. “I find it unimaginable that the District, along with many across the country, would intentionally weaken the power of their citizens, many of whom come from underserved communities, in favor of non-citizens.”
On June 12, House members passed a third “anti-D.C. Home Rule” bill. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.-03), would repeal locally-enacted D.C. laws and practices pertaining to D.C. exchanging information about the citizenship and immigration status of individuals. It would require the District to comply with requests by the Department of Homeland Security concerning
A SECOND CHANCE:
How Prince George’s County’s reentry work is changing lives
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
and
2019. It was established to identify and address potential injustices in past convictions or overly harsh sentences, particularly for those sentenced as juveniles.
Braveboy created the unit out of a belief that serving time should not mean giving up on the possibility of redemption. As she began reviewing the sentences of people who had been incarcerated for upwards of 20 years, she became acquainted with the human stories behind the convictions.
“Once someone has served their time, I believe they should be given the tools to come back and live happy and productive lives.”
“Through that process, I got a chance to review the stories of these individuals—the challenges they faced and the hopes they had for their future. It was really eye-opening,” said Braveboy. “I decided I wanted to do more.”
immigration detainers.
“Congress has 535 voting members, none are elected by D.C. residents,” said Norton. “If D.C. residents do not like how the members vote on local D.C. matters, residents cannot vote them out of office or pass a ballot measure. That is the antithesis of democracy.”
Within D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s (D) proposed fiscal year 2026 budget included the repeal of the district’s designation as a sanctuary city.
Earlier this year, Rep. Andrew Ogles (R-Tenn.-05) introduced the Bringing Oversight to Washington and Safety to Every Resident (BOWSER) Act, a bill that would repeal the D.C. Home Rule Act. The bill was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Feb. 6, but has not progressed any further.
“D.C. concluded that cooperating with federal immigration agencies would make D.C. less safe for all residents by diverting police department resources and discouraging immigrants from interacting with the police department and other government agencies,” said Norton. “Many states, cities and counties have reached the same conclusion.”
All three “anti-D.C. Home Rule” bills now await consideration in the U.S. Senate.
Courtesy photo
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed three bills aiming to override D.C.’s local laws, reigniting debates over Home Rule and statehood. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-At-Large) condemned the measures as undemocratic and harmful.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy made history when she created the first Conviction
Sentencing Integrity Unit in the state of Maryland in
Victoria Mejicanos, Elijah Qualls and Ali Halloum AFRO Interns
AFRO Photos/ Victoria Mejicanos
Janiyah Anderson attends a “No Kings Day” protest in Arlington, Va., on June 14. She says the 47th president’s behavior and actions are “cartoonishly evil.”
AFRO Photos/ Victoria Mejicanos
Malik Cameron is a student at Morgan State University in Baltimore. Cameron could be seen cheering as cars drove past during the June 14 “No Kings Day” protest, honking their horns in support.
Helping fathers mentally, professionally and emotionally
By Mekhi Abbott Special to the AFRO mabbott@afro.com
Based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, The Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP) is assisting fathers across the nation with parenting, professional development, and mentorship. Their flagship program, Fathers in Tech, lays the foundation for community-driven connection and support.
“Once you are in Fathers in Tech, you are with us for life,” said Everette Mitchell, Operations Manager for CYEP and Fathers in Tech Director.
The month of June is dedicated to recognizing men’s mental health. Fathers in Tech and CYEP are making sure that the mental needs of fathers are being met.
“That’s the role of a father. To guide, to lead and to support your family,” said Reggie Morris, who works as a workforce development director and career coach for CYEP. “But if you’re pouring from an empty cup, you’re never going to be the best version of yourself. So we need to find ways to pour into ourselves. It’s not selfish, it’s just refilling your tank.”
Fathers in Tech is a program that strengthens father involvement by improving their relationships with their kids and helping them build soft skills while also helping dads professionally through networking, technical skill training and employment opportunities.
One of the most important things
that Fathers in Tech and CYEP offers is a safe space to speak freely and be vulnerable. Mitchell shared with the AFRO that fathers who participated in Fathers in Tech are able to take a weight off their shoulders because there are many things that fathers hold onto and typically don’t feel comfortable sharing, even with their spouses.
“Our community is so close that guys will let those deep secrets that they’ve been holding in for their entire lives and some even cry during the first meeting because this is a space that isn’t available to them everywhere,” said Mitchell. “They feel that they can let their guard down and talk.”
Mitchell’s passion for his work stems from his personal experience being a young, Black father. He is actively working to dispel any misnomers about absent fatherhood in the
Black community.
“I was a young 19-year-old dad and I didn’t have a playbook. I knew my father, but my father wasn’t present in my life. Navigating that space as a teenager– not knowing exactly what direction to go– is scary,” said Mitchell. “It can be scary and it’s a lot of learning on the fly but the good thing about our program is that you have both young dads and seasoned dads. Some are going through the same experiences, sometimes the seasoned veterans school the young fathers but other times the 40-year old father can learn from the 19 year old.
Fathers in Tech and CYEP are dedicated to equipping fathers with the tools they need to be active participants in their children’s lives, but they are equally as committed to making sure that they are building confidence and caring for themselves.
“One of the homework assignments we have in Fathers in Tech is asking our dads to report on what they have done for themselves this past week,”
said Morris. “We
ing. The lesson I pass
is if you’re not taking care of yourself, how can you care for others?”
The program begins while individuals are incarcerated and continues through their probation in an effort to reduce recidivism. It maintains a 97 percent success rate.
In 2021, she started the Emerging Adult Program in Prince George’s County to provide people ages 18 to 26 with reentry services, including job training, counseling and work opportunities. Braveboy explained that people in this age group in particular are unlikely to commit crimes into adulthood.
As Braveboy prepares to be sworn in as county executive on June 19, she says her administration will build on past success by expanding reentry services, like the
Emerging Adult Program, for returning citizens across the county.
“We need more programs, funding and more resources dedicated to assisting those who are returning to our county, and we need more resources for those who are in our local jails as well,” said Braveboy. “I’ll be working with my team to address those needs moving forward, but returning citizens will always be a priority for my administration.”
That commitment to reentry doesn’t just extend to young adults. During her time as state’s attorney, Braveboy has also prioritized support for women caught in the justice system—a population with distinct needs during and after incarceration. After starting with just men, the Emerging Adults Program expanded to women. Braveboy explained that a number of the women involved with the program did not meet the age parameters but they required the same level of reentry support.
“One of the things that we’ve heard from women is that they actually have it harder because they don’t have the same support at home that men tend to have. People tend to be more sympathetic to men who make mistakes than to women,” said Braveboy. “Even in prison, the women didn’t really have as many programs as the men had.”
In May, Braveboy’s office held “The Untold Stories of Justice-Involved Women and Girls Conference,” to give formerly incarcerated women a platform to share their experiences before, during and after prison. It was the second conference of its kind to be organized by the state’s attorney’s office.
The gathering covered parenting skills as an incarcerated or returning citizen, trauma-informed practices and pathways to family and community unification. More than 20 resources vendors were at the conference addressing critical reentry issues, like housing, transportation, wellness, employment and mental health. The conference was also video-streamed into the state and local correctional facilities.
“Everybody deserves a second chance,” said Leslie Johnson, director of reentry services and community partnership for the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. “That’s why I admire State’s Attorney Braveboy so much because she not only talks about it, she walks it.”
Johnson, the wife of former County Executive Jack Johnson, served a prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2011 to conspiracy to commit witness and evidence tampering in an effort to obstruct a federal corruption investigation. The former councilwoman was sentenced to a year and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release.
While in prison, she helped to teach resume-writing classes to women. When she returned home, she began leading workforce development courses for returning citizens at Mission of Love Charities. Braveboy hired Johnson in 2022 to lead her office’s reentry efforts.
Johnson emphasized that reentry should
begin as soon as a person steps foot in the criminal justice system. She stressed that employment, housing and education are paramount for people to have a successful return to society.
“Once someone has served their time, I believe they should be given the tools to come back and live happy and productive lives,” said Johnson. “Even when they are away, they are still citizens of Prince George’s County, and they should be welcomed back and given what they need to get back on their feet.”
call it simply nurtur-
on
Courtesy Photo/Everette Mitchell
The Capital Youth Empowerment Program hosts the second annual cookout for fathers and kids on June 14. The cookout, located at Chinquapin Park in Alexandria, Va., included music, entertainment, food, games and giveaways.
Courtesy Photo/Everette Mitchell
Pictured here James Diggs (left), Everette “Boobie” Mitchell and Julius Byrd
Photo courtesy of Aisha Braveboy
Aisha Braveboy serves as state’s attorney for Prince George’s County. On June 19, she will begin her term as county executive for Prince George’s County, in which reentry support will remain a priority.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Johnson
Leslie Johnson serves as the director of reentry services and community partnerships for the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Sly Stone turned isolation into inspiration, forging a path for a generation of music-makers
By Jose Valentino Ruiz
The Conversation
In the fall of 1971, Sly and the Family Stone’s “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” landed like a quiet revolution. After two years of silence following the band’s mainstream success, fans expected more feel-good funk from the ensemble.
What they got instead was something murkier and more fractured, yet deeply intimate and experimental. This was not just an album; it was the sound of a restless mind rebuilding music from the inside out.
At the center of it all was front man Sly Stone.
Long before the home studio became an industry norm, Stone, who died on June 9, 2025, turned the studio into both a sanctuary and an instrument. And long before sampling defined the sound of hip-hop, he was using tape and machine rhythms to deconstruct existing songs to cobble together new ones.
As someone who spends much of their time working on remote recording and audio production – from building full arrangements solo to collaborating digitally across continents – I’m deeply indebted to Sly Stone’s approach to making music.
He was among the first major artists to fully embrace the recording environment as a space to compose rather than perform. Every reverb bounce, every drum machine tick, every overdubbed breath became part of the writing process.
From studio artist to bedroom producer Sly and the Family Stone’s early albums – including “Dance to the Music” and “Stand!” – were recorded at top-tier facilities like CBS Studios in Los Angeles under the technical guidance of engineers such as Don Puluse and with oversight from producer David Rubinson. These sessions yielded bright, radio-friendly tracks that
emphasized tight horn sections, group vocals and a polished sound. Producers also prized the energy of live performance, so the full band would record together in real time. But by the early 1970s, Stone was burnt out. The dual pressures of fame and industry demands were becoming too much. Struggling with cocaine and PCP addiction, he’d grown increasingly distrustful of bandmates, label executives and even his friends.
So he decided to retreat to his hillside mansion in Bel Air, California, transforming his home into a musical bunker. Inside, he could work on his own terms: isolated and erratic, but free. Without a full band present, Stone became a one-man ensemble. He leaned heavily into overdubbing – recording one instrument at a time and building his songs from fragments. Using multiple tape machines, he’d layer each part onto previous takes.
Automating the groove
A key part of Stone’s tool kit was the Maestro Rhythm King, a preset drum machine he used extensively. It wasn’t the first rhythm box on the market. But Stone’s use of it was arguably the first time such a machine shaped the entire aesthetic of a mainstream album. The drum parts on his track “Family Affair,” for example, don’t swing – they tick. What might have been viewed as soulless became its own kind of soul.
This early embrace of mechanical rhythm prefigured what would later become a foundation of hip-hop and electronic music. In his book “Dawn of the DAW,” music technology scholar Adam Patrick Bell calls this shift “a redefinition of groove,” noting how drum machines like the Rhythm King encouraged musicians to rethink their songwriting process, building tracks in shorter, repeatable sections while emphasizing steady, looped rhythms rather than free-flowing performances.
“He showed that a groove didn’t need to be spontaneous to be soulful, and that solitude could be a powerful creative tool.”
