Afro e-Edition 07-11-2025

JULY 12, 2025 - JULY 18, 2025

51 caskets drive home the impact of GOP budget bill

By Rev. Dorothy Boulware Word In Black

Moral Mondays is not a new form of protest, but the one in Washington, D.C. on June 30 was particularly poignant with its display of 51 caskets, each representing a thousand who will die in the coming year with the passing of the current White House administration’s spending and tax bill — which threatens the health coverage and healthcare of people on Medicare and Medicaid, among other dangers. The multicultural group that shows up on Capitol Hill

or in front of the Supreme Court, continues to make the point that the rights and needs of poor people are inadequately represented by those elected to do so. The largest ever cuts to America’s safety net were pushed through the House and the Senate without a single hearing for the people whose lives depend on these programs to testify. But Repairers of the Breach held a public hearing on the steps of the Supreme Court to hear the testimonies of those who

The Republican spending bill is bad for climate justice too

By Willy Blackmore Word In Black

Among the many, many provisions in the White House-sponsored budget bill that was signed into law on the Fourth of July are a host of environmental measures that continue the Trump administration’s work to undo any and all progress on climate change.

“It is not an overstatement to say this is the most anti-environment bill in history,” Patrick Drupp, director of climate policy for the Sierra Club, said in a statement.

And as the Biden administration was very focused on environmental and climate justice in particular, the new bill targets many of those programs, too, and rescinds the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental and Climate Justice Program entirely.

Environmental activist Mustafa Ali put it plainly: “The bill greenlights pollution — literally. It weakens the Clean Air Act, disables the EPA’s ability to regulate toxic emissions, and rolls back protections for drinking water. It tells corporations they can dump, poison, and profit without consequence. And who suffers? The same people who always suffer.” Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income Americans.

Billions in promised grants now in jeopardy

Established through the Inflation Reduction Act, the program earmarked $2.8 billion in grants, and $200 million in

leave their home on Marietta Drive in Hopkinsville, Ky., April 4, 2025. Environmental justice advocates say the rollback of EPA programs under the new budget bill disproportionately harms underserved communities already burdened by pollution.

technical assistance to invest in underserved communities —“80 times more than any federal investment in environmental justice in history,” Chandra Taylor-Sawyer, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, told Rolling Stone last year.

While many grants have already been paid out (which hasn’t stopped the EPA from attempting to take that money back), a significant amount of funding through the program remains unawarded. In February, a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said that over $1 billion in IRA environmental justice funding has not yet been obligated. The funding was supposed to remain available through Sep. 30, 2026.

Lawsuits push back against EPA’s rollbacks Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, which was named

by the Biden administration as a regional grantmakers for the Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, one of a number of ways that the EPA’s IRA funds were being distributed, was one of three plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the EPA filed earlier this year after the agency tried to unilaterally cancel its block grant. The nonprofits won that suit last month.

“In the bill that went through the House and Senate, the Senate amended to not repeal obligated funds, but only rescind non-obligated funds,” explains Ruth Ann Norton, president of Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI).

“Our funds are obligated, as our fourth-circuit ruling deemed. The cancellation of those grants was unlawful, in the words of the judge.”

This article was originally published by Word In

Black

AP Photo/George Walker IV, File

Marquetta Wheeler, right, with Samaria Williams and Jemaria Shaw, walk through flood waters as they

Meta (Facebook)/ National Urban League Protesters with the Moral Mondays movement placed 51 caskets on Capitol Hill, each representing 1,000 lives estimated to be lost if the GOP’s budget bill passes.

Credit: AFRO Archives

The AFRO is happy to shine a light on our future with a photo from the past featuring the children of the AFRO Clean Block Campaign. This program was started in 1934 by Ms. Francis Louise Murphy (front, right), daughter of AFRO Founder John H. Murphy. The effort continued for decades after she went home to glory. She left a legacy of inspiring the young both as a teacher and a community advocate. Today the AFRO asks you what are you pouring into your future? What are you teaching your children? Who will they become as a result of your effort or complacency? This week in the B Section, the AFRO addresses issues facing our youth and offers tips to enable our young people to be the best versions of themselves.

WHAT’S TRENDING ON AFRO.COM

Philadelphia workers and city reach a deal to end strike that halted residential trash pickup

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— A union representing thousands of city workers in Philadelphia and the city have reached a deal to end a more than weeklong strike that halted residential curbside trash pickup and affected other services, officials said July 9.

Nearly 10,000 blue-collar employees from District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees had walked off the job July 1, seeking better pay and benefits after failing to agree with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration on a new contract.

“I do believe that the mayor has made a gross mistake,” said Jody Sweitzer, who has watched her East Passyunk neighborhood in South Philadelphia gentrify in her 26 years there, leading to higher rents and less diversity. Sweitzer owns a popular downtown bar called Dirty Frank’s.

“Forty thousand dollars cannot cut it in Philadelphia, you know,” she said in an AP story on July 8, referring to striking workers’ pay. “You can barely rent an apartment with that kind of money. So I feel as a resident of Philadelphia that she’s doing injustice

to those (workers) who actually live here.”

The tentative agreement was announced on what would have been the ninth day of the strike. That period, which included the Fourth of July holiday weekend, created a backlog of trash.

Some drop-off centers were overflowing, prompting some residents and small business owners to hire pop-up hauling services to clear their blocks of garbage.

Terrill Haigler, 35, a former sanitation worker who now does private hauling under the handle “Ya Fav Trashman,” said tension across the city was heating up July 8 along with the 94-degree (34.4-degree Celsius) temperature.

“It’s like Gotham City with water ice,” he said, referencing a local treat that is famously mispronounced “wooder ice” by natives.

“We support District Council 33 100 percent,” Haigler said. “They deserve everything that they’re asking for, but we also have to think about the residents on the other side. There are some people — elderly, mothers who have children — who can’t let the

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trash sit for five, six, seven and eight days.”

A shop owner on Sweitzer’s street hired Haigler to clear the block July 8. In turn, he hired two teenagers to help him while he drove a rental truck down the narrow, oneway street that ends at Pat’s King of Steaks.

”Our goal is to hopefully relieve some of that tension by cleaning as many blocks as we can, picking up as much trash as we can for customers, just to give some ease and some peace,” Haigler said.

Mayor Parker announced the end of the strike and the agreement with the union on social media. “The work stoppage involving the District Council 33 and the City of Philadelphia is OVER,” she posted.

“We have reached a

tentative agreement with District Council 33, which must be ratified by its membership on a new three-year contract that, coupled with the one-year contract extension we agreed to last fall, will increase DC 33 members’ pay by 14 percent over my four years in office.” Parker said, “we’ll have much more to say about this

historic deal” at City Hall.

District Council 33 is the largest of four major unions representing city workers. Its membership includes 911 dispatchers, trash collectors, water department workers and many others. Police and firefighters weren’t part of the strike.

Last week, judges had sided with the city in ordering some

“Forty thousand dollars cannot cut it in Philadelphia, you know. You can barely rent an apartment with that kind of money.”

critical employees back to work at the city’s 911 centers, water department and airport.

“The strike is over! Details forthcoming,” the union posted on Facebook early July 9.

Union President Greg Boulware briefly spoke with reporters after the deal was reached. “We did the best we could with the circumstances we had in front of us,” he said. The city had designated about 60 sites as drop-off centers for residential trash, but some were overflowing, while striking workers on hand asked residents not to cross the picket line. Most libraries across the city were closed, with support workers and security guards off the job. AP writers Maryclaire Dale and Tassanee Vejpongsa contributed to this story.

CeCe Winans celebrates 30 years of solo success with intimate NPR Tiny Desk Concert

By Nyla Adams AFRO Intern

In honor of the 30th anniversary of her solo debut album, “Alone in His Presence,” gospel royalty CeCe Winans was featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.

“You had me working today,” said Winans to assistant producer of NPR Music Ashley Pointer.

Winans’ set list featured 10 songs pulled from various albums, highlighting a career of over 15 albums to date.

Winans is the most awarded female gospel artist of all time, with 17 Grammy awards, 31 Dove awards and 16 Stellar awards.

Winans’ Tiny Desk Concert was uploaded on June 13, and has now amassed over 700,000 views on YouTube.

NPR Tiny Desk was created in 2008 to highlight intimate performance from well loved artists across all genres. The first performance featured Laura

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Gibson. Other gospel artists featured included Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Tye Tribbett.

“To perform in such an intimate setting, where the music and message could really connect, was a beautiful experience,” Winans said to host Juana Summers on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

Winans’ Tiny Desk performance was reflective of three decades of commitment to her career as a gospel artist and her faith.

“The chance to share my journey on ‘All Things Considered’ allowed me to reflect on just how faithful God has been every step of the way,” said Winans.

Winans is currently on her “More Than This” world tour, ending in late September.

“To perform in such an intimate setting, where the music and message could really connect, was a beautiful experience.”

will be most impacted, according to their website.

The lead convenor and founder, Bishop William Barber II, also a senior lecturer and CEO of Repairers of the Breach, explained the rationale behind the protest to MSNBC’s Morning Joe show.

“People are coming out, braving heat

in a lot of these cases just to get lawmakers to understand what the impact is going to be for them; an impact that’s not Republican or Democrat. It’s just on people. It’s just life,” Barber said.

“More than 51,000 people, according to studies at Yale, will die in the first year of this bill because it is a policy murder, a policy violence; this bill is morally indefensible and cuts more than 60 million people from healthcare unnecessarily just to give money to greedy and wealthy who don’t need it.”

Barber called the bill a “damnable, destructive, ugly deadly, violent bill that is constitutionally inconsistent because these people swore to provide for the general welfare of all people and to ensure justice. There’s no justice about this and this bill is economically insane.” Barber reminded that passage of the bill would also ensure closure of hospitals, especially in rural areas, which would certainly be a detriment to people’s health. This article was originally published by Word In Black

Courtesy photo

Gospel legend CeCe Winans marks 30 years since her solo debut with a soulful NPR Tiny Desk performance now topping 700,000 views on YouTube.

AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa

As Philadelphia’s trash piles up on Day 8 of a city workers’ strike, residents turn to pop-up haulers like “Ya Fav Trashman” to clear the streets.

BALTIMORE-AREA

Sen. Cory McCray defends East Baltimore housing deal amid criticism

By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com

Sen. Cory McCray (District 45) is defending his involvement in a proposed apartment development in East Baltimore, pushing back on criticism over his ties to developer Ronald Lipscomb and his efforts to secure state funding for the project.

The Baltimore Democrat, who sits on the board of East Baltimore Development Inc. (EBDI), says the deal reflects a long overdue attempt to bring investment and housing to a part of the city that has seen little progress in recent years. Opponents have concerns about the deal’s transparency.

“Our job is to make sure investment is taking place,” said McCray. “Since I’ve been in the Senate, we have not had a groundbreaking or a ribbon-cutting, when I’ve had that all around.”

The senator cited the Perkins Somerset Oldtown (PSO) project, which is revitalizing East Baltimore neighborhoods into a vibrant, mixed-income community. McCray noted the project has already had several milestones.

During his time on EBDI’s board, McCray said the organization has been slow to produce results.

“I’ve been in the Senate since 2018,” said McCray. “That’s seven years without some level of tangible results for that specific community, which is disheartening for me and keeps me up at night.”

EBDI was formed in 2003 as part of a public-private partnership to transform 88 acres of land next to Johns Hopkins Medical Campus that are now known as Eager Park. McCray said his seat

on the board came with his role as the district’s state senator.

The piece of land, known as parcel B, that was sold to Lipscomb sits between Ashland Avenue and East Madison Street.

Some of the contention around the deal has stemmed from a discrepancy between its appraised value and sale price and McCray’s effort to secure state funding for the project. In 2021, it was appraised at $5.25 million, but EBDI later approved it to be sold for $1.35 million.

A June article from The Baltimore Banner asserted that McCray pressured his fellow board members to sell the property at the lower price to Lipscomb. McCray denied this, pointing to a unanimous vote of approval from the board and a flawed appraisal process.

“Anybody that does any level of development would know there’s not one parcel without a structure in East Baltimore worth $5 million,” said McCray. “When they did the appraisal, the comparable had projects from Harbor East. Anybody from Baltimore City knows there’s a large difference between Harbor East and East Baltimore. [They’re] two totally different worlds.”

Cheryl Washington, president and CEO of EBDI, said she did not feel pressured by McCray to reduce the sale price. She explained that the sale was part of a larger strategic move by EBDI in 2021 to regain control of several undeveloped parcels, including parcel B, from Brookfield Properties.

The firm had inherited master development rights after acquiring Forest City New East Baltimore Partnership, which was originally selected through a competitive Request for Proposal

Development Inc. (EBDI), an organization

established out of a public-private

revitalize 88 acres of land

campus.

‘Trailblazer:’ Carol Moseley Braun reflects on legacy, loss and leadership during Enoch Pratt event

Nearly 200 attendees filled the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s main hall June 30 to witness living history.

Former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun—trailblazing politician, diplomat and author—held center stage to discuss her new memoir “Trailblazer,” in an intimate conversation moderated by Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher of The Afro-American Newspaper. The event, hosted by the Pratt Library in Baltimore, was more than a book talk. It was a masterclass in resilience; an up-close reckoning with power, pain and purpose from the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Each guest received a copy of the book—and by the end of the discussion, many likely left feeling ready to devour it cover to cover the moment they got home.

“Trailblazer” chronicles an extraordinary life that reads like a roadmap of American “firsts.” Born on the South Side of Chicago, she

“Just do the best you can where you’re planted. And tell the truth—tell the truth and shame the devil.”

rose from modest beginnings to become the first Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, the first woman to represent Illinois, and the first Black woman appointed U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. But as Moseley Braun made clear throughout the evening, her story was shaped just as much by heartbreak as by historic wins.

When the question was asked— how do you lead with integrity and impact?—Moseley Braun responded simply: “First, believe in yourself. Second, don’t give up. Third, don’t take other people’s advice,” she said to knowing laughter and applause.

“Life can be difficult sometimes. But if you don’t give up, you’ll be fine.” The memoir opens with a scripture

Maryland invests $50M to fight vacancies, blight in Baltimore

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) on July 7 announced the state is injecting $50 million into his Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative, which is intended to accelerate vacant property reduction in Baltimore City. Moore created Reinvest Baltimore via an executive order on Oct. 1, 2024.

“There is no time better than now to create the change that has been so lacking…so needed,” said Moore at the Leonard E. Hicks Community Center in West Baltimore.

Maryland Secretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Jacob R. “Jake” Day explained what makes this annual $50 million to Reinvest Baltimore, which is now a commitment by law, accelerated.

“Typically [the money] is awarded after the fact, so a reimbursable grant,”

said Day to the media after the event. “[This time], the money is going to hit the streets today.”

As of July 7, there are 12,595 vacant properties in Baltimore—the lowest number in decades, according to City Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy. For years, the number of vacant properties had hovered around 16,000 before beginning to decline in recent years. Moore also announced the launch of the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative Support Fund to provide technical assistance and supportive help with the grants. He said the fund is supported by their partners in the philanthropic sector, starting with more than $1 million on the launch date. Matthew D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the Goldseker Foundation, said he is expecting the fund to reach $5 million within the next few weeks. The Goldseker Foundation is a

that has guided Moseley Braun for decades: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.” When asked why she chose it, she replied, “I’ve come through such bizarre circumstances… if not for God, I would’ve been in trouble. But He protected me every step of the way.”

The conversation dug deeper than the book at times, touching on deeply personal memories. Moseley Braun recalled her brother’s death from addiction, the strain of raising her son during her Senate tenure, and the racial and misogynistic backlash that nearly derailed her political career.

When asked how she managed public service while dealing with

Former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, left, speaks at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore on June 30, 2025, reflecting on her historic career and discussing her new memoir, “Trailblazer,” during a conversation moderated by AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper.

private pain, Moseley Braun responded, “That’s my mother’s voice in my head: Do the best job you can where you’re planted.”

Even her controversial marriage, once seen as a political liability, became a lesson in unexpected support.

