Bound by service: Two branches, two journeys, one enduring call to serve
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer
For Robert Lorinza Jones
and Earl Ruff Jr., military service was more than just a duty. It was a lifelong commitment that shaped their character and their careers. Both began in the Marine Corps and later transitioned into the Army National Guard, serving their country
across decades, deployments and different roles.
Jones left Pineville, Kentucky, in 1969 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) after time in the Job Corps. He deployed to Vietnam, where he spent 13 months in combat. For his service, he earned the Combat Action Ribbon and multiple campaign awards.
“I didn’t know if I’d come back, but I went anyway,” he
“The military made me feel like I had done something that mattered.”
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Robert Lorinza Jones is a proud veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and the Army. During his USMC service, he spent 13 months in combat during the Vietnam War and earned the Combat Action Ribbon. He oversaw maintenance operations while serving with the D.C. National Guard in the late 1980s, and spent a total of 24 years in the military before becoming a sheet metal supervisor at the Pentagon.
says. “Back then, when people came home and were paranoid and anxious, we called it ‘gun-shot.’ Now they call it PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).”
After his return, Jones moved to Washington, D.C., joined the Maryland National Guard, and later transferred to the D.C. National Guard. He served for 24 years total. While working full time at the Pentagon, he earned his GED through a Guard-sponsored night school program.
Jones rose from an entry-level laborer to a WS-14 Sheet Metal Mechanic Supervisor, overseeing 86 tradesmen. He deployed during Operation Desert Storm and helped process prisoners of
war in Kuwait.
“I’d go away for six or eight months, come back and keep working,” he says.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Jones was at the Pentagon when the plane hit. He was responsible for accounting for his entire team that morning.
Through it all, Jones says “faith and work ethic carried me.”
Ruff’s journey started with a challenge. A Marine sergeant told him he couldn’t make it. Ruff enlisted to prove him wrong. He served six years in the Marine Corps, including time in Vietnam, then joined the Marine Reserves for two more years.
“The biggest challenge
20-year-old
was relying on my training to survive in combat,” he says.
“Discipline became instinct.”
He later joined the Army National Guard, where he served 27 years and attained the rank of sergeant. Ruff trained younger troops and says some returned to thank him years later.
“The military made me feel like I had done something that mattered,” he says.
In civilian life, Ruff worked in state hospital security, rising through the ranks
and mentoring younger officers. He credits his military experience for the leadership skills he used throughout his career.
Both veterans say the discipline, resilience and camaraderie they found in the military stayed with them long after the uniforms came off.
“Take every opportunity to grow, whether it’s military education or civilian training,” Ruff says. “That’s how you advance.”
Photos courtesy of Earl Ruff Jr.
Shown here, Earl Ruff Jr., as a
member of the U.S. Marine Corps (left). Ruff served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps and his time included active combat. He then went on to join the ranks of the Army National Guard (right). With nearly three decades of service, Ruff became known for mentoring younger troops and building leaders from the ground up.
Photo courtesy of Robert Lorinza Jones
Descendants of Harlem Hellfighters reflect on longoverdue honor for Black WWI heroes
By
The legendary 369th Infantry Regiment, more commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, spent nearly 200 days in combat during World War I, defending the frontline trenches without conceding an inch. Despite their willingness to risk their lives for their country, the allBlack unit faced racism and discrimination.
More than a century after their service, the brave men were posthumously awarded with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award given by the U.S. Congress. For the Harlem Hellfighters’ descendants, the honor was long overdue.
“They showed that America is for all of us. At a time during Jim Crow when they had so much up against them, they went and fought for a government that did not want them,” said Debra Willett, granddaughter of Sgt. Leander Willett. “I think they believed that things would get better. It took a long time for them to get what they needed. I mean they never saw it, and even today, we are still fighting for our rights.”
At the time of World War I, slavery had been outlawed for decades, but Jim Crow laws implemented racial segregation across the country, including in the military. When the Harlem Hellfighters were deployed to France, American soldiers refused to serve alongside them. The soldiers were instead placed under French command, which treated them with more respect than they received at home. In 1918, the French government even awarded the Harlem Hellfighters the Croix de Guerre, the War Cross, a distinguished military honor.
Debra Willett recalled that her grandfather’s service was common knowledge in her family, but he rarely shared anything about his experience. He did, however, have a love for France.
“My grandfather didn’t talk about it. But, my mother told us that he loved France. He loved the way that he was treated, and he said the French people were the best,” said Debra Willett. “He passed that down to us.”
During his deployment, Sgt. Leander Willett, who hailed from Glen Cove, N.Y., was stabbed with a bayonet and attacked with mustard gas. Yet, he never received a Purple Heart, a medal given to service members who are wounded or killed at enemy hands.
On Sept. 3, Debra Willett accepted the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of her grandfather and the other courageous men during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. She thinks their legacy is especially relevant today, demonstrating the resilience of Black
people even when confronted with overwhelming adversity.
“In the face of such awful odds, they fought on,” said Debra Willett. “They fought on because they knew their cause was right.”
Unlike Debra Willett, Gina McVey wasn’t aware that her grandfather, Cpl. Lawrence L. McVey, was a Harlem Hellfighter. She knew he served in the military, but it was a chance encounter at a car dealership that led her to dig deeper.
While waiting on her car, McVey struck up a conversation with a man in military uniform. When she mentioned her grandfather’s service, the man asked whether he had been Black and if his medal had been the Croix de Guerre. She said yes, and he urged her to contact the Pentagon to learn more.
McVey later discovered a
steel box filled with her grandfather’s wartime belongings— including his discharge papers, sharpshooter medal, victory campaign medals, pictures of his troop and even the Croix de Guerre certificate itself.
Among the items was a Purple Heart, which shocked her because Black soldiers were often denied the honor.
“The next to last battle was at Séchault, my grandfather led his troop against a nest of machine gunners. They took them out, but my grandfather was wounded,”
said Gina McVey. “After that, France gave him the honor of being the first to cross the Rhine River to say the war is over.”
The more McVey learned about the Harlem Hellfighters’ courage in the face of discrimination, the more she admired their perseverance and patriotism. Speaking on the soldier’s receiving the long-overdue Congressional Gold Medal, she said: “It fills my heart so much. They went through hardships…they were so dishonored by their own country, but that did not stop them from fighting for freedom.”
Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
AFRO
Photo/Megan Sayles
Gina McVey is the granddaughter of Cpl. Lawrence L. McVey, who was a member of the Harlem Hellfighters.
AFRO
Photo/Megan Sayles
Debra Willett is the granddaughter of Sgt. Leander Willett, a member of the 369th Infantry Regiment known as the “Harlem Hellfighters.” The unit spent 191 days in combat during World War I, suffering more than 1,400 casualties, but they were not awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for their service until 2025.
Public Domain / National Park Service
Nine men from the 369th Infantry, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, pose for an iconic photo on their return home from World War I.
From overseas theaters of war to local civil rights battlegrounds: Veterans who paved the way
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
The service of Black soldiers in wars such as World War II significantly influenced the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring demands for equality within the military and throughout the United States.
Many Black soldiers, after returning from the military, went on to get involved in the fight for civil and human rights. These brave soldiers confronted the challenging reality of racism and discrimination at home, despite fighting for their country. Their work became the early catalyst of change for Black people across the nation.
As National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month gets underway, the AFRO is shining a light on several men and women service members who made their mark in more ways than one in American history.
Male veterans
Amzie Moore
Amzie Moore was a World War II veteran. Upon his return to American society, he became a civil rights activist. Moore was working in a post office in Cleveland, Miss., when he was drafted into the military in 1942. In Mississippi, where Moore lived, he rarely interacted with White people, so joining the U.S. Army forced him to face the harsh realities of segregation for the first time. He was also reminded that, even after serving in the war, Black soldiers would still face the same racism and discrimination they had grown accustomed to at home.