The resulting album, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” was like nothing he’d previously recorded. It sounds murky, jagged and disjointed. But it’s also deeply intentional, as if every imperfection was part of the design. In “The Poetics of Rock,” musicologist Albin Zak describes this “composerly” approach to production, where recording itself becomes a form of writing, not just documentation. Stone’s process for “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” reflects this mindset: Each overdub, rhythm loop and sonic imperfection functions more like a brushstroke than a performance.
Though samplers wouldn’t emerge until years later, Stone’s work already contained that repetition, layering and loop-based construction that would become characteristic of the practice.
He recorded his own parts the way future DJs would splice records – isolated, reshuffled, rhythmically obsessed. His overdubbed bass lines, keyboard vamps and vocal murmurs often sounded like puzzle pieces from other songs.
Music scholar Will Fulton, in his study of Black studio innovation, notes how producers like Stone helped pioneer
a fragment-based approach to music-making that would become central to hip-hop’s DNA. Stone’s process anticipated the mentality that a song isn’t necessarily something written top to bottom, but something assembled, brick by brick, from what’s available.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Stone’s tracks have been sampled relentlessly. In “Bring That Beat Back,” music critic Nate Patrin identifies Stone as one of the most sample-friendly artists of the 1970s – not because of his commercial hits, but because of how much sonic space he left in his tracks: the open-ended grooves, unusual textures and slippery emotional tone.
You can hear his sounds in famous tracks such as 2Pac’s “If My Homie Calls,” which samples “Sing a Simple Song”; A Tribe Called Quest’s “The Jam,” which draws from “Family Affair”; and De La Soul’s “Plug Tunin’,” which flips “You Can Make It If You Try.”
The studio as instrument
While Sly’s approach was groundbreaking, he wasn’t entirely alone. Around the same time, artists such as Brian Wilson and The Rolling Stones were experimenting with home and nontraditional recording environments –Wilson famously retreating to his home studio during “Pet Sounds,” and the Stones tracking “Exile on Main St.” in a French villa.
Yet in the world of Black music, production remained largely centralized in institutionally controlled studio systems such as Motown in Detroit and Stax in Memphis, where sound was tightly managed by in-house producers and engineers. In that context, Stone’s decision to isolate, self-produce and dismantle the standard workflow was more than a technical choice: It was a radical act of autonomy.
The rise of home recording didn’t just change who could make music. It changed what music felt like. It made music more internal, iterative and intimate.
Sly Stone helped invent that feeling.
It’s easy to hear “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” as murky or uneven. The mix is dense with tape hiss, drum machines drift in and out of sync, and vocals often feel buried or half-whispered.
But it’s also, in a way, prophetic.
It anticipated the aesthetics of bedroom pop, the cutand-paste style of modern music software, the shuffle of playlists and the recycling of sounds that defines sample culture. It showed that a groove didn’t need to be spontaneous to be soulful,
and that solitude could be a powerful creative tool, not a limitation.
In my own practice, I often record alone, passing files back and forth, building from templates and mapping rhythm to grid – as do millions of musical artists who compose tracks from their bedrooms, closets and garages.
Half a century ago, a funk pioneer led the way. I think it’s safe to say that Sly Stone quietly changed the process of making music forever – and in the funkiest way possible. This article was reprinted with permission from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Jose Valentino Ruiz is an associate professor of music business and entrepreneurship at the University of Florida.
MTV veejay and television host Ananda Lewis dies at 52
Ananda Lewis, a former MTV veejay and TV host, has died after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 52.
Lewis’s sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news on her Facebook page, posting a blackand-white photo of Lewis with the caption, “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul,” along with broken heart emojis. In 2020, Lewis announced that she had been battling stage III breast cancer after she conducted a self-exam and discovered signs of the disease. In a televised interview with ABC, Lewis talked about how she refused to undergo a doctor-recommended mastectomy. In October of 2024, Lewis revealed her cancer had progressed to stage IV. She later admitted feeling regret about not getting the possible life-saving surgery and became an advocate for early detection.
“I need you to share this with the women in your life who may be as stubborn as I was about mammograms and I need you to tell them that they have to do it,” Lewis said in a video on her Instagram where she revealed her diagnosis. “Early detection, especially for breast cancer, changes your outcome. It can save their life.”
Lewis explained that she was against mammograms because she saw her mother get them for 30 years and still develop breast cancer.
She was also a stay-at-home mom at the time and a drastic surgery such as a double mastectomy would not have fit into her life.
In her ABC interview, Lewis instead said she preferred other methods of fighting cancer paired with lifestyle changes such as detoxes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and high dose Vitamin C IV’s; she also received radiation, made changes to her diet and sleeping habits.
“This journey is very personal, and you have to do what works for you and only you,” said Lewis.
Born in San Diego, California, Ananda, which means “Bliss” in Sanskrit, was involved in the arts as early as age 13. While a student at San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts she studied theater, vocal music, photography and dance. After graduating high school, Lewis moved to Washington. D.C., to attend Howard University, where she thought she wanted to be a teacher. While in college, Lewis became a social activist and found her passion working with at-risk youth.
“I had 20 young folk every day for three months per summer,” she said. “It was so intense to witness the impact of my work, and it confirmed for me that being a teacher was what I came there for.”
In fact, it was Lewis’ students who encouraged her to audition for BET’s “Teen Summit.” She was at a crossroads after graduating from Howard in 1995 and wasn’t sure whether to get a master’s degree or move back to San Diego.
“I loved hard and lived loud and didn’t back away from problems and loved this life, and was ok with letting it go, too.”
“veejay” (video jockey) hosting popular shows like “Total Request Live” (TRL), “True Life,” and MTV’s “Spring Break” special. The shock of Lewis’ death spread across social media, with celebrities and fans alike sharing their condolences and speaking on the impact Lewis had on those who knew her, including the millions of viewers who watched her on BET and MTV.
“We’re saddened to learn of the passing of beloved MTV VJ, Ananda Lewis. Through her on air hosting and interviews, Ananda helped raise a generation of music fans. Our thoughts are with her family & loved ones,” MTV said in a tweet.
“Literally heartbroken, I grew up with Ananda...I remember always seeing her as a MTV veejay, thinking she was so freakin beautiful, w/ an even more beautiful personality! I always loved that her & Aaliyah, my fave, were good friends too. Thanks & RIP #AnandaLewis,” wrote JussGregK on Twitter.
“The kids in my program were like, ‘You have to go for that audition because you always tell us that life brings you great opportunities and it’s your job to step up. Now you’re not going to step up?’ They were calling me a hypocrite. I’m grateful that I went and listened.”
Lewis auditioned and got the job, hosting “Teen Summit,” a show centered on issues such as homelessness that affected Black youth, for three seasons from 1994-1998, interviewing celebrities such as Hillary Clinton and basketball star Kobe Bryant. In 1997, Lewis took a job with MTV as a
“I wish she would have just taken all the medical options offered to her. That may sound selfish, but she had so much more to give the world. She really cared about the youth and people really looked up to her,” said Megan Johnson, a millennial who grew up watching Ananda Lewis.
When asked how she wanted to be remembered in her ABC interview, Lewis had this to say: “Maybe that I loved hard and lived loud and didn’t back away from problems and loved this life, and was ok with letting it go, too,” she said with a laugh. “It’s a temporary situation, so do your best. That’s all we’re all doing is our best.”
Ananda is survived by her mother, sister and son, Langston.
Photo courtesy of the AFRO Archives
Sylvester “Sly Stone” Stewart is remembered worldwide as the front man of Sly and the Family Stone. Shown here, Sly Stone performing at the American Music Awards special in February 1975.
By Michelle Richardson Special to the AFRO
Photo courtesy Facebook / LS Emory
Ananda Lewis, former MTV veejay and television host, is remembered for her powerful voice, advocacy and impact on a generation. Lewis died at 52 after a battle with breast cancer.
Coco Gauff used words and a mirror to persuade herself she could win the French Open
By Jerome Pugmire
A little bit of self-persuasion went a very long way for Coco Gauff, whose victory at the French Open gave the 21-year-old American a trophy she has long coveted, and a second major title.
Gauff defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 on June 7 to add to her U.S. Open title two years ago.
Sabalenka had been the more in-form player heading into the final and Gauff felt she needed some extra motivation.
So she drew inspiration from Gabby Thomas, who became the women’s Olympic 200-meter champion at last year’s Paris Olympics. Thomas had kept writing down that she would be the Olympic champion in her Notes app, so Gauff tried adopting the same approach and grabbed a piece of paper.
“I wrote, ‘I will be French Open champion 2025’ like a bunch of times,” Gauff explained. “She (Thomas) wrote ‘I will be the Olympic champion’ and she ended up winning the gold. I think it’s a great mindset that she had.”
“I’m more cool-headed in matches. But in practice I can get pretty upset.”
Eight lines on a piece of paper written by Gauff late on the night of June 6, then it was finally time for bed, time to rest.
Not quite.
Gauff then persuaded herself a little bit more, by staring at the mirror and convincing herself she was looking at the face of a soon-to-be French Open champion.
“Looking at myself in the mirror so I was trying to instill that belief, and obviously it happened. I didn’t know if it was going to work or not. (But) it did,” Gauff said, then laughed as she added: “When you’re desperate, you’re just trying anything to think that it’s going to help you win.”
Gauff also posted on Instagram another message she wrote to herself four years ago, which started with the words “I had a dream last night that I will win (the) French Open.” Job done.
What also stood out during the 2 hours and 38 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier on June 6 — in a gritty final punctuated by swirling winds due to the open roof — was how Gauff stayed calm while Sabalenka imploded and continually remonstrated with herself.
Political violence
All the screams and shouts were
year, he used the powers of his office to pardon many of them.
And now, with elected officials being gunned down in their homes, we see the terrifying next chapter.
The Minnesota shooter reportedly believed several of his targets were “enemies of America.” That chilling phrase echoes the same logic heard too often from podiums and platforms: that those with different views are not merely wrong but dangerous—that they are “other.” And once someone becomes “other,” it becomes easier for the unhinged to justify taking action.
To be clear: individuals are responsible for the violence they commit. But we must not ignore the ecosystem of words that makes such violence feel permissible. When a president routinely labels opponents as subhuman, corrupt, or criminal, when he normalizes threats and mocks the vulnerable, it emboldens the unstable. It validates hatred. It invites tragedy. So what? Why should this matter especially to Black communities?
Because we’ve lived this before. We know what happens when leaders use fear and division to consolidate power. We’ve seen the consequences of being labeled as threats, invaders, or outsiders. Whether through dog whistles or bullhorns, the language of dehumanization has too often been a prelude to policies—or violence—meant to silence, suppress or destroy.
If the murder of public servants in Minnesota teaches us anything, it’s that silence in the face of dangerous rhetoric is not an option. As citizens, as voters, as people of
coming from Sabalenka’s side of the net, while there was an almost quiet, steely focus on Gauff’s side.
That’s largely because, these days, Gauff gets her frustrations out before matches.
“I know how important it is for me to let out those emotions so that when I come on the match court I can try and be as calm as possible,” the No. 2-ranked Gauff said. “I’m more cool-headed in matches. But in practice I can get pretty upset. Just let me be upset. If I’m upset, I’d rather be upset on the practice court
“When a president routinely labels opponents as subhuman, corrupt, or criminal, when he normalizes threats and mocks the vulnerable, it emboldens the unstable. It validates hatred. It invites tragedy.”
conscience—we must reject language that tears at the fabric of democracy. We must insist that those who seek to lead us do so with dignity, not destruction.
Words matter. Especially the president’s.
Because when words become weapons, none of us are safe.
Editor’s note: On Sunday, June 15, Vance
than the match.” Gauff will now switch to the grass-court season and may play in Berlin, Germany in a week’s time before heading to London for Wimbledon, which starts on June 30.
When she gets to London, Gauff will indulge in one of her favorite hobbies: trying to get out of Escape Rooms.
“For sure, I love it, and I’m going to definitely do it,” she said.
And how about Sabalenka? How will she be coping with the defeat and the frustrations she so clearly felt? Will she be analyzing footage
of the match over and over again, trying to understand where she went wrong and what she must do better? Far from it.
She’s off to indulge herself in Greece.
“I already have a flight booked to Mykonos and alcohol, sugar. I just need couple of days to completely forget about this crazy world,” Sabalenka said. “Tequila, gummy bears, and I don’t know, swimming, being like the tourist for couple of days.”
This article was originally published by The Associated Press.
Boelter was arrested and charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, a Minnesota Democrat, and her husband Mark. He was also charged with
two counts of attempted murder for the shooting of Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. The shootings took place on June 14.
AP Photo/Thomas Padilla
Coco Gauff hoists the French Open trophy after a gutsy three-set win over Aryna Sabalenka, securing her second Grand Slam title at just 21 years old.
Helping Paws via AP
Friends and family are mourning the death of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Hortman, who represented District 34B as a member of the Democratic Farmer Labor party (DFL), was assassinated in a politically- motivated attack.
State Sen. John Hoffman, a representative of Minnesota’s Democratic Farmer Labor party for District 34, was shot in a targeted attack along with his wife on June 14.
BALTIMORE-AREA
Associated Black Charities honors past leaders and 40 years of progress
By Tavon N. Thomasson
AFRO Intern
On June 14, 2025, Associated Black Charities (ABC) hosted its 2025 Gala, under the theme of “40 Years of Truth and Triumph.” The sold-out event brought together supporters, community leaders and long-standing partners to honor the organization’s legacy and reaffirm its commitment to advancing racial and economic equity across Maryland.
This year’s gala paid special tribute to four trailblazing women who have each led ABC through pivotal moments in its 40-year legacy: Mary Demory, Donna Jones Baker, Barbara Blount-Armstrong
and Diane Bell-McKoy.
Mary Demory was the organization’s first executive director from 1985 to 1988. According to information released by the organization, ABC was established in 1985 after United Way provided a $100,000 planning grant.
Demory was instrumental in shaping the organization’s original mission to confront and dismantle the barriers created by structural racism.
Donna Jones Baker, a former executive director of ABC, led the organization from 1989 to 2004 during a period of growth and change. She helped transform the organization from a “$500,000 operation into a statewide
institution with a $25 million budget.”
Her leadership and vision help position ABC as a leading voice for Black economic empowerment across Maryland.
As ABC’s intern president and CEO from 2005 to 2006, Barbara Blount-Armstrong brought clarity and leadership during a time of transition for the organization. She now continues her work in higher education at Morgan State University as the corporations and foundations officer.
Leading ABC from 2006 to 2022, Diane Bell-McKoy became its longest-serving president and CEO.
Baltimore City Council approves $4.6B FY26 budget in 13-2 vote
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
The Baltimore City Council officially passed their $4.6 billion fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget with a 13-2 vote on June 16. Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer (D-District 5) and Councilman Mark Conway (D-District 4) both voted against the budget as written.
“This budget is the result of months of discussion, negotiation and careful deliberation, and I want to thank the entire City Council for their partnership every step of the way,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) in a statement immediately after the passage of the budget. “Tonight, the City Council overwhelmingly voted to pass this budget. I’m grateful to leaders on the City Council and my team for their unwavering commitment to delivering a balanced, equitable budget, which I now look forward to signing into law.”
The mayor has to sign the budget into law by the end of the month, as the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Scott mentioned that the budget was amended to include additional funding for key priorities shared between the council and his office, including $2 million to support immigrant communities, $1 million for traffic calming projects throughout the city and $750,000 for implementation of curbside composting. Amendments also include funding to create the Department of Consumer Protection and Business Licensing which is expected to centralize and streamline many of the city’s licensing processes.
This budget features approximately $7 million in amendments.
Around noon on June 16, the Budget and Appropriations Committee met to consider amendments on the budget.
One amendment was created to include in the budget $2 million for the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs, $250,000 for startup costs of the Department of Consumer Protection and Business Licensing and $750,000 for the Zero Waste curbside yard collection pilot. It was funded by reducing contractual spending, savings from vacant positions and scaling back funding for new positions that were a part of the fiscal year 2026 budget. It was passed by a 5-0 vote in the committee.
The second amendment, proposed by Councilman Paris Gray (D-District 8), which would have moved $112,000 from the State’s Attorney’s Office to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), was voted down by a 4-1 vote.
“While I fully support the OIG office, I certainly don’t want to be pulling any funding away from the State’s Attorney’s Office with the great work they’ve been doing, so I vote no,” said Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer (D-District 5).
The budget, 25-0060, was passed favorably from the committee to second reader with amendments.
The council and the Board of Estimates later held several meetings regarding the budget, eventually passing it on to third reader for final passage before the regular council meeting later that day.
“Our city council worked closely together to negotiate a budget that secured more funding for public safety, invested in improving accountability by funding an additional position in the IDS office, increased funding for our immigrant communities, a zero waste pilot and powerful new support for home ownership programs,” said Council President Zeke Cohen (D) at the city council meeting.
“We were able to produce a budget that invests in Baltimoreans of every background and age and secure critical commitments that will fund libraries, parks, playgrounds and pools in the neighborhoods throughout the city.”
Baltimore City Small Business Advancement Conference highlights paths to capital for entrepreneurs
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
The 2025 Baltimore City Small Business Advancement Conference, hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy and Development, took place at the Baltimore Convention Center on June 12. At the conference, government agencies, universities, financial institutions and corporations shared opportunities for small, minority- and women-owned businesses to grow and scale their enterprises.
One of the significant challenges facing entrepreneurs that the event addressed was access to capital. Dyon Davidson, owner of Beadly Speaking Jewelry, has largely
Courtesy photo
Councilman Paris Gray (D-District 8) (right) and Council Vice-President Sharon Green Middleton (D-District 6) attend a Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing on June 16 ahead of the final vote for the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget.
Associated Black Charities (ABC) is celebrating its 40th year of service in 2025. On June 14 the organization held its annual anniversary gala, celebrating decades of impact, leadership and progress in advancing racial and economic equity. Shown here, the four trailblazing women who have guided ABC through pivotal moments, and the current president and CEO of ABC, Chrissy Thornton: Donna Jones Baker (far left); Thornton (second from left), Mary Demory (middle), Diane Bell-McKoy (second from right), Barbara Blount-Armstrong (far right).
AFRO Photo/Megan Sayles Dyon Davidson is the owner of Beadly Speaking Jewelry. She creates handmade items, like statement necklaces, bracelets and earrings, with wood, beads and wire.
During her time, she spearheaded the “More in the Middle” campaign to support the growth of the African American middle class by confronting systematic inequalities.
While part of the evening focused on honoring the legacy of these women and what they had done for the organization, current president and CEO Chrissy M. Thornton delivered a speech to those in attendance that echoed the theme of resilience– even in the current political and social climate.
“We are not waiting for the world to change. We are changing it,” she said, emphasizing that the fight against oppression requires no one’s
permission. Thornton acknowledged that many are living in a time where our understanding of equity, justice and freedom is under constant threat. Across the country, she warned, there are powerful and well-funded efforts underway to reverse the progress that has been hard-won over the years.
“It doesn’t feel that good–not to those of us who had to live our own lives, navigating systems that were not built for our safety. If you look around this room, you will see other people who are not shocked by injustice, but shaped by it,” said Thornton. “People who are…underpaid, overlooked, over policed, displaced, harmed in hospitals, left behind in schools, and still being told that our case must be proven before it is believed.”
While Thornton did not shy away from naming the
Small Business
from A9
had to bootstrap her company, pulling from her pocket to fund the business.
“For the most part, funding has been a challenge, but I try to look at the impact,” said Davidson. “If I have to spend $200 on beading materials, I look at what people get out of it.”
Davidson taught herself how to make jewelry after her mother suffered a brain aneurysm in 2004. In an effort to support her recovery, she used the hands-on activity to help her mother rebuild her fine motor skills.
Today, through Beadly Speaking Jewelry, she uses wood, beads and wire to create earrings, bracelets and statement necklaces. She’s also started a program to help children learn the trade and develop entrepreneurial skills.
Though Davidson has received grant money from organizations, like the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, funding obstacles have prevented her from expanding her jewelry-making program to serve adults. Many have even dismissed her business as mere “arts and crafts.”
“The thing I’m uneasy about is getting
realities many Black communities still face, she made it clear that ABC is meeting this moment with purpose.
“We are thriving. We have sharpened our focus, expanded our roots and deepened our impact. We’ve launched bold
initiatives, we’ve built transformative partnerships and we’ve continued to speak truth in spaces where it’s welcome and where it is,” she said.
“ABC is thriving because we refuse to die in our missions. We are thriving because our
community continues to pour into us, and we are thriving because we understand [that] to build a future where Black people have opportunity, we must leave with an unshakable commitment to doing the work.”
Thornton closed her remarks to those in the room by urging them to take ownership of the movement for equity
“If you’re an entrepreneur, there’s three simple things we need you to bring: vision, integrity and passion.”
people to see that our program is worth it,” said Davidson. “It’s usually an uphill battle because they hear ‘jewelry,’ and I think they think of a stretch cord bracelet.”
One of the panels at the Small Business Advancement Conference tackled the persistent lack of capital that entrepreneurs, like Davidson, often encounter. Stephanie Geller, founder and director of Community Wealth Builders, introduced entrepreneurs to a lesser-known and underutilized capital avenue: grassroots investment crowdfunding.
“It’s the process of transforming your community— your customer support— into business capital. Our program is not GoFundMe. It is not a donation-based program,” said Geller. “This is investment crowdfunding. We work with businesses to craft their own investment offering, and then you, as the business owner, go out to your customers and community and have them invest in your business.”
She pointed out that this option is the only model that allows the business owner to set their terms of investment offerings. They determine the funding goal, the type of investment being offered— such as equity or revenue sharing— and how much control or return investors will receive.
The model also enables businesses to give their community a stake in their financial success.
“People are not only going to be shopping there— they’re going to be customers on steroids because they’re going to want to ensure that they get their return,” said Geller. “Grassroots investment crowdfunding really pushes businesses to go out to customers and communities to ask them to invest. While you’re doing that, you’re also marketing your business. You might not get everyone to invest, but you’re also going to open more people’s eyes to your business.”
and justice– not just for the moment but for the future.
“We need your time, your treasure, your truth. Movements don’t sustain themselves. We sustain them by how we show up, how we speak up, and how we put our faith into action—not just for one night, but for a lifetime.”
Ulric Donawa, small business loan officer for Baltimore Community Lending (BCL), highlighted a more traditional path. A community development financial institution (CDFI), BCL has a mission to serve low-income, lowwealth and disinvested communities.
The institution provides small business owners with loans ranging from $10,000 to $350,000, but Donawa explained its first priority is understanding what support a business truly needs rather than simply issuing another loan. BCL supplies technical assistance to entrepreneurs, helping them to address any issues with their operations, financial planning, management practices or internal systems.
Unlike many traditional banks, Donawa noted that BCL will not reject a business just because it’s struggling— they work with owners to identify solutions.
“We know exactly what a successful deal looks like. The only difference is our job is to help you figure it out, not just to give you a yes or no because you don’t come in ready. We’re not expecting you to come in ready. That’s our part,” said Donawa. “If you’re an entrepreneur, there’s three simple things we need you to bring: vision, integrity and passion. We got the rest.”
Continued
Photos Courtesy of Associated Black Charities
Lenora Howze, AFRO executive and advertising director (left), and Diane Hocker, AFRO public relations manager (right), attend ABC’s 40th Anniversary Gala.
Chrissy M. Thornton, current president and CEO of ABC, continues to lead the organization with a bold focus on racial and economic equity.
Changing the narrative: Travel collectives redefine who ‘belongs’
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
For decades, the mainstream travel industry has often overlooked the unique interests, safety concerns and cultural experiences valued by Black travelers. Now, a growing number of Black-led travel groups are changing that narrative— curating trips that foster adventure, community, cultural connection and empowerment across the world.
As the summer season kicks off, the AFRO spoke with three leading Black travel brands to learn about the gaps they are seeking to fill and the ways in which they’re shaping the travel industry.
NOMADNESS Travel Tribe
Though Evita Robinson is a New York native, she’s a three-time expat, having lived in Thailand, France and Japan. She founded NOMADNESS Travel Tribe in 2011— long before the rise of travel influencers. Her motivation was to build a community who she could identify with and who believed that travel wasn’t a phase but a life-changing experience.
The online travel communi-
said Robinson. “We have a hashtag we’ve been using for a decade now. It’s ‘family by choice,’ and between Facebook and Instagram there are so many ‘family by choice’ posts.”
Robinson explained that her mission has evolved to include story-telling for underrepresented travelers. By spotlighting the travel experiences of communities of color, she aims to show that they belong in every corner of the world. She also seeks to preserve the lived experiences of Black travelers, recognizing that travel is not just about adventure — but about memory and legacy.
and marketing.
“We are our stories. We are our history,” said Robsinon. “That’s why they are trying to eradicate it and whitewash it. It is our duty and responsibility to not only document the stories of today in the space that we’re in right now, but also to protect those stories so that they can be passed down.”
“We realized that despite being part of this global experience, we didn’t see ourselves reflected a lot in the mainstream travel narrative at the time and certainly not in a way that felt authentic, empowering and nuanced,” said Martin. “You might see us in marketing material, but we’d just be in positions of servitude— not from the perspective of the traveler.”
Black and Abroad was created to inspire Black people to explore the world and to affirm that no destination is off-limits to them. The brand
“When you get to visit places, be on the ground and see things with your own eyes, your perspective changes on things a lot of times.”
ty started with 100 people, but it has grown to nearly 40,000.
“NOMADNESS is a place where you can come in and have conversations— we’re definitely a 24-hour resource for people. But, I think some of the moments that have blown me away are when there’s an issue with one of our members and our community comes to their aid,”
Black and Abroad
Before Eric Martin and Kent Johnson became business partners, they struck a bond through their shared love for travel. They established Black and Abroad, a travel and lifestyle company, in 2015 after noticing the underrepresentation of Black travelers in traditional media
not only increases visibility for Black adventurers, it curates culturally-conscious, international trips to countries, like Brazil, Colombia, Senegal, Ghana and Tanzania.
Martin and Johnson are especially passionate about connecting Black travelers to the African diaspora. They believe travel can be a medium for African Americans
to learn about their roots and draw cultural connections between their heritage and the wider world.
“Travel is a space for perspective and texture for what we already know. In the world we live in today, it’s very easy for the media to tell us one thing that may not be fully representative of the truth or what’s actually happening,” said Johnson. “When you get to visit places, be on the ground and see things with your own eyes, your perspective changes on things a lot of times.”
Buoyant Travel
It was a college business pitch competition that inspired Briona Lamback’s to found Buoyant Travel in 2017. The company celebrates Black travel, joy and community with curated group trips, international events and an exclusive club.
“The basis of Buoyant is that we were founded on serving Black travelers, but the point is to connect the diaspora with ‘cool’— cool people, cool places and cool experiences,” said Lamback.
As part of her trip planning, Lamback connects with onthe-ground partners around the world to craft authentic, culturally-rich experiences for her travelers. Her group trips have journeyed to destinations, like Ghana, Senegal
and Brazil. She plans to add domestic locations, like New Orleans, in the future.
“Folks who are coming on our trips are coming on them to be amongst Black people,
but also because they want to interact with local Black communities there, learn from each other and connect,” said Lamback. “That’s the void we’re filling.”
Two perspectives, one heritage: Reconnecting with Africa’s cultural heartbeat
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer
From the rhythms of West African drumming to the intricate patterns of East African textiles, African cultures offer a vibrant tapestry of tradition, history and innovation. Across the continent’s 54 countries and thousands of ethnic groups, language, music, dance, fashion and cuisine reflect a rich heritage that continues to influence communities around the world. This week, the AFRO explored African culture through two lenses: a Nigerian native preserving generational customs, and an American tourist discovering the continent’s depth for the first time — offering a layered understanding of identity, connection and cultural appreciation.
Lauren Corbin, an American attorney who recently visited Senegal, shared insights from her experience.
“Senegal didn’t just teach me about Africa–it reminded me of the value of community, history and slowing down to really see people,” Corbin said. “The storytelling, the
music, the way elders pass down knowledge — Senegalese traditions are deeply alive, not just preserved.”
She also reflected on the hidden gems she encountered and the country’s historical significance.
a living practice. Beyond tourist trinkets lies a deeper significance to the country’s handmade art.
rewrites it for us.”
She said everyday customs — from meals to manners — reveal cultural depth.
“The ‘House of Slaves’ on Gorée Island is where slaves were kept before being sent across the Atlantic. Walking through the ‘Door of No Return’ gave me chills. Imagining the countless lives that passed through there, never to return, was heartbreaking and humbling,” she said. “Standing on Gorée Island, I could feel the weight of history — it wasn’t just a tour, it was a moment of reflection on humanity and resilience.”
Cultural continuity in Senegal isn’t just history — it’s
“The artisans in the markets don’t just sell souvenirs — they’re preserving centuries of cultural identity through their hands,” Corbin said.
Nigerian native Kelechi Ekpagu came to the United States from Lagos at age 6, but her heritage remains central to her identity. She spoke about the traditions and values of her people.
“Our history lies in our tongue. We pass stories down verbally — but we haven’t done well writing it down,” Ekpagu said. “It’s not just about preserving our culture for ourselves — it’s about reclaiming how it’s remembered, before someone else
“In Nigeria, sandwiches are snacks. You bring someone a sandwich and it’s almost disrespectful. Our meals are hot, and we cook at home frequently. Big meals aren’t considered ‘throwing down’ — that’s just normal for us,” she said.
“Senegal didn’t just teach me about Africa– it reminded me of the value of community, history and slowing down to really see people.”
Ekpagu added that style in Nigeria is more than self-expression — it’s a cultural expectation.
“Nigeria is the fashion capital of Africa. People don’t play when it comes to how they look. You might be broke, but you’re going to look good,” she said. “That’s ingrained in our culture — you can’t look like what you’re going through, because if you look good, you feel better.”
Both women say the cultures they observed have had a lasting impact on their lives.
“Sharing a meal with a family in a small village made me feel part of something timeless — it was humbling and deeply human,” Corbin said.
Photo courtesy of Briona Lamback
Briona Lamback is the founder of Buoyant Travel, a company that connects people to the African diaspora through travel experiences.
Photo courtesy of Evita Robinson
Evita Robinson is the founder of NOMADNESS TRAVEL Tribe, a lifestyle brand and community of nearly 40,000 travelers.
Courtesy photos
Eric Martin (left) and Kent Johnson (right) are the founders Black and Abroad, a travel and lifestyle company started in 2015.
Courtesy photo/ Kelechi Ekpagu Kelechi Ekpagu, a native to Nigeria expresses how history is passed down from generation to generation.
Courtesy photo/ Lauren Corbin Lauren Corbin, an American attorney, speaks to the lasting impact that her trip to Senegal had on her as a tourist, and the knowledge she gained during her visit.
Need an escape? New tech can help you unplug without going totally off the grid
By Cu Fleshman
Maybe the verdant peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains are calling your name, or maybe you’re intrigued by the variety of flora and fauna at Joshua Tree National Park. No matter what kind of outdoor adventure piques your interest, there’s always an opportunity for exploration on the horizon—and new technological advancements can help you get there.
Particularly in the early months, as more people spend time outside as part of a renewed commitment to health and wellness, the natural world offers an escape from the screens that dominate our daily lives. But in many cases, technology can add to rather than detract from a day out. To that end, Uniqode looked at how national parks and green spaces are using technology to enhance visitors’ experiences.
Every year, these destinations draw millions of guests for hiking, sightseeing and countless other outdoor activities. In fact, national parks in the U.S. alone recorded over 300 million annual visitors in 2023 and 2024, respectively, according to National Park Service data. Many of these visits wouldn’t have been possible without at least some technological assistance.
Technology serves as a vital navigational aid. Digital maps of parks and green spaces are more than just convenient; these resources can show real-time updates and make places more accessible to a wide range of users. Individuals with low vision, for instance, can benefit from text-to-speech software that wouldn’t be available with a paper map or brochure.
In other cases, the presence of technology in green spaces can attract certain visitors who might not typically be interested in a trip to their nearest park. Think of the Pokémon GO craze of 2016, when tens of thousands of people streamed into natural areas to play the wildly popular augmented reality game. Then, there are costs to consider. Digital technology, such as QR Codes, can reduce or eliminate the need for paper printing, saving valuable money and time for park operators.
Nature, enhanced
Of course, technology in green spaces is nothing new.
For years, national parks and other outdoor destinations have implemented widespread technological advancements to upgrade visitors’ experiences.
For example, at Joshua Tree National Park, rangers supply crucial, up-to-date details about park conditions on the National Park Service app.
According to their spokesperson, Meg Rockwell, accessing those details is as simple as scanning a QR Code at one of the park’s visitor centers or entrance stations.
“Joshua Tree National Park is a remote rural area of the desert region in Southern California where a cellphone signal is not always accessible,” Rockwell told Stacker via email. “So, having information downloaded and saved for offline use through a National Park Service app provides visitors with useful information.” That includes everything from suggested hikes to a full audio tour and even music.
Visitors worldwide can also find translations in different languages. “As a gateway park with many international
As U.S. national parks welcome over 300 million visitors annually, innovations supported by the National Park Foundation’s $100 million grant aim to reduce environmental impact while improving access.
visitors, there is also a QR Code to access the park website in different languages,” said Rockwell. “The benefit of increased digital technology through QR Codes at visitor centers and entrance stations has increased accessibility and access to information for visitors.”
Many other parks nationwide have implemented
similar strategies to enhance visitor safety. In 2019, New York’s Cold Spring Harbor State Park launched a digital trail map to help first responders locate hikers in distress. Meanwhile, Grand Canyon National Park installed Trail Alert QR Codes at certain trailheads in 2023—scanning the codes directs visitors to the latest updates on major
routes such as Bright Angel and South Kaibab, keeping hikers more informed as they make plans. While the lifesaving applications of this technology can’t be overlooked, other uses prove similarly fruitful. Take outdoor art, for exam-
unique art form made possible only through the use of today’s technology.
The future of being green while on the grid
Given the vast potential for the use of technology in green spaces, this shift will likely continue picking up steam in the coming years. The nonprofit National Park Foundation (NPF) wants to help parks make the most of new technologies, such as data analytics and real-time condition updates. As park visitation continues to increase, a $100 million grant, received by the NPF in 2024, will help determine how technology can be further leveraged to reduce human impact on America’s beloved national parks.
In the meantime, other technologies continue to develop in green spaces around the U.S. As Rockwell noted, you can still go off the grid while enjoying the benefits of numerous apps and digital services. Countless people venturing outdoors already use augmented reality to identify constellations in the night sky, distant mountain peaks and much more.
The interconnectivity offered by the Internet of Things, or IoT, also presents an unparalleled opportunity for integrating technology with the natural world. Vince Davis, creator of the blog Parks With Vince, suggests IoT technology could be used to determine efficient watering schedules that minimize human intervention or efficient waste management, so waste bins can alert staff when they’re full rather than needing constant monitoring. As with technology anywhere, though, adoption brings its own set of hurdles. Not all visitors and green space operators own smartphones, which could present a significant barrier to use. On the other end of the spectrum, overreliance on technology can also lead to pitfalls such as hikers getting lost following Google Maps and misinformation spreading on AI-powered plant-identification apps.
Naturally, technology won’t entirely replace physical materials or in-person interactions with park staff. Instead,
“The benefit of increased digital technology through QR Codes at visitor centers and entrance stations has increased accessibility and access to information for visitors.”
ple—QR Codes serve as a key component of artist Rosten Woo’s interactive project “What Water Wants,” an audio tour sharing the complex past, present, and future of the Los Angeles River. Visitors to this temporary exhibit can learn more about their natural surroundings and take in a
tech can supplement existing resources, vastly improving our time outdoors and paving the way for a greener, more accessible future.
Story editing by Carren Jao, with copy editing by Paris Close. This article was originally published by Stacker Media.
Courtesy photo
Technology, such as the National Park Service app and QR Codes helps national parks improve safety, accessibility and visitor engagement—all while reducing paper waste and operational costs.
Nappy.co/ Nappy Stock
Historic U.S. towns honor generations of culture, art and identity
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
Across America, there are small towns and regions where Black history and culture are embedded into the community. What destinations should you add to the itinerary this summer? Some of those locations include New Bedford, Mass., Eatonville, Fla. and Africatown, Ala.
New Bedford, Mass.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is helping the Cape Verdean community celebrate 50 years of independence with the opening of two new exhibits in June, “Claridade: Cape Verdean Identity in Contemporary Art” and “Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the South Coast.”
“New Bedford became the first point of arrival for the majority of Cape Verdeans emigrating from the islands to the United States starting in the 1870s, and that picked up into the 1920s,” said Naomi Slipp, Douglas and Cynthia Crocker Endowed chair for the chief curator and the director of Museum Learning at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. “We continue to have a pretty steady stream of Cape Verdean immigrants who come to New Bedford and settle here because of the multi-generational pathways across the diaspora.”
Cabo Verde is an island country in
Africa that has a complicated history of racial and ethnic identities leading to an array of people today with different backgrounds identifying as Cape Verdean.
Slipp said the museum has a high school apprentice program where over 40 percent of participants identify as Cape Verdean.
Claridade is inspired by the Cape Verdean literary review, which focused on identity and cultural clarity from 1936 to 1960 via sculpture, mixed media, painting, poetry and a video installation. Morabeza highlights the
history and experiences of the Cape Verdean community in New England through photographs, oral histories and cultural artifacts.
New Bedford also has an abolitionist past, making it a major stop on the Underground railroad, welcoming in a variety of immigrants looking to start a new and safe life in the U.S.
“New Bedford continues to be identified as a gateway city, as a place for immigrants arriving to the United States,” said Slipp. “It’s a part of what makes New Bedford special.”
Eatonville, Fla.
Eatonville, Fla. is the oldest Black Incorporated municipality in the U.S., according to the Zinn Education Project, a collaboration amongst Rethinking Schools and Teaching for Change to promote the “people’s teaching” in schools. The town was incorporated in 1887, becoming the first municipality to be created by freedmen.
In Eatonville, Fla. Black Americans were able to be self-governing and free to live their lives and be themselves.
“Eatonville is a quintessential American town,” said N. Y. Nathiri, executive director of the Association to Preserve Eatonville Community, in a short documentary by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), a philanthropy organization. “It has its own special uniqueness in terms of
Beneath Lake Lanier: The forgotten story of Oscarville
By Andrea Stevens
Staff Writer
Today Lake Lanier is a major recreational destination, drawing millions of visitors each year for boating, fishing and swimming. But submerged beneath the surface lie the remnants of the historically Black community of Oscarville — and with it, a legacy of racial violence and displacement that continues to ripple through local memory.
At the center of Lake Lanier’s lore is Oscarville, a once-thriving Black community in Forsyth County. In 1912, following false allegations and racial violence, White mobs forced more than 1,000 Black residents from the area. Homes and churches were burned, land was seized and the community was left in ruins. Decades later, what remained of the town was flooded to help create Lake Lanier.
Formed in 1956 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Lanier was created by flooding the valley that included homes, farmland, churches and cemeteries. Though the reservoir serves its purpose, providing flood control and hydroelectric power, its past continues to haunt its shores — both literally and figuratively, for many.
Lannah Biggs, a Georgia native visited the lake during a Girl Scout trip as a child.
“I’ve heard that Lake Lanier used to be a town, and it did get flooded,” she said.
“Someone always dies in Lake Lanier, even though everybody wants to go out on the lake and have fun... it’s not the safest place. Nobody can really understand why.”
Nathaniel Crummy, a lifelong Atlanta resident, sees the lake’s reputation as inseparable from its past.
“There’s always something going on in Lake Lanier,” Crummy said. “It’s always a mysterious death. A lot of people say that it stems from a haunted town under the water... an old Black town that was flooded. I believe it displaced African-American people, and that’s why the lake feels haunted to many.”
Lake Lanier has become notorious for accidents and drownings, with more than 200 deaths recorded since 1994, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Although many are attributed to boating accidents and alcohol use, persistent rumors suggest something deeper — or darker — is at play.
Biggs said her brief swim in the lake was unsettling.
“It’s very dark. You can’t see anything. It reminds you of those lakes in horror movies,” she said. “I haven’t been back since.”
Both Crummy and Biggs expressed the need for public education around the lake’s history.
“Respect the history of Lake Lanier,” said Briggs. “Know it before going out there — not just the death portion, but what it was before. You can’t ignore history.”
character and spirit.”
This town also holds the rich history of being the hometown of renowned novelist, folklorist Zora Neale Hurston. She is best known for her novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”
“The community has reduced crime, brought in new businesses and new stores,” said Alvin Moore, former councilmember of Eatonville, Fla. in the RWJF short documentary. “It’s changed so much that you can see it in people’s hearts and their actions and the way that they live.”
Attractions in Eatonville, Fla. today include, the Zora Neale Hurston Museum, the Moseley House Museum, the St. Lawrence AME Church, the Zora’s Cosmo Trail and the annual ZORA! Festival where visitors can enjoy various performances, interactive art and more.
Africatown, Ala.
Africatown, Ala. is a community in Mobile, Ala. that was created by survivors of the last journey taken by enslaved Africans to the “New World” as a part of the transatlantic slave trade. It is also the only American neighborhood created by West Africans who had survived the Middle Passage, the slave trade system.
Africatown remained a strong, self-governed community for decades–with its own churches, schools and stores, but when the region was annexed into the City of Mobile in 1960, things started to change. Though
the city is not as vibrant as it once was, its African-descendant culture and the resilience of the community that still reside there shines through.
Today, tourists can stop by the Africatown Heritage House where they can dive into the rich history of Africatown and the Clotilda, the last known slave ship sailed into the U.S. They host a variety of events throughout the year for residents and visitors to engage in, including lectures on the Black experience and culture festivals with live performances and food trucks.
The Africatown Heritage House won best museum opening from the National Geographic in 2023.
Visitors can also travel to the Union Baptist Church, a cornerstone of the community, and the Old Plateau Cemetery (Africatown Graveyard), where many of the enslaved Africans were buried.
Slipp emphasized the importance of towns and regions through the U.S. honoring the Black history of the land, communities they live in.
“Folks who say that it is not important to tell the story about what makes us different or that it’s not something to celebrate are coming from a pretty extreme place of privilege,” said Slipp. “This belief that we’re better off seeing all of ourselves as the same, erases the opportunities to value what each of us brings to the conversation. It’s important to hear and learn about people’s experiences in order to understand how to also come together more authentically.”
Courtesy photo/ Lannah Biggs
Lannah Biggs is a Georgia native that has only been to Lake Lanier once as a child, but has no plans of revisiting anytime soon.
AP Photo/Mike Stewart
Lake Lanier is located in Georgia. The historically Black town of Oscarville was flooded after hundreds of families were driven out-- first by racial violence, and then by eminent domain.
Courtesy photo/ Nathaniel Crummy
Nathaniel Crummy knows is very well educated on the history of Lake Lanier and understands its origin.
Photo courtesy of the Wikimedia Commons/Amy Walker Africatown, Ala., stands as a powerful testament to resilience— founded by enslaved Africans who were forced aboard the last known slave ship, the Clotilda, and later built a community all their own.
Photo courtesy of the Orange County Government of Florida Eatonville, Fla., incorporated in 1887, is the oldest Black-incorporated municipality in the U.S., founded by freedmen. It served as a beacon for self-governance and freedom for Black Americans.
Photo courtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum The New Bedford Whaling Museum is currently celebrating 50 years of Cape Verdean independence. Since the 1870s, New Bedford has been a central home for Cape Verdean immigrants—and remains so today.
Travel anxiety is real: How to plan a mentally peaceful trip
By Kim Sheffield-Chang
Summer vacation season is quickly approaching, and just under half of Americans are planning trips in the coming months. For many, this prospect brings excitement— however, for others it triggers a complex web of worries collectively known as travel anxiety.
If you find yourself counting down to your vacation with dread rather than excitement, you’re not alone; in fact, research has shown that about 18 percent of U.S. adults have travel anxiety. Behind this phenomenon are evidence-backed neurological underpinnings. A 2022 Cornell University study demonstrated increased amygdala activity—the brain’s fear center—for people in the middle of travel planning. This anxiety can manifest as fear of flying, apprehension about unfamiliar surroundings, separation anxiety from home or health concerns while traveling.
Vivian Chung Easton, a mental health clinician at Blueprint, a therapist enablement technology platform explains that, “while travel anxiety exists on a spectrum from slight uneasiness to debilitating fear that prevents travel altogether—there are ways to significantly reduce these feelings at every stage of your trip.” Let’s explore how to build your own mental health tool kit for more peaceful travel experiences.
Pre-trip: Plan with mental health in mind Ensuring anxiety-free travel begins weeks before departure. Research shows that preparation should include intentional mental health provisions alongside booking accommodations and planning activities.
• Digital tools like meditation apps have proven remarkably effective. In fact, a study reported a 34 percent reduction in travel stress among users who complete pre-trip meditation sessions— some apps even offer guided visualizations of common travel scenarios.
If you take medication for mental health conditions, consult your healthcare provider well before departure for guidance on time zone adjustments and prescription refills.
• Build flexibility into your
itinerary. A striking 72 percent of travelers who create detailed but adaptable itineraries report lower anxiety levels than those with either no plans or highly rigid schedules.
• Compile all your trip information so it’s ready to go. This includes any flights, hotels, reservations or activities booked all in one place to ensure you have all your information easily accessible. You can also think about and identify when your anxiety spikes: Is it the drive? Being in line? Boarding the plane? Once you’ve pinpointed what’s causing you to feel anxious, you can plan around them and make sure those peaks are prepared for so you can manage them in the moment.
During travel: Useful grounding exercises
The journey itself—whether by plane, train or car—often represents peak anxiety for travelers. Fortunately there are several science-backed techniques that can help you stay grounded.
• For flight anxiety, controlled breathing
exercises show remarkable effectiveness. The 4-7-8 technique (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8) activates the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the fight-or-flight response that anxiety triggers. Practice this technique before your flight and implement it during takeoff or turbulence.
Regardless of transportation, when anxiety spikes the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding technique can reduce acute anxiety by up to 47 percent, according to clinical studies by the This technique involves listing:
• 5 things you can see
• 4 things you can touch
• 3 things you can hear
• 2 things you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste
Creating a sensory comfort kit can enhance this practice—pack a small bag with items that engage your senses in calming ways: perhaps hand lotion (smell), a small fidget toy (touch), favorite music (hearing), photos of loved ones (sight) and a piece of candy or gum (taste). Something interesting to note is that things with intense
flavors (like a super sour candy) shocks your senses and reminds you to focus just on that instead of other things.
Progressive muscle relaxation—tensing and releasing muscle groups sequentially—reduces physiological symptoms of travel anxiety by 53 percent according to recent studies. Try starting at the top and tense your face, then move down to your neck and then all the way down to your feet. This helps bring awareness back to your body, and helps reengage.
At your destination: Maintaining mental equilibrium
Arriving at your destination doesn’t necessarily mean anxiety disappears. Unfamiliar surroundings, different cultural norms and the pressure to “have fun” can create new stress. However, there are a few ways to create a bit of stability that can help ease that anxiety.
Traveling doesn’t have to uproot every part of your daily schedule, some of your core nonnegotiables can still
the same page as to what activities take priority, and what can be let go of. It’s important to revisit that list throughout your trip so that everyone is aligned on how to make the trip as enjoyable as possible. Perhaps most importantly, have contingency plans in place for unexpected changes. Develop basic “if-then” plans for common travel disruptions. The Cleveland Clinic found that travelers who develop basic “if-then” plans for common travel disruptions (delayed flights, lost items, minor health issues) experience 60 percent fewer panic responses when these situations arise. Simply knowing you have a backup plan allows your nervous system to relax.
Coming home: The often overlooked phase
While most focus on travel anxiety is related to preparing for and experiencing trips, returning home and to daily responsibilities deserves equal attention. Post-travel depression is clinically recognized and affects approximately 21 percent of travelers, potentially lasting up to two weeks after returning from vacation. To help your brain readjust back to day-to-day life, try: Gradual reintegration techniques can ease this transition. If it’s available to you, take one “buffer day” at home before returning to work. According to a Wall Street Journal report, individuals who take that extra day experience 47 percent less re-entry anxiety than those who immediately jump back into full responsibilities. Use this buffer time to unpack (both literally and emotionally), catch up on basic tasks, and process your experiences through journaling or sharing stories with loved ones.
Finding growth through discomfort
be in place. Establish a modified version of your home mental health routine for crucial stability. If you normally start your day with journaling or taking a minute for yourself while having coffee, even five minutes of familiar ritual can anchor your day. If you’re traveling with anyone else, be sure to set clear expectations for what parts of your routine you’d prefer to keep up with. For example, if you know that taking 10 minutes for yourself in the morning to go for a walk is something that needs to be baked into your routine, make that a priority and communicate that. There might be pressure to maximize every minute of a trip, which often results in over-scheduling, exhaustion and heightened anxiety. Build in decompression time after busy sightseeing days—try returning to your accommodation mid-afternoon to rest before evening activities.
Align with any travel partners on must-dos and things you’d just like to do. If there’s not time to do everything, this ensures that everyone is on
What makes travel uniquely valuable is its paradoxical nature—it’s both anxiety-provoking and anxiety-reducing. It stretches our comfort zones in ways daily life rarely does. By navigating unfamiliar situations successfully, we build confidence that transfers to other areas of life.
Building your personalized travel mental health tool kit takes time and experimentation. Not every technique will work for every person, and different trips may require different approaches. The goal isn’t to eliminate all travel-related anxiety—some alertness in new environments is adaptive and healthy—but rather to prevent anxiety from overwhelming the joy of discovery.
As you prepare for summer travels, remember that mental preparation deserves space on your packing list. Even acknowledging travel anxiety at each stage of your journey can transform potentially stressful experiences into meaningful adventures that expand your world.
Safe travels.
This story was produced by Blueprint and reviewed and distributed by Stacker
Nappy.co /vaycarious
As the summer travel season kicks off, experts urge travelers to plan with mental health in mind—tools like meditation apps, flexible itineraries and personalized prep routines help ease anxiety before departure.
Nappy.co/ Adedoyin
Grounding techniques like controlled breathing and sensory kits help anxious flyers and road-trippers stay calm, centered and connected to the moment during travel.
Unsplash/ White Field Photo
Travelers returning from vacation often face re-entry anxiety, but mental health experts recommend taking a “buffer day” to unpack, recharge and transition smoothly back to everyday life.
Four ways you can feel empowered as a plus-size traveller this summer –according to experts
By Whitney Vernes and Weizheng Zhang
Travelling isn’t always easy for plus-size people. There can be accessibility issues, such as seats that are too small, but also lingering societal biases, that make the whole experience feel like it’s made for someone else. It can seem like what the travel industry offers routinely fails to meet people’s needs.
As summer approaches and travel plans begin to take shape, it is important to remember that everyone, regardless of body size and shape, deserves the right to travel. If you’re a plus-size person, should feel able to participate fully in the freedom and adventure of exploration and leisure.
The industry still has progress to make in becoming more inclusive. But every journey taken helps shift societal perceptions and challenge ideas surrounding the ideal tourist body.
In our research, we demonstrate how plus-size travellers can travel but also do so confidently. Here are four ways you can challenge travel barriers and embrace body-positive adventures.
1. Embrace your right to explore
Whether it’s slim, tanned beach bodies in advertisements or curated Instagram posts showcasing chiselled abs against exotic backdrops, we have allowed narrow societal norms to dictate who deserves to travel for too long. If you’re a plussize person, you might be given the impression that you don’t deserve to occupy that space and explore. It might seem small but simply “taking up space” and doing the things you want is so important when it comes to building confidence and finding body positivity when travelling. Allowing yourself to enjoy travelling and leisure activities can influence the wider travel community, creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for other plus-size people.
The more plus-size people confidently and joyfully take up space, the more normalised it will become. You might also be surprised that when you do give yourself permission, how many other plus-size people there also are travelling.
2. Connect with supportive, online communities
You are not alone in navigating challenging travel experiences that contribute to the continued exclusion
of alternative travel bodies. You will find people who can sympathise and validate your experiences and who can support you in online spaces.
Social networking apps such as TikTok and Instagram host many supportive online communities that challenge stereotypical and narrow ideas surrounding the “perfect” holiday body. While these apps and other social networking sites have and continue to play a role in promoting narrow beauty standards, they have also become powerful platforms for counter-narratives that celebrate and represent all body types.
Staying connected is a great way to access travel tips and suggestions. Trending hashtags such as #plussizetravel and #plussizetraveltoo give you direct access to content and communities that share your travel experiences and needs. Whether you actively participate or silently observe, there is value in seeking out such support.
3. Plan
While some appropriate amendments, including seatbelt extenders on aircraft and size-friendly policies, exist, they often lack consistency across the industry. This further contributes to the structural constraints and societal barriers that exclude plus-size travellers.
There are loads of online resources offering valuable information and advice. There are also online communities signposting plus-size friendly airlines (such as Southwest Airlines), tourism spaces, fashion and products. Planning may reduce transportation-related discomforts and emotional and physical wellbeing challenges while travelling.
4. Celebrate, document and share your travel experience
Plus-size travellers are often overlooked, with their voices and bodies frequently excluded from representation. It is wonderful that the body positivity movement
has led to whole online worlds of people promoting acceptance and appreciation of all body types. This sort of content challenges societal norms surrounding narrow beauty standards and advocates for greater inclusivity. However, real change relies on the visibility and advocacy of people within this movement. Your voice and experiences are essential in helping the public understand your challenges. By speaking up and sharing the changes you want to see, whether in infrastructure or society, you help others become aware of needs they may not have previously understood. Engaging through sharing your travel experience contributes to community support, ultimately breaking down the stigma around the plus-size bo?
Whitney Vernes is a lecturer in tourism, University of Essex and Weizheng Zhang is a lecturer in marketing, Newcastle University.
An online travel company just collapsed– here’s how to avoid being left stranded by an online deal
Traveldream.com.au sold discounted holidays – curated hiking tours, boutique cruises and cultural getaways through a slick website and polished social media ads. But news emerged last week that the Melbourne-based travel company has collapsed into administration, leaving customers out of pocket by thousands of dollars, and in some cases, stranded overseas.
What many didn’t know was that Traveldream hadn’t been formally accredited with the leading industry body since 2020. Its status under the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme, run by the Australian Travel Industry Association, had been cancelled.
To make matters worse, most travel insurance policies don’t cover insolvency, meaning many customers have no way to recover their losses.
Big name platforms such as Booking.com and Expedia account for about 60 percent of vacation activity. But many travellers are also turning to smaller or lesser-known providers offering flashy deals and lower prices, often with fewer safeguards.
So, how can you protect yourself? Start with these five checks.
1. Don’t be swayed by slick websites or social media ads
It’s a common tactic, and one that’s hard to resist. You’re scrolling, you see a dreamy image, the price is tempting, and suddenly you’re halfway through checkout.
But a polished ad doesn’t guarantee legitimacy.
Travel-related scams are on the rise, especially involving online-only sellers. Check for a verifiable business address, phone number and customer support. If the deal feels vague, under-priced or overly urgent, that’s a red flag.
Look for independent reviews (on Trustpilot, Tripadvisor or Google), and check Scamwatch for known issues.
Experts recommend checking accreditation, customer engagement and cancellation policies before booking—especially with lesser-known platforms.
2. Look at how the company engages with customers
A company’s reputation isn’t just about what it promises: it’s built on how it responds to questions and complaints. Before booking, take a moment to see how the business interacts with customers online.
Do they reply constructively to complaints? Do they offer updates or explanations when issues arise?
Also notice the tone. Does it feel human and responsive, or generic and hands-off? That can suggest how they’ll treat you after the sale.
Small signs can speak volumes. A page with thousands of followers but no visible engagement may indicate a paid audience – and a company that vanishes when things get difficult.
3. Check if the company is accredited
Another way to assess a travel company’s credibility is to check if it holds formal accreditation. This signals the company has met standards in financial security, customer service and dispute resolution.
Search the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme register at https://www.atas.com.au,
Unsplash/ Rupixen
With limited insurance coverage for insolvency, travelers are encouraged to book directly, use credit cards for protection and confirm all reservations in advance.
or look for Quality Tourism Accreditation. For overseas providers, check for recognised local schemes. Accreditation offers extra reassurance, but it’s not the whole picture. Some large, reputable companies, such as Expedia, operate without it. If a company isn’t accredited, proceed with caution and focus on how bookings and payments are handled.
4. Scrutinise policies carefully
Before booking, check what happens if the provider goes bust, whether you can cancel or reschedule, and how your booking will be confirmed. Where possible, follow up directly with the hotel, airline or tour operator to make sure reservations are secured.
It’s also important to understand what travel insurance does – and doesn’t – cover.
Company insolvency is one of the most common exclusions. Unless a policy includes “end supplier failure” or a similar clause (most don’t), you may not be able to claim a refund. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement to check exactly where you stand.
Another safeguard is to pay with protection in mind. Although conditions vary by provider, credit cards may offer chargebacks if the goods or services aren’t delivered.
5. Book direct where feasible
While accredited travel agencies can be helpful for complex itineraries, like overseas trips with multiple stops or bundled services, it’s often worth booking directly with the provider when making travel arrangements online, whether that’s a hotel, airline or tour company. Cutting out the intermediary can offer better value, including complimentary extras, flexible cancellation and full access to loyalty programs.
Direct bookings usually reflect real-time availability and pricing, reducing the risk of outdated information. You’ll benefit from direct communication and confirmation, making it easier to customise or resolve issues.
If something goes wrong, there’s also greater clarity about who’s responsible –offering stronger recourse under Australian Consumer Law.
The bottom line?
As more Australians book holidays online, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s trustworthy and what could leave you out of pocket. Traveldream’s collapse is a reminder. Even in the world of digital travel deals, it pays to ask: is this company built to last, not just until your trip departs, but until you return home?
The Conversation
Unsplash/ Jackie Alexander
By documenting and sharing their journeys, plus-size travelers increase visibility, challenge stigma and help reshape the travel industry to better reflect all bodies and experiences.
By Madalyn Scerri and Anita Manfreda The Conversation
Nappy.co/ Nappy Stock
Walk through history: Paris sites tied to a rich cultural legacy
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
The Black community has roots in towns, cities and countries around the world. In Paris, France, African Americans have created a vibrant cultural community and left a legacy that remains woven into the fabric of the region’s past.
According to the French Embassy, in the early 20th century, Paris was a hub for Harlem Renaissance performers and African-American artists who relished a freedom they were denied in the U.S.
Jessie Frances, international brand strategist and frequent Paris visitor, said people of African descent found solace in the city in part because they could slow down.
“Paris gives us that space to romanticize life,” said Frances. “Sadly, here in the U.S., we never had the freedom to do that.”
Frances said in the past, and even today, life for Black Americans in the U.S. has been all about work and no time for play or rest.
“You didn’t have space to be a lady of leisure,” said Frances. “Those things were just so foreign to African-Americans. When you look at African-American women who went to Paris and the life that they created for themselves, it was such a fantasy.”
Frances said that is in large part why she enjoys going to Paris regularly.
Some of the key sites that remain in “Black Paris” include the following:
Dina Vierny Gallery
The historic Saint-Germain-des-Pres
settling in Paris, she helped make the city an inviting space for Black artists and intellectuals.
quarter of Paris is home to the Dina Vierny Gallery, which is still operating today. In the 1990s, the gallery served as one of the venues for Patricia Laplante-Collins’ African American Literary Soirees, lively gatherings that brought together expatriates and creatives from all over.
Laplante-Collins, born in the U.S. in Atlanta, was a core part of Paris’ social network until her passing on Jan. 22, 2019. She provided a welcoming atmosphere for connecting with others and even served homecooked dinners from time to time. By
The setting of the soirees, the Sixth Arrondissement, provided a fitting scene for these gatherings. The Sixth Arrondissement, a Parisian district, is known for artistic and literary success. It was also an example of the significance of Paris’ Left Bank as a friendly environment for African-American self-expression.
Through these events, where writers, poets, academics and more led lively discussions and readings, the gallery served as a cultural connector of literature, art and community. The gallery continues to be featured in “Black Paris” tours including a self-guided tour by Black Diary.
Place Josephine Baker
The Place Josephine Baker sign was erected in 2001 in the Montparnasse district, marking the first Josephine Baker tribute in Paris. Baker, born Freda Josephine McDonald on June 3, 1906, wore many titles including being a celebrated performer, a World War II spy and an activist. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Baker was one of the many African-American artists who found refuge in Paris. In 1925 she travelled to Paris to dance at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in La Revue Nègre and introduced her signature dance style to France, where she became one of the top music-hall entertainers in the country.
In 1937, she officially became a French citizen.
The sign specifically recognizes her
past as an artist of music hall and a French spy.
“Many people know or have heard that she was a spy,” said Julia Browne, founder of Walking the Spirit Tours, in one of her taped tour guide sessions.
“By joining the Free French Forces she becomes a contributor to French society in a deeper way that englobes her into what is being French.”
Browne mentioned that Baker was in large revered in France for her ability to embody French values. Through her time as a spy she went on to adopt 12 children of different nationalities and realize a dream of creating a brotherhood of children of all different nationalities and religions.
Montmartre
Montmartre is a charming village in the heart of Paris. It features cobblestone streets, an extraordinary Basilica, artistry and bistros all perched on top of a small hill in the 18th Arrondissement, one of the most well-known Parisian districts.
the world famous cabaret Moulin Rouge, often recognized by its iconic red windmills and lively facade. No visit to Paris is complete without a trip to the Moulin Rouge for a fun music-hall style show with catchy music featuring the famously fastpaced French cancan dance.
The village atmosphere of Montmartre drew many artists in the 19th and 20th centuries, including Baker.
Where Le Carousel, a local bar, now stands, is where Baker’s cabaret and restaurant, Chez Josephine, once stood from 1926 to 1928.
“Chez Josephine was a step up for her because it was a place where she could perform the songs just the way she wanted,” said Browne. Browne said she would mingle with her clientele while her chef, an African-American woman who was trained as a Le Cordon Bleu, prepared the food in the back.
“Paris gives us that space to romanticize life. Sadly, here in the U.S., we never had the freedom to do that.”
The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre (Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre) is a 106 year old
“Shrine of Perpetual Adoration and Divine Mercy and a key staple of the neighborhood with its amazing views and architecture and history. Montmartre is also home to
Browne shared that Montmartre was and still is a place of Black ownership. A few of those locations in and around today’s Montmartre include Le Pe
tit Nègre Café, which is named after Baker’s jazz composition, and
a
-
Mama Kossa,
restaurant that centers Afro-descendant cuisine infused with pop culture influences.
Photo courtesy of the Dina Vierny Gallery.
The Dina Vierny Gallery in Paris showcases modern and contemporary art, continuing its legacy as a vibrant space for creative expression in the heart of the historic Left Bank.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Mbzt
Place Josephine Baker in Paris honors the legendary performer, spy, and humanitarian, celebrating her lasting impact on French culture and her legacy of courage, artistry and unity.
Unsplash/Giuseppe Gurrieri
The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur crowns Montmartre with its iconic white domes, offering sweeping views of Paris and serving as a place of reflection and perpetual prayer.
Courtesy photo
Jessie Frances, international brand strategist and frequent Paris visitor, reflects on the city’s lasting role as a place of freedom, inspiration and selfexpression for people of African descent.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2025FEP57 DECEMBER 09, 2023 Date of Death CAROLYN CHESLEY Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
WILLIAM E. CHESLEY whose address is 5803 FEDERAL COURT UPPER MARLBORO MD 20772 was appointed representative of the estate of CAROLYN CHESLEY deceased, by the ORPHANS COURT for PRINCE GEORGE’S County, State of MARYLAND, on SEPTEMBER 26, 2024. Service of process may be made upon JOHN CHESLEY 2608 32ND ST SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20020 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: 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: JUNE 13, 2025 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American
WILLIAM E. CHESLEY Personal Reperesenative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/13, 06/20, 06/27/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000554
YOLANDA INEZ JOSEY-BAKER Name of Decedent
NATALIE S. WALKER, ESQ. 1101 CONNECTICUT AVE., NW, SUITE 402 W Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs PAUL HEALD AND JUSTIN TILTON, whose addresses are, 1445 N. STREET NW, #302 WASHINGTON DC 20005/ SRBSKO 4, KNEZMOST, 29402, CZECH REPUBLIC were appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES FARMER who died on AUGUST 14, 2024 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 DECEMBER 06, 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 DECEMBER 06, 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: JUNE 06, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
S. LEIVA Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/20, 06/27, 07/04/25
PAUL HEALD JUSTIN TILTON Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/06, 06/13, 06/20/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000554
YOLANDA INEZ JOSEY-BAKER Name of Decedent
NATALIE S. WALKER, ESQ. 1101 CONNECTICUT AVE., NW, SUITE 402 WASHINGTON, DC 20026 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs BELINDA JOSEY AND LAWRENCE A. GUNTER, JR , whose addresses are, 4127 18TH ST., NE, WASH., DC 20018; 660 OGLETHORPE ST., NE, WASH., DC 20011 were appointed Personal Representative of the estate of YOLANDA INEZ JOSEY-BAKER who died on NOVEMBER 17, 2022 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 DECEMBER 06, 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 DECEMBER 06, 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: JUNE 06, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
BELINDA JOSEY
LAWRENCE A. GUNTER, JR Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/06, 06/13, 06/20/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000531 DREW AVERY CARR Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
TIA BROWN, TYLER BROWN-CARR, whose addresses are, 97-11 HORACE HARDING EXPY APT 6D CORONA, NEW YORK, 11368 were appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DREW AVERY CARR who died on APRIL 18, 2024 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 DECEMBER 06, 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
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000581 MILTON LEATH Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
SHARON CORK-LEATH, whose address is, 4411
SHERIFF ROAD, NE WASHINGTON, DC 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MILTON LEATH who died on JANUARY 30, 2025 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 DECEMBER 13, 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 DECEMBER 13, 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: JUNE 13, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
SHARON CORK-LEATH Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000521 MYRTLE V. MILLER Name of Decedent THEODORE R. PINDELL PRO SE 4000 E ST. SE WASHINGTON, DC 20020 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs THEODORE R. PINDELL, whose address is, PO BOX 602 BELTSVILLE MD 20704 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MYRTLE V. MILLER who died on JANUARY 08, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall en-
Effective immediately, The Afro American Newspapers will require
in the form of checks,
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND
Annapolis, Maryland ANNOUNCEMENT REQUEST FOR BIDS
On or after June 9, 2025, Plans and Specifications may be obtained from the Anne Arundel County Web Page at the following address: https://www. aacounty.org/departments/central-services/purchasing/P.O.R.T./bids/index.html . Bids will be received until time/date shown below, please submit your bid electronically via the PORT. Bids received after the date and time set will be rejected.
Due by 1:30 p.m. Local Time, Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Project: P588408 – Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park Water Main Replacement Solicitation No.: CAP25000363
Contact: Chris Biggerstaff – 410-222-3191
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
* ENVELOPE ASSESSMENT, AIR SEALING INSULATION and AIR – TIGHTNESS
TESTING for MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS RFQ 000736
August 6, 2025
* ON-CALL REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENT at VARIOUS WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES SUPPORT SERVICES RFQ 000657
ENTIRE SOLICITATION CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWNLOADED BY VISITING THE WEBSITE: https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/supplier/baltimorecity/ SupplierSite
CITY OF BALTIMORE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION NOTICE OF LETTING
Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for SANITARY CONTRACT NO. 985R- Rehabilitation Of The High Level Interceptor will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M on August 6, 2025. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates and can be watched live on CharmTV’s cable channel (Channel 25/1085HD); charmtvbaltimore.com/watch-live or listen in at (443) 984-1696 (ACCESS CODE: 0842939) at noon. The contract documents may be examined, without charge, at Contract Administration 4 South Frederick Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 on the 3 rd floor (410) 396- 4041 as of June 20, 2025 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $100. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore, Department of Public Works, Office of Boards and Commissions (OBC). Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact OBC at 4 S Frederick St., 4 th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is B02552: Sewer Construction and G90099- Lining Sewers and Drains Via Cured In-Place Pipe. Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $20,000,000.01 to $30,000,000.00.
For further inquiries about purchasing bid documents, please contact the assigned Contract Administrator Charry@baltimorecity.gov and dpwbidopportunities@baltimorecity.gov
A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Vendor can call 667-228-6519 Phone Conference ID, 624 432 295# or Meeting ID: 239 629 584 2462 PASSCODE: Yz6ZX36S on June 26, 2025 at 10:30AM.
All bid inquiries must be emailed to: charry@baltimorecity.gov and darryn.mobley@baltimorecity.gov by the Q & A deadline of July 23,2025. Questions received in writing and by the deadline will only be considered.
Principal items of work for this contract include, but are not limited to:
* Sewer cleaning and closed circuit television (CCTV inspection;
* Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining of large diameter sanitary sewers;
* Installation of new small diameter sanitary sewers;
* Manhole and junction chamber rehabilitation and replacement work.
This project is a recipient of the Maryland Water Quality & Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund-Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and U.S. EPA Water Infrastructructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Programs.
The MBE goal is 22% The WBE goal is 16% APPROVED: APPROVED: Director Clerk, Board of Estimates Khalil Zaied Department of Public Works
BOARD OF LIQUOR LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR BALTIMORE CITY NOTICE – JUNE 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 June 16, 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 June 26, 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 mat-
ters being heard by the Board.
1. CLASS “A” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE
Applicant: ABDM Group, LLC T/a Gruner’s Liquor and Market - Deepak Giri
Petition: Transfer of ownership
Premises: 101-03 N. Monastery Avenue 21229
(City Council District: 8th; State Legislative District: 41st)
Applicant: AAVYA, LLC T/a Roland Park Wines & Liquors - Manish Khadka and Kathleen A. Amato
Petition: Transfer of ownership
Premises: 4032 Roland Avenue 21211
(City Council District: 14th; State Legislative District: 40th)
2. CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE
Applicant: Loving Every Endeavor Lee Investments, LLC T/a Papillons
Ultra Café - Larry Darnell Lee, Jr. and
Monica Nicole Gale Lee
Petition: New restaurant license requesting live entertainment, outdoor table service, off-premises catering, and delivery of alcoholic beverages
Premises: 10 N. Calvert Street, Suite 105 21202
(City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: Good Life Baltimore, LLC T/a Vertice - Salil Choudhary and Meenu Choudhary
Petition: New restaurant license requesting off-premises catering and delivery of alcoholic beverages
Premises: 1301 N. Charles Street 21201
(City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 40th)
Applicant: The Legacy Hub Corporation T/a Eighteen Ten Venue & Catering - Dewetta Logan
Petition: New restaurant license requesting live entertainment, off-premises catering and delivery of alcoholic beverages
Premises: 1810 Cherry Hill Road 21230
(City Council District: 10th; State Legislative District: 46th)
3. CLASS “BD7” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE
Applicant: 190 Octane North, LLC T/a Fat Tuesday - Robert George
Petition: Transfer of ownership and location of a Class “BD7” BWL license currently located at 1708 Fleet Street to 718 S. Broadway
Premises: 718 S. Broadway 21231
(City Council District: 1st; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: KOL Project 2, LLC T/a Beverly House - Jessica Wiley Pineda
Petition: Request to add outdoor table service
Premises: 4505 Harford Road 21214
(City Council District: 3rd; State Legislative District: 45th)
Applicant: Poudel Investment, Inc. T/a Stock Market Bar - Aksana Karki
Poudel and Sheila Best
Petition: Transfer of ownership
Premises: 3538 S. Hanover Street 21225
(City Council District: 10th; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: Fom, LLC T/a Fins on Madison - Lisa Markiewicz and MeKelle
McCormick
Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of live entertainment and outdoor table service
Premises: 307-11 W. Madison Avenue 21201
(City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 40th)
Applicant: Clout Southern Cuisine, LLC T/a 1865 Steak Seafood & Liquors - Edward W. Reynolds
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS TOWN OF HAMPSTEAD HAMPSTEAD, MARYLAND HAMPSTEAD PFAS TREATMENT/CENTRALIZATION PROJECT NORTH CARROLL FARMS AND SHILOH WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
The Town of Hampstead is soliciting bids for the construction of new water treatment facilities to house granular activated carbon adsorption equipment for PFAS removal, chemical facilities and process piping, and generally includes building construction, associated electrical, heating/ventilation, plumbing, instrumentation and controls, civil site work, yard piping, equalization facilities, stormwater management facilities, etc., associated with the Town of Hampstead PFAS Treatment and Centralization Project (“Project”).
The Project is being funded, in part, by grants issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment State Revolving Loan Fund and the United States Environmental Protection Agency Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program. Qualified minority business enterprises (MBE’s) and women’s business enterprises (WBE’s) are especially encouraged to participate.
To request an official copy of the Town of Hampstead PFAS Treatment/ Centralization, North Carroll Farms and Shiloh Water Treatment Plants Issued for Bids Documents (IFB No. TOH-NCSWTPCFY25-06), please contact: Judy Rang Town of Hampstead 410-239-7408 jrang@hampsteadmd.gov
Judy Rang Town of Hampstead 410-239-7408 jrang@hampsteadmd.gov
Samuel Cogen Sheriff of Baltimore City 100 N. Calvert Street Baltimore, MD 21202 1040 DEER RIDGE DRIVE UNIT 204
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21210
(SALE TO BE HELD ON THE FRONT STEPS OF THE CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE FOR BALTIMORE CITY-LOCATED AT 100 N. CALVERT STREET,BALTIMORE, MD 21202) MONDAY, JUNE 30,2025 AT 10:00 AM
By virtue of a Writ of Execution passed in the matter of Deer Ridge Terrace Condominium, Inc,Plaintiff/Judgment Creditor vs. Nicole N. Green, Defendant/Judgment Debtors, Case No. 01-01-0010332-2023, issued out of the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City, the Sheriff will sell all of the Defendant’s RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST AND ESTATE in the real property on the court house steps, as follows: All that fee simple condominium unit and the improvements thereon situate and lying in Baltimore City, State of Maryland, being more fully described in the Deed dated 31st day of January 2022 and recorded among the Land Records of Baltimore City in Book No. 24272, Page 196. The improvements thereon being known as 1040 Deer Ridge Drive, Unit 204, Baltimore, MD 21210.
NOTE: The information contained herein has been obtained from sources deemed reliable and is believed to be accurate. However, no express or implied warranty is made or may be inferred from any such representation. Dimensions, square footage, and acreage contained herein are more or less. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence, in advance of the auction,regarding the permitted uses of the property. The property will be sold subject to prior liens and Deeds of Trust, if any.
TERMS OF SALE: A deposit of $5,000.00 in cash or certified funds will be required of the purchaser at the time and place of sale. The holder of the indebtedness, if a bidder at the sale, shall not be required to post a deposit. Balance to be paid in cash by Monday, July 7, 2025 by 12:00 PM (NOON) to the office of the Auctioneer at 912 E. 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. If payment of the balance does not take place within the specified time, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser. All expenses adjusted as of date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. The property will be sold in “AS-IS” condition, without express or implied warranty as to the nature and description of the improvements as contained herein; and subject to easements, agreements, restrictions, and covenants of records affecting same, if any. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property and assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. The purchaser waives and releases the Sheriff of Baltimore City, the holder of the indebtedness, the Auctioneers, and their respective successors and assigns from any and all claims the purchaser and/or its successors and assigns may now have or may have in the future relating to the condition of the property, including but not limited to the environmental condition thereof. Recordation costs, transfer taxes and all other costs incidental to the transfer of the property to be paid by the purchaser. Time shall be of the essence for the purchaser.
E.T. NEWELL & CO., INC 912 E. 25th STREET
BALTIMORE, MD 21218
6/6, 6/13, 6/27/25
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS TOWN OF HAMPSTEAD HAMPSTEAD, MARYLAND
HAMPSTEAD PFAS TREATMENT/CENTRALIZATION PROJECT DAIRY AND HAMPSTEAD VALLEY WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
The Town of Hampstead is soliciting bids for the construction of new water treatment facilities to house granular activated carbon adsorption equipment for PFAS removal, chemical facilities and process piping, and generally includes building construction, associated electrical, heating/ventilation, plumbing, instrumentation and controls, civil site work, yard piping, equalization facilities, stormwater management facilities, etc., associated with the Town of Hampstead PFAS Treatment and Centralization Project (“Project”).
The Project is being funded, in part, by grants issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment State Revolving Loan Fund and the United States Environmental Protection Agency Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program. Qualified minority business enterprises (MBE’s) and women’s business enterprises (WBE’s) are especially encouraged to participate.
To request an official copy of the Town of Hampstead PFAS Treatment/ Centralization, Dairy and Hampstead Valley Water Treatment Plants Issued for Bids Documents (IFB No. TOH-DHVWTPC-FY25-05), please contact: Judy Rang Town of Hampstead 410-239-7408 jrang@hampsteadmd.gov
$50.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396- 6883 or contact OBC at 4 S Frederick St., 4 th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is E13003 Water and/or Sewer Treatment Plants and Pumping Stations. Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $1,000,000.01 to $2,000,000.00.
A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams. Vendors can call (audio only) 1 667-228-6519 Conference ID: 622 534 796# or Meeting ID: 284 790 688 347 0 PASSCODE: wq6xd25r on June 25, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. A Pre-bid site visit will be conducted on June 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
All questions from bidders must be submitted in writing to the Project Manager, Abdul Jafari, Abdul.jafari@baltimorecity.gov by July 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
To purchase a bid book, please make an electronic request at: https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/dpw-construction-projects-notice-letting and dpwbidopportunities@baltimorecity.gov. For further inquiries about purchasing bid documents, please contact the assigned Contract Administrator Latonia.Walston@baltimorecity.gov.
Principal items of work for this contract include, but are not limited to:
1. Vacuum cleaning wetwells.
2. Replacement of the existing slide gates and provide electric actuators.
3. Replacement of existing swing check valves and associated piping.
4. Replacement of the screen container and guided track.
5. Replacement of the monorail and hoist in the wetwell.
6. Replacement of the existing HVAC equipment.
7. Replacement of the existing generator and provide an outdoor generator.
8. Replacement of the existing pumping station control panel.
9. Replacement of instrumentations including flowmeter, level transmitters, and pressure switches.
The MBE goal is 22% The WBE goal is 6% APPROVED: APPROVED:
Clerk, Board of Estimates Khalil Zaied Director Department of Public Works CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION NOTICE OF LETTING
Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for SANITARY CONTRACT NO. 985R- Rehabilitation Of The High Level Interceptor will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M on August 6, 2025. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates and can be watched live on CharmTV’s cable channel (Channel 25/1085HD); charmtvbaltimore.com/watch-live or listen in at (443) 984-1696 (ACCESS CODE: 0842939) at noon. The contract documents may be examined, without charge, at Contract Administration 4 South Frederick Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 on the 3 rd floor (410) 396- 4041 as of June 20, 2025 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $100. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore, Department of Public Works, Office of Boards and Commissions (OBC). Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact OBC at 4 S Frederick St., 4 th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is B02552: Sewer Construction and G90099- Lining Sewers and Drains Via Cured In-Place Pipe. Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $20,000,000.01 to $30,000,000.00.
For further inquiries about purchasing bid documents, please contact the assigned Contract Administrator Charry@baltimorecity.gov and dpwbidopportunities@baltimorecity.gov
A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Vendor can call 667-228-6519 Phone Conference ID, 624 432 295# or Meeting ID: 239 629 584 2462 PASSCODE: Yz6ZX36S on June 26, 2025 at 10:30AM.
All bid inquiries must be emailed to: charry@baltimorecity.gov and darryn.mobley@baltimorecity.gov by the Q & A deadline of July 23,2025. Questions received in writing and by the deadline will only be considered.
Principal items of work for this contract include, but are not limited to: * Sewer cleaning and closed circuit television (CCTV inspection; * Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining of large diameter sanitary sewers; * Installation of new small diameter sanitary sewers; * Manhole and junction chamber rehabilitation and replacement work.
This project is a recipient of the Maryland Water Quality & Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund-Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and U.S. EPA Water Infrastructructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Programs.
The MBE goal is 22% The WBE goal is 16% APPROVED: APPROVED: Director Clerk, Board of Estimates Khalil Zaied Department of Public Works