“My ex-husband gave me $10,000 to run for Senate,” she said. “I thought I’d fall on the floor. That’s what launched my career.”

Moseley Braun also revisited her fight against the renewal of the insignia patent for the United Daughters of the Confederacy because it contained a Confederate flag—a defining moment of courage during her Capitol Hill tenure.

“It wasn’t bold. It was natural,” she said. “Senator Howell Heflin— whose grandfather was a Confederate general—stood up and said, ‘It’s time for us to move past this.’ And because of that, I won the vote. We killed the patent renewal.”

Ambassador to paradise and the politics of peace

One of the more lighthearted moments came when Moseley Braun contrasted her Senate experience with her diplomatic post.

“Being ambassador, everybody’s nice. In the Senate, people took plea-

Photo courtesy of Baltimore City Mayor’s Office

State Sen. Cory McCray, of Maryland’s 45th District, is addressing his involvement in an East Baltimore apartment project that has drawn criticism over transparency, funding decisions and the selection of a developer with a controversial history.

Photo courtesy of EBDI

Cheryl Washington is the president of East Baltimore

that was

partnership to

near Johns Hopkins medical

By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO

AFRO Photo / Ericka Alston Buck

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor Maryland Maryland State Government is investing $50 million to speed up the removal of vacant homes in Baltimore, part of Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) Reinvest Baltimore plan to restore neighborhoods long impacted by disinvestment.

Demolition of Key Bridge’s remaining structure set to begin in July

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) announced on June 26 that demolition of the remaining structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is expected to begin on or around July 7, depending on the weather conditions. This is a part of the larger effort to rebuild the bridge and have it finished and fully reopened by fall 2028.

According to MDTA, demolition is expected to take several months and will involve the use of heavy machinery to dismantle the remaining structure of the bridge.

“The process will begin with removal of bridge deck over the river, followed by demolition of sections over Hawkins Point and then Sollers Point,” said MDTA via the news release on June 26. “This phase of work focuses on removing portions of the existing structure that interfere with the alignment of the new bridge. Controlled detonations will not be used during this phase of demolition.”

What nearby communities can expect:

• Active tug and barge operations on the river, with heavy equipment and trucks visible on the existing bridge structure.

• Barges will serve as protective

Investing in Baltimore Moseley Braun

local non-profit that focuses on grant-making in order to boost community development.

Moore also announced that another $30 million will go to 16 community organizations.

Kennedy said those funds are necessary, given the many years certain communities have endured the spread of blight, outdated revitalization practices, disinvestment and the disregard of community voices. The city’s vacant housing issue has largely suppressed the property values of longtime Black homeowners in Baltimore and enlarged the appraisal gap in the city’s core Black communities, according to DHCD. “ For far too long, communities

Sen. McCray

Demolition of the remaining Key Bridge structures begin in July as part of a major rebuild effort. Nearby communities seek continued involvement and safeguards against environmental and noise impacts.

shielding during demolition and must be avoided by waterway users.

• Machinery may include excavators, concrete saws, vacuums, cranes and trucks.

• An on-site concrete crusher will recycle materials for haul roads and staging areas, reducing truck trips and cost.

• Noise typical of large construction projects from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Buoys will mark safety and no entry zones around active work areas.

MDTA assured that as demolition activities proceed through the summer, they will remain in conversation with local communities to ensure limited interruptions, safe conditions and transparency. Those protective measures include installing noise and

vibration monitoring equipment in nearby communities to capture data before the start of demolition and upcoming construction activities, installing waterway notices to make known speed restrictions and safety zones, and timely updates and advance notices for any work that may impact nearby communities or roads.

Pre-construction work began on Jan. 8 to support the rebuilding of the Key Bridge, which included geotechnical investigations, surveys and mapping and property inspections.

Gloria Nelson, president of the Turner Station Conservation Teams, has repeatedly expressed how MDTA and partnering agencies are consistent with keeping the community informed and addressing concerns regarding the demolition.

“There is no time better than now to create the change that has been so lacking… so needed.”

across Baltimore have suffered from disinvestment,” said Kennedy.

Leaders remain encouraged by the progress to date in addressing vacant housing and are optimistic about the potential of the renewed city-state partnership.

(RFP) in 2006 and included Lipscomb on the team.

A purchase and sales agreement for parcel B had not been finalized at the time and, according to Washington, the organization decided that its sale would be completed as part of the broader transfer of master development rights.

She said Lipscomb’s firm, Dahong Shuxing, initially made an even lower offer, but EBDI negotiated it up to $1.35 million. The board ultimately approved the deal.

“The appraisal reflected an estimated value under ideal conditions,” Washington wrote to the AFRO in an email. “It didn’t account for the real-world challenges of redeveloping a site in a historically disinvested community—especially one requiring environmental remediation, infrastructure upgrades and facing current market constraints like rising construction costs and interest rates.”

She added, “The decision reflected a balance between market realities, community benefit and strategic goals. Senator McCray supported the project, but I did not experience his involvement as pressure.”

In 2024, McCray secured $1.44 million in state grants for the project by amending a bond bill. The money was first directed to CARE Community Association, a small nonprofit in East Baltimore, to reimburse development-related costs.

But, the nonprofit withdrew from the project. Cynthia Gross, president of CARE Community Association did not believe her organization was being meaningfully included

“The home inspections have occurred,” said Nelson in an interview with the AFRO in March. “The Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Team has been intentional and transparent. If we have issues and concerns they’re open to listen and try to meet our needs. Any additional explanation we may need they provide. They are at our food distribution sites, community meetings trying to get information out to the public.”

Turner Station is a historic Black neighborhood in Dundalk, Md., which at one time had 10,000 residents and all of the resources they needed to succeed, such as convenience stores, a theater and schools.

Throughout this rebuilding process, Nelson hopes the community will continue to have “a seat at the table” regarding how their community is impacted by the absence of the Key Bridge and other compounding issues the community has been working to resolve over the years.

“When the bridge goes back up we want the state to have to do air monitoring,” said Nelson. “A portion of I-695 stretches over the community. We’re talking about some kind of wall barrier to help deflate the truck traffic, because it is very noisy.”

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sure beating up on me. In New Zealand, the racism was even different,” she said. “I thought, I’ve arrived in paradise.”

Moseley Braun reflected on the cultural beauty of New Zealand, the leadership of multiple female prime ministers, and the integration of the indigenous Māori people.

“Everything I had fought for in the U.S. existed there,” she said.

Hope for the future— and a message to the next generation

Moseley Braun remains cautiously hopeful about democracy’s future.

“What gives me pause is the technological shift. But I believe if we recommit to protecting our democracy, we’ll hand the next generation something better,” she said.

In one of the evening’s most heartfelt moments, Moseley Braun recounted what she tells her grandchildren about legacy:

“It’s not about you. It’s about the community you’re part of. If you believe you can make a difference, you will.”

When asked what she’s most proud of, she reflected on the risks she took before the national

spotlight ever found her.

“I filed a lawsuit over racist political maps in Illinois, and people told me I was ruining my career. But I won. That put me on the path to the Senate,” she said. “If you’re guided by the spirit and try to do the right thing, you can’t go wrong.”

What’s Next?

While Moseley Braun joked about retirement, her passion for justice and storytelling remains strong.

“Career-wise, I like to think I’m retired,” she said, smiling. “But if I’m called to do something more, I’ll work as hard as I can.”

She has no illusions about fame. “My grandson once asked me, ‘Grandma, are you famous?’ I told him, ‘Not like Beyoncé!’” she laughed.

In “Trailblazer”as in her Enoch Pratt discussion, Moseley Braun offers readers—as she did a room full of admirers in Baltimore—the kind of blueprint most rarely get: one that is unvarnished, unapologetic and entirely human.

“Just do the best you can where you’re planted,” she said. “And tell the truth. Tell the truth and shame the devil.”

Chart courtesy of Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative

A dashboard shows Baltimore’s vacant building numbers as of July 7, highlighting progress in reducing the total vacant count to 12,595—exceeding the city’s fiscal year goal.

“The partnership between the state and the City of Baltimore has never been stronger than it is under

in the decision-making process. The Market Center Community Development Corporation is now the intermediary.

“It was my opinion that some opinions were not considered valuable or valid, and it was just best to walk away,” Gross wrote the AFRO

The funding arrangement raised ethical questions over whether McCray, as a board member, should have disclosed his role in directing state funds to a project connected to the organization. It also created uncertainty around whether the money could be used for a development that was not entirely affordable housing.

Washington explained that initially EBDI and Dahong Shuxing agreed to a market-rate project, but the current plan now includes a mix of 20 percent affordable units and 80 percent market-rate units—aligning with EBDI’s vision of fostering a mixed-income community.

After reviewing the facts and context of the legislative award, EBDI determined that there were no conflicts.

“We confirmed there was no obligation for the legislative award to be disclosed to EBDI’s board, that nonprofit fiscal sponsors are common in such cases and that the award could be applied to projects that include both market-rate and affordable units,” wrote Washington.

She also noted that public subsidy is common and even essential for projects in historically disinvested neighborhoods, like Eager Park.

“Most development in EBDI’s footprint

this new effort that we’ve embarked on together,” said Kennedy. “This latest move will transform

how state revitalization dollars flow to our community development partners.”

“There is nothing controversial about the subsidy, nothing controversial about the campaign financing and nothing controversial about the affordable housing point.”

have relied on some level of public investment,” wrote Washington. “In this case, Senator McCray helped secure funding to offset development costs and support a project the community has long been promised. His efforts contributed to making the project viable.”

Beyond the sale and funding structure, the decision to partner with Lipscomb has also drawn scrutiny. The developer, who has faced legal and financial trouble, has been a controversial figure in Baltimore’s development landscape. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to making an illegal campaign contribution amid a bribery investigation involving a Baltimore City Council member and was sentenced to probation.

He was also connected to the investigation of former Mayor Sheila Dixon through gifts he gave her while she was city council president—gifts that became a part of the charges leading to her resignation. Although Lipscomb testified before a grand jury, he was never charged in the case.

McCray said he has no problems with Lipscomb. He also noted that Lipscomb is the minority developer on the project, while Larry Jennings, of Baltimore-based ValStone Partners, is the prime.

“Ron Lipscomb is on a number of major deals—not just in our city, but in our state. To say his name all of a sudden like he’s not a relevant developer in the state of Maryland is almost backwards. He’s a player,’ said McCray. “Am I not supposed to do development

with him when I don’t have an abundance of people coming to East Baltimore saying I want to work with you?”

McCray acknowledged that Lipscomb has contributed nearly $10,000 to his campaigns in the past, but the contribution is minimal compared to the total amount he’s raised over the years.

“If you look at my campaign finance reports, I’ve probably raised $600,000 to $700,000 in a seven-year period. It’s a small percentage that’s been equated to something that’s this large onus,” said McCray. “There’s nothing wrong with taking a campaign contribution.”

He said the money he raised through campaign contributions is routinely reinvested into his district, helping to fund local events, support neighborhood organizations and fill resource gaps for East Baltimore residents.

McCray said the scrutiny he’s received over the East Baltimore project has been misplaced and his actions have been mischaracterized.

“I don’t think it’s a controversy. There is nothing controversial about the subsidy, nothing controversial about the campaign financing and nothing controversial about the affordable housing point,” said McCray. “There’s an institution that had a level of bias and that didn’t have cultural competency. They wrote an article that will go away at some point in time, and they probably won’t write about it when there’s a ribbon-cutting or when we have a groundbreaking.”

(AFRO Photo / James Fields)

WASHINGTON-AREA

FBI HQ move to Greenbelt reversed as D.C. site is chosen instead

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer

tmcqueen@afro.com

Two years after celebrating the selection of Greenbelt, Md., as the site of the new Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters, the 47th president’s administration announced its intent to keep the agency in Washington, D.C.

The federal General Services Administration has chosen the Ronald Reagan Building complex, which is currently home to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and former home of the now dismantled United States Agency for International Development, as the FBI’s new location.

The J. Edgar Hoover Building in Northwest Washington, the current headquarters, no longer meets the agency’s needs.

“The FBI deserves a headquarters that meets their security and mission needs – and following an extensive, thorough and transparent process, Greenbelt, Md., was selected as the site that best meets those requirements.”

“Moving to the Ronald Reagan Building is the most cost effective and resource efficient way to carry out our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a statement via a press release by the GSA on July 1.

According to GSA Public Buildings Service Commissioner Michael Peters, the new selection will save Americans billions on new construction and avoid more

Teacher in Prince George’s County faces sexual abuse charges

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

A Prince George’s County, Md. teacher, Amir Johnson, was indicted June 26 on several charges of sexual abuse against a minor. The 18-count indictment contains charges of sexual abuse of a minor and rape.

Between January and April, Johnson allegedly had several sexual encounters with the victim, per the state’s attorney’s office.

“This indictment reflects our office’s efforts to protect our most vulnerable residents, including our children,” says Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson in a statement on June 26. “Sexual abuse is an extremely personal violation against someone, especially a child, and we take these allegations very seriously. We will continue to work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to ensure cases like this are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.” Johnson of Bowie, Md., worked as

than $300 million in deferred maintenance costs at the J. Edgar Hoover facility.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy (D) and other state and national legislators representing Maryland responded to this announcement via a joint statement.

“The FBI deserves a headquarters that meets their security and mission needs –and following an extensive, thorough and transparent

Photo courtesy of the Prince George’s County Public Schools

A Prince George’s County, Md. teacher has been indicted on 18 counts, including sexual abuse of a minor and rape. Officials say the alleged abuse occurred between January and April.

a social studies teacher at Parkdale High School in Riverdale Park, Md., until he was suspended. According to Prince George’s County Public Schools, he was hired in October 2023.

“Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is committed to the safety and well-being of

Displaced federal workers start journey toward new careers in Maryland’s K-12 classrooms

By Deborah Bailey AFRO Contributing Editor

The first cohort of Maryland’s displaced federal workers are on their way to K-12 classrooms.

Ethan Taylor and Sonia Arias are two of dozens of former federal workers taking classes this summer in Maryland’s Alternative Certification for Effective Teacher (ACET) program with hopes of restarting their career in a K-12 classroom this fall. Taylor and Arias are enrolled in Montgomery College’s “From Feds to Eds” program, fueled by a grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).

“I can’t speak highly enough about how organized the Montgomery College program is. This has been a huge transition,” said Taylor, who was told to either take an early retirement buyout or risk being fired from his position in the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Interior.

“I was substitute teaching after I left the government

process, Greenbelt, Md., was selected as the site that best meets those requirements,” they said on July 1. “Not only was this decision final, the Congress appropriated funds specifically for the purpose of the new, consolidated campus to be built in Maryland. Now the administration is attempting to redirect those funds – both undermining Congressional intent and dealing a blow

when I found information about this program. It has been an amazing transition,” marveled the former federal worker who just months ago had plans to retire from federal service.

Eleven campuses received grants from a $1 million fund administered by MHEC to prepare displaced federal workers and other career changers for Maryland’s under-staffed K-12 classrooms. Montgomery College and Bowie State University opened their doors to former federal workers this summer.

Nine other campuses representing a combination of community colleges, HBCU’s and other four-year institutions will begin programs at the start of the traditional academic year in August, according to MHEC Secretary Sanjay Rai.

“We were able to get this program up and running so quickly after federal layoffs were announced this year because Governor (Wes) Moore

Black immigrants share journey to US citizenship at Mount Vernon’s July 4 ceremony

By Victoria Mejicanos  AFRO Intern

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger attended and gave a keynote speech at Mount Vernon’s naturalization ceremony on July 4. The event had thousands of attendees, with 100 immigrants from 90 countries, including Barbados, Burma, Cambodia, Ghana and Haiti.

According to Pew Research, 1 in 10 Black people in the United States are immigrants. The AFRO spoke with three of America’s newest citizens to share their stories of hope, perseverance and love.

Fatuma Elizabet spent 18 years in the United States before gaining her citizenship on the holiday. She lives in Virginia and was born in Tanzania. When asked what brought her to the U.S, she simply said, “I’ll say I came here for freedom.” She provides direct support services to children with developmental disabilities. “I love it, I love my job,” Elizabet said.