Inspired by these experiences, Moore, even before he returned home, joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). After his time in service, Moore went on to become the first president of the NAACP chapter in Cleveland, Miss., helping it grow into the second-largest branch in the state. As president, Moore coordinated voter registration campaigns and created networks throughout Mississippi during the 1940s and 1950s.
He also went on to serve as vice president of the State Conference of the NAACP and founded the Regional Council of Negro Leadership, where they hosted public meetings with notable speakers such as Thurgood Marshall. His house, in Cleveland, Miss., is now a local landmark.
Golden Asro Frinks
Hailing from Wampee, S.C., Golden Asro Frinks became known for his work during the Civil Rights Movement with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and other organizations. In 1936, at the young age of 16, Frinks joined the U.S. Navy and moved to Norfolk, Va. There he balanced completing 10th grade and working a job on the naval base. During this time he decided to join the local Black Democratic Club and worked with the NAACP.
In 1942, Frinks rejoined the military, this time voluntarily enlisting in the U.S. Army to fight in World War II. While there he served as a staff sergeant at Fort McClellan, Ala., where he witnessed the inequalities between Black and White soldiers. Upon his return home in North Carolina, Frinks found that discrimination against Black Americans persisted, and he set on a path to help change that.
Frinks became a well-known organizer during the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina, where he spearheaded the “Edenton Movement,” a series of protests in the early 1960s to desegregate schools, libraries and more in the region. For his work, he received many awards including the Edenton Movement Award, the Hyde County NAACP President’s Award and the Rosa Parks Award.
The Triple Nickles
The 555th Parachute Infantry Company (Triple Nickles) was the first all-Black parachute infantry unit in the U.S. Army. Triple Nickels was established in 1943 by then-President Franklin Roosevelt in response to pressures to provide Black soldiers with access to front-line assignments and top-tier units in the military.
The unit was trained intensively at airborne school, where they earned their jump wings alongside their White counterparts in what was
depicted as one of the few spaces where Black soldiers found solace in the U.S. Air Force. The troop took on several key jobs including “Operation Firefly” in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, where they parachuted into forest fires and handled flammable balloon bombs sent from Japan, becoming explosive ordnance disposal experts over time. In total, the Triple Nickles made around 1,200 jumps to help manage 36 fires and get rid of several bombs.
After World War II ended, Maj. Gen. James Gavin, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, advocated for the integration of the 555th into the 82nd Airborne in resistance to ongoing racial prejudices despite their remarkable work during the war. Despite consistent pushback, Gavin succeeded, and the Triple Nickles marched in the Jan. 12, 1946, World War II victory parade in New York City. On Dec. 15, 1947, they were deactivated and its personnel officially joined the 3rd Battalion of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division.
United States Colored Troops By the end of the Civil War, around 186,000 Black military personnel served in the Union Army and around 38,000 were killed in battle. Over 94,000 of them were formerly enslaved. At the beginning of the war, African Americans were not officially allowed to enlist, but many volunteered anyway. In 1863, Black people were officially allowed to participate in the war with the Union Army after laws like the Emancipation Proclamation were passed.
The United States Colored Troops (USCT) was the official name of the units of Black soldiers who volunteered to be a part of the Union Army during the Civil War. By the end of the Civil War, Black soldiers made up 10 percent of the Union Army. The creation and service of the USCT marked a turning point in American history, representing one of the first major steps toward equal rights for all.
Sixteen Medals of Honor were awarded to Black soldiers in the Civil War, including Sgt. William Carney, who fought courageously to keep the American flag from hitting the ground at Fort Wagner. There are several memorials and statues in honor of the USCT throughout the U.S., including in Lexington Park, Md., and Wilmington, N.C.
Women veterans
Sarah Louise Keys
Sarah Louise Keys didn’t gain as much attention as Rosa Parks, but her 1952 protest helped pave the way for Parks’ successful bus demonstration. After completing high school in 1948, Keys joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1951, which had been fully racially integrated by then.
While in the Army, on July 31, 1952, while returning home from her post at Fort Dix in Burlington County, N.J., she got on a segregated
Carolina Trailways bus in Washington, D.C. She took a seat in the “White” section. In Roanoke Rapids, N.C., a new driver boarded the bus demanding she move to the “colored” section. She refused, was arrested, charged with disorderly conduct, fined $25, and held in jail overnight. She decided to file as plaintiff in the landmark case Keys v. Carolina Coach Company, which was filed in 1953, challenging segregation in interstate bus travel. The Interstate Commerce Commission ended up ruling in her favor in November 1955, finding that segregation on interstate buses violated the non-discrimination provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act.
Oleta Crain
Oleta Crain was pursuing her master’s degree in religious education
at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colo., began to pursue enlistment in the military to help fight in World War II. She made history as the first Black woman in Denver to join the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC).
While there, she faced a barrage of racial discrimination. Due to segregation, Crain was made to wake up earlier than her White counterparts to shower and was made to sleep in a separate room. Crain endured with positivity, but also used her voice to challenge segregation, racism and sexism while serving in the military. When her unit was barred from certain facilities such as the “White” pool, she spoke up and put an end to that discrimination. Crain retired from active duty in 1963 as a major.
Photo courtesy of American Battlefield Trust
Black soldiers serve together as the Fourth Regiment of the United States Colored Troops. These soldiers fought in the Union Army during the Civil War, becoming the first organized African-American units to serve the United States.
Army Women’s Foundation
Mildred C. Kelly is recognized for breaking barriers in the U.S. Army, with memorials and honors celebrating her role as a trailblazing Black female leader. She became the first Black female sergeant major at the Pentagon and the first woman to reach top enlisted rank at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Md.
Photo courtesy of the African American Registry Sarah Louise Keys is seldom acknowledged for her role in challenging racial segregation on interstate buses. Keys challenged segregation as a veteran, filing a landmark case that helped end discrimination in travel.
National Museum of the United States Army
The 555th Parachute Infantry Company, known as the Triple Nickles, is recognized as the first all-Black parachute unit in the U.S. Army, fighting forest fires and handling explosive ordnances during World War II.
Breaking the silence: Black veterans speak out on PTSD and the path to recovery
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
For many military veterans, what they endure while serving their country is just half of the battle. The toll of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can appear in every part of life, including strained relationships, halted careers and a fading sense of identity.
For Black veterans, the impact can be even greater and more difficult to get help for due to cultural stigma, racial disparities in care and a shortage of personalized mental health support.
“From a clinical standpoint, one of the biggest hurdles for military personnel dealing with PTSD is the pervasive stigma around mental health,” said Dr. Diandra Poe, a mental health professional and veteran advocate. “Even today, mental health challenges are often seen as a sign of weakness in a culture that prioritizes constant performance and endurance. For many service members, the idea of seeking help is intertwined with fear that it could impact their careers or label them as incapable.”
Untreated mental health conditions such as PTSD can create a serious ripple effect on military individuals and their families.
“Unaddressed PTSD can spill over into home life—affecting relationships, the ability to keep a job and ultimately the family’s stability,” Poe said. “It becomes a cycle of trying to push through alone until it’s no longer possible.”
Veterans
After her time in the military, Crain went on to become a regional administrator for the Women’s Bureau in Denver in 1984. While there, Crain worked to enhance working conditions, career opportunities and wages for women. Crain was inducted in the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame in the mid-1990s.
Mildred C. Kelly
A national health study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found that about 22 percent of Black veterans who were deployed had PTSD, compared to 14.1 percent of White veterans. Around 16 percent of Black veterans who were not deployed had PTSD, compared to 9.2 percent of their White counterparts.