She said that she felt excited about her new citizenship and was happy to be at Mount Vernon.

Steven Saji is from Zimbabwe and came to America for what he called “greener pastures.” Saji lost his wife last year, and she had become a citizen before she died, pushing him to do the same. His daughter, who is a U.S. citizen, petitioned for him to become a citizen. He said that he feels great about becoming a citizen.

“It’s everyone’s dream to come to America,” Saji said.

The pathway to citizenship can be a difficult one, especially for those like Semhat Yoni from the Ivory Coast, who took a total of 25 years to make it to the occasion. He even joked that he did not recognize the person on his naturalization certificate and doesn’t remember when he took the photo.

“It takes so long. Since I got here, I applied for a green card, so I’ve been fighting since I got here,” said Yoni. Although it took longer than he thought, he shared his happiness with

Photo by Victoria Mejicanos

Jessica Lynn sang both America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner to open and close the naturalization ceremony.

AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Two years after Greenbelt, Md., was selected for the FBI’s new headquarters, the White House administration reversed course, announcing plans to keep the agency in D.C., prompting strong opposition from Maryland leaders.

Courtesy photo

Bowie State University and Montgomery College have started programs to help Maryland’s displaced federal workers transition to classrooms.

Zion Baptist Church champions affordable senior housing in Ward 4

By Zion Baptist Church

Following the successful Fourth Annual Walter E. Fauntroy Legislative Day, the Washington (DC) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. reaffirms its commitment to addressing critical community issues, with a spotlight on affordable senior housing in Ward 4.

At the heart of this initiative is the proposed development of the Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Residences, a project spearheaded by Zion Community Enterprise (ZCE), the community development arm of Zion Baptist Church. This endeavor aims to transform the existing Family Life Center at 4817 Blagden Ave. NW into affordable, safe, and quality housing for seniors, allowing them to age in place within the community they have long called home.

Zion Baptist Church, a historic institution in Ward 4, has been a pillar of spiritual guidance and community service for decades. The church’s commitment to social justice and community development is exemplified through its active participation in the Enterprise Community Partners’ Faith-Based Development Initiative (FBDI), which provides training and resources to faith-based organizations for affordable housing development.

The Rev. Dr. Keith W. Byrd Sr., pastor of Zion Baptist Church, emphasized the importance of this project.

“In the nation’s capital, affordable housing for our seniors should be located in the communities they have

Immigrants

the AFRO. “I feel blessed. I don’t have the words to express what I’m feeling. Today is a special day,” said Yoni.

Schwarzenegger, an Austrian immigrant himself, related to the new citizens in the audience.

“You have endured the stress of filling out the forms, and the paperwork. You’ve waited and you’ve worried. You’ve wondered, ‘What is taking so long? Did the paperwork get lost in the mail?’ I know these feelings,” he said. “I know the relief some of you must feel today.”

The Hollywood action star acknowledged all the reasons that immigrants come to the Untied States, and said that it speaks to a person’s character.

“It took action to get here. Laziness did not get you here, apathy did not get you here, action

lived in and contributed to over their many years of life,” Byrd said.

“Our vision is to repurpose our existing Family Life Center into affordable, safe, and quality housing for seniors in Ward Four,” he added, “ensuring they can continue to thrive in their own neighborhood.”

The proposed development aligns with the District’s broader efforts to increase affordable housing options for seniors. Recently, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a $100 million investment in the Housing Production Trust Fund, underscoring the city’s commitment to expanding affordable housing. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George agreed that the Housing Production Trust Fund is the best opportunity for the group to create affordable housing opportunities for seniors in her ward.

“In the nation’s capital, affordable housing for our seniors should be located in the communities they have lived in and contributed to over their many years of life.”

“I think a partnership with a developer who does senior housing, those partnerships go a long way. A partnership, I think, would help move this project along,” she said, offering a list of people who specialize in working on senior housing projects.

As the project progresses, Zion

is what got you here. You wanted something more, so you went after it,” Schwarzenegger said. He also acknowledged that being a foreigner can be intimidating, but told the audience that their immigrant identities, although they are now Americans, will never change and does not have to be given up to succeed as an American.

charged me to collaborate with a diverse team of stakeholders to address Maryland’s teacher shortage from day one,” Rai said.

According to a May 2025 report from the Maryland State Department of Education, the state’s already existing teacher shortage was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Although Maryland’s teacher attrition rates are slowly improving, more than 9 percent of Maryland’s 63,000 plus teachers did not return to teaching this year. Attrition rates remain highest for Black teachers, with more than 11 percent leaving the classroom after the 2023-2024 year.

Bowie State University’s transition to teaching program has been in operation since summer 2020, created to address the challenge of getting more teachers of color in the classroom. The program quickly adjusted to welcome new displaced

Sexual abuse

Continued from A5

our students and staff,” said Lynn McCawley, senior public information specialist for PGCPS in a statement to the AFRO. “When schools receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, staff is immediately removed to investigate the matter and the allegation is reported to Child Protective Services. PGCPS is taking this matter seriously and fully supporting law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.”

“You are what America needs right now. America needs you with your accent, with the memories of your homeland, the hopes and dreams that you have and your love and freedom for family,” said Schwarzenegger. “You don’t just deserve to be in America. You are needed here.”

Photos Courtesy of Victoria Mejicanos / The AFRO

federal workers this summer. “Two current MHEC grants are sustaining 45 students toward their goals to become teachers,” said Jacquelyn Sweeney, chairperson of the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development in the College of Education.

Displaced federal workers from a wide range of roles flocked to the summer teacher transition programs, said Glenda Hernandez Tittle, PhD., coordinator of the Rockville campus’ Feds to Eds program. “We have individuals coming from the National Institutes of Health, (NIH) Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the Frederick Cancer Research Institute, the Department of the Interior, and other federal and related sites taking advantage of the summer start,” she said.

“It’s been a rollercoaster transition but I’m grateful. For me, there is an intellectual continuation with what I was doing previously,” said Sonia

Baptist Church and Zion Community Enterprise invite community members, stakeholders, and policymakers to support this vital initiative, ensuring that seniors in Ward 4 have access to quality, affordable housing that honors their contributions and preserves the fabric of the community.

“Sexual abuse is an extremely personal violation against someone, especially a child, and we take these allegations very seriously.”

PGCPS said they will provide no further details about the matter at this time since it is a personnel matter. The state’s attorney’s office also stated that in light of the sensitive nature of the situation and the victim’s age, no further details will be released at this time.

FBI

Continued from A5

to the men and women of the FBI – since we know that a headquarters located within the District of Columbia would not satisfy their security needs.”

“We will be fighting back against this proposal with every tool we have,” they added.

In 2023, Matthew Verghese, the governor’s federal relations director and senior advisor, emphasized the job opportunities that would come from the construction of the headquarters.

He noted that through intentional sub-contracting, minority- and women-owned firms could be at the forefront, helping to ensure opportunities for Black and Brown residents in Maryland and throughout the country.

The governor’s office projected the headquarters would create 7,500 jobs and more than $4 billion in economic activity.

Arias, a former federal contractor with USAID, who worked with partners across Africa, Asia, and Central America to set up school programs.

“Education is already my passion,” Arias said. “Maybe I don’t have to go all the way to the Democratic Republic of Africa to help communities meet their educational goals.”

Individuals interested in information about alternative certification for displaced federal workers and others transitioning to education should contact one of the institutions offering the program this fall. Sites include:

Bowie

Community College of Baltimore

“Maybe I don’t have to go all the way to the Democratic Republic of Africa to help communities meet their educational goals.”

Semhat Yoni is from the Ivory Coast, and came to the United States 25 years ago.

Fatuma Elizbet has been in the U.S. for 18 years and became a citizen for the freedoms it provides.

Meta (Facebook)/ Zion Baptist Church

The Rev. Dr. Keith W. Byrd Sr. calls for Ward 4 seniors to age in place with dignity through the church’s new housing initiative.

Courtesy image

Montgomery College is one of the institutions offering the “Feds to Eds” program.

COMMENTARY

America’s birthday warrants a reckoning

By Stacey Abrams

In only one year, our country will mark 250 years since its founding — a moment that should inspire reflection, reckoning and renewal.

But instead of preparing to honor the full scope of our shared American story, a dangerous movement is rising — one that seeks to erase the truth, silence entire communities and rewrite history for political gain. The same forces who continue to divide us by race, gender and identity are once again working to roll back hard-won progress. This time, they are targeting the very tools we’ve built to create a more inclusive nation since America’s inception.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are not political buzzwords nor new concepts. They are the building blocks of a better America, as old as our nation’s founding. From the enslaved people who built the foundations of our economy, to the immigrants who fueled its innovation, to Indigenous communities who have survived centuries of displacement — our nation has always been shaped by diversity, equity and inclusion. DEI means the active

and continual effort to honor, include, and uplift those voices that were deliberately excluded for generations.

This is not the first time we’ve been here

Since the struggle for fighting for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive nation is not new, this also is not the first time we’ve been here as a country. After the Civil War, during Reconstruction, Black Americans made extraordinary strides in civic and economic life. They held elected office, built businesses and founded schools. In an outraged response, a vicious backlash took hold — one that used violence, legislation, and propaganda to halt their progress. Politicians and institutions systemically dismantled what had been built, ushering in a century of Jim Crow laws and state-sanctioned discrimination. Today, we are witnessing echoes of that very past. Every time marginalized communities make gains, those threatened by change and progress work to push us backwards. DEI is the continuation of every justice movement that came before it, from the Freedmen’s Bureau to the Civil Rights Act to Title IX.

The honorable mission owes nothing to quotas or retribution. Instead, DEI respects America’s core values that seek to expand access, celebrate our hardest truths, and create pathways to opportunity. For 250 years, DEI gave rise to those movements, and like our nation’s quest for freedom, our core ethos now faces a coordinated assault.

Attacks rooted in fear, not fact

The conservative doctrine on DEI, now championed by the Trump administration, is as clear as it is alarming: silence the truth, consolidate power, and exclude the many in favor of the few.

Over the last year, this hateful doctrine has been used to remove women from senior leadership in the military and terminate disabled veterans. Books that tell the story of Black, Latino and Jewish communities are being banned (mine included). Executives are threatened for championing equity in the workplace. These aren’t simply policy decisions. Instead, the combination of executive orders, administrative actions, and legislative initiatives are deliberate attempts to

Whitewash American history and restrict who belongs in our future.

When you silence language, you silence identity. When DEI is targeted, the dignity of those whose stories have only just begun to be told is, too. As much as we forfeit our history, our progress as a nation is stunted.

Most damning of all, these attacks are not rooted in fact. They are rooted in fear — fear of competition, fear of change, and fear of what happens when power is shared. But as a country, we must be braver than that and face this fear head-on like we have in the past.

This is not a question of left versus right. It is a question of right versus wrong. And we can turn to our Constitution to judge that. Our founding documents promised liberty and justice for all — not for some. The promise was imperfect at its inception, but our persistent pursuit is a testament to our capacity to be better.

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence asserted the radical idea that all are created equal. For centuries, Americans have fought to make that ideal real. Women marched for suffrage. Workers unionized for

Navigating your first job with confidence

The Class of 2025 is beginning to make its mark on the global economy. In roughly the next five years, according to BofA Global Research, Gen Z will have globally amassed $36 trillion in income and that figure is expected to surge to $74 trillion by around 2040. As a result, they likely will be among the most disruptive generations to economies, markets and social systems. Entering the workforce is a major milestone, and building strong financial habits at the onset of your professional life is more important than ever. Here are five practical strategies to help you take control of your finances and your future.

Use digital tools to take control of your money Budgeting apps and

tools offer real-time visibility that can ease financial anxiety and help you feel more in control.

Build a budget that includes saving—and investing

banking tools can help you track spending, avoid surprise charges and make confident decisions—especially when your paycheck is your primary source of security. Digital

Starting a job comes with new costs: rent, student loans, car payments, insurance—and probably a few things you haven’t budgeted for yet. Even if the future feels uncertain, your financial habits don’t have to be. Prioritize both short-term needs and longterm goals, like saving and investing. Viewing savings as a “must-pay” bill makes it more likely you’ll stick to it, no matter what’s happening in the job market.

Pro Tip: Try the 50/30/20 method—allocate 50 percent of your after-tax income for needs, 30 percent for wants, and 20 percent for savings or

debt repayment. You can adjust over time, but it’s a smart starting structure for first-time earners.

Start an emergency fund—even if it’s small It’s hard to feel secure when many young workers are hearing things like: “My company’s had two layoffs in two years—when’s the next one?” As you navigate this uncertain landscape, having an emergency fund is more than a safety net—it’s peace of mind. Aim to cover three to six months of expenses, but don’t be discouraged if you start small. Even setting aside $25–50 a paycheck can build momentum.

Tackle student loans with a clear strategy

Managing student debt alongside your new job can feel like a juggling

fair wages. Civil rights leaders bled on bridges for equality under the law. Today’s DEI efforts are the continuation of that legacy.

The Trump administration, its allies, and complicit corporations are not defending our founding values — they are undermining them. They are attempting to bury the truth rather than confront it, to gatekeep opportunity rather than expand it.

To corporations: Do not let political pressure scare you into silence. Equity is not partisan — it’s patriotic. Your consumers, your workers and your children are watching.

To educators and parents: Defend honest education. Demand that our children learn the truth — not a sanitized version of it. Because history, no matter how uncomfortable, teaches us how to be better.

And to all Americans: Our democracy depends not just on voting, but on remembering. On refusing to forget whose shoulders we stand on. On protecting the truth — especially when it is under attack.

current social and political challenges facing the American people, as citizens across the country prepare for the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.

In 2026, we will celebrate 250 years of American independence. We can be a nation that finally tells the full story of who we are and who we’ve been — or one that lets fear write the next chapter.

act—especially if you’re not sure how stable your income will be long term. Start by listing all your loans, due dates and interest rates. Make minimum payments on time and increase them when you’re able. As you grow in your role and (hopefully) your salary rises, revisit your repayment plan. Also, check with HR to see if your employer offers student loan assistance—some do!

Take full advantage of your employee benefits

Even in an uncertain economy, many companies still offer valuable perks, so don’t leave free money on the table. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute at least enough to get the full match. That’s an immediate return on your savings. Also, consider opening a Health Savings Account (HSA) if it’s

The future of this country belongs to those brave enough to remember — and bold enough to keep building toward a more perfect union.

available, which offers triple tax advantages and can help with future medical expenses. These benefits may not seem urgent now, but they’re foundational to long-term stability which is especially important if your career path includes some unexpected turns.

The bottom line As Gen Z enters the workforce and starts to shape the financial future, it’s important to remember establishing good money habits is in your hands. While you can’t predict every economic shift or tech disruption, you can take control of your financial habits. By making smart financial decisions early in your career, you’re not only protecting yourself from short-term shocks—you’re building a foundation for long-term confidence and financial freedom.

Reconnecting Baltimore, rebuilding Haiti: Why H.R. 1114, Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025 matters now

By Gilbert Saint Jean

Baltimore. Your port, your economy, your neighbors and your city’s past and future is tied to your Caribbean-American family. The cultural, economic and historical links that bind for a more prosperous Baltimore are strengthened by urging passage of H.R. 1114 –Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025 (HAEF 2025), currently in the U.S. Congress. HAEF 2025 learns from successful U.S. Enterprise Funds, which helped to catalyze Eastern European economies after they ended communism. Recently, Egypt, Tunisia and some southern Africa economies also have been improved by the Funds.

U.S. Enterprise Funds are a venture capital-like

mechanism to provide investment capital to grow frontier and developing economies. After a number of years, the investment holdings of the fund are liquidated, providing financial returns to the U.S. Treasury and improving economic conditions for the host-country as well as its citizens.

HAEF 2025 proposes a $5 billion investment over five years in key Haiti sectors: agriculture, biodiversity, construction, manufacturing, technology and tourism. It contributes to Haiti’s stabilization through entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and job creation. Given the Port of Baltimore is a U.S. national leader in exports, the region will benefit greatly by facilitating exports of

construction and farm equipment, contributing to Haiti’s bounce back.