“For Black service members, the military might have been a path out of challenging environments, and facing PTSD can feel like they’ve traded one set of struggles for another,” said Poe.
“While they might technically have access to care through the VA or military services, actually utilizing that care can be a unique challenge due to cultural stigma and a lack of culturally competent support.”
James Harris, a U.S. Army veteran and community advocate, saw and lived these disparities, inspiring him to establish Men to Heal to help fill the gap.
“I emancipated myself at 16. Fast forward, I joined the Army for eight years, two deployments, one Iraq, one Afghanistan,” said Harris. “Going to therapy…there was a disconnect.”
Harris said from his time in therapy as a child and a veteran, he did not feel like the therapists adequately understand what he went through and therefore could not truly help him.
“Since I had those experiences—in addition to the book knowledge, in addition to the case studies, in addition to the license—I thought I could provide greater assistance to veterans,
as well as people who look like me, and who have traveled this road,” said Harris.
Through Men to Heal, a movement he founded to offer counseling for veterans, youth, families and couples, Harris does the work of giving back. Through the movement Harris operates a wellness center in Richmond, Va., providing financial resources, outpatient therapy and yoga.
Harris said veterans often come home feeling isolated and unable to be understood by the people in their lives.
“You feel like you’re the only person that’s been through it or don’t have anybody who can relate to your experience besides the people that you deployed with,” Harris said.
To better support veterans upon their return home,
especially those diagnosed with PTSD, Harris said families and communities can best help by making sure to include them in various activities.
“Avoidance or isolation is no good, so we want to try to involve them as much as possible,” said Harris. “The family should also understand that veterans are oftentimes on alert or have heightened senses. They’re looking for threats, they want to position themselves to where they can see exits and take care of situations.”
Harris emphasized that having patience is key. Veterans can also benefit from widespread access to culturally informed care and a dismantling of stigmas both in the military and community around mental health.
Veterans do have options when it comes to receiving care.
“If you would feel more comfortable with a provider of the same race, religion, or cultural background, share your preference with VA. When you start seeing a new provider, ask about their experience treating
Veterans of color or Veterans with similar religious or cultural backgrounds,” say VA officials, in resources that speak directly to veterans on race, culture and PTSD.
“Don’t hesitate to bring up issues related to race with your provider. Remember, your conversations with your provider are confidential. If it turns out your provider doesn’t have the experience to meet your needs, or you don’t feel it’s a supportive match, you can ask to switch to someone else.”
Mildred C. Kelly was teaching high school in Tennessee when she suddenly chose to change careers, enlisting for the U.S. Army at age 22. She served in the U.S. Army for 26 years, making history in senior positions while at the Pentagon and later at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Md. While she was serving at the Pentagon in 1972, she became the first Black female sergeant major in the Army. In 1974, she became the command sergeant major at Aberdeen Proving Ground, the first woman to reach the top enlisted rank at a major Army base mostly made up of men. In 1976, she retired from the Army, but continued her work in supporting service members, particularly veterans. She worked to ensure women’s service in the military were memorialized. She worked alongside the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation to create a museum recognizing women’s contributions to the military. Kelly also served on the Maryland Veterans Commission, the Veteran’s Advisory Board and the National Association of Black Military Women. She also served as president of Chapter 16 of the WAC Veterans Association.
Foundation for Women Warriors
Marcelite Harris is celebrated as a trailblazer in the U.S. Air Force, with honors recognizing her groundbreaking career and contributions. She became the first female aircraft maintenance officer, the Air Force’s first female Director of Maintenance and retired as a major general.
Marcelite Harris
Marcelite Harris, of Houston, Texas, originally aspired to be an actress, but when she couldn’t find a job, she decided to sign up for the U.S. Air Force. In 1965, she completed Officer Training School on Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
Throughout her military career, she achieved many firsts, such as becoming the
first female aircraft maintenance officer, the Air Force’s first female director of maintenance, and one of the first two female air officers to command at the United States Air Force Academy. She also served as a White House social aide during the Jimmy Carter administration. She earned an array of service awards, including the Bronze Star, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnam Service Medal. Harris retired as a major general in 1997, making her the highest-ranking female officer in the Air Force and the highest-ranking African-American woman in the Department of Defense.
BGE celebrates all those who have given so much to serve and defend our country, and we’re proud to welcome many of these men and women as part of the BGE family. At BGE, we embrace a culture of respect, equity, and incusivity. We work together with our employees and our customers to build on what’s important to everyone. bge.com/Diversity
Courtesy photo
James Harris is a U.S. Army veteran and founder of Men to Heal, a movement devoted to helping others overcome trauma through culturally-informed mental health care and community support.
Courtesy photo
Dr. Diandra Poe is a dedicated mental health professional and veteran advocate committed to breaking stigma and improving access to care.
Keeping history alive: Remembering the Montford Point Marines
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
When Charles Cargile Hall, a native of Madison, Ga., returned home from college for the Christmas holiday in 1943, a letter marked, “I need you,” was waiting for him. It was a draft notice requiring him to join the U.S. military during World War II.
Within weeks, Hall traded his university books for military fatigues and found himself among the first Black men to integrate the U.S. Marine Corps. At Montford Point in Jacksonsville, N.C., he entered a world of strict discipline and palpable racial discrimination.
“You had to realize you were in a segregated camp— all Black except for the commissioned officers,” said Hall. “In all of my days in the Marine Corps, there were no commissioned officers that were Black.” Hall and his fellow recruits endured grueling training. They were ordered to run everywhere and slept in cramped Quonset huts with no lights. Each morning, they reported for drills under constant supervision.
During his service, Hall served in Guam and Hawaii. While sailing to Guam, he recalled that as they neared the island, the Marines were ordered to move through the water in groups of three. That way if someone struggled, the others could pull him along by his belt.
As they prepared to breach the island, he remembered a frightening message given to him.
“The Navy man told us, ‘I wish you well, but now I’m going to ask you to make a commitment, and that commitment is you give your soul to God and your body to your country,’” said Hall. Once on land, Hall said bullets began to fly.
Though many did make
On Nov. 16, Hall will celebrate his 100th birthday. He hopes he and his fellow Marines’ service will not be forgotten.
“I’d like the Montford Point Marines to be remembered as strong, courageous and dedicated American citizens,” he said.
Despite being trailblazers, the contributions of the Montford Point Marines have not received as much attention as units, like the Tuskegee Airmen.
and ensuring they are properly honored with the bronze replica Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the unit in 2012.
Berger herself grew up knowing her grandfather served in the military, but only discovered he had been a Montford Point Marine after uncovering old photos, letters and military records.
the ultimate sacrifice, Hall’s life was spared. He served until 1946, and returned home to finish
college, ultimately obtaining degrees from Savannah State University and Columbia University.
The lack of recognition has driven Mallorie Berger, granddaughter of Montford Point Marine Maurice L. Burns, to preserve and share their stories. For the past three years, Berger has dedicated herself to identifying the men who served, tracking down their families
Maryland’s Col. (Ret.) Jo Ann Jolivet to join Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame
By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
vmejicanos@afro.com
From caring for soldiers during the Vietnam War to mentoring young women and opening the first program at Aberdeen Proving Ground and more, retired U.S. Army Col. Jo Ann Jolivet’s service has always reflected her commitment to her community, and helping others excel.
Jolivet is now being honored nationally, and will be inducted next year into the U.S Women’s Army Foundation’s Class of 2026 on March 12 for her trailblazing service in the military and her post-military work in Maryland.
Jolivet shared her surprise at the honor, as awards or nominations were not something she sought when she enlisted. She didn’t initially realize her time in the Army would become a lifelong career.
“I’m not one to look for fame
and glory,” Jolivet said. “I enjoyed what I did, I enjoy what I’m doing now, and I just feel blessed and I’m honored to receive such, but it’s not something I was seeking.”
Elizabeth Anne Helm-Frazier, treasurer for the Army Women’s Foundation, considers Jolivet a mentor and friend. They met when they were both serving at Fort Ord in California where Jolivet was the assistant chief nurse.
“She promotes opportunity, especially for women coming into the military,” Helm-Frazier said. “She’s the big cheerleader of women taking on those roles that were traditionally male, and doing your very best in that opportunity.”
Helm-Frazier added that Jolivet always gave advice that was practical, fair and applicable; reminding people no matter how times were, “someone is always watching you.”
She also shared that Brig. Gen. Claire Adams Ender, a former Army chief for the Army Nurse Corps and
a 2019 inductee herself, nominated Jolivet for the Hall of Fame. Ender, who Jolivet worked under, was instrumental in both of their careers. Helm-Frazier described her as “legendary.”
Jolivet shared that camaraderie, mentorship and respect is what kept her in the military for more than 20 years. Caring for men—especially young men—during the Vietnam war was a formative experience for her.
“It wasn’t easy for these men. They were abused. They were mistreated,” said Berger. “I’ve heard stories of one Montford Pointer being forced to stand at attention on the banks of one of the waterways in Jacksonville with a lit cigarette in his mouth and a bucket over his head.”
She also learned that her grandfather struggled with chronic back problems as
a result of his service, and by 1969 was fully disabled. One of his letters revealed that he was trying to secure medical coverage, but the Department of Veterans Affairs doubted his injuries. Berger remains committed to learning the stories of every Montford Point Marine, including the 33 men that he served with—one of whom is Hall. She hopes more people will take time to dig into their family history.
“Be curious. Talk to your elders and record them,” said Berger. “I find that as people get older, they loosen their filters and they’re willing to tell you things they may not have shared years ago. You might change someone’s life just by sitting down and having a conversation.”
“We learned a lot from them and we took great care of them,” said Jolivet. “We worked and we didn’t look at the time or how long we had been working. We stayed and we worked until everything was completed. It was that kind of camaraderie, that kind of discipline that I really enjoyed.” Aside from camaraderie, Jolivet said the Army taught her leadership. Seeing women continue to excel in their leadership and mentor her to do the same is what kept her motivated and allowed her to do the same for others. “My glory is to see the impact that I had on others,” she said. When asked what she would tell the women who serve today, she shared advice she always did while in uniform. “Leave the
more than what you came
There is so much to learn while you are in the military, in terms of leadership and in terms of your profession”
take place on March 12, 2026, 1 p.m., at the
Photo courtesy of Mallorie Marshall Berger
Pictured here is the late Maurice L. Burns, a former Montford Point Marine. Burns’ granddaughter, Mallorie Marshall Berger, has set out to identify every Montford Point Marine and ensure they are honored with a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the unit in 2012.
Photo courtesy of Charles Cargile Hall
Charles Cargile Hall is recognized as one of the first African Americans to integrate the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1943, after receiving a draft letter, Hall was sent to join the Montford Point Marines in Jacksonville, N.C.
Photo courtesy of Charles Cargile Hall
Charles Cargile Hall will celebrate his 100th birthday on Nov. 16. He still remembers the segregation he and his fellow recruits faced while integrating the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
military with
in with.
The 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will
Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va.
Meta (Facebook)/ Arnold Jolivet II Col. (Ret.) Jo Ann Jolivet will be honored by the Army Women’s Foundation March 12, 2026.
Pride and sacrifice: The family side of duty
By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor ATaylor@afro.com
One of my earliest mem-
ories of a child is a night from the early 1990s. In my family’s small, but sufficient MacDonald Manor apartment in Chesapeake, Va., a scene plays out.
My mother and I are in the living room. It’s the middle of the night, but this night, we both lay on the couch awaiting a single moment. Finally it arrives.
A jingling of keys. The commotion of bags on the other side of the door. And at long last, my father, in full uniform, walking through the door with his military green duffel bag in tow.
Though he had less than 72 hours to make the hourslong drive to Virginia, see his family and head right back to the military base where he was training, he did it. He came home to see his wife, his namesake, Allen Taylor III, and his baby girl. For a moment, all was well. I loved seeing my dad in his uniform. I still remember being elated and the rush of energy that went through my tiny body when he arrived… but it didn’t last long. Before the sun could fully come up…a call came in. His Army unit was being called
into battle. He needed to report for duty–stat. One cannot describe the heartbreak. Though the memory is
fuzzy, it’s still buried deep. I cried. I kicked. I screamed. Why would he come home and then immediately leave? Whew…even now, as an adult
COMPUTER
upbringing on military bases around the world afforded me an opportunity to get Christmas ornaments from the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt in Germany, take in the deserts of El Paso, Texas, and call the great state of South Carolina home for a little over 10 years. On the other hand, it meant never having cousins, aunts, uncles or grandparents nearby. It meant changing elementary schools three times before third grade and never really being able to say “you remember, in kindergarten…” to any of my peers.
Being a drill sergeant’s daughter meant discipline and work ethic, but it also meant anxiety and stress.
After serving in Desert Storm, my father returned to the Middle East for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. But all of that was after his time in Panama for Operation Just Cause.
We were thousands of miles of away, but the family did every deployment with him.
it still hurts. And that’s what it means to be in a military family. Pride…and sacrifice. Looking back, my
Though we may not have been struggling with 110 degree heat, living in makeshift barracks, dodging bullets or fighting our way back to base, my mother was holding down a household with three kids and a nursing
career often interrupted by a change in duty stations. I was sweating it out in middle school, trying to focus with a parent in a war zone. And somewhere, we all grew accustomed to weeks on end with no communication, just waiting for the phone to ring with high hopes that someone was at home to answer.
Today, I know that my family is in a group of lucky ones. Our drill sergeant turned sergeant major was able to walk through the door again and again.
I am happy to see November recognized as National Veterans and Military Families Month, with celebrations for veterans, but also, the families that keep them going.
This month, I encourage all to honor the veterans in their lives, but to also find a way to support their families. It could mean helping that Army wife that is on her first deployment or calling legislators and asking them to support the Military Spouse Hiring Act. It could mean encouraging your child to welcome the new military kid into their friend group or simply sending a thank you to a military family. Because the truth of the matter is, when one person enlists, their entire family answers the call to serve.
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Alexis Taylor is managing editor of AFRO News. This week, she speaks on the service required by the military family when a loved one enlists. Shown here, Taylor with her father, Provost Marshal Protection Sgt. Maj. (Retired) Allen Taylor Jr.
Ryan P. Retail Banking Team Manager 11 years with BofA
Federal officials reverse Hyattsville immigration court’s move to eject reporters
By Ruby Siefken and Lillian Glaros
Federal officials have reversed a decision of the Hyattsville Immigration Court and welcomed reporters back inside – without permission from a public information officer to be there.
On Oct. 31 morning, a Department of Justice office sent an email stating that immigration court hearings are “generally open to the public, including the news media.”
Contrary to what local court officials said earlier, the email says that members of the media are not required to get permission from the Executive Office of Immigration Review before observing a hearing.
Furthermore, in open court hearings where space is limited, media should have priority seating, the email said.
It was not immediately clear whether that clarification had gone out to all of the local courts around the country, but advocates for press freedom said they hope so.
“Federal regulation is pretty clear on [media access] but it seems like the message might be getting lost in translation,” said Renee Griffin, a staff attorney at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
The decision comes less than a day after
Capital News Service editors and publishers asked the Chief Immigration Judge to re-admit them to proceedings in the Hyattsville Immigration Court.