The ties that bind Baltimore and Haiti run deep. Trade between the two in the past was significant. Coffee harvests, among others, from the island colony of Saint Domingue (today Haiti), were sent to Baltimore’s ports then shipped to Europe.

The 161-year-old St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, which sits in the heart of Baltimore, is recognized as the first Black parish in the United States. With Sulpician priests, it was founded by Black people who sailed from Haiti to Baltimore, landing at Fell’s Point in 1791. The City of Baltimore documents these early Haitians accounted for as much as 30 percent of

the “colored” population of Baltimore. The descendants of these migrants to late 18th century Baltimore are ingrained in Baltimore and its metropolitan area today.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates approximately 2,000 Haitian Americans reside in Baltimore City and Baltimore County combined. Many of these residents, who have at least one grandparent from Haiti, are valued professionals across fields.

Among them are Sister Mary Elizabeth Lange. Born in 1789 in Haiti, she came to Baltimore around 1813 and founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first permanent community of Black Catholic sisters in the United States. She also established a school, St. Frances Academy,

to educate Black children in Fell’s Point. It still operates today. Among other accolades, Lange was inducted to the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 1991, a local high school is named after her and she has been declared Venerable by the Catholic Church, a step closer to canonization.

HAEF 2025 is an opportunity to tighten the bonds between Baltimore and Haiti.

The city’s own Taharka Brothers, an ice cream company, has sourced its chocolate and vanilla flavors from Haiti–a microcosm of mutual benefits that can be expanded with the legislation.

B-more’s past and future renaissance should involve Haiti. Urge Maryland representatives and U.S. senators to pass HAEF 2025, further

Photo courtesy of Howard University / The Dig Stacey Abrams is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, producer and political leader. She served 11 years in the Georgia House of Representatives. This week, Abrams speaks to

strengthening the cultural, economic and history ties that bind Baltimore and Haiti for centuries to come.

Courtesy photo Gilbert Saint Jean, Ph.D., is the director of policy research and advocacy at IMURJ, formerly known as Haiti Renewal Alliance (HRA).

By Janet Currie

Courtesy photo

Janet Currie is president of Bank of America, Greater Maryland. This week, she offers advice to the recent graduates who are navigating the job market.

Facing pressure from Black voters, Democrats detail fight against 47th president’s agenda

By Ashlee Banks Special to the AFRO

With President Donald Trump back in the Oval Office and his administration rolling out sweeping changes to federal agencies, civil rights protections, and public health programs, Democratic lawmakers reassure Black voters that they are advocating on their behalf.

In candid interviews with the AFRO during a roundtable discussion at the U.S. Capitol in June 2025, key U.S. senators laid out actions they say they are taking to resist Trump’s policies and push for progress.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Democrats are waging battle on multiple fronts.

“We are fighting every day and we know how terrible President Trump is for our democracy, for working

families, for people of color. He’s just the worst president we’ve ever had,” Schumer told the AFRO

“We’re fighting on every front [including] the courts, where we have a huge amount of success. The previous two years we put in 235 new judges, two-thirds of which are women and two-thirds of which are people of color,” he added. “They’re our first line of defense [and] when Trump breaks the law – which he does many times a day – we’ve been going to court. We have over 220 cases that we have filed.”

U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (DMd.) said Democrats are working both publicly and behind the scenes to block key elements of the Trump agenda, particularly when it comes to federal appointments.

“Democrats are on the cutting edge when it comes to diversifying our ranks and fighting for the issues that matter to everyday people,”

“I would be concerned if I didn’t walk into a Black barbershop, a Black church and didn’t hear frustration. [But] let’s not abandon the Democratic Party, but grab [it] by the scruff and drag it forward as a vehicle with which to deliver advancement ...”

Alsobrooks told the AFRO. “The public doesn’t always see it, but we’ve been actively challenging [Trump’s] nominees. It’s absolutely unbelievable the people he’s nominated. Our role is to push back against these dangerous nominees.”

She also stressed that lasting change depends on grassroots movements, not just elected officials.

“The power comes from the people. The elected have a role to play. We’re going to play that role. But, the truest power comes from the people,” Alsobrooks said.

“When we think about the impacts that we’ve seen, we think about people like John Lewis, the real change happens because it rises from the people,” she added. “It’s not the elected people. We have roles to play, but the movements are the true act of resistance.”

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) acknowledged the discontent many Black voters feel toward the Democratic Party. He said that dissatisfaction has always existed and that it should be used as fuel and not a reason to walk away.

“Dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party is in the DNA of Black people. Fannie Lou Hamer said ‘I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,’ and yet she leaned into the Democratic Party,” Booker told the AFRO

“I would be concerned if I didn’t walk into a Black barbershop, a Black church and didn’t hear frustration,” he continued. “[But] let’s not abandon the Democratic Party, but grab [it] by the scruff and drag it forward as a vehicle with which to deliver advancement for this country and African Americans in general.”

Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) described his own efforts on the ground, including recent protests against Trump administration cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“CDC is based in Atlanta, and so not only have I challenged the administration on these reckless cuts, I have literally been on the street corner with other protesters,” Warnock told the AFRO.

“We have seen some of these CDC employees rehired. Hundreds of them were rehired as a result of me making noise,” he added. “We are seeing that we do get results.”

From legislation to litigation to grassroots organizing, Senate Democrats say they are mobilizing across institutions in response to a political landscape that, for many Black voters, feels increasingly urgent.

Ousted Librarian of Congress tapped by Mellon Foundation

By James Pollard

The former Librarian of Congress abruptly fired by President Donald Trump has found a new position with the country’s largest philanthropic supporter of the arts.

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation exclusively told The Associated Press that Carla Hayden will join the humanities grantmaker July 7 as a senior fellow whose duties will include advising on efforts to advance public knowledge through libraries and archives.

The year-long post places Hayden back at the center of the very debates over American culture that surrounded her dismissal. The White House ousted Hayden, the first woman and the first African American to hold the title, after she was accused of promoting “radical” literary material by a conservative advocacy group seeking to squash Trump opposition within the federal government. Hayden acknowledged existing threats to “the free

exchange of ideas” in a statement to the AP.

“For generations, libraries, archives and cultural institutions have been the guardians of knowledge and the catalysts for human progress,” she said. “Together, we will work to strengthen the public knowledge ecosystem and ensure that the transformative power of information remains accessible to all.”

Meanwhile, the Mellon Foundation has been working to fill fiscal holes for arts communities reeling from federal cuts. Its $15 million “emergency” fund aims to offset the $65 million that were supposed to go to the state humanities councils that organize book fairs, heritage festivals, theater productions and other programs fostering cultural engagement.

The foundation has previously supported the American Library Association’s efforts to counter book bans, increase scholarships for librarians of color and boost adult literacy.

Mellon President Elizabeth Alexander said the foundation is thrilled to welcome Hayden, “a leader with an unshakable regard for the public good of the American people,” during such a “crucial time.” Public knowledge institutions are navigating “historic challenges and transformative advances,” according to Mellon, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, federal funding withdrawals and censorship efforts.

Hayden’s tenure at the Library of Congress included modernizing its collection of the nation’s books and history. Recent campaigns sought to improve accessibility for everyday visitors. She oversaw new initiatives reaching out

to rural and online audiences. And it was Hayden who arranged for Lizzo’s 2022 performance where the artist played a crystal flute owned by President James Madison — among the Library’s troves of artifacts.

Before her confirmation in 2016, Hayden spent

than two decades as CEO of

Free Library system and was president of the American Library Association from 2003 to 2004. A graduate of Roosevelt University and the University of Chicago, she is a member of the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible

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Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt

AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades

Carla Hayden will join the Mellon Foundation as a senior fellow, returning to cultural leadership after her controversial ousting as Librarian of Congress.

AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

U.S. senators, like Maryland Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, work to advocate on behalf of marginalized communities while the nation sees cuts to civil rights protections, federal agencies and public health programs.

NABJ set to host their annual convention – and celebrate 50th anniversary – in Cleveland

By Elijah Qualls  AFRO Intern

For 50 years, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has fought to increase the representation of Black voices in the newsroom and to create equitable environments and opportunities for Black journalists.

From Aug. 6-10 the organization will celebrate that half-century legacy and more during its annual convention and career fair, which will be hosted in Cleveland this year. The event, leaders say, is not one to miss.

“For 50 years NABJ has been standing strong, advocating for our members of the Black press,” said Walter Smith Randolph, NABJ’s vice president of broadcast. “We are excited to honor our founders. We are excited to talk about our history and look to the next few years.”

The convention will feature a wide array of exhibitors at the career fair, ranging from ESPN and FOX Corp. to Columbia Journalism School and USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Some of the highlighted events include professional development sessions, author showcases and book sales, and the Salute to Excellence Awards Gala.

The purpose of NABJ has remained clear since their establishment in December 1975.

“We’re under-represented in newsrooms,” said Randolph, the vice president of broadcast. “We’re often the only ones. As an organization, we advocate for fair portrayal of Black people in the media.”

One of the ways NABJ supports

Ken

the Black community is through their Thumbs Down Award, which criticizes journalists and stories that perpetuate Black stereotypes or falsely negative portrayals.

In an article published by the AFRO on Aug. 26, 1989, NABJ was complimented for condemning columnist Patrick J. Buchanan, who wrote, “If a young Black or young white male sidles up to ask direction, and one of the two is a robber, rapist or killer, the odds are at least 11 - 1 it is the Black male.”

As questions of Black representation in the news abound, NABJ President Ken Lemon spoke with the AFRO about the increasing importance of young Black journalists in the current climate.

“I say this not just for myself but for other veteran journalists. I want them [young journalists] to have the opportunity to learn the practice of finding and presenting the truth,”

Lemon said. “What I don’t want is for them to give up the way that they see the world.”

According to NABJ’s website, there are over 80 student NABJ chapters across the country, including at Howard University, Morehouse College and UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.

Lemon said that NABJ provides many opportunities for young Black journalists to learn and train, but also be spotted by big name publications and corporations who partner with NABJ for this very reason.

“At some point the need for journalism won’t change, but the deliverables will change and how we receive it will change,” Lemon said. “The people who are in the best place to understand what all that means, why it’s important, why we consume the way we consume, those individuals are the ones executives are trying to understand. That’s young journalists.”

Alabama’s Tuskegee University revives flight training legacy with new aviation program

By Jerry Underwood

For the first time since 1946, Tuskegee University has reinstated flight training at the historic Moton Field, marking a significant milestone in aviation education for Alabama and the nation.

This revival is made possible through a partnership with Republic Airways’ Leadership In Flight Training (LIFT) Academy, which aims to cultivate a new generation of aviators. Moton Field, renowned as the training ground for the Tuskegee Airmen — the first African American military aviators in U.S. history — now serves as the base for this innovative program.

The collaboration between Tuskegee University and LIFT Academy not only honors this rich legacy but also addresses the contemporary need for skilled pilots in both commercial and military sectors.

“Tuskegee University is proud of its heritage of training

pilots who serve our country,”

said Dr. Mark A. Brown, the university’s president and CEO.

“As North America faces a pilot shortage of about 130,000 in the next 20 years, our new degree program will prepare aviators to serve their country through the defense or commercial aviation industry, which is in need of rebuilding pilot programs to meet the demand.”

Bob Smith, the Alabama Department of Commerce’s point man on aerospace, emphasized the broader importance of the program on the sector’s growth prospects within the state, including its rural areas.

“This initiative is a powerful example of how Alabama’s history and future can come together to create opportunity,” Smith said.

“By bringing flight training back to Moton Field, we are not only honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen — we are also investing in workforce development that will shape

the next generation of aviation professionals,” he said.

The program offers students a dual pathway: a bachelor’s degree in aviation science from Tuskegee University and a commercial multi-engine pilot license through LIFT Academy.

Training encompasses classroom instruction, flight simulators and hands-on experience with a fleet of Diamond DA40 and DA42 aircraft equipped with advanced glass cockpit technology.

LIFT said 15 students enrolled in the initiative’s first class, with expectations for growth as the program gains national attention.

Tuskegee University anticipates that students can complete their flight training in as few as three years within the four-year academic program.

Beyond technical training, the program emphasizes community involvement and professional development.

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals is

establishing a collegiate chapter at Tuskegee, providing mentorship opportunities.

Additionally, partnerships with the FAA and other organizations are being pursued to offer internships and advance career pathways for students.

The LIFT Academy initiative, announced in February 2024, is expected to create 35 full-time aviation-related jobs in Tuskegee over three years, with an average annual salary

of nearly $75,000.

Furthermore, 57 certified flight instructors will contribute to the program at Moton Field.

“Tuskegee’s place in aviation history just started another chapter in American history,” said Joe Turnham, director of the Macon County Economic Development Authority.

“Moton Field, in addition to pilot training, has available land and is cultivating new opportunities for all types of aviation

industries, including freight, assembly and air traffic control as well as maintenance.”

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt supported the launch of the Tuskegee University aviation program through a federal allocation totaling $6.7 million last year. The program has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges. This article was originally published by Black PR

Dominique Tolliver is honored with the 2024 NABJ Student Journalist of the year. She is a recent graduate from Loyola University New Orleans and now serves as the SEO digital editor for National Geographic.

The National Association of Black Journalists celebrates its 50th year of advocating for Black voices. This year’s annual convention will serve to commemorate their history but also look to the future.

Current NABJ President

Lemon, a reporter for WSOC-TV in Charlotte, N.C., addressing the crowd at the 2024 NABJ convention.

Wire.

Photo illustration by Clay Kraby / Sheppard Air Force Base

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black Airmen to pioneer an integrated Air Force and also fought bravely in the forefront of World War II. For the first time since 1946, Tuskegee University has reinstated flight training at the historic Moton Field, where the Tuskegee Airmen trained.

Courtesy Photos / National Association of Black Journalists

Renwick Gallery showcases the importance of Black America through the exhibit: ‘We Gather At the Edge’

At the intersection of 17th and Pennsylvania Ave. in the nation’s capital, where many protestors argue Home Rule and democracy are under threat, stands an artistic revolution.

In the shadow of the White House, Black female quilters wove an awakening of the soul and spirit into the halls of the Renwick Gallery through the exhibit “We Gather at the Edge,” which was on view from Feb. 21 to June 22.

The creatives are masters of history who reveal the deeply tangled tales of those who fought for, bled for and embodied the American statutes of freedom, liberty and justice for all.

Radical and real pieces of work reshaped the narrative behind “pulling yourself up by the boot strap.”

Boastful quilts tell the story of self-reliance, through the documentation of “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” a travel guide for Black families journeying cross the Jim Crow South. One display points to the political and artistic poise of Paul Robeson during the reincarnation of Shakespeare’s “Othello,” and another depicts student activism with the portrayal of the “Greensboro Four,” marking a pivotal period in the nation for the anti-segregation protests led by a younger generation at historically Black colleges and universities. Other tributes honor luminaries like the Tuskegee Airmen, Bessie Coleman, Ruby Bridges and Harriet Tubman.

The works reflected a sorrowful past and purposeful present amid racism and police

brutality by homing in on the murder of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd. The exhibit refused to negate a resilient people that birthed the genius of featured artists Bisa Butler, Carolyn Mazloomi, Myrah Brown Green, Lauren Austin, Sylvia Hernandez, Dorothy Burge, Laura Gadson, Beverely Smith and many more. Collectively, using traditions passed down through their mothers’ wombs, the artists showcased the possibility of ambition.

Butler has long carried the spirit and principles of AfriCOBRA, a 1968 movement

founded by Black artists in Chicago known for infusing their work with color, unity, rhythm, shapes and Black figures.

“They called their palette the Kool-Aid color palette. And we all know Kool-Aid is super vibrant, super inky. Kool-Aid is also accessible for everybody. It’s really cheap. And for AfriCOBRA, that was another one of their tenets, that art should be for the people,” Butler said.