On Oct. 28, a judge removed two CNS reporters from an immigration courtroom. Court personnel, including the court administrator, told them they could not return to the courthouse without permission from the public information officer at the EOIR.
That PIO, Kathryn Mattingly, is on furlough due to the government shutdown. Nevertheless, Court Administrator Neil Andrade said the CNS reporters could not return to the courthouse without her explicit permission.
Rafael Lorente, dean of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, wrote a letter to Chief Immigration Judge Teresa Riley on Oct. 30, citing the court’s own policy manual where it says that representatives of the news media may attend hearings that are open to the public. Merrill College runs CNS. The chief immigration judge runs the administrative courts for the DOJ and the EOIR.
He was appealing on behalf of the reporters and their editor, Christi Parsons, who have been covering the Hyattsville Immigration Court for the past two months. Reporters had previously
Kaiser Permanente invites communities to celebrate wellness
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com
Kaiser Permanente is marking the start of fall with a new community program designed to connect health and happiness. The organization will hold “Wellness Weekend” festivals Nov. 8-9 to encourage families to adopt healthier habits through free screenings, interactive activities and education focused on preventive care.
Timed with the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the beginning of American Diabetes Month, the events will also provide information, early detection resources and screenings aimed at advancing equitable health outcomes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “catching prediabetes early can help people prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes. Finding out [about] Type 2 Diabetes—and taking action—can help people prevent or delay serious health complications. Getting tested is simple and quick.”
Events are scheduled for Kaiser Permanente medical centers in multiple locations. In Haymarket, Va., services will be offered at the Haymarket Crossroads Medical Center, located at 15050 Heathcote Blvd. In Bowie, Md., resources will be available at Bowie Fairwood Medical Center, located at 5400 Hillmeade Road. In Timonium, Md., people can speak with healthcare professionals and take advantage of their offerings at Lutherville-Timonium Medical Center, located at 2391 Greenspring Drive. The fairs will run on Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Nov. 9 from noon to 4 p.m. Each site will be transformed into a family-friendly health hub featuring seasonal attractions, wellness demonstrations and opportunities to learn about the organization’s coordinated approach to care.
Kaiser Permanente will host “Wellness Weekend”
festivals Nov. 8–9 at multiple medical centers across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, offering free health screenings centered around breast cancer and diabetes awareness, family activities and wellness demonstrations.
“This is a good time to encourage and influence people to get tested and get screenings done. We have facilities available to the public so they can see what they get from a Kaiser Permanente facility. All your screenings, labs and pharmacy are in one place,” said Charima Young, senior director of community relations at Kaiser Permanente.
The initiative coincides with Open Enrollment, inviting both current members and prospective participants to experience how Kaiser Permanente’s integrated model delivers convenient, compassionate care for every stage of life.
“We will give free
screenings to Kaiser members and non-members,” said Young. “This event provides a space where people can have fun, bring their families, but also learn more about what’s going on with their bodies.”
This weekend’s festival will include autumn-themed experiences with local vendors, flu shots, and wellness booths; children’s activities promoting movement and healthy routines; opportunities to engage directly with physicians and health experts through on-site question-and-answer sessions; and tours of each facility highlighting Kaiser Permanente’s emphasis on accessibility and integrated services.
Three days after Capital News Service reporters were removed from an immigration courthouse, they are now being welcomed back by federal officials – along with any member of the public interested in attending.
identified themselves as press whenever judges asked, but none had ever tried to remove them before.
First thing on Oct. 31, Lorente received an unsigned email from the EOIR.
“Although members of the media are not required to obtain EOIR’s permission before observing a hearing, members of the media are strongly encouraged to coordinate with the Office of Policy in advance of visiting, and to identify themselves to court staff at the front window upon arrival,” the email read. “Local court staff can help ensure access if space is limited.”
“Your reporters are welcome to return to the Hyattsville Immigration Court to observe hearings,” the email concluded.
This article was originally published by the Capital News Service.
“This event provides a space where people can have fun, bring their families, but also learn more about what’s going on with their bodies.”
Unsplash / Elliana Gill
Photo courtesy of CNS
A legacy in motion: Bowie State’s 90th Homecoming ignites joy, family and Bulldog pride
By Mekhi Abbott Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com
The music was loud, the colors bold and the Bulldog pride exuded throughout Prince George’s County as Bowie State University celebrated its 90th annual homecoming from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2.
The weeklong celebration included the annual homecoming parade, student showcases and a high-energy football game. The theme for the homecoming of Maryland’s oldest historically Black university was “It’s Off the Chain!”
“Bowie’s homecoming is a really fun time,” said Chayley Williams, a junior theatre arts major at the university. “I am not even a big football fan but I enjoyed it…you have the tailgate and everything. There’s such a familial feeling and community here. I love it.”
The university kicked off the homecoming festivities with the Homecoming Gospel Concert on Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m. which featured the alumni choir, Bowie State University choir and gospel artists Kierra Sheard and Tim Bowman Jr.
The coronation of Mister and Miss Bowie State took place on Oct. 29 and the annual homecoming concert was on Oct. 30.
The Bowie State Bulldogs hosted their Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) foe, the Elizabeth City State on the gridiron at 1 p.m. on Nov. 1, the university’s official Homecoming Day. The Bulldogs started off firing on all cylinders, jumping out to a 27-7 lead against the Vikings highlighted by a 97-yard interception return touchdown by redshirt senior Tommie McCoy III.
The Vikings would go on to slightly spoil Bowie State’s homecoming after storming back
and scoring 21 unanswered points, defeating the Bulldogs 28-27.
Bulldog quarterback Savion Witherspoon finished the game with 139 passing yards, 81 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns and an interception.
The loss marks Bowie’s sixth CIAA conference loss on the season. They hold a record of 2-7 overall with a 1-6 CIAA record.
The Bulldogs will travel to Lincoln, Pa., to face off against Lincoln University on Nov. 8 which will be the team’s season finale.
Courtesy photo / Bowie State University
Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux engages the crowd gathered for homecoming.
Courtesy photo / Bowie State University
The 33rd Mister and 79th Miss Bowie State University, Alfred Dixon and Andrea Newman, make an appearance during the homecoming football game.
Courtesy photo / Bowie State University
Bowie State University’s Kyree Lenn (#26) makes a move against Elizabeth City State University’s Troy Smith (#6).
Courtesy photo / Bowie State University
Bowie State University mascots, Goldie and Butch Bulldog, hype up the crowd on game day.
Courtesy photo / Bowie State University
The Dancing Divas perform for the crowd during the homecoming half-time show, along with Bowie State University’s Symphony of Soul Band.
Courtesy photo / Bowie State University
Thousands attend the 2025 Bowie State Homecoming game on Nov. 1, 2025.
Courtesy photo / Bowie State University
Bowie alumni Myles Frost, an award-winning actor, singer, songwriter, music producer and dancer, serves as the grand marshal of the 2025 homecoming parade. Frost won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in the Broadway production of “MJ the Musical” and received a Grammy Award nomination for the cast recording.
Compassion has left the building
As Americans worry whether they’ll get their next paycheck, keep the lights on, or afford dinner tonight, an internal email dated Oct. 31, 2025, from the halls of the U.S. Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense) lands — addressed to “Policy Colleagues,” wishing them a “Happy Halloween” and announcing that the 59-minute early-departure rule is in effect so everyone can get home for trick-ortreating. The sender? Elbridge A. Colby, Under Secretary of War for Policy Let that sink in.
People are being laid off. Budgets are frozen. Contractors are waiting months for payment. Air traffic controllers and TSA officers — the people who keep our skies safe and our airports functioning — are working without pay during this shutdown, trying to stay focused while wondering how to feed their families. Morale across the federal workforce is scraping bottom. And yet, in the corridors of power, someone thought it appropriate to celebrate a secular holiday with early dismissal. The symbolism couldn’t be clearer.
The cruelty is the point
While ordinary Americans face economic whiplash and mounting uncertainty, government insiders are handing out candy — not compassion. And even as the nation tightens its belt, #47 has already demolished the historic East Wing of the White
House to build a sprawling ballroom fit for royalty. A ballroom. While millions struggle to make rent. This isn’t just tone-deaf. It’s heartless. Leadership should model sacrifice, not spectacle. True public service calls for empathy, not excess. When government workers are going unpaid, when families are skipping meals, when the most vulnerable are
“Leadership should model sacrifice, not spectacle. True public service calls for empathy, not excess.”
pleading for relief — what message does it send to grant time off for trick-or-treating? The message is loud and clear: “Our comfort matters more than your hardship. “Hypocrisy is easy. Indifference takes practice. But moral blindness — the kind that allows a nation’s leaders to lavish themselves with luxury while ignoring hunger in the streets — that’s something else entirely. And let’s be clear: only Congress has the constitutional authority to create, dissolve, or formally rename a federal department. The president’s Sept. 5, 2025, executive order allows “Department of War” as a secondary or official styling, but the legal name remains the Department of Defense
unless Congress changes it.
When democracy becomes a dirty word
Whatever happened to “government of the people, by the people, for the people”? It’s been looking more like government above the people, apart from the people, against the people — ever since #47 was sworn in.
And now, even the word democracy itself has become suspect — quietly dropped from philanthropic mission statements and placed on “avoid lists” alongside the words “diversity,” “equity,” “inclusion” and even the word “Black.” When the ideals that define our shared
humanity are treated as liabilities, we are in dangerous territory indeed.
Bring back compassion and courage
It’s time to bring compassion back into public service — and courage back into civic life. Leadership is not about privilege, but about responsibility. Until that happens, the rest of us — the people who still believe in justice, empathy, and truth — will keep holding up the mirror. Because someone must remind those in power what service really means — that they exist to serve the people, not the other way around.
This article was originally published by Word in Black.
By Dr. Frances Murphy Draper
AFRO CEO and Publisher
AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin
Dr. Frances Murphy Draper is CEO and publisher of AFRO News. This week, she discusses the actions being taken in the White House more than 30 days into a shutdown of the federal government.
BALTIMORE-AREA
Mayor Scott announces $4.6M in emergency food aid
By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer vmejicanos@afro.com
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott on Oct. 28 announced more than $4.6 million in emergency aid for food, rent and childcare assistance to support federal workers and residents to offset the impact of the federal government shutdown.
“We’re here today because the president and his allies in Congress do not care about the working people of this city or anywhere in America, for that matter,” Scott said. “None of those things should ever be on the table ever in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.”
Scott said Baltimore is home to 12,000 federal workers.
The city will invest $1.71 million for food distribution, and is collaborating with several local organizations such as the Maryland Food Bank and The Food Project, which are already seeing the effects of the shutdown. Residents will not have to show proof of employment or SNAP/WIC to access any food resources.
“I lose sleep thinking about my moms,” said Michelle Suazo,
director of The Food Project in Southwest Baltimore that serves 950 families a week. “I have one mom with six kids in a hotel, and she could barely get by just paying for the hotel room. And I don’t know what she’s going to do when she doesn’t have money for SNAP.”
The organization also provides free clothing, legal aid and mental
• $1 million to support child care costs for essential federal workers who are working without pay and SNAP-eligible families.
• $975,000 in grants to hospitals who are key partners in the City’s Community Violence Intervention work.
“If nobody’s got us, we have to have ourselves.”
health support, “because at the end of the day, poverty runs deep,” Suazo said.
The rest of the funding package includes: $1 million to the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS) to support rental assistance for federal workers and recipients of federal housing subsidies.
Baltimore commissioner suspends ‘police powers’ of officer seen attempting to hit man with squad car
By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor ataylor@afro.com
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley announced a suspension of “police powers” for an officer seen on video attempting to hit a man with his squad car after a verbal altercation.
“The Baltimore Police Department is aware of a social media video depicting concerning actions of a Baltimore Police Officer. The department has opened an internal affairs investigation into this incident and are reviewing the officer’s bodyworn camera. The officer’s police powers have been suspended,” said Baltimore Police Department officials
via their official Meta (Facebook) account on Oct. 29. The video in question has been uploaded to multiple social media platforms. One social media user who posted the video to Instagram tags it as an incident that happened in the 21215 zipcode of Park Heights.
In it, a Baltimore Police officer can be seen speaking to a Black man, while others question why he is being stopped. The man begins to walk away, down an empty alley. At that point, the officer gets into his squad car and rapidly accelerates towards the man, who runs into an open grassy area along the alley, trying to escape. The officer then leaves the pavement of the alleyway and
trails the man into the open greenspace. He recklessly uses his vehicle to chase down the man who is still on foot, ultimately crashing his vehicle into private property in what seems like attempts to run the man down and hit him with the squad car.
“What is seen in this video is not only disturbing, but alarming,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley in the statement. “This is not how we expect our officers to behave and this incident does not reflect the values or standards of the Baltimore Police Department.”
“Our department continues to work hard to rebuild trust and change the narrative of our department and our city,” Worley continued.
“We remain committed to holding officers accountable for their actions and continuing the work of rebuilding trust with our community.”
Mayor Brandon M. Scott also weighed in on the video.
“The contents of the video are deeply concerning. The officer in question has been suspended and the situation is under investigation,” said Scott in a statement in response to the incident. “This investigation will be thorough, in accordance with all laws and regulations, to ensure proper accountability.”
Stay tuned to AFRO com for updates.
Scott said the city will never be able to fully fill gaps left by the federal government, and encouraged people to continue to advocate for the opening of the government.
“That’s what we’re about here in Baltimore,” Scott said. “If nobody’s got us, we have to have ourselves.” For more information on how to access these resources, residents can visit baltimorecity.gov/ shutdown.
AFRO News to honor former U.S. veterans for their service
By Brandon Henry AFRO Intern
On Nov. 13, AFRO News will host its annual “Salute to Our Veterans” event, honoring those who have served America in various branches of the U.S. military.
The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD.
Honorees include James A. Dula; Edward H. Ballard; Tywanda B. Morton; Jo Ann C. Jolivet and Sen. Benjamin T. Brooks (D-MD-District 10). Dr. Linda Singh, who is also a retired veteran, will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
“For the AFRO , honoring veterans is deeply personal,” said Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy Draper, CEO and publisher of AFRO News.
“Our paper has always stood for service—to our community and our country. During World War II, the AFRO sent the largest group of Black
war correspondents overseas, and one of our own family members, Vashti Murphy Matthews, served with the famed 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Service and sacrifice are part of our story.”
Dr. Draper said the event “started as a simple idea to highlight local heroes whose stories often go untold.” She soon realized that many of the AFRO’s readers and supporters were veterans or had family members who served.
“What began as a feature story quickly became an annual celebration,” said Dr. Draper. “My hope is that our ‘Salute to Our Veterans’ luncheon inspires gratitude and unity. Through it, the AFRO says to every veteran, ‘We see you, we honor you and your story matters.’”
Tickets are $100 a person. To purchase a ticket, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit AFRO TIX.LIVE for more information.
Screenshots courtesy of Tik Tok /
Screenshots from a video uploaded to Tik Tok show an officer of the Baltimore Police Department running down a man in his squad car, ultimately crashing into private property.
Screenshots courtesy of Tik Tok /
Each year AFRO News takes time to honor veterans with the “A Salute to Our Veterans” event. This year, honorees will be celebrated on Nov. 13.