“They believe that every Black person who looks at a piece of Black art should feel affirmed by looking at it,” she added. “They should feel seen. They should feel good about

themselves. They should see people in the art that have features like we have–full lips, African nose, dark skin, kinky hair and all the shades of Blackness from light, super light, to all the way very dark. And I still feel like I operate on that today.”

Butler’s piece, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Beats His Wings,” which is on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, combines these tenets in a fashion retrospective of poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, a writer frequently honored throughout the District for authentic portrayals of Black life. The art features lines from Dunbar’s poem “Sympathy,” repeating a phrase later used by Maya Angelou to unveil her autobiography.

“When my people look at my work, I don’t ever want them to feel ashamed or bad or feel sad about their heritage,” Butler said. “I want them to feel good and be able to look at my work and feel like I know that. I know that fabric. I know a person who kind of looks like that. And this is for me.”

The same characteristics can be found in the 33 handcrafted quilts Mazloomi provided for viewing. The Women of Color Quilters Network

founder and aerospace engineer uses multi-layered textiles to pronounce the value found in legacy, ancestry and tradition through pieces like “I am my Brother’s Keeper” and “The Family Embraces.” She captures her descendants basking in the promise of tomorrow while living in the joy of today.

“The visual and metaphorical links between textiles and human beings are fertile ground for narrative quilts as statements. Every human being in the world has a ‘cradle to grave’ relationship with textiles,” Mazloomi said of her work in a statement on her website.

“Quilts articulate a powerful language of familiarity through which they may speak to and about our experience as human beings. I am drawn to vulnerable people – the disenfranchised, dispossessed, outsiders,” she added.

The self-taught quiltmaker said the beauty of something being handmade brings us closer to our own humanity. However, she also shared that the true intent of her work is to bind and bridge.

“As an artist, I strongly believe art has the capacity to touch the spirit, engage, educate and heal in ways that words

alone cannot,” Mazloomi said.

The Renwick collection of art has stood proudly for months as a rejection to the attempts to provide partisan narratives of the past under the president’s March executive order aimed at “Restoring Truth and Sanctity to American History.”

Amid the White House’s attempt to fire National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet and the fierce defense from Secretary of Smithsonian Lonnie Bunch, the exhibit showcased pillars of free speech and emboldening, honest depictions of past truths.

Art intended to educate and “invite the viewer into contemplation and raise awareness” as described by Mazloomi prevails in its mission to live on for centuries to come.

“For more than 175 years, the Smithsonian has been an educational institution devoted to continuous learning with the public in mind and driven by our most important mission –the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” Bunch said in response to the executive order. ‘We remain committed to telling the multi-faceted stories of this country’s extraordinary heritage.”

“ Toni” Draper

By Ashleigh Fields Special to the AFRO

Photo by Ashleigh Fields

The piece “Trayvon Could Be My Son” was created in 2012 with commercial cotton, corduroy, and cotton batting by Dorothy Burge, 54, of Chicago, Ill.

Photo by Ashleigh Fields

Artist Sylvia Hernandez’s “Flint Water” hangs at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery. She made the quilt in 2017 with cotton, fabric markers, buttons and synthetic and batik fabrics.

Photo by Ashleigh Fields

Bisa Butler, a graduate of Howard University, portrays her 2012 work “I Know Why the Caged Bird Beats His Wings,” made of commercial cotton, rayon, linen, chiffon, batik and polyester fabrics, cotton batting and acrylic paint, at the museum.

Youth activism: The crucial role of family support

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

Youth of today are increasingly engaged in political and social issues — from animal rights to gun violence prevention. While their passions are large and have proven to be immensely effective, youth cannot do it all on their own.

Young changemakers Genesis Butler, founder of Youth Climate Safe; Aalayah Eastmond, an organizing manager and spokesperson for Brady: United Against Gun Violence; and Marley Dias, creator of the #1000BlackGirlBooks, recently spoke with the AFRO about the role their families have played in their advocacy journeys.

Genesis Butler, animal rights and environmental activist

Butler, 18, is an environmental and animal rights activist. She is also one of the youngest ever to give a Technology, Entertainment and Design (TEDx) talk, a grassroots initiative to give local communities the opportunity to discuss unique concepts and perspectives.

Her passion for animal rights began at the age of 3, and by 6 she decided to go full vegan. Butler credited her ability to follow her beliefs to her parents’ support.

“When I told her that I wanted to go vegetarian, my mom fully supported me, and we went to the grocery store,” said Butler, an Afro-Indigenous woman. “We would search for any plant-based options that I might want. My whole family accepted me and they gradually went vegan with me.”

Butler is the oldest of five siblings.

“My mom and my dad got rid of all animal products in the house and switched over to vegan products,” said Butler. “I’m really lucky to have such a great support system.”

Butler said her mom, Genelle Palacio, has been an extra support for her throughout this journey.

“Whenever I travel for speaking or for activism, she always comes with me, or if I need help with something activism-wise she’ll help me, or if I need any advice,” said Butler. “She’s always there for me.”

“Honestly, my mom is the one who pushed me into advocacy because after the shooting, I didn’t want to speak out,” said Eastmond, a gun violence prevention activist. “I wanted to stay in my own cocoon and deal with my trauma. But, my mom felt like my experience at my high school could potentially save another child’s life.”

Eastmond said her mom, Stacy-Ann Llewellyn, has been by her side in this activism journey ever since.

“I went on the show called ‘Megyn Kelly,’ for my first national appearance and my mom actually went on the show with me. We both shared our experiences,” said Eastmond. “My dad is a little more reserved and he’s not a huge fan of his kids being in a public-facing environment and dealing with all that judgment, but he has not told me not to do it. He’s seen the amazing outcomes and opportunities that have come from my advocacy.”

She added, “Having my mom there to go through that experience with me and make sure I wasn’t being taken advantage of really helped me through that journey.”

Eastmond has been especially vocal about the chronic gun violence crisis that disproportionately impacts young African Americans, including her uncle who was shot and killed in Brooklyn, N.Y., at the age of 18.

According to the organization Brady: United Against Gun Violence, for which Eastmond is an organizing manager and spokesperson, 60 percent of annual firearm homicides involve Black people, who make up only about 14 percent of Americans.

“When I talked to my mom about not seeing Black girls reflected in my classroom’s reading list, she asked me a very important question that often gets overlooked: What are you going to do about it?”

Butler said her mom also really helps keep her grounded in prioritizing self-care.

“I’m an empath, so there’s always so much energy that I’m taking in with being in the public eye, being on social media or in the news,” she said. “My mother has always taught me about why it’s so important to make sure that if I’m feeling burned out, I should take a break, or if there’s too much on my schedule, that I should space the tasks out, so that I’ll have time to rest.”

A study by Dr. Leslie Carmel Gauditz, a research associate at the Helmut Schmidt University Hamburg Institute for Sociology in Germany, identifies burnout as one of the biggest challenges activists face, with the potential to weaken both their personal commitment and the overall impact of a movement.

Butler went on to create Youth Climate Save, a youth-led environmental organization that aims to address the connection between animal agriculture and climate change, in 2020. She continues to be an advocate for animal rights today through her organization.

Aalayah Eastmond, anti-gun violence activist

Eastmond, 24, is a 2019 graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

On Feb. 14, 2018, she was in the third classroom that was targeted by a gunman. Two of her classmates were shot and killed near her. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 17 students and staff members.

Eastmond shared that if it was not for the encouragement of her mother to speak on her experience as a gun violence survivor, she might not be where she is today in activism.

Black youth 17 and under are 13.6 times more likely than their White peers to be killed by firearm homicide.

Eastmond shared how having her mother’s support helped her heal.

“As far as dealing with the triggers, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder it’s a journey we both go on together,” said Eastmond. “While I was home, especially my senior year, it was something we figured out together. There’s no book on how to survive a school shooting or how to support your child through one. It’s always been an ongoing journey of figuring it out together.”

Marley Dias, equal representation activist

Dias, 20, is a student activist and writer hailing from West Orange, N.J. She currently attends Harvard University, where she writes for The Harvard Crimson.

She is largely known for her viral #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign that she launched at the age of 11, via the GrassROOTS Community Foundation, an advocacy organization that her mother co-founded.

From a young age, Dias was concerned about the lack of representation in the books she read in school. Her mother, Dr. Janice Johnson Dias, helped turn that frustration into action.

“When I talked to my mom about not seeing Black girls reflected in my classroom’s reading list, she asked me a very important question that often gets overlooked: What are you going to do about it?” said Dias. “She gave me that immediate agency.”

Dias said her mother always gave her the language to understand that the issues she experienced as a young Black girl in schools were not her fault, and in that moment, encouraged her to do something about it.

Dias credits all she’s been able to accomplish with the book campaign and her other activism efforts to the GrassROOTS Community Foundation.

As part of the foundation’s young leadership summer camp for Black girls, Dias created a social action project that became the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign—an effort that went viral and launched her global activism.

Her campaign has since collected over 15,000 books, changing the conversation around equal

representation in youth literature. Alongside her other commitments, she continues to serve as the National Education Association’s national ambassador for their “Read Across America” campaign and on the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s National Racial Equity Initiative Advisory Board.

Speaking from a young person’s perspective, Dias shared advice for parents who want to

support their child’s passions but may feel unsure about where or how to begin.

“Watch the old movies together,” said Dias. “Show them the retro videos. Be that intergenerational link. The more that we show that history is rhyming, the more we show people that there’s agency. There is nothing different between us and the people that

up

down,

and

for

stood

in 1960

got hosed

bitten by dogs and suffered

justice.”

Courtesy photo

Aalayah Eastmond (left), a gun violence prevention activist, with her mother, Stacy-Ann Llewellyn, whose unwavering support has been crucial throughout Aalayah’s journey of healing and advocacy.

Courtesy photo

Genesis Butler poses with her supportive family who have stood by her as she leads youth efforts to combat climate change and advocate for animal rights. Shown here

Anthony Butler (left), her father; Exodus Butler, her brother; Genelle Palacio, her mother; Anthony Butler Jr., her brother; Genesis Butler and Zion Butler, her sister.

Courtesy photo

Marley Dias (right), founder of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, pictured with her mother, Dr. Janice Johnson Dias, whose support and advocacy helped inspire Marley’s mission to promote representation in youth literature.

YouthWorks: Offering career paths—not just paychecks

By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com

For more than 50 years, Baltimore’s YouthWorks program has provided paid summer jobs to local youth, offering critical skills, mentorship and pathways to future success.

YouthWorks, operated by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED), offers fiveweek paid internships for city youth aged 14 to 21. Participants earn $15 per hour while working with employers across the private, nonprofit and public sectors.

Applications for summer 2025 opened in January, with over 16,000 youths expected to apply. MacKenzie Garvin, MOED’s director of Youth Services, said accessibility is a major focus.

“We keep our portal open for an extended period of time to allow lots of young people the opportunity to access the application, and they can apply online,” said Garvin.

In addition to digital outreach, the program also partners with local council members and deploys career coaches into schools and recreation centers to reach youth directly.

“There’s such high demand for young people to work in the summer. We need a lot of job sites, and we’ve had so many excellent employers that provide a great work experience,” said Garvin.

Courtesy Photo / YouthWorks Facebook Students can now earn credentials in industries like construction, healthcare and information technology while participating in summer internships.

Past job placements have included Code in the Schools, the Media Rhythm Institute and city agencies. One of the most exciting developments for 2025 is the program’s expansion into career-connected learning, including credentialing opportunities.

“YouthWorks is a base to leverage other really impactful ideas, like helping young people get connected to industry-recognized credentials tied to their CTE programs,” Garvin said. Through a new partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools and the nonprofit Baltimore’s Promise, YouthWorks launched a healthcare pilot program that allows high school students to gain hands-on experience in medical fields.

“This program helps students focus when they return to school so they’re not just on track for graduation, but also more aware of their career paths,” said Assistant Director and Chief of Youth Services Donnice E. Brown.

Garvin added that students can now earn credentials in industries

Courtesy

/ YouthWorks Facebook YouthWorks program is building futures for youth by giving them more than just financial independence, they’re providing career development.

“Students are now able to earn industryrecognized credentials in areas like healthcare, IT and construction— credentials that count toward graduation.”

Black churches strive to reignite youth engagement amid shifting generational ties

By Tashi McQueen

AFRO Staff Writer

tmcqueen@afro.com

Black churches have been a staple of support for Black families throughout the decades. One important aspect of that support, which continues to evolve, are their programs and aids for youth. Those may include mentorships, scholarships, youth social events and more.

“After slavery, the Black church opened over 2,000 schools for Black children,” said Nathaniel A. Turner, a speaker and consultant. “It started colleges like Wilberforce University, Morehouse College and Dillard University. It led marches, helped people vote, fed families and raised leaders. That kind of work built generations.”

Rev. Brian Woolfolk shared how his church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, is currently working to support youth in Washington, D.C.

“Mt. Zion Baptist Church currently engages and empowers the young people within the congregation and the surrounding community through various activities such as the Annual Oratorical Program, the Annual Vacation Bible School, the Church Picnic, Sunday School and more,” said Woolfolk. “Mt. Zion also encourages its youth to assume leadership roles within the youth choirs, dance teams, junior ushers and youth-led services which provide hands-on leadership opportunities and allows growth and increases confidence in our youth.”

Woolfolk noted that several of Mt. Zion’s ministries were paused during the COVID-19 shutdown. However, with the minister now eight months into his pastoral role, those youth services are set to be reinstated.

Woolfolk said Mt. Zion youth programs incorporate spiritual development through Bible-based teaching and worship services, personal growth through mentorship and academic enrichment, and community involvement by engaging youth in hands-on service and outreach projects such as a backpack giveaway.

“This holistic framework ensures youth are nurtured spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially—equipping them to serve with purpose

and thrive as leaders within both the church and the wider community,” he said.

Woolfolk acknowledged a noticeable decline in Millennial church attendance, compounded by the dropoff following COVID-19, and emphasized that the church must work harder to address these challenges.

According to Lifeway Research, an evangelical research firm, on average, American congregations continue to be at about 85 percent of their pre-pandemic attendance levels.

About 3-in-10 Black Gen Zers, 28 percent, and Millennials, 33 percent, in a Pew Research survey identified themselves as religiously unaffiliated. Black Millennials and Gen Zers are found to be less likely to lean on prayer, less likely to have grown up in Black churches and to see religion as an important part of their lives.

Around 49 percent of Black Millennials said

like construction, healthcare, and information technology while participating in summer internships.

“Students are now able to earn industry-recognized credentials in areas like healthcare, IT and construction—credentials that count toward graduation,” she said.

New to this year’s program is the expansion of year-round internship options, designed to serve youth beyond the summer months. These internships, supported by local foundations, offer students continued work-based learning during the academic year, reinforcing both workforce readiness and classroom learning.

Additionally, YouthWorks has introduced more specialized placements in high-demand fields such as clean energy and digital technology. These targeted opportunities aim to align student experience with Baltimore’s evolving job market, preparing youth for emerging careers while supporting citywide economic development goals.

These enhancements reflect a broader push to make YouthWorks not just a job placement program but a pipeline to meaningful careers and economic stability.

This Pew Research Center data illustrates how younger Black Americans, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are less connected to Black churches compared to older generations.

via the survey that they seldom or do not attend church, the most out of any generation.

“Many churches now use social media, YouTube, and podcasts to reach youth, who are digitally savvy,” said Woolfolk. “This helps bridge generational gaps but also requires adapting traditional messages for new platforms as a way to support our youth in these times of change.”

Turner claimed that churches are not as active or supportive of young people as they once were.

Woolfolk disagreed, pointing back to what he believes is the real problem.

“I have observed that churches continue to offer support to our youth, however, our youth seem to have lost interest in the church,” said Woolfolk. “Gone are the days when the church was pivotal to family life in the Black community and parents would insist on bringing their children to church. Families are splintered today and the church has lost its importance in the Black community.”

This disengagement has tangible consequences, including an aging congregation and increased rates of Black youth getting into trouble in society and ending up within the judicial system.

For example, Black youth are nearly five times more likely to be locked up than White youth, according to the Equal Justice Initiative, a

“After

slavery, the Black church opened over 2,000 schools for Black children. It led marches, helped people vote, fed families and raised leaders. That kind of work built generations.”

non-profit that is dedicated to ending mass incarceration.

“As the shepherd of Mt. Zion, I will continue to focus on embracing the youth and getting them back into church,” said Woolfolk. “I am currently working on ensuring these vital programs that attract the youth are in place so that when they arrive, Mt. Zion will be ready for them. We are in the process of reactivating these programs, and they are scheduled to come back online this fall.”

Photo

Courtesy Photo / YouthWorks Facebook For more than 50 years, Baltimore’s YouthWorks program has provided paid summer jobs to local youth.

Chart courtesy of Pew Research

Courtesy photo

Rev. Brian Woolfolk, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, discusses the church’s vital role in supporting Black youth in Washington, D.C.

McDonogh students host CPR training and other heart healthy workshops

Scholars raise over $6,000 for American Heart Association

By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Intern

The McDonogh Upper School First Aid Club recently led a CPR training, teaching middle school students at McDonogh how to administer the life-saving measure as a part of the school’s “Academy” program, which allows teachers to step outside their standard curriculum during the final two-and-a-half weeks of the school year. A theme of this year’s Academy was heart health.

William Ashley III is a junior at McDonogh School, where he serves as the leader and founder of the Upper School First Aid Club. He helped lead the training alongside his father, Dr. William Ashley Jr., who is the current president of The American Heart Association Eastern States Regional Board of Directors.

William Ashley III shared that it was nice to give back to the middle school he attended and see the energy of students of all ages ranging from fifth to eighth grade.

“I think it was a great experience for us and also for the kids, and I hope we can keep doing this in the future,” said William Ashley III.

Teachers Carly Perry and James Margraff, both being affected personally by heart health, coordinated workshops on exercise, healthy food and CPR training and connected with a representative from the American Heart Association (AHA) Kate Pool. According to Perry, the school raised $6,912.38 in just two and a half weeks for the American Heart Association. The money raised

Although heart disease is the leading cause of death among all Americans, Black people are disproportionately affected.

will be used to help fund community initiatives, education, research and quality of care.

According to the AHA, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but Black people face an increased risk. William Ashley Jr. hopes to lessen these risks through community workshops like the one hosted with his son.

“What I want to do by talking to kids is to help to educate them so that they can be participants in their own healthcare, understand how the heart works, the brain works, and how their choices on a day-to-day basis can really make a big difference in their lives overall,” he said.

He called children the “future of health care” and said that the sooner children are shown how to

be involved and nurture their talents, a healthier nation will emerge. He also said that oftentimes, children bring home what they learn and that can have a broader impact.

“All these kids are the connections to their families as a whole, so that the kids really are going to be ambassadors for this message, taking it home to their moms and grandmas, and taking it back to the church, taking it to their friends. And so, that way we really can do 10 times the work with a single throw.”

Dr. Aubrey Grant, the team cardiologist for sports teams like the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles as well as the director for sports cardiology at MedStar Health, called CPR a “life skill.”

Grant said that often minority

communities are disproportionately affected due to their social determinants of health such as economic inequalities and lack of access to reliable healthcare, But, he added, although these are larger issues that may take longer to address, it’s im-

is clear that when used in the right situation, when deployed at the critical moment, it can truly save lives,” Grant said.

William Ashley Jr. expressed similar sentiments saying that his goal with his involvement in the AHA is

“What I want to do by talking to kids is to help to educate them so that they can be participants in their own healthcare…”

portant to work on things like CPR training.

“As we’re working on these sort of monumental things, I think a little thing, a smaller thing that one could do is to understand how to perform high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, because the data

to provide resources that the community wouldn’t otherwise have. The elder Ashley also expressed pride in his son.

“He really has done a phenomenal job. [He] and the rest of the group that he’s built have made a real difference.”

How D.C. and Maryland support deaf and hard of hearing youth through ASL and early education

By

More than 20,000 deaf and hard of hearing individuals live in Washington, D.C., and another 1.2 million-plus in Maryland, according to the executive office of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, making both areas known for being deaf friendly. In addition to establishing institutions and providing services, the jurisdictions are known for their advocacy.

Having support services are integral for the hearing impaired to integrate into the broader community, experts say.

About two to three out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born deaf or hard of hearing. Of those children, about 90 percent are born to hearing parents, which makes resources all the more important. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the earlier a child receives services, the more their speech and language can develop, helping them socially overall.

Chiana Cambie, a college student from Atlanta, shared that America Sign Language is key to supporting deaf and hard of hearing youth. Cambie believes it is important to see ASL as its own language— entirely different from English.

“[It’s] not like English in a signed form, because there are deaf people who don’t know spoken English. They have to learn it,” she said. “There are ESL classes that you have to go through if you don’t know English, so that you can learn ASL better. They’re not the same thing. And I wish people would realize that.”

The D.C. Public Library offers both in-person and online courses for beginner and intermediate ASL classes which are open and free to the public regardless of if they have a library card or are a District resident. There are also ASL story times for younger children. In honor of Disability Pride

Stephanie Bronson, an educational specialist with Baltimore City Public Schools, said that language acquisition is important and a goal of the school system.

“We know that language deprivation is very common with our population. We know the more language that we can give them early, the more successful they are,” she said. “If we can get our babies – our 3-year-olds and 4 -year-olds – and get them integrated into a language

“[It’s] not like English in a signed form, because there are deaf people who don’t know spoken English. They have to learn it. There are ESL classes that you have to go through if you don’t know English, so that you can learn ASL better. So, yeah, they’re not the same thing. And I wish people would realize that.”

Month, the library system will also host a variety of programs to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 1990. For deaf individuals and youth, specifically, they provide several services and have their own center for accessibility.

rich environment, then we know that they will do better academically, they will do better socially, and that also helps us to help our families.”

The Maryland and D.C. area is home to several schools for the deaf, such as Gallaudet University in the District and the Maryland School for the Deaf, which has two campuses.

In Baltimore, Gwynns Falls Elementary School provides public education for deaf and hard of hearing

Unsplash /

Washington, D.C., and Maryland are recognized as deaf-friendly regions, offering early intervention programs, ASL education, and specialized school support to help deaf and hard of hearing youth thrive academically and socially. Experts stress that early exposure to American Sign Language—not to be confused with English in signed form—is critical for language development and long-term success.

students, allowing them to connect to others in the community while receiving an affordable education.

In both Baltimore and D.C public school systems there are a variety of early intervention programs and services that help parents and students alike.

“D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) is committed to ensuring every student has access to a great education in our schools,” said DCPS press secretary

Evan Lambert in a statement to the AFRO. “The Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHOH) Program is dedicated to providing students who are deaf or hard of hearing with a comprehensive array of services and supports tailored to their unique educational needs.” Lambert said instruction includes reading interventions and ASL interpretation. The District also employs mobile teachers who provide services citywide.

Unsplash/Marek Studzinski

Victoria Mejicanos

AFRO Intern

Kateryna Ivasiva

Courtesy of Carly Perry

Nathan Huang, left, William Ashley III and Jack Mislow are each leaders of the First Aid Club and lead a CPR training using equipment given to them by the American Heart Association.

WHEN THE BULLYING FOLLOWS YOU HOME:

A teen’s guide to surviving online cruelty

By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com

Before the rise of social media, group chats and online forums, bullying was often confined to the school yard, classroom or cafeteria—places teens could physically leave behind at the end of the day. But now, digital devices and 24/7 connectivity have extended those boundaries, allowing harmful behavior to follow young people home, onto their phones and into their private lives.

In 2022, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 19.2 percent of students aged 12 to 18 experienced bullying during school nationwide. About 22 percent of them reported being bullied online or via text, with girls experiencing it at nearly twice the rate of boys.

The AFRO connected with Kenya Coleman, a doctor of clinical psychology and licensed clinical social worker, to discuss how teens can spot and cope with online bullying. After two decades as a school-based mental health professional, Coleman launched Kaleidoscope Wellness and Education Group to help bridge the gap between children’s home and school lives.

AFRO: How do you define online bullying, and how can a teen determine if they are experiencing it?

Kenya Coleman: Online bullying shows up the same way it does in person. If you are having an interaction with a person that makes you feel anxious, unsafe, ashamed or makes you want to shrink, then that’s a red flag. Cyberbullying is any form of harassment, embarrassment or intimidation that specifically takes place through digital platforms. That includes text, social media, group chats, online games and anywhere else you interact with someone digitally.

It can look like name-calling, exclusion from online spaces, spreading rumors about someone, sharing someone’s information without their consent or sending threatening messages. It could also be someone sending excessive messages— especially when you’ve shared that you’re not interested.

The guiding question teens should ask themselves is: do I feel smaller, scared, less worthy or like I have to shrink after these exchanges?

AFRO: How has the rise of social media and digital devices among teens contributed to or exacerbated incidents of bullying?

KC: When I was growing up, I may have had a bad day at school, but it was confined to the playground or the handful of people who may have known about the incident. In today’s world, posts can go viral. People around the world can have access to this embarrassing moment. Group chats can become battlegrounds. The negativity can feel like it’s inescapable.

What really makes the prevalence of cyberbullying so harmful is that there is not a pause button. Youth are growing up in a world where they’re expected to always be on their phones and social media, and that can make even small things feel really huge.

AFRO: How might the bullying that Black teens and other teens from historically marginalized communities encounter differ from that of their counterparts?

KC: As it relates to our Black and Brown children or other children who identify as “other,” they experience microaggressions in addition to the typical racial aggression. It’s not always obvious attacks. It can be little, subtle things that aren’t obvious on the surface. However, they can leave a person on the receiving end feeling like they have to shrink ultimately.

What scares me most is that racialized online bullying is becoming more mainstream. Because young people see it so often—including from our country’s leadership— they may come to think that it is to be expected, that it’s OK and that they are the problem when they don’t feel good about it.

AFRO: What advice would you give to teens dealing with online bullying?

KC: Most social media platforms allow you to block people and report abusive behaviors. Do that, and do it immediately. You do not have to subject yourself to any form of abuse, and bullying is abuse. You should also document everything that

happens. Take screenshots and save messages— especially if things escalate.

Don’t engage with the bully because the moment you do, you give them a stage. It’s hard because we always want to clap back and defend ourselves, but your bully feeds off of your reaction. Not giving them a stage is ultimately the choice that’s going to protect your peace long-term.

Tell someone you trust. Most of the teenagers that I talk to typically turn to a friend when I tell them to talk to someone they trust, and I understand that because your friends can understand an issue on your level. But, the person should also have the power to effect change, and that’s an adult. Talk to your parents, a teacher, a school counselor, coach, someone at your church, a mentor or another adult you feel comfortable talking to. That way they can give you wise counsel, validate you and speak life into you.

AFRO: What coping mechanisms would you warn teens from relying on while experiencing online bullying?

KC: The truth is when you’re hurting, it’s normal to reach for something that’s going to either numb the pain or make you feel good.

Family counseling: A look at how mental health professionals are healing generational trauma

Therapists are emphasizing the importance of family therapy in order to address the generational trauma that exists in the family tree. Black families specifically can benefit through group therapy given the history of complicated dynamics that may be present in certain households.

“Family counseling is very important because it helps define roles,” said Doanld Harris, a mental health therapist for the DHR Institute of Mental Health and the founder of the Manhood Project. “It’s especially important in the Black community because it helps define not only roles but also boundaries. That creates homeostasis, which is a balance. It won’t be perfect, because people are growing. But when boundaries and roles are clearly defined, things can run a lot smoother.”

Mental health professionals like Harris and Dr. Tiara Fennell told the AFRO that many people inside of a household tend to go through certain experiences but each person processes them differently based on age and intellect level.

Some issues between family members can be multiplied by the absence of parental figures in family dynamics, causing relatives to have to assume roles that Harris says they are “not ready for.”

“One of our main goals is to get to a place where people begin to understand each other,” said Fennell, the clinic director for the Center of Healthy Families at the University of Maryland with Ph.D. in human development and family therapy. “If people are willing and open to do that investigation and talk about their experiences and the impact it had on them, it can really shift things for the better in our community.”

Conversations around mental health have become increasingly more common throughout the years, especially among Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

“I think the younger generations are way

more willing to talk about their emotions and experiences. The issue is, not enough of those young adults know what to do when things get hard,” said Harris.

Harris emphasized the importance of wisdom as it relates to the generational differences between young adults now in comparison to generations past.

“There is a lack of spiritual connection to Black family culture. When we have connections with our elders, we can heal those broken pieces,” said Harris.

Children from elementary through high school are arguably the most open about

their internal battles, even resorting to making light of their traumas on social media and making it humorous. Although the vulnerability may be a positive sign, Harris believes it has led to absence of healing power through family and community and an increased reliance on attempting to heal through the internet, resulting in larger issues.

“Trauma work is very intense and it will force you to dissect all those dysfunctional relationships you had and how they show up in your relationships, love life and eventually your adult life,” said Harris.

That’s just what we do as people. But, not all coping tools are healthy. The top three things that numb pain or make us feel good are sex, drugs and alcohol. The problem with that though is that they are a temporary escape and they can have highly damaging effects. They can be long-term, profound and take years to redirect. I would also encourage youth to not internalize bullying. When you are being bombarded with messages and hateful words about yourself, you may begin to tell yourself that you deserve it. You absolutely cannot do that. You must recognize that the bully is projecting their feelings onto you.

Try your best not to pull away from your family or friends or stop doing the things that you enjoy. Isolation only makes things worse. When you isolate yourself, you have no one there to redirect you. That means you are ruminating on self-deprecating thoughts, and that will lead to a downward spiral.

You should also avoid doom scrolling, or obsessively checking to see who’s saying what. Taking yourself down that road can deepen your anxiety and possibly lead to depression.

“It’s

especially important in the Black community because it helps define not only roles but also boundaries. That creates homeostasis, which is a balance. It won’t be perfect, because people are growing. But when boundaries and roles are clearly defined, things can run a lot smoother.”

Both family and individual counseling can take place without the aid of a therapist, however, Fennell said. She believes that there are “a lot of different ways to do this work” that isn’t traditional therapy. Spiritual advisors are one way people can begin healing from trauma they may have.

However, Fennell also shared with the AFRO that therapy is not a one size fits all practice. Finding the right therapist can be a journey in itself.

“Therapy is one of those things that you can customize down to your preference, down to gender, down to race and even sexuality if that is something the client feels is important. I think folks are typically scared about what may come up, but I always tell people you’ve survived so much more. Being real with yourself is the first step to changing the things you want to change,” said Fennell.

Family therapy may potentially be covered by certain insurance plans, depending on the plan and the service. The Center of Healthy Families at the University of Maryland specifically operates on a sliding scale.

Students in training do the therapy, giving the center the ability to offer much more affordable rates based on income.

Fennell said that one of the center’s mission is to “make therapy accessible in that regard.”

Photo courtesy of Kenya Coleman

Kenya Coleman is a doctor of clinical psychology and a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience as a mental health professional in schools. She is also the founder of Kaleidoscope Wellness and Education Group, which provides direct mental health services and consultation to youth and their families.

By Mekhi Abbott Special to the AFRO mabbott@afro.com

nappy.co/alyssasieb Mental health professionals say Black families should use counseling in order to heal generational trauma.

How Tee J Mercer turns compassion into action for college-bound youth leaving foster care

Imagine this: Having grown up in foster care, you are finally ready to move onto the campus of a historically Black college or university (HBCU). However, upon arrival, your social worker pulls up to the dorm, you get all of your belongings from the vehicle and then…he or she just leaves.

Though many students in foster care may have aspirations of attending college, less than 4 percent actually go on to earn a degree from a four-year institution, according to The National Foster Youth Institute. That’s because many grapple with a lack of financial stability, and family or other support systems–all the factors that boost college success.

Tee J Mercer, a Howard University alumna and founder of the Move-In Day Mafia, cites these disturbing statistics as her motivation.

“I asked God to show me what I could do to help. And the Move-In Day Mafia was born,” Mercer said. “I know one of the ways God created me was to bring joy. So I’m always looking for ways to bring people together.”

Her innate desire to help others has been the life force of this project. The Move-In Day

Mafia helps students who have grown up in foster care that are seeking to attend HBCUs. Mercer and her unstoppable team of donors, volunteers and coworkers don’t just help move the students in their first year, they establish a bond with them and maintain that connection throughout their matriculation.

“HBCUs are historically underfunded,” Mercer said. “And as a result, they don’t necessarily have the funds to pay attention to the needs of this demographic.”

The Move-In Day Mafia also provides monthly care

packages specifically catered to each student’s needs and wants which they indicate by filling out a list. From there, the volunteers and donors buy the desired items to send back to the HBCU students.

Jerravion Dunson is a rising junior studying business administration with a concentration in marketing at Clark Atlanta University, and he is a member of the Move-In Day Mafia family. He spoke with the AFRO about the opportunities afforded to him through Tee J and the Mafia’s guidance, even beyond the care packages

and other tangible resources.

“The most recent thing Auntie Tee J invited me to was TSB Live,” Dunson said. “People are paying thousands of dollars to go to this event, but through the word of Auntie Tee J, I got to go there for free. I got to experience all of these different entrepreneurs, and I got to network with people who are making six or seven figures, all because of Auntie Tee J and me being a part of Move-In Day Mafia.”

These types of support systems are imperative for students transitioning from foster care to college because they often don’t have an established network. Mercer explained

that recipients of this project’s largesse like Jerravion Dunson have gone on to enjoy great opportunities like interning on Capitol Hill and at Disney and studying abroad in Paris.

“They let us know that they’re able to do these kinds of things because they’re not worried about [buying] detergent, deodorant or toothpaste,” Mercer said. “They get to enjoy their experience.”

According to Mercer, the Move-In Day Mafia has experienced exponential growth: “We have moved in 84 scholars amongst 21 HBCUs.”

As the project expands, Mercer urges more donors and volunteers to get involved to strengthen the support infrastructure. Mercer calls her “mafia” – volunteers and donors – her miracle makers, because this movement has been built on miracles. Along with preparing for move-in season, Mercer and her team are planning another bingo fundraiser which will be hosted by actress, comedian and TV show host Sherri Shepherd. The bingo night will be on July 12 in Atlanta at the Legendary Ford Hall. There will be food, prizes, blackjack, crap tables, and so much more. “This ain’t your grandmama’s bingo,” Mercer said.

Disney Dreamers Academy now accepting applications for popular mentorship program at Walt Disney World

Today, teens from across the country can apply, or be nominated, for the 2026 class of Disney Dreamers Academy. The signature mentorship program at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida annually selects 100 high school students for a transformative experience. Students can apply or be nominated at http://www. DisneyDreamersAcademy.com.

The 2026 event will be the 19th year of the Disney mentoring program, which has become a tangible example of Walt Disney World’s commitment to supporting diverse communities. The program aims to inspire teens from varying backgrounds by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams. Over the years, the program has inspired more than 1,700 students from across the country. Graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs and more, and some have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them.

The 100 students are selected from thousands of applicants who share their personal stories and future aspirations through essay submissions. These students, along with a parent or guardian, are invited on an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World for an inspiring, multi-day experience that provides them with valuable life tools such as leadership skills, effective

“The program aims to inspire teens from varying backgrounds by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams.”

communication techniques and networking strategies. Students participate in interactive workshops in a variety of disciplines aligned with their dreams. These workshops introduce the Disney Dreamers to diverse career paths within business, entertainment and sciences, including career opportunities within The Walt Disney Company.

For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Regular updates about Disney Dreamers Academy are also available at

Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy and Instagram.com/ disneydreamersacademy.

About Disney Dreamers Academy:

Established in 2008 at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Dreamers Academy’s mission is to inspire high school students from varying backgrounds and communities nationwide to dream beyond imagination through insightful content from uplifting experts, mentors and sponsors. Each year, 100 high school

students are awarded a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to experience the multi-day immersive and transformational program.

By Elijah Qualls  AFRO Intern

By Disney Dreamers

Photo courtesy Facebook / Move-In Day Mafia

Tee J Mercer and her team of miracle makers prepare for their next steps in connecting students who have outgrown foster care with HBCUs across the country.

Courtesy photo / Move-In Day Mafia

Howard University alumna and founder of Move-In Day Mafia, Tee J Mercer (left) presents a room to Howard University student Alexis Rodriguez. With assistance from Mercer and her team, Rodriguez has been able to excel at her HBCU, currently interning on Capitol Hill.

Christian Thompson / Disney Dreamers Academy

Flanked by Mickey Mouse, Alief Taylor High School (Houston, Texas) student Jayden Kelly, an aspiring Formula One racing engineer, is surprised with the news of her selection to Disney Dreamers Academy 2025.

Baltimore schools take action to combat youth homelessness

By Kendra Bryant AFRO Intern

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

According to the Baltimore City Public Schools System (BCPSS), in 2023 there were 4,300 students facing homelessness, a 33 percent increase from the previous year.

The system’s Office of Health and Specialized Student Services (OHSSS) created the McKinney-Vento Program (MVP) to aid K-12 students who experience homelessness, with an eye toward improving school attendance and academic retention.

“Students aren’t able to think and engage in school academically if their basic needs are not met,” said Adrienne Sesay, coordinator of the OHSSS.

“Factors such as food insecurity (food deserts), student environment, language barriers, family situations, lack of early intervention and more affect students’ abilities academically,” she added.

MVP guarantees that affected students receive free lunch, school uniforms, immediate enrollment, transportation, educational resources and programming.

Mental health also impacts students struggling with homelessness. According to Covenant House, 69 percent of youth experiencing homelessness report mental health challenges.

“A lot of the people that come through the shelter have mental health challenges, and

they are just unstable,” said Irisha Lucas, program director of The NEST, a Baltimore youth shelter. “We have to help these youth realize that it’s OK to go see a therapist, that no matter what the mental health challenge may be, it’s OK to get that help.”

BCPSS has collaborated with a student-based online healthcare company, Hazel Health, to provide students and their families with teletherapy sessions both during the school year and over the summer.

“Students learn best when

“Students aren’t able to think and engage in school academically if their basic needs are not met.”

they feel their best and can attend class daily,” BCPSS stated on its website.

Hazel Health therapists assist students with social skills, bullying, grief and loss, separation anxiety, worry,

Fewer services, higher stakes: the crisis facing Black youth in Baltimore

operating officer at Doral Scholars, gave her definition of at-risk youth.

Black youth in Baltimore are increasingly at-risk, experts say, making their futures uncertain.

At-risk youth are young individuals who face circumstances—such as poverty, unstable home environments, exposure to violence or limited access to quality education—that may negatively impact their academic performance or social development, concluded Study.com.

Ajah Doswell, chief

“When we’re talking about at risk, we’re looking at young people who don’t necessarily have the supportive foundation that would allow different opportunities of success,” said Doswell.

In many Black communities, systemic inequalities often place youth at a disadvantage, as they are exposed to under-resourced schools, racism and limited access to mental health support.

“We know it’s harder for Black and Brown youth to get access to services and to have services that are local in their community. And often, we have not made the investments in Black communities that we have made in White communities.”

“It’s being diluted because we just can’t afford to either have the services offered or to participate in it,” said Doswell.

The Anne E. Casey Foundation found several disheartening trends among Baltimore youth. In 2023, the poverty rate among Baltimore’s school age kids increased by 4 percent, the organization reported. Baltimore’s high school dropout rate also jumped by more than 5 percent in 2022.

“I think the unfortunate part is everybody. If you live in a metropolitan city that is dealing with poverty, everyone is at risk. Now, the risk may look different because the financial situation may not be as stressful outward,” said Doswell.

In addition to dealing with poverty and under-investment in their communities, Black youth also have to contend with racism, which may put them at higher risk of depression, anxiety and suicide, concluded the American Psychological Assocation.

Those negative emotions can lead to youth acting out.

“If young people feel good about themselves, they

fear, social skills, bullying, academic stress and peer and family relationships.

A common struggle for BCPSS is identifying homeless students within schools.

“Despite our efforts,

sometimes neither school staff nor families are aware of who their school-based homeless liaison is in the school,” said Sesay. “Oftentimes, unaccompanied youth and high school students who do a great deal of couch housing are hesitant to identify themselves as experiencing homelessness.”

Understanding the emotions that come with admitting to being homeless, BCPSS examines other habits exhibited by their students.

“We analyze data and trends related to attendance, enrollment, behavior,

multicultural backgrounds and newcomers who might not self-identify as homeless,” said Sesay. “Through direct support to schools, the MVP office collaborates with educational institutions to enhance the identification of individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, by focusing on outreach and engagement efforts.”

A report from the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services states that youth (up to age 24) made up 17 percent of the homeless population. More than 10 percent under the age of 18 live in emergency shelters and transitional housing.

“We get calls all day, every day, from young people looking for a place to stay,” said Lucas. “Housing costs here in Baltimore City are extremely high, often resulting in homelessness.”

According to Redfin, the median sale price of a home in Baltimore is $243,000, a 13 percent increase since last year.

BCPSS’ Office of Homeless Services (OHS) offers programs for K-12 students such as clothing closets, in-school and at-shelter tutoring, job readiness, summer support, and yearly staff training.

MVP is hoping to expand their staff, as having more hands on deck will allow them to assist on a larger scale.

“Currently, our team consists of six MVP liaisons and one foster care liaison,” said Sesay. “Increasing our staffing would significantly enhance our adaptive, collaborative support within schools, allowing us to engage more deeply and effectively with families, schools, students and communities.”

at risk of

normally make good decisions,” said Doswell.

Alice Wilkerson, executive director of Advance Maryland and a part of the steering committee for the Maryland Youth Justice Coalition, said while the current numbers show a downward trend in youth-involved crimes, a lack of services could change that momentum.

“The way I would frame it is, we have seen a significant decrease in, you know, rates of crime in shootings and homicides including young people,” Wilkerson said.

“While we have seen this tremendous decrease, which is great, and we want to see

that continue downwards, we also know there’s less support, there are [fewer] services [and] there are [fewer] programs for youth to keep them from coming into contact with the system.”

Additionally, racial disparities persist.

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported in 2022 that although Black youth aged 15-34 make up 4 percent of Maryland population, Black males accounted for 54 percent of all gun homicides in 2022.

The Sentencing Project reported that nationally, youth placement in correctional facilities was 74 per

100,000 in 2011. The Black youth placement of the same year was 228 per 100,000. In Maryland, specifically, the Black youth placement rate was 79 percent compared to the White youth placement of 9 percent.

Those disparities, experts again say, are likely due to the dearth of wraparound services available to Black youth.

“We know it’s harder for Black and Brown youth to get access to services and to have services that are local in their community,” Wilkerson said.

“And often, we have not made the investments in Black communities that we have made in White communities.”

Unsplash/Rohmer Maxime

Baltimore City is working to combat youth homelessness through programs in its public schools. With Black youth especially affected, the community leaders are working to address housing instability and its impact on education.

By Nyla Adams AFRO Intern

Unsplash / Brad Neathery

Racial disparities and underfunded support systems leave Black youth

academic failure, mental health struggles and systemic injustice.

COMMENTARY

Where’s the class for grief? Why schools must make healing mandatory

By Kanika Cousine

In March 2025, 16-year-old

Sincere Jazmin was fatally shot while seated at a bus stop in Jamaica, Queens, after stepping off his school bus. According to the New York Post, he ran into a nearby deli before collapsing and dying on-site.

Just days later, a 16-year-old student at Lansdowne High School in Maryland was chased and fatally shot across the street from campus. CBS News Baltimore reported he collapsed while trying to run toward safety and later died from his injuries. Despite this trauma, his classmates were expected to return to class the very next day, with police and grief counselors present but instruction continuing as usual. We do not build schools to hold grief. We build them to pretend it does not exist.

Across America, especially in Black and Brown communities, students are asked to focus in classrooms while quietly enduring the weight of trauma. Some are grieving the loss of close friends. Some are navigating homelessness or poverty. Others struggle with depression or anxiety but have no language or support to express it. We call them “resilient,” but we really mean they are alone. And we cannot keep asking our young people to survive while giving them nothing to survive with.

As the founder of Journey of A Dreamer INC., I work with youth who are doing everything possible to stay in school and alive. One young man I mentored in the Bronx lost two friends to gun violence in the same year. When I asked if he had ever seen a therapist, he said, “I don’t have time to be weak.” But therapy is not

importance of grief and healing.

a weakness. It is safety. It is justice. It is what we owe our students if we genuinely care about their lives.

The crisis is in the classroom

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is now the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10 to 24 — a crisis that continues to grow, particularly among Black youth (CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2023). Yet most schools treat therapy like an add-on, not a necessity. A single school counselor might be assigned to 400 students or more. In some schools, there is no dedicated mental health staff at all. This message is clear: you matter, but not enough to help.

We would never ask a

student with a broken arm to carry the entire school day without accommodations. So why do we ask students with invisible wounds to push through and perform like nothing is wrong?

Trauma sits in the back of the classroom. It walks through metal detectors. It takes notes while grieving. And when we ignore it, we fail every student forced to carry it alone.

Healing should be part of the school day

Mental health support should not be something a student must request. It should be a core part of their education. What would it look like if every student had access to therapy like they had access to math or science?

Imagine if public schools offered weekly one-on-one

therapy or group healing circles as part of the curriculum.

Imagine classrooms where emotional literacy is taught alongside English. Imagine trauma-informed teachers who know how to respond when a student is in distress rather than punishing them for acting out.

This is not a radical vision. It is a necessary one. In communities where trauma is common, healing must be standard.

lacked intelligence or drive, but because no one ever stopped to ask how they were doing.

We expect students to prepare for their futures while ignoring what they carry in the present. We want them to focus on exams, but how can they concentrate when they are still mourning a friend who was killed just blocks from campus?

The truth is that we keep asking our kids to show up,

“We cannot keep asking our students to survive what we are unwilling to address.”

Schools must become spaces of safety, not silence

Many students spend more time in school than anywhere else. If that space is not emotionally safe, then we are failing them. I have seen youth drop out, not because they

to be strong, to achieve. But we are not showing up for them in return.

This is about justice

Access to therapy is not a privilege. It is a right. And in neighborhoods where youth are disproportionately

Silent crisis: When bullying targets Black students

How schools

fall short

By

For more than a year, 14-year-old Kelaia Turner endured bullying from schoolmates and even her teacher at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School in Greenville, South Carolina. They teased her about her looks, calling the girl a “roach” and “a man.” They soaked her clothes and dumped them in the garbage.

Her mother, Ty Turner, repeatedly complained to the school, according to a new lawsuit, but the taunts and harassment continued. Kelaia ultimately decided she could no longer take the abuse. On March 17, 2023, Turner found Kelaia in her room, dangling from a belt wrapped around her neck. The child had tried to kill herself.

“She was gone for eight whole minutes,” Turner told NBC affiliate WYFF-TV. “Paramedics couldn’t find a pulse, and they couldn’t find her heartbeat. There were grown men in the room crying.”

Kelaia survived but suffered severe brain damage and spent months in the hospital,

impacted by violence, poverty, and systemic neglect, that right should be fiercely protected.

Education without healing is incomplete. It is unfair. It asks too much and gives too little. We cannot keep asking our students to survive what we are unwilling to address. We cannot keep building schools that ignore the pain of sitting quietly in every row. It is time to build a new kind of classroom. One where healing is expected. One where therapy is built in. One where students are not punished for their trauma but supported through it.

No child should have to walk into a classroom the day after losing a friend and pretend nothing happened.

Because grief deserves a seat in the room.

Because healing should be mandatory.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.

of dealing with harassment and lack of mental health resources for vulnerable students.

including 31 days in a coma in intensive care, according to the GoFundMe fundraiser created by her mother. Even in the hospital, though, the bullying continued: a classmate visited Kelaia in the ICU and took photos of her, which ended up on social media. In a statement to The Washington Post, Greenville County Schools denied the allegations. “The school and district administrations investigated and addressed each of the reported incidents in accordance with policy and law,” according

to the statement. No parent concerns or reports of bullying were ignored, and all were directly addressed with the student’s mother. While we do not agree with the allegations, our hearts go out to Kelaia Tecora Turner, her mother, and their family.”

Kelaia’s heartbreaking story, detailed in a lawsuit against the Greenville County school system, reflects a national crisis: studies show 4 in 10 Black K-12 students face bullying in school, much of it is based on their race, and most school

districts lack the resources to help or protect them.

Bullying Black students is a national school crisis

A 2023 report from The Public Health Post found that although Black students make up 15 percent of all students in the nation’s K-12 public school system, they account for 37 percent of students who experience bullying. Experts believe the percentage is likely wider than reported, given that students of color are less likely to report being bullied due to mistrust of the school system.

Often, schools’ responses to racial bullying against Black students fail to address the severity and prevalence of the abuse. A 2021 policy brief from The Intercultural Development Research Association found that schools frequently lack the resources to recognize and respond to the specific type of trauma bullied Black students suffer.

Additionally, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has identified instances where schools have turned a blind eye to known acts of racial harassment.

At the same time, studies show an alarming rise in suicide rates among Black youth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2023 that while the suicide rate between 2018 and 2021 among Black school-aged kids fell from 14 percent to 10 percent, it was still increasing faster than any other racial or ethnic group. Their study also found that more than 6 in 10 Black youths who attempted suicide did so due to racism and school bullying.

These incidents not only perpetuate hostile school environments but further exacerbate mental distress, which can disrupt their education and academic achievement.

The mental health toll in the classroom

Persistent bullying, especially, can lead to decreased academic performance, increased absenteeism, and higher dropout rates. A 2024 report from The Journal of Early Adolescence found that students who are subjected to bullying scored lower on standardized tests and received poorer grades than their non-bulled peers.

The compounded stress from

bullying can trigger anxiety, depression, and self-harm, including thoughts of suicide. But without culturally competent mental health resources — psychologists and counselors who understand racism and the Black experience —students are often left without the support that can help them.

A strong call for change Kelaia, now 14, is unable to speak or feed herself and can’t breathe on her own, according to the lawsuit. Her parents provide the bulk of the around-the-clock care she requires, beginning at 2 a.m. and with little respite. Turner, her mother, says she believes that, despite the excruciatingly painful circumstances, — her child has a purpose and can help others.

“Kelaia advocating for Kelaia should have been enough, and it wasn’t,” Turner told The Washington Post. “Me advocating for Kelaia wasn’t enough. So now what we want to do is make sure that we are shining a light on [bullying] and trying to set a precedent so that these schools are compelled to address this.”

This story was originally published on Word in Black.

Courtesy photo

Kanika Cousine is founder of Journey of A Dreamer INC, an organization that works to empower youth in underserved communities via enrichment resources and workforce development. This week, she speaks to the

AP Photo/ Luis Magana

With gun violence continuing to plague the nation, too many young people find themselves mourning the loss of friends or family lost to a gunman’s bullet. The author argues schools must provide services to help students heal from grief and other traumas.

Quintessa Williams Word In Black

Unsplash / Road Ahead

Students across the U.S. face increasing rates of bullying and mental health challenges, with Black youth disproportionately affected by racial harassment in schools.

Supporting youth returning from D.C. correctional facilities

By DaQuan Lawrence AFRO International Writer DLawrence@afro.com

Although there was a 75 percent decline in national youth incarceration between 2000-2022, at the end of 2022 there were approximately 27,587 youth offenders held at 1,277 juvenile facilities across the United States, including detention centers, residential treatment centers, group homes and youth prisons, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

Considering the high amounts of youth involved in the justice system, the AFRO spoke with stakeholders within the District of Columbia that support youth returning from correctional facilities.

In Washington, D.C., the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is responsible for the supervision, custody and care of young people charged with a delinquent act. DYRS works with youth who are committed by a D.C. Superior Court Family Court judge after adjudication, as well as youth who are detained at a DYRS facility while awaiting adjudication, according to the agency.

DYRS operates two secure locations in the metropolitan area: the Youth Service Center (YSC) in the northeast quadrant of the District, and the New Beginnings Youth Development Center (NBYDC) in Laurel, Md. The YSC is an 88-bed facility that accommodates youth who receive short sentences, while New Beginnings is a 60-bed residential facility for DYRS-committed youth that receive long-term sentences.

“The youth at both facilities are typically brilliant in one way or the other. It’s just that they have not figured out how to use their powers for good,” said Felecia Hayward, deputy chief of secure programs at the See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Academy (MAA), who formerly served as the principal of New Beginnings.

Hayward is responsible for

managing MAA schools throughout the District and ensuring D.C. youth participate in high quality programs that benefit them after their transition from DYRS.

“I am essentially in charge of managing our schools at the D.C. Jail, the Youth Services Center and at New Beginnings,” Hayward said.

“That entails assisting the principals operating the schools, being a liaison between DYRS and the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou schools, and removing any barriers that limit young people at those facilities from obtaining quality education.”

While detained, youth can enroll in GED and SAT prep classes offered by MAA.

The academy and associated public charter schools in the District is operated by the nonprofit See Forever Foundation. Established in 1998, the Maya Angelou Public Charter School (MAPCS) offers all disconnected youth in the D.C. area a place to engage in full-time, rigorous academic programs with innovative wraparound services they need to succeed.

“The kids are great and over the years, I rarely encountered a young

person who I truly believed could not be saved,” Hayward told the AFRO. “It takes a team effort, and unfortunately, the way that a lot of things are set up in the city makes things very challenging, especially with all the different stakeholders.”

Last year, the Sentencing Project, a nonprofit that advocates for effective responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults, reported that racial and ethnic disparities continue to exist despite the overall decrease in the number of youth offenders.

Nationally, based on the OJJDP’s “Easy Access to the Census of Juveniles in Residential Placement: 1997-2023” report, of the 29,314 youth held in facilities in 2023, African Americans comprised 46 percent (13,470 inmates), while White Americans made up 29 percent (8,646 inmates) and Hispanic Americans made up 19 percent, or 5,636 inmates, respectively.

The racial disparities are further exacerbated among D.C.’s population of justice system-involved youth, as 81 percent of youth offenders were African American in 2023, while less

than 1 percent was White and about 1 percent of offenders identified as Hispanic American, according to OJJDP.

Former Advisory Neighborhoods Commissioner Joel Caston, who was also previously incarcerated, currently works with youth detained in juvenile facilities throughout the District. He believes many youth are lacking sufficient role models that can provide insights that may alter their behavior, and ultimately prevent juvenile arrests.

father figure,” Castón, a representative of D.C.’s 17-member Sentencing Commission, said.

Juvenile arrests are common within the nation’s capital as Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested 2,235 juveniles on average between 2016 and 2022, based on reports by MPD. Additionally, youth offenders vary by age as the majority of DYRS’ newly committed youth are ages 14 (11.34 percent), 15 (22.16 percent), 16 (26.29 percent) and 17 (25.26 percent), based on DYRS’ July 2025 data.

In April, Mayor Muriel Bowser and MPD announced the launch of a Juvenile Investigative Response Unit (JIRU), an initiative focused on preventing youth offenses, reducing recidivism and improving MPD’s outreach to D.C. youth.

And last month, Mayor Bowser submitted the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 to the Council of the District of Columbia for review at their July 1 legislative meeting. The legislation seeks to extend the city’s “juvenile curfew hours” and to create more flexibility to protect public safety. Meanwhile, as DYRS and MAA continue to focus on programs that support the academic, social and professional development of youth, Hayward shared reasons for optimism.

“There are many systemic issues that have gotten in the way of youth being able to be successful, but they are still children and still capable of greatness.”

“I recall speaking to a young man who I believe was 16 years old, and while trying to help him, we asked, ‘What did you miss?’and ‘What went wrong in your life?’” Castón told the AFRO “He said that he wished he had a

“There are many systemic issues that have gotten in the way of youth being able to be successful, but they are still children and still capable of greatness,” Hayward said. “We just have to get through this rough patch of adolescence to see that.”

D.C. public libraries to provide summer activities for youth

By

As the heat and humidity begin to soar, kids are getting antsy and in desperate need of entertainment. The District of Columbia Public Library understands that, which is why it has constructed a busy schedule of varied activities for children of different ages, calling it “Discover Summer: Adventure Begins at Your Library!” The complete schedule of events from now until Aug. 31 can be found on the Library’s website, but here are a few events and activities to be on the lookout for: First is summer bingo. The program began on June 1, but does not end until the end of August. Interested parties can register online or pick up their Discover Summer Bingo Board at their nearest neighborhood library. From there, participants will complete various activities that range from bringing a friend to the library, reading for 20 minutes, or visiting a museum or public garden. Upon completing each activity, the participant will provide proof of completion (requirements vary between different activities), and after that, they can earn prizes that can be picked up at the nearest library. Beyond bingo, there are other events that will only happen once or twice and other events that will happen regularly throughout the summer.

Upcoming events

Library Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts on July 6 and July 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is the “first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts,” according to the museum’s website. This museum features artists such as the Guerrilla Girls and speaks to the gender imbalance of the notoriously male-dominated field of art.

To assist in beating the summer heat, local Washington, D.C. libraries are offering recreational and educational activities, trips and events for groups of all ages

Explore the West African Yoruba Tradition on July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library. The event will include live batá drumming, question-and-answer opportunities with Yoruba culture practitioners, and songs and dances dedicated to Oshun, who is an Orisha (deity) of love and fertility in Yoruba culture.

Recurring events Throughout the next two months, the Shaw

Neighborhood Library will be hosting virtual reality game times. This will allow kids aged 5-12 and 13-19 to avoid the summer heat through technological experimentation, but it will also give them opportunities to socialize and meet like-minded friends.

There will be various LEGO socials at Takoma Park Neighborhood Library for infants up to 12 year-olds or Read and Create LEGO edition at West End Neighborhood Library. There will also be more reading-oriented activities

such as Read and Craft or Books and Boxing (for all ages).

More Information

The Washington, D.C. public libraries have created an extensive schedule of activities for infants, children, teens, adults, and even seniors. More information can be found on their website. It is important to note that certain events have limited spots, so it is best to register as soon as possible.

Photo courtesy of Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services

As juvenile arrests persist, D.C. launches new efforts like a Juvenile Investigative Response Unit and curfew legislation aimed at improving public safety and reducing recidivism.

Elijah Qualls AFRO Intern

Courtesy photo DC Public Library / Facebook

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000641 DANA A. GRIMES Name of Decedent

WILLIAM A. BLAND, ESQUIRE 80 M STREET SE #330 WASHINGTON, DC 20003 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

KEYVONNA A’NEESHA MARSHALL, whose address is, 3104 28TH PARKWAY TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DANA A. GRIMES who died on DECEMBER 24, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

KEYVONNA A’NEESHA MARSHALL Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/27, 07/04, 07/11/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO.

2025ADM000660

LANDONIA B. HENSON Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

RUSSELL H HENSON, JR, whose address is 1670 WHITE OAK VISTA DRIVE, SILVER SPRING, MD. 20904 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LANDONIA B. HENSON who died on JANUARY 29, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JANUARY 11, 2026. 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 JANUARY 11, 2026 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: JULY 11, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

RUSSELL H. HENSON, JR. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 07/11, 07/18, 07/25/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000610 LENWOOD DAWES KEYS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

MAURICE KEYS whose address is 1304 ELSON PLACE TAKOMA PARK MD 20912 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LENWOOD DAWES KEYS who died on DECEMBER 28, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

MAURICE KEYS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/27, 07/04, 07/11/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000640

RICHARD DEADWYLDER Name of Decedent

NATALIE S. WALKER, ESQ 1101 CONNECTICUT AVE., NW, SUITE 402 WASHINGTON, DC 20036 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

JUDY ANN DEADWYLDER, whose address is, 3017 N STREET, SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RICHARD DEADWYLDER who died on NOVEMBER 30, 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 DE-

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000634

DERYCK ALVIN LONDON Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

DEREK DONTE PHILLIPS, whose address is 4000 BENNING RD NE APT 413 WASHINGTON DC 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DERYCK ALVIN LONDON who died on APRIL 20, 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 JANUARY 11, 2026. 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 JANUARY 11, 2026 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: JULY 11, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

DEREK DONTE PHILLIPS Personal Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000431 LUCKY TIMOTHY PIANWI Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

ZORBARI VICTORIA PIANWI whose address is 5213 CLAY STREET, N.E, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of

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 27, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

PATRICIA GREEN

CEMBER 27, 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 27, 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 27, 2025

Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

JUDY ANN DEADWYLDER Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/27, 07/04, 07/11/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000662 ZENOBIA LAMONT Name of Decedent KEITH A. ANDERSON 4700 BLAINE STREET, N.E. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20019 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs KATRINA LAMONT, whose address is 743 TOLA COURT, HYATTSVILLE, MARYLAND 20785 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ZENOBIA LAMONT who died on NOVEMBER 22, 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 JANUARY 11, 2026. 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 JANUARY 11, 2026 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: JULY 11, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

KATRINA LAMONT Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 07/11, 07/18, 07/25/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2025ADM000672 Estate of WARREN SINGLETARY, JR Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE (For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995) Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by ANNETTE SINGLETARY for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

*admit to probate the will dated DECEMBER 21, 2017 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: JULY 11, 2025 Names of newspapers: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

ANNETTE SINGLETARY

7902 VELTRI DRIVE, FT. WASHINGTON, MD 20744

Signature of Petitioner/Attorney Register of Wills Clerk of the Probate Division 07/11, 07/18/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM592 JOAN B. LEWIS Name of Decedent HORACE LEE BRADSHAW JR 1644 6TH STREET NW WASHINGTON DC, 20001 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs LELAR EPPS & THEATRICE LEWIS, whose addresses are 6117 CLAY ST, NE #104, WASHINGTON DC, 20019 & 2101 I STREET NE, APT 3, WASHINGTON DC, 20002 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of JOAN B. LEWIS who died on JULY 13, 1989 without a Will and will serve with 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 JANUARY 11, 2026. 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 JANUARY 11, 2026 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: JULY 11, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers LELAR EPPS THEATRICE LEWIS Personal Representative TRUE

Street 21201

(City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 40th)

2. CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE

Applicant: Vivians, LLC T/a Vivians - Jacqueline Erin Mearman

Petition: Transfer of ownership requesting outdoor table service and off-premises catering Premises: 3100 E. Baltimore Street 21224

(City Council District: 13th; State Legislative District: 46th)

Applicant: Bula Lounge, LLC T/a Bula Lounge - Arteara J. Watkins, Arthuretta Sanders, and Nathaniel Branch, III

Petition: New restaurant license requesting live entertainment, outdoor table service, and delivery of alcoholic beverages

Premises: 5707 Belair Road 21206

(City Council District: 2nd; State Legislative District: 45th)

Applicant: Chihuahua Brothers, LLC T/a Chihuahua Brothers - Kevin Matthews, Meredith Brown, and David Shapiro

Petition: New restaurant license requesting outdoor table service

Premises: 58 W. Biddle Street 21201

(City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 40th)

Applicant: Kneads Canton, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Loic Hemery and Adam Paterakis

Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of outdoor table service, requesting off-premises catering (Amended)

Premises: 3601 Boston Street 21224

(City Council District: 1st; State Legislative District: 46th)

Applicant: Satguru Nanak Ji, LLC T/a Akbar Restaurant - Khalid Pervcaz Mir and Jaslaveen Singh

Petition: Transfer of ownership

Premises: 823 N. Charles Street 21201

(City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 46th)

Applicant: B-More Thai, LLC T/a Bodhi Corner - Thomas LaGrange and Kevin J. Stevens

Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of outdoor table service

Premises: 3500 Chestnut Avenue 21211

(City Council District: 14th; State Legislative District: 40th)

Applicant: Autentico