AP Photo
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott is working to offset the impacts of the federal government shutdown for families in Charm City. Scott recently approved $4.6 million in emergency assistance for federal workers and Baltimore residents in need.
Former Baltimore mayors honored with portrait unveiling
On Nov. 1, the Rotunda of Baltimore City Hall was filled with pride, reflection and gratitude as four of the city’s former mayors–Sheila Dixon, Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Catherine Pugh and Bernard “Jack” Young– joined Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott for the unveiling of their official portraits. The event, hosted in the ornate marble rotunda, brought together family members, friends, elected officials and invited guests for an intimate celebration of Baltimore’s leadership and legacy.
Mayor Scott opened the evening by recognizing the moment’s historic significance. The last mayoral portrait to be unveiled was that of Mayor Martin O’Malley.
“Tonight, we’re adding to that lineage with portraits that reflect the true diversity, talent and leadership that define our city,” said Scott.
The portraits unveiled were part of Baltimore’s Faces of Leadership portrait competition, which drew more than 180 submissions from artists across the region. A panel of arts professionals narrowed the field to 17 finalists through a blind selection process, and each former mayor selected their own artist. Megan Lewis was chosen by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake; Andrew Pisacane, known professionally as Gaia, was selected by Mayor Sheila Dixon; Kennedy Ringgold was chosen by Mayor Catherine Pugh; and Karen Warshal was selected by Mayor Jack Young.
As the portraits were revealed, the audience responded with warm applause. The portraits captured the individuality of each mayor and the collective story of Baltimore’s evolution.
For former Mayor Sheila Dixon, the portrait’s backdrop of Druid Hill Park held special meaning.
“During my administration, I wanted Baltimore to be cleaner, greener, healthier and safer—it wasn’t just a slogan,” she said. “The background in my portrait is the real Baltimore, the earth of the city I love. Fifty or a hundred years from now, I want people to see that and know I was part of the fabric of this city.”
Dixon paved a new path as the first woman to serve Baltimore City as mayor. The unveiling was historic in that it added, for the first time, portraits of women.
Mayor Rawlings-Blake reflected on her years in public service and the legacy she leaves behind.
“When I think about what I’m most proud of, it’s helping to deliver more than a billion dollars for Baltimore City schools,” she said.
“The day that bill passed, I knew that even if I never accomplished another thing, I’d helped change the trajectory of our children’s education. That’s a legacy I’m proud to see live on inside City Hall.”
Rawlings-Blake’s portrait included pictures of her parents and her daughter Sophia.
For Mayor Catherine Pugh, the moment was one of gratitude and humility.
“I thank the citizens of Baltimore for allowing me to serve,” said Pugh. “It wasn’t always easy—it was the best of times and the worst of times—but it was always an honor to serve this city.”
Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young added humor and heart as he described his decision to have his portrait painted inside City Hall.
“I chose to do mine here because I’ve been in City Hall almost every day,” he said with a smile. “My family didn’t get to see me much when I was mayor. This place is part of who I am. I love City Hall, and I love the City of Baltimore.”
Though four portraits were unveiled, the evening also acknowledged artist Ernest Shaw, who has been selected to create the official portrait of Mayor Brandon M. Scott. Once completed, Shaw’s work will join the collection, adding to the visual lineage of Baltimore’s mayors.
The atmosphere in the rotunda was one of celebration and connection — former staffers embraced, families posed for photos and the mayors, once separated by eras, stood together united by service. The new portraits will hang permanently in City Hall, joining the long line of leaders whose faces tell Baltimore’s story — one of resilience, progress and enduring pride.
All photos courtesy of Office of the Baltimore City Mayor / J.J. McQueen
By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO
Robyn Murphy (left), chief executive officer of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts celebrates artists Karen Warshal, Megan Lewis, Kennedy Ringgold, Ernest Shaw with Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (right).
Former Mayors Sheila Dixon (left), Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Catherine Pugh and Bernard “Jack” Young, listen intently during the portrait unveiling ceremony.
Former Mayor Sheila Dixon addresses those gathered for the unveiling of her portrait. Dixon served as mayor of Baltimore City from Jan. 18, 2007 to February 4, 2010.
Current Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, standing beside his wife, Hana Pugh Scott, speaks to those gathered on Nov. 1 for the historic unveiling of portraits created in honor of Charm City’s previous four mayors.
Former Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh enters the Baltimore City Hall Rotunda on Nov. 1 to a standing ovation.
Former Baltimore City Mayors Sheila Dixon (left), Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Catherine Pugh and Bernard “Jack” Young unveil their official portraits.
COMMENTARY
Keep your head to the sky and… give thanks!
By Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith
“LORD, I look up to you, up to heaven, where you rule.” — Psalm 123:1:
Recently I boarded a small elevator and was delighted to join a young mother with her baby in a stroller. Soon a gentleman joined us. During the short ride, the baby took the pacifier from her mouth, looked into the eyes of each of us and pointed her finger upwards for us to look up. Her mother said she always does that. I found this to be a mystical moment led by the baby.
While cherishing the encounter, I suddenly remembered there would be multiple national guard personnel, police and security to greet me at the top of my long escalator ride. As I walked in their presence, I found encouragement from the sacred moment of the baby leading us. This memory was furthered when my mind and heart remembered one of my favorite groups, Earth, Wind, and Fire, and their song, “Keep Your Head to the Sky.”
“Keep your head to the sky…
You gave me the will to be free, purpose to live is reality…
Hey and I found myself never alone, cause you need faith to understand…”
In this season of so much uncertainty in our lives, I also think about the lives of farmers, both locally and globally, living with the uncertainty of being able to feed us, and of the profound suffering of vulnerable populations and of food systems under threat of funding cuts, climate change and conflicts.
Giving thanks can be hard as we approach this holiday season. With the increased presence of the military and security personnel locally, and with at least 45 conflicts and wars globally, we have reason to be troubled. Still, we are encouraged to look up and rise above the pain and evils of this world.
The baby in the elevator is on her mission to remind us to do this, as is the song. The Christ child who we anticipate again in the season of Advent 2025, starting Nov. 30, also reminds us to look up. The Bible tells us that after the Christ child was born, he and his family escaped
LEGALLY WRITTEN:
to the African country of Egypt for refuge from the King Herod, who sought to have the child killed.
Sadly, this is the story today for so many children who suffer at the hands of violent governments and movements. Our recent Pan Women of Faith/Pan African Women’s Ecumenical Empowerment Network conference reminded us that children and youth, like Pan African girls, still have the courage to be resilient and truthtellers, just like in the Bible and baby in the elevator.
Advocacy with and for babies, children, mothers, fathers and families is one of the ways we accept and renew our call to be divinely human through the eyes of faith. May you always be reminded by the child inside you to look up and walk faithfully, especially as we approach this holiday season which includes Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent. Bread for the World hopes that our new Advent devotional, “Advent People in Uncertain Times: A Bread for the World Devotional,” can be a source to accompany you during these uncertain times.
The missing voice in America’s access to justice, Pt. 1
By Kisha Brown
“Access to justice” is a term of art and action in legal and policy circles — a call for better inclusion and participation in our legal system. That system of course is not relegated to just the courts; it includes nearly every facet of life from healthcare to education to housing to business. However, without a holistic look at access to justice, the conversation often skips over the personal realities facing one of the most marginalized groups in America— Black people.
For our community, the issue isn’t simply about pro bono hours or right to counsel theories. Albeit important to the legal system, neither are guaranteed to move the needle and more often just feed the nonprofit industrial complex with more feel good efforts.
For Black people to find, trust and afford legal counsel that sees us fully and fights for our interests before crisis strikes is
THE GOALPOSTS KEEP MOVING:
paramount to our success and survival.
That’s why I spend so much time building Justis Connection: The Black Lawyer Directory as a comprehensive one stop resource to help us find Black lawyers for sound legal advice.
The ability to navigate smoothly through the inevitable challenges of life is critical to maximizing one’s time and resources for earning a living and leisure.
In the midst of advancements, we are living in a time when the racial wealth gap continues to widen and the lack of legal counsel plays a huge role in stalling and stunting any advancements. Think- the erosion of housing equity from racially motivated appraisal devaluations that have robbed majority Black jurisdictions, like Baltimore City and Prince George’s County, of tax dollars and Black homeowners of equity rich homes.
So when we talk about access to justice we’re not just talking about whether Tyrone has a good public defender or whether
there’s a good prosecutor on the other side. Access to justice in the context of legal counsel is mostly about the first-generation business owner to the seasoned yet isolated professionals to retirees navigating estate planning who often have more at stake and less legal guidance.
A Black contractor negotiating a six-figure deal. A corporate professional navigating workplace discrimination. A grandmother seeking to pass down her home without it being tangled in probate court. Each of these scenarios represents an everyday legal matter that too often goes unaddressed because of cost, distrust, or lack of connection to the Black legal community. And here lies the quiet emergency: the longer the delay in obtaining counsel, the more costly — financially and generationally — the consequences become. Legal neglect compounds just like financial debt and the damage done is not only suffered by the individual but by the collective Black community as well.
Maryland’s public arts funding is failing its working artists
By Sarahia Benn
“Maryland artists just saved the arts budget, and yet somehow, we still can’t get a grant. It’s like showing up to your own party and being told the punch bowl is for everyone else.” – Sarahia Benn
For decades, I’ve worked as an artist, educator and advocate for public arts funding in Maryland. I’ve lobbied, testified and organized to ensure that the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) remained well-funded—because I deeply believed in accessible, community-based art.
This year, advocacy efforts “worked”: Maryland’s arts budget remained intact. On paper, $31.25 million in operating funds and $3 million in capital funding was preserved. Victory? Sure—if you’re reading the press release. For working artists, it’s starting to feel like winning a lottery ticket only to find out the payout is a coupon for free office supplies.
I recently received notice that my Creativity Grant scored 88 percent, but the threshold was set at 91 percent. Three points. A literal hair’s breadth. I asked for a breakdown of the panel’s review, only to see the same old pattern: submit for review, “we are really overwhelmed,” standardized language, in a previous request vague feedback and more
opaque than a foggy Maryland morning near the Solomon Islands.
Musicians are told to “apply again,” “add more detail,” and “align more closely with the rubric.” But when the threshold jumps from 87 percent to 90 percent to 91 percent, it feels less like guidance and more like gatekeeping. My project fits the grant’s mission perfectly—create, develop and promote original work—yet the result was the same. And if it takes six weeks or more to hear that your application is denied? That delay shrinks your ability to reapply, plan or even breathe. A system like this effectively limits artists to a fraction of opportunities each year—bureaucracy masquerading as fairness.
This isn’t about Democrats versus Republicans. Maryland artists have been running into these opaque grant processes for years, including under previous administrations. Accountability seems to have taken a permanent vacation. Is this the result of federal budget cuts cascading down? If so, no one bothered to tell us.
Beyond grants, local professional musicians face structural barriers in the very venues MSAC funds. Talented Baltimore and regional musicians often compete with out-of-state or institutional acts for bookings and, when hired, are frequently underpaid. Many are forced into private instruction teaching
gigs, private events, regional tours or even international work just to survive. Meanwhile, hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, New York and LA are running thriving local markets. Maryland should too—but only if its local talent has a shot to shine.
Oh, I know what you’re thinking—why didn’t they save? Maybe because some venues are still stuck in the 1970s, cutting checks like disco-era wages… while flying in out-of-state musicians and paying them like Jeff Bezos. IJS.
Equity gaps are clear in panel representation. I’ve applied for five years running to serve as a panel reviewer and have been denied every time without response. Who decides what art is “fundable” matters.
Excluding independent and community-based artists ensures equity is a slogan, not practice.
Maryland’s arts ecosystem depends on trust between institutions and the artists who fuel them. When trust erodes, so does vibrancy. Musicians give time, energy and credibility to sustain public arts systems. When the system excludes these contributors, it becomes extractive rather than supportive.
MSAC needs transparency, accountability and recalibration:
• Publish funding distribution by geography, discipline and demographics MSAC Artist Directory.
• Explain how panel questions are
determined and ensure they align with grant priorities and artistic practice, not arbitrary inquiries.
• Ensure independent and community artists—not just institutional representatives—sit on panels.
• Guarantee timely review timelines so reapplication isn’t a guessing game.
• Recognize local and regional artists as vital to the state’s cultural economy, providing them opportunities and compensation in line with the current economy. Because here’s the reality: if public arts funding no longer reaches the public (musicians), but instead circulates within a closed loop of “acceptable” recipients, we have to ask— who’s the system really serving?
Photo courtesy of Bread for the World
Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World. This week, she speaks on finding inspiration and encouragement in troubled times.
Courtesy photo
Sarahia Benn is a Maryland State Arts Council touring artist and independent musician, music producer, writer, policy expert, and a grassroots community leader of MMC (Maryland Musician Coalition), an entity of the Policy Foundation INC. This week, she discusses equitable and transparent funding for artists in Maryland.
Courtesy photo
A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Wellesley College, Kisha Brown previously served as director of both the Maryland Attorney General’s Legislative Affairs division and the Civil Rights department. She was the first woman to lead the Baltimore City Office of Civil Rights. This week, she takes a holistic look at issues surrounding access to justice.
OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS NOTICE OF LETTING
Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for BALTIMORE CITY NO. RP21832 Morrell Park Field House will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. DECEMBER 17, 2025 Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. The proposed Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at the Dept. of Rec & Parks at 2600 Madison Ave, Baltimore, Md. 21217 by appointment only Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm by emailing jahmire.bradley@baltimorecity.gov as of November 7, 2025 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $100.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at 4 South Frederick Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is E-13001-Three Story and Under, Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $750,000.00 to $1,250,000.00. A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and in-person at 10:00 A.M. on November 18, 2025. Email your contact information to shanek.kumi@baltimorecity.gov to receive an invite to the Microsoft Team (video conference meeting) no later than November 17, 2025 at 4:00pm. Principal Items of work for this project are Demo of existing structure, new 1-story building with (2) ADA restrooms, a storage room and a main concessions area. The MBE goal is 15% and WBE goal is 6% APPROVED: M. Celeste Amato, Clerk, Board of Estimates
Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. The bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. Bid opening proceedings can be also viewed live at https://www.charmtvbaltimore.com/live-stream at 12:00 noon. Bid tabulation sheets detailing the bids received will be publicly posted to the Comptroller’s website by COB on the date of bid opening.
The Contract Documents may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $100.00 by contacting Lauren Hoover at lauren.hoover@baltimorecity. gov as of FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025.
Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be pre-qualified by the City of Baltimore Boards and Commissions. Interested contractors should call 410 396-6883 or contact the Office of Boards and Commissions at 4 South Frederick Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. If a bid is submitted by a Joint Venture (“JV”), then in that event, the documents that establish the JV shall be submitted with the
The Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $500,000.01 to $1,000,000.00
A “Pre-Bidding information” session will be conducted at the ABEL WOLMAN MUNICIPAL BUILDING: 200 Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 21202 on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Principal Items of work for this project are:
1. Waterproofing of Pedestrian Tunnel 2. Structural Repair to Tunnel Ceiling
The MBE goal is 17% The WBE goal is 9% CONTRACT NO. PRJ003048 APPROVED: APPROVED:
