Maryland leaders praise Speaker Adrienne Jones as she steps down from historic, transformative tenure
The Dec.4 announcement of the resignation of Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Adrienne A. Jones from the post was met with widespread commendation for her exemplary leadership. Jones has dedicated over half of her
31-year tenure to leadership roles, serving as Speaker Pro-Tem for 16 years under her predecessor Speaker of the House Michael Bush.
“My best wishes to Speaker Adrienne Jones as she plots the next chapter in her life,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.07). “Adrienne’s leadership as Speaker and her guiding example will be sorely missed.
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett announces U.S. Senate bid in Texas
By Bill Barrow and John Hanna
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett launched a campaign Dec. 8 for the U.S. Senate in Texas, telling President Donald Trump, “I’m coming for you,” and bringing a national profile to what could be a critical race for Democrats’ long-shot hopes of reclaiming a Senate majority in next year’s midterm elections.
Crockett, one of Congress’ most outspoken Democrats, a frequent target of GOP attacks and a Trump target, jumped into the race on the final day of qualifying in
Texas. She is seeking the Senate seat held by Republican John Cornyn, who is running for reelection in the GOP-dominated state.
“As a candidate who is constantly attacked and seen as a threat, it’s because I am,” Crockett told supporters in Dallas. “I’m the only one who
Fortunately for the people of Maryland’s 10th District, she remains their legislative voice, with vision and vigor, but most of all she remains a friend to so many of us.”
Chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee, Delegate Jocelyn Pena-Melnyk (D-District 21) recalls nominating Jones for speaker, noting her fairness and consensus-building.
“She led us through COVID,” Pena-Melnyk said, adding that as Speaker, “Jones was strong yet quietly led, avoided micromanagement, voiced unpopular opinions when needed, implemented bias training, and provided opportunities for many of us. I appreciated
A new generation of Black church leaders steps into power
It was on Nov. 24, 2014, when then Howard University student Kevin Lamár Peterman first felt a sermon rise from his belly. That was the same day that a grand jury decided not to indict a White Ferguson, Mo., police officer, Darren Wilson, in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Mike Brown, an unarmed Black teenager
walking down the street in his neighborhood. It was a police killing that sparked historic protests across America, including fiery demonstrations in Ferguson that were met with military force.
Having returned from the uprisings in Ferguson, Peterman was leading a community and student protest on the steps of Howard’s Douglass Hall when the announcement
By Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO
AP Photo/Bryan Woolston
Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, the first woman and first Black person to hold the position, is stepping down after a widely celebrated tenure marked by transformative legislation and historic investments in equity.
By Hazel Trice Edney Word in Black
Courtesy of Trice Edney News Wire / Word in Black
Pastor Kevin Lamár Peterman (front, center, in suit and tie) stands in front of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., surrounded by guest clergy who attended to support and celebrate.
AP Photo/LM Otero
Jasmine Crockett, (D-Texas), speaks to reporters after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.
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Six vaccines that can keep you safe this holiday season
Christmas, Kwanzaa and other end-of-year holidays typically mean travel followed by close indoor contact with friends or loved ones — near-perfect conditions for nasty airborne viruses to spread. And when it comes to communicable illnesses, experts say, this holiday season is going to be a doozy.
This December, public health officials say winter is shaping up to be another three-virus merry-go-round, with rates of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all on the uptick in many regions of the country.
The flu has been declared “prevalent” in some states — meaning the virus has infected so many people that healthcare workers should take extra precautions.
Still, given the mixed messages about vaccines coming from public health agencies under the control of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s Health and Human
Services secretary, deciding whether to get seasonal jabs can be confusing.
To make things a bit easier, we at Word In Black researched the top six vaccines that experts recommend before hugging older relatives, bouncing babies on your knees, or squeezing into airplanes and buses with fellow travelers.
As always, consult a trusted healthcare professional for personal guidance.
1. Updated Flu Vaccine
Seasonal flu still causes millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year and is the deadliest vaccine-preventable disease besides COVID-19. The flu sent a record-setting number of people to the hospital during the 2024-2025 season, even though flu shots are highly effective in reducing the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
Medical experts recommend, with rare exceptions, that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible.
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It takes about two weeks for complete protection to kick in.
The updated vaccines will protect against the specific flu strains the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say are currently circulating worldwide.
2. Updated COVID-19 Vaccine
As of early December 2025, infections from the current COVID-19 strain are growing or likely to grow in most U.S. states. It’s also surging worldwide.
Experts recommend getting vaccinated at least two weeks before traveling or gathering with family. In most cases, it’s all right to get COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time.
3. RSV Vaccine
RSV can cause serious illnesses in older adults and is the leading cause of infant hospitalization. RSV infection levels are rising in much of the country, especially among children under age four.
Authorities recommend the vaccine for all adults aged 75 and older, and for adults over age 50 with chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, or other complications. Infants and women who are in late-stage pregnancy should talk with their healthcare professional about whether to get the RSV vaccine.
4. Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal bacterial infection can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections and meningitis. Cases often spike in winter, and can be deadly for older adults or people with chronic illnesses.
Experts suggest all adults age 50 and older who haven’t had a pneumonia vaccine should get one. Many adults, even those in their 60s and 70s, haven’t had the jab, so be sure to check medical records before taking the shot.
5. Tdap or Tetanus Booster
This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, also known as whooping cough, and the jab is crucial for both children and adults. Whooping cough in newborns can be life-threatening, and many infants are exposed to the disease by asymptomatic adults.
Experts recommend vaccination for adults who haven’t had the vaccine, as well as pregnant women in their third trimester. Also, if it’s been 10 years or more since your last tetanus shot, you’ve never had one — or can’t remember if you have — ask your provider about getting a booster shot.
6. MMR and Varicella
Outbreaks of measles, mumps, rubella and
chickenpox are on the rise, especially in communities with lower vaccination rates or among travelers. This year, the U.S. lost its status as having eradicated measles, and several outbreaks — some deadly — have occurred nationwide, most prominently in Texas and South Carolina.
Before piling into a multigenerational house or traveling internationally, experts recommend confirming MMR-V vaccine status or immunity.
7. Shingles Vaccine
Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that can cause severe pain and long-lasting nerve damage. People don’t catch shingles from others, but someone with shingles can transmit the virus that causes
chickenpox to people who aren’t immune.
All adults age 50 and older, as well as some adults age 19 and older with compromised immune systems, should get the shingles vaccine.
8. Travel-Specific Vaccines
Those headed overseas during the holidays should check the CDC’s travel health site or visit a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Depending on destination and activities, experts may recommend:
• Hepatitis A and/or B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever (for specific countries)
• Polio booster in areas where polio is still circulating This article was originally published by Word in Black.
By Jennifer Porter Gore Word in Black
Unsplash / Daniel Schludi
could make
the holiday season.
AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Experts say those traveling internationally over the
AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Speaker Adrienne Jones
Continued from A1
her lessons and am pleased she will continue serving Maryland’s 10th District and sharing her wisdom.”
Dr. David K. Wilson, Morgan State University president, recalls Jones’ leadership as impressive, quiet, intelligent, confident and astute.
“As the first woman and first Black person to hold the Speaker’s gavel, Delegate Adrienne Jones made history and she met that moment with aplomb and distinction. She led with purpose, integrity and honesty,” Wilson said.
He further praised her role in championing the resolution of Maryland’s longstanding HBCU lawsuit, securing a $577 million settlement.
“That investment served as a critical down payment toward equitable funding for the state’s four HBCUs and helped usher in a new era of fairness and opportunity,” Wilson said. “I personally applaud her deep understanding of the importance of positioning Maryland to remain competitive nationally and globally in education, innovation and economic vitality.”
The HBCU leader further credited Jones with supporting his efforts to secure $80 million in funding for Jenkins Hall, which houses Morgan State’s behavioral and social sciences programs.
“It was a privilege to have her as a partner in progress during this transformative period in Morgan’s history,” he said, adding that “Speaker Jones knew how to get things done.”
State Sen. Antonio Hayes, who represents Baltimore City’s 40th District, recalls Delegate Jones’ leadership in steering legislation for the capital budget in the House. While she was an advocate for Baltimore County, which she represents, she was also a strong advocate for Baltimore City.
“Her legacy and impact as the first African American Speaker of the House will uplift Black Marylanders for decades, starting with her proclamation of a ‘Black Agenda,’” Hayes said. “She boldly tackled real estate discrimination by addressing appraisal bias. In her career and
Black church leaders
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came that Wilson would not be indicted.
“I remember giving a speech that night that I felt turn into a sermon. And it was really social justice that led me to ministry,” Peterman said in a recent interview. “I felt that the best way to advance the cause of Black people in America was through the church and through education. And so that’s kind of how my ministry began.”
A historic installation in a historic city
A little more than 10 years later, the stirring that Peterman felt that night has now come full circle. On Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at the age of 32, he was installed pastor of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, the oldest and most historic Black Baptist congregation in Washington, D.C., dating back through enslavement more than 180 years.
Today, as issues of racial justice continue to simmer — and grow — across the nation, the pastoral installation of Peterman and other young men and women in his age group is being viewed as a resurgence of sorts, part of a spiritual uprising of a new generation of civil rights leadership in the Black church.
“What you’re seeing is that there are a number of young Black preachers who are taking over historic Black churches in historic cities, who are doing this work of social justice and also doing the work of social impact while also preaching salvation,” Peterman said. “Every generation of ministers is called to move the thermometer one notch, one pace forward. It’s like a race. The baton has been passed to the next generation to run our leg of the race.”
Passing the baton: A new generation takes the pulpit
Among those who have risen to church leadership from coast to coast‚ during what Peterman describes as the “Black Lives Matter” era, is Melech Thomas, who led protests alongside him after the Baltimore police custody death of Freddie Gray. Thomas was installed as pastor of Baltimore’s Payne Memorial AME Church earlier this year.
Also rising are:
The Rev. Rodney Carter, pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, the largest Pentecostal congregation in D.C.
• The Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford, pastor of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, the home church of former Vice President Kamala Harris
• The Rev. Art Gordon, pastor of the oldest Black Baptist church in New England, the People’s Baptist Church in Boston
• The Rev. Malcolm J. Byrd, senior pastor of the Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the oldest Black church in New York State, founded in 1796
The Rev. Marissa Farrow, senior pastor-elect of Baltimore’s Mt. Calvary Church and Ministries
as a legislator she has advocated for small and minority-owned businesses. She will remain a leader in the House as she continues to represent Maryland’s 10th District.”
Tyrone Taborn, publisher, chairman and CEO of Career Communications and the creative force behind STEM City USA, said, “As a business owner and technology leader, we will miss Speaker Jones’ leadership because she understands technology and the need for our state and country to be more inclusive.”
Delegate Melissa Wells (D-District 40) recalls Speaker Jones’ leadership as “transformative and historic” for Maryland and Baltimore City.
“Her legacy of equity, opportunity and community investment will endure,” she said.
“As chair of the Baltimore City Delegation in Annapolis, I am grateful for her unwavering commitment to strengthening our communities and uplifting Baltimore’s priorities,” concluded Delegate Wells.
Delegate Malcolm Ruff (D-District 41) said, “Speaker Jones will forever be known in the history books as a pioneer and grand stewardess for a better Maryland. In just six years alone, she’s whipped votes for some of the most consequential pieces of legislation we’ve seen in our State House.”
Those pieces of legislation include but are not limited to: The Racial Justice Agenda platformed by the largest state legislative Black Caucus in the nation; The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (the Kirwan Plan); The Police Accountability Act; The Climate Solutions Now Act; The Time To Care Act (for paid family and medical leave); the codification of reproductive autonomy into the state constitution; the legalization of cannabis, which was accompanied by restorative justice measures to combat the failed “war on drugs,” and so much more, Ruff said.
“I’m so grateful to have been sworn in by the first female and Black speaker in Maryland state history and to have received her mentorship all throughout my tenure,” he concluded.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett
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has gone toe to toe with Donald Trump, and there’s a reason he’s always got my name in his mouth.”
Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats to wrest control from Republicans next November, when most of the seats up for reelection are in states like Texas that President Donald Trump won last year. Democrats have long hoped to make Texas more competitive after decades of Republican dominance. Cornyn, first elected to the Senate since 2002, is facing the toughest GOP primary of his career against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt.
Crockett’s announcement came hours after former Rep. Colin Allred ended his own campaign for the Democratic nomination in favor of attempting a House comeback bid. She faces a March 3 primary against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, a former teacher with a rising national profile fueled by viral social media posts challenging Republican policies such as private school vouchers and requiring the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
“It’s going to be a sprint from now until the primary, but in Texas you have to think about the voter base overall in November, too,” said Kamau Marshall, a Democratic consultant who has worked for Allred before and worked on other campaigns in Texas. “Who can do the work on the ground? After the primary, who can win in the general?”
GOP hopes to make Crockett’s style a liability
Talarico raised almost $6.3 million in the three weeks after he formally organized his primary campaign committee in September and had nearly $5 million in cash on hand at the end of the month, campaign finance reports showed. Crockett raised about $2.7 million for her House campaign fund from July through September and ended September with $4.6 million.
Crockett could test Democratic voters’ appetite for a blunt communicator who is eager to take on Republicans as Democrats pursue their first statewide victory in Texas since 1994.
Republicans were quick on Dec. 8 to try to turn Crockett’s penchant for public clashes with opponents into liabilities. Paxton called her “Crazy Crockett.”
Cornyn told reporters at the U.S. Capitol he was eager for the chance to face her.
“I think that would be a lot of fun,” he said. “She just says such inflammatory and crazy things.”
Talarico welcomed Crockett to the Democratic primary but pointed to his
fundraising and said he has 10,000 volunteers.
“Our movement is rooted in unity over division,” he said in a statement.
Crockett speaks directly to Trump Democrats see their best opportunity to pick up the Texas seat if Paxton wins the Republican nomination because he has been shadowed for much of his career by legal and personal issues. Yet Paxton is popular with Trump’s most ardent supporters.
Hunt, who has served two terms representing a Houston-area district, defied GOP leaders by entering the GOP race.
Crockett told her cheering crowd in Dallas to “tune out” those who say she can’t win in the GOP-dominated state because she is Black, a woman or a Democrat.
Ahead of her 43-minute speech, Crockett’s campaign played a video of her with audio of Trump criticizing her playing over it, mocking the idea that she’s represents the Democratic Party’s future. Trump has called her a “low IQ person.” In response, Crockett said she would agree to take an IQ test against the president.
Crockett addressed the president directly several times.
“You better get to work because I’m coming for you,” she said. “I’m not going away. I’m not giving up.”
Crockett is known for her viral moments
Crockett is a civil rights attorney and a former public defender and once the youngest Black Democratic county chair in Texas. She served in the Texas House before winning the first of her two terms in Congress in 2000.
She’s built her national profile with a candid style and viral moments on Capitol Hill. Crockett traded insults with Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who announced last month that she would resign in January, and had heated exchanges with Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina. She also mocked Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott — who uses a wheelchair — as “Gov. Hot Wheels.” She later said she was referring to Abbott’s policy of using “planes, trains and automobiles” to send thousands of immigrants in Texas illegally to Democratic-led cities.
Democrats’ best showing in a statewide race in the past three decades was in 2018, when former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke came within 3 points of ousting Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. It was the midterm election of Trump’s first administration, and Democrats believe next year’s race could be similarly favorable to their party.
A former professional football player and civil rights attorney, Allred was among Democrats’ star recruits in 2018.
“So, you’re seeing a new generation of pastors coming into the pulpit and taking over historic churches, and many of us are trying to do the work that was being done 60 years ago, prior to the civil rights movement,” Peterman says. “It’s not a new vision. It’s a continuum. And hopefully, when we die, life in America will be better than it was when we were born.”
Therefore, during the services surrounding Peterman’s installation, it was made clear that his generation will not carry the mantle alone. As they rise to leadership, they join their mentors, their fathers and mothers in ministry who remain alongside them in the preaching of salvation, the battle for social justice, and the sharing of wisdom and experience.
Leadership for a digital, turbulent era
The three services celebrating Peterman as the new pastor included preachers known nationally for their leadership. Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, senior pastor of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va., preached a one-night revival. The installation service was led by Rev. Lawrence E. Aker III, lead pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., and the events culminated during a Sunday service preached by the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, where Peterman served as a pastoral intern.
Aker, the pastor who ordained Peterman at Cornerstone, where he served as a young adult and social justice minister, preached from the scripture, II Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The title of the message was “A Divine Assignment.”
Peterman listened intently, having been ceremoniously robed by his mother, Mrs. Donna Holley-Nelms. He recounted that he was raised by a “single-parent mother and grandmother in Vauxhall, New Jersey, with the church as the center of our life.”
Courtesy Photo Kevin Lamár Peterman, 32, is pastor of Washington,
historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church. He represents millennials everywhere who
COMMENTARY
Rising costs push Americans into impossible daily choices
By Rep. Kweisi Mfume
In recent months here in Baltimore and across the nation, the affordability crisis has become a defining challenge for everyday Americans. It’s crucial to underscore how the current administration’s policies have left working families, union households, veterans, single parents and individuals with disabilities struggling more than ever. When compared with what Donald Trump said he would fix on day one, it’s becoming painfully apparent that he had no idea of what people are going through on a day-to-day basis just to be able to survive with some modicum of dignity, as we watch prices go up and our dollars forced to buy less.
At the heart of this affordability struggle is a frightening reality–families are facing outrageous
costs for groceries, gas, electric bills and other essentials. As open enrollment season begins to slowly come to an end, people are being forced into impossible choices about healthcare: either pay rising premiums or risk going without coverage and hoping that no one in the family falls ill. That’s what the government shutdown was about. It was an insistence on the part of MAGA Republicans who control the House of Representatives, the Senate and the White House to let health subsidies expire and do nothing about it. That is not government at its best, that’s government at its worst.
At the heart of this gridlock is a White House that is disconnected from the reality on the ground.
Many feel that President Donald Trump and his right wing-aligned Republicans simply don’t grasp how unaffordable things have
become. Because they don’t personally feel the pinch, there’s a perception that they see no urgent need to act. This out-of-touch stance has left millions of working families in limbo, struggling with costs that keep climbing while real solutions are put on hold. Meanwhile Donald Trump is sending $20 billion to Argentina to help its flailing economy while ignoring the everyday needs of families here at home.
In other words, this administration has shown how out of touch it is with the daily realities of ordinary citizens just trying to make ends meet. We need to highlight that for working people, for those who have served our country, and for vulnerable households, these rising costs aren’t just numbers. They are daily hardships. They are decisions at the dinner table about what to cut and what to sacrifice.
Tips for managing your holiday budget in a time of financial uncertainty
It’s hard to believe the holiday season is upon us, bringing both excitement and extra financial responsibilities. For many Maryland families, managing celebrations alongside everyday budgets can feel a bit heavier this year. According to Bank of America internal data, in 2025 nearly a quarter of all households are estimated to live paycheck to paycheck, making unexpected or extra costs challenging. A clear holiday financial plan helps prioritize what matters most, reduces stress and keeps the season enjoyable instead of overwhelming. In the spirit of the season, I’ve pulled together a few tips for embracing the festivities, without breaking the budget.
Make a list and check it twice
Proactive planning is key to avoiding holiday overspending. To ensure you’re sticking to your seasonal expenses, create a detailed budget that includes a maximum spending limit. If you tend to impulse shop, consider allocating a small buffer to stay on track. Then, integrate your holiday gift budget into monthly finances.
The 50/30/20 rule (50 percent needs, 30 percent wants, 20 percent savings) is a great framework, and you can adjust these percentages as needed to comfortably cover holiday spending.
Pro-tip: More than half of consumers (52 percent) are buying gifts earlier this year to ease financial strain and avoid shipping delays. Start shopping early to spread expenses and snag promotions before prices rise. Focus on big-ticket items early, saving smaller purchases for later. You can also use price trackers tools to ensure that you’re getting the best deals.
Consider swapping out name brands for thoughtful “dupes.”
You don’t need to splurge on luxury to give a thoughtful gift. More than half of shoppers (51 percent), especially younger generations, would consider gifting “dupes” this holiday season – budget-friendly alternatives to high-end items. Just do a little research before you buy, so you can spot the best “bang for your bucks” and keep your holiday budget intact, without sacrificing the fun of giving.
And they underscore the need for leaders who truly understand and fight for affordability for all. In the end, it’s not just about policy differences. It’s about leadership that’s willing to stand up, listen, and understand what ordinary Americans are going through. And as long as this administration remains out of touch, we’ll keep seeing the same stalemate, which is why I will continue to do everything in my power to push back, speak out and stand up against policies that ignore the real needs of the people. History has proven that we will survive this dark and difficult era much like we have done in the past but it will come at a high price and a valuable lesson: That lesson is that …people who do not vote have no line of credit with the people who are elected, therefore pose no threat to those who work daily against our interests.
Shop smart at discount and wholesale retailers.
Big-box and dollar stores continue to be a go-to for many consumers, with 87 percent planning to shop at discount retailers this holiday season. These stores can be a goldmine for affordable gifts, decor and everyday essentials. Plan one or two “bulk shopping trips” this season and pay with a rewards card that earns extra points at wholesale or discount locations. This way you’ll stock up for less while earning rewards on every purchase.
Make every swipe work harder for you.
The holiday season is the perfect time to supercharge your rewards. Start by mapping out your biggest holiday expenses. Will most of your purchases be online, at wholesale stores or spent dining out? Once you know where your dollars will go, choose a rewards card that matches those categories, so every purchase helps you earn more.
If your card offers flexible categories, like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card, you can tailor your earnings to your spending plans. For example, if you are a new cardholder, take advantage of your first-year double cash back offer and earn 6 percent cash back (3 percent for existing cardholders) in a category
If violent crime is truly a national priority, why isn’t gun violence?
By Renée Hall
Another American community is grieving today.
This time it is Stockton, Calif., where families woke up to the kind of news no parent, no neighbor, and no city should ever have to endure. Sirens at night. Candles by morning. Another headline. Another vigil. And a community asking the same heartbreaking question we all keep asking: When will this stop?
As a former police chief of Dallas, Texas, and now as president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), I have stood in the aftermath of shootings too many times. On sidewalks still stained with tragedy and in living rooms where grief was so heavy it muted the sound of words. I have seen children who can differentiate fireworks from gunshots before they can spell their own names.
I have also sat in policy rooms where national leaders declare that reducing violent crime is a
top priority. And yet, gun violence is now the leading cause of death for American children and teens. It kills more officers in the line of duty than any other means. It devastates families in big cities, small towns, rural communities, and suburbs alike. And yet, the crisis continues to sit at the bottom of America’s political to-do list. We cannot continue saying we care about violent crime while ignoring the very weapon responsible for taking American lives faster than any other means of interpersonal violence. We cannot keep speaking boldly in front of cameras and shrinking behind politics when it is time to act. And we cannot keep asking communities to show resilience while refusing to show action.
If the United States is truly committed to reducing violent crime, then gun violence must be treated as a national priority, not a political inconvenience.
Because let us be clear:
• Law enforcement cannot solve
this alone.
Communities cannot solve this alone.
And families cannot continue burying their children while leaders debate wording, jurisdiction, or election-year strategy.
To make meaningful progress, we need national courage— matched by national commitment.
That requires several urgent steps:
• Federal leadership that strengthens, not weakens, our ability to keep communities safe.
Policy rooted in public safety, not partisanship. Meaningful investment in violence interruption programs, mental and behavioral health resources, and youth opportunity.
NOBLE strongly recommends that, in addition to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Congress, the law enforcement profession, and communities across this nation work to secure the passage of bipartisan legislation that will at minimum:
• Mandate universal background checks
of choice, such as online shopping, to maximize every gift order and delivery.
Set spending boundaries with loved ones
Holiday stress can often come from mismatched expectations, so it helps to talk about spending limits early. This year, 38 percent of people say they’ll only buy gifts for immediate family and close friends, and 23 percent have agreed with family members to scale back on gifts altogether. Agreeing on a budget cap, limiting who you are gifting to, or even focusing on shared experiences over physical gifts can make the season more enjoyable. Being upfront with your loved ones not only protects your wallet but also keeps the focus back on connection, not consumption.
Pro Tip: Look for deals on experiences. Experiences make the best gifts and with a little research, you can find great discounts on concerts, amusement parks or big games.
With some planning, creativity and thoughtful choices, Maryland families can enjoy the holiday season without overspending. By focusing on what matters most, like time with loved ones, meaningful gifts, and simple celebrations –it’s possible to make the season both enjoyable and financially manageable.
Ban assault weapons
Ban high-capacity magazines
Mandate safe gun storage
These are not radical ideas, they are basic, widely supported public safety measures that can save lives, protect officers, and prevent the kind of mass trauma that is becoming far too routine in our country.
Gun violence is not a big-city problem. It is not a partisan problem. It is not a coastal problem. It is an American problem—one this country must finally decide is worth solving.
If we fail to act, Stockton will not be the last community to mourn. It will simply be the latest.
As leaders, we are called to protect, not perform. As a woman of faith, I am reminded that “faith without works is dead.” The work required now is urgent, unapologetic, and focused on saving lives, especially the lives of our children.
NOBLE stands ready to lead, ready to partner, and ready to push for solutions grounded in justice, accountability, and shared
humanity. What we need now is for our national leadership to match that resolve.
Because if violent crime is truly a priority in America—then America must start acting like it.
Courtesy photo Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) writes that soaring prices for essentials are forcing families across Baltimore and the nation into impossible choices, while Washington fails to deliver meaningful relief.
Courtesy photo Renée Hall, former chief of police in Dallas, Texas, now serves as president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). This week, she discusses gun violence in America.
By Janet Currie
Courtesy photo
Janet Currie is the president of Bank of America Greater Maryland. On the heels of massive job loss, rising costs and stagnant wages, Currie shares tips for staying on budget and having fun.
BALTIMORE-AREA
Mayor Scott urges continued cooperation as Bates pulls out of neighborhood safety partnership
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates (D) notified Baltimore City
Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) on Dec. 2 that his office is ending its coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), citing what he called a “veil
of secrecy.”
In the letter, Bates said the office will terminate any further direct coordination with MONSE, including collaborations regarding the Group Violence Reduction Strategy
Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild now estimated at $4.3B-$5.2B, opening delayed to late 2030
By Megan Sayles AFRO
The rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will now cost anywhere from $4.3 billion to $5.2 billion, and the structure will not reopen until late 2030, according to an update from the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).
The new estimate is more than double the initial projection of under $2 billion and pushes the anticipated reopening nearly two years beyond the fall 2028 timeline that state officials first forecasted.
“Less than two weeks after the collapse, a preliminary
estimate was needed to request federal emergency relief funding for immediate clean up and recovery,” said Bruce Gartner, executive director for MDTA, in a statement. “Typically, a cost estimate would not be provided on a project of this size until much later in the design process. The Key Bridge Rebuild achieved 70 percent design in 14 months compared to other projects that have averaged seven years, while also progressing construction. Typical transportation projects of this magnitude take years of planning before even beginning and pre-construction activities— something that Maryland and
MDTA has compressed down to months.”
According to an MDTA press release, some of the drivers of the increased cost and extended timeline include federally mandated safety upgrades, a significantly expanded pier protection system and the rising price of construction materials. The new bridge will feature a 1,665-foot main span to accommodate larger ships, which requires taller towers and a 230-foot bridge deck. MDTA officials said the scale of the pier protection— much of which was not factored
Community members fight to keep Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys open
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys (Baltimore Collegiate), a charter school founded in 2015 to educate young boys throughout the city, is facing a vote by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (School Board) to close the school in 2026.
The School Board, which governs Baltimore City Public Schools, is scheduled to vote on Jan. 14, 2026, on whether to renew Baltimore Collegiate’s charter. They faced a similar decision in 2023, but the institution was given an extension to prove they could achieve necessary results.
According to the School Board’s 2025–2026 annual school review, released Nov. 12, Baltimore Collegiate is set to be denied a charter renewal, leaving the school facing closure in the summer of 2026.
(GVRS), which MONSE heads. According to the Mayor’s Office, the strategy is built upon the partnership of the Mayor’s Office, the
“We started the school with the premise that we wanted to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline,” said Edwin Avent, CEO of the Five Smooth Stones Foundation, which operates Baltimore Collegiate.
“We started our school with the intention of capturing as
many of those boys as we could…to be able to turn those statistics around.” Avent said the school has graduated four classes of boys who have now finished high school and gone on to college. He emphasized that while Baltimore’s Black boys from economically disadvantaged communities graduate high school at roughly 60 percent, Baltimore Collegiate alumni graduate at nearly 90 percent. Over the past three years, the school has shown consistent academic growth in both English language arts and math. Baltimore Collegiate serves boys in grades four through eight, preparing them for success in college and life. Avent said the school focuses on social-emotional learning and discipline instruction not typically found in traditional schools, aiming to uplift the whole child, not just their grades.
Operator contracts for charter schools can be renewed for three, five, or eight years, or non-renewed through the School Board’s annual review, which aims to help schools provide high-quality education. Recommendations may include changing grades, merging or relocating schools,
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
Twas the official opening night of, “Santa Claus Is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue,” on Dec. 6, and all throughout Baltimore Center Stage (BCS), every foot tapped, every hand clapped and every heart radiated with holiday joy. Created by Nygel D. Robinson, Ken-Matt Martin and Victor Musoni, the show captured the spirit of Motown, reimagining holiday classics with soulful
melodies, rich harmonies and the high energy that defined the era.
Unlike a play or traditional musical, a revue is a theatrical show built around a series of
musical numbers, dances and sketches that are linked by a cohesive theme rather than a linear storyline. In this case,
Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
James Fields/AFRO News
The redesign of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is now expected to cost $4.3 billion to $5.2 billion with a projected opening date of late 2030.
Photo courtesy of the Office of the Mayor Baltimore/J.J.McQueen
Courtesy photo
Photo courtesy of Baltimore Center Stage
Melody A. Betts (left), Quincy Vicks and Catrina Brenae bring the holiday spirit to Baltimore Center Stage in “Santa Claus Is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue.” The three performers nailed the soulful melodies, rich harmonies and energy associated with Motown to reimagine holiday classics.
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) (left) says collaboration remains essential and city public safety efforts will continue even after Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates’ (D) (right) decision to end direct coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE). *An Aug. 18 homicide was removed from this year’s total. The death occurred in Baltimore County.
Afro Charities forges ahead with construction on Upton Mansion redevelopment
By Savannah Wood Afro Charities CEO
After a public groundbreaking ceremony in February for their historic Upton Mansion redevelopment project, Afro Charities is well underway on their transformative development. The site, vacant since 2006, will become the new headquarters for both Afro Charities and AFRO News, and the public research center for the historic AFRO Archives, which Afro Charities manages. The project will be renamed as the Martha E. Murphy Research Institute after the visionary 19th-century angel investor who helped found AFRO News.
Afro Charities is still actively fundraising to
complete the $16 million project, with more than $15 million raised to date. The project is supported by a mix of federal, state and city grants, private foundation support, individual donors and both New Market and Historic Tax Credit equity. The project is expected to achieve substantial completion by August 2026, with a public opening slated for early 2027.
The one-acre campus will feature the restored historic mansion, a new annex, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Limited office space will be available for rent for aligned organizations. To learn more about leasing, visit https://bit.ly/4483OGm (case sensitive).
To contribute to this project, visit www. afrocharities.org/donate.
Neighborhood safety partnership
Continued from B1
Baltimore Police Department and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
In a letter, Bates claimed that the Mayor’s Office pushed off his attempts to meet with them on different occasions, including over the summer.
“It is my responsibility to ensure that my office maintains the highest degree of integrity and transparency on behalf of the residents we are sworn to serve,” said Bates. “Unfortunately, recent events and reports have revealed that MONSE does not appear to share the same values, including ensuring that victims of crimes are notified when their cases are diverted and making transparency paramount when dealing with criminal actors.”
He also argued that MONSE operates under a lack of transparency with some programs and partnerships. He used the City’s partnership with Safe Streets, a public health program that uses ex-offenders to reduce gun violence, as an example.
“The veil of secrecy that surrounds this program is widely known and continues to keep the public, my prosecutors and the city government from truly understanding the exact nature of the work being provided by these ‘violence interrupters,’ the identities of the individuals involved in this work and provides absolutely no oversight with respect to the funding and operational spending associated with this program,” wrote Bates.
Scott addressed Bates’ letter and claims during a live-streamed press conference on Dec. 3.
The mayor said he was surprised by the announcement, believing the relationship between their offices had been improving. Scott said he still hopes his office and the State’s Attorney’s Office will see a positive shift in their collaboration on improving public safety.
“I provided a full response via letter to the state’s attorney this morning, asking him first to reconsider and providing him with responses to the concerns that he raised,” said Scott.
He emphasized that collaboration has driven the city’s public safety progress and remains essential to their success.
“It takes all of us working together,” said Scott. “We all have a role to play and trying to cut off engagement with any one of those partners puts the most important thing that this government does at risk.”
Scott insisted that the collaborative work
“We all have a role to play and trying to cut off engagement with any one of those partners puts the most important thing that this government does at risk.”
will proceed, despite this news.
“To be clear, the work will continue,” he said. “Today we had our GVRS strategic management team meeting, as they do every other week. It’s unfortunate that the State’s Attorney’s Office was not there, but other partners were.”
The move raises questions about the future of GVRS, which has been widely credited with contributing to recent historic improvements in public safety in Baltimore City. But Scott said Bates’ decision will not distract the city from its safety goals.
“While we are in a better position than we’ve ever been with public safety, I will not allow anything to distract us from that work,” said Scott.
As of Dec. 4, there have been 124 homicides and 289 non-fatal shootings year-to-date, compared to 180 homicides and 386 non-fatal shootings in 2024. On Dec. 1, Mayor Scott released a statement saying that “compared to this time last year Baltimore has seen a 29.8 percent decrease in homicides and a 25.2 percent decline in non-fatal shootings.”
AFRO Photos/ James Fields
The Upton Mansion, located in the 800 block of Lanvale St., will be the future site of both the Afro Charities and the AFRO News teams, along with any other companies that choose to rent out space in the building.
AFRO Photos/ James Fields
A construction worker helps the Upton Mansion renovation come along.
AFRO Photos/ James Fields
Afro Charities is the non-profit sister company of AFRO News. The organization cares for and curates the AFRO Archives, which will have a permanent home at the Upton Mansion upon completion.
Santa Claus is comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue
“Santa Claus Is Comin’,” used the revue format to honor the sounds of Motown, interact with the audience and celebrate the holiday season.
Bringing this music to life was a small, but mighty cast that included Melody A. Betts, Catrina Brenae, Quincy Vicks and Robinson. Betts, who most recently played Aunt Em in Broadway’s production of “The Wiz,” was a knockout vocalist, channeling the spirit of Gladys Knight. Her rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was unlike any I’ve ever heard before— a true standout performance. One audience member was overheard after the show with a shared sentiment: “I’ve never heard Rudolph like that,” she said.
Vicks captivated the audience with his charisma, smooth riffs and Motown-infused dance moves. He led a section of the show celebrating the Black church’s influence on Motown, taking to the keys to deliver a gospel-tinged rendition of, “Please Come Home for Christmas.” Baltimore native Brenae led a moving performance of Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” filling the theater with her warm, velvety voice and
nimble runs.
In addition to being a creator and music director for the show, Robinson anchored the performances on piano, leading multiple numbers with his masterful playing and deep, soulful vocals. He also teased music from another original Christmas show he is currently working on for BCS.
Though each performer brought their own style and flair to the show, they also produced stunning four-part harmonies in several a capella moments and full-band performances.
The show was full of opportunities for audience members to engage with the performers. Guests were repeatedly encouraged to sing along, dance, clap and cheer, and some were even invited on stage for a lesson in Motown moves.
One surprise highlight of the production was an appearance by Baltimore’s Bethel A.M.E Church choir, who jumpstarted the second act with an electrifying performance of “Come Thou Almighty King” by Rev. Timothy Wright.
At the close of the show, audience members joined the cast in singing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” leaving the theater filled with music, joy and the kind of collective spirit
Baltimore Collegiate School for
updating facilities, opening new schools, or renewing or ending contracts.
Charter schools must meet specific educational goals to operate independently of district rules, providing flexibility in curriculum, operations, and staffing. The board’s decision on Baltimore Collegiate followed a review citing grant-management errors, data-entry issues, and administrative and disciplinary lapses.
“My pushback on that has always been that you can’t compare an all-boys school to co-ed schools,” Avent said. “You have to disaggregate the data. When we disaggregate the data, particularly around the MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program), we see that we are comparable to 19 schools in the math scores, and at least 10 schools on the English Language Arts MCAP.”
Consultants observed the school, collecting surveys and focus group feedback using the Five Essential Survey, in which the school showed improvement since its last renewal.
Still, in a letter to the operator, Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, recommended that the School Board not renew the contract.
“Baltimore Collegiate has had multiple partial renewals with conditions,” wrote Santelises in the letter. “This year’s cycle of renewal review of the school’s operator resulted in ratings of ‘Not Effective’ in Academics, ‘Developing’ in School Climate and ‘Not Effective’ in Financial Management and Governance.”
that make Motown— and the holidays— so special. It would be near-impossible to leave a “Santa Claus Is Comin’” performance without catching the holiday bug, as the infectious energy,
Boys
powerhouse vocals and Motown beats linger long after the curtain closes. Whether you’re singing along, tapping your feet or just sitting in awe, this revue is a festive celebration that will have you counting down the
Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys, a charter serving grades 4–8, faces potential closure in 2026 as the Baltimore City School Board reviews whether to renew its charter.
Baltimore Collegiate received two out of five stars for the 2024-2025 school year, consistent with previous years.
Despite this, parents and grandparents insist the school meets their children’s needs.
“I think it would be a travesty to close this school,” said Chauncey Adams, grandfather of two students. “My grandsons are doing well here. They like it here a lot.”
Adams particularly enjoys that there are older adults at the school, particularly men, who are well respected by the children and provide crucial male authority figures for the youth.
Rashena Eaddy, a mom of a student at Baltimore Collegiate, echoed that sentiment.
“I intentionally selected this school for my
son,” said Eaddy, 35. “I don’t know how to raise boys to make them men, and I wanted somewhere that was going to give them that guidance. I love that I could see the leadership and the development in my son each day.”
Avent invites community, students, parents and more to support their endeavor to keep their school open by donating, signing a petition and sending written letters, emails to the School Board.
Public hearings are one way people can express their support for the school’s renewal. The first was held on Dec. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the District Office at 200 E. North Ave. in Baltimore, Md. The second will take place at the same location on Jan. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
days to the holidays. The revue continues throughout Jan. 4, with performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets can be found on BCS’s website.
into the initial estimate— has added substantial expense.
Mansoureh Jeihani, professor and director of the National Transportation Center at Morgan State University, told the AFRO these cost and timeline increases aren’t unusual for a project of this scale.
“It is quite common,” said Jeihani. “Not only in bridge construction, but in any longterm construction project. Unexpected changes in interest rates, inflation, supply chains and project designs and the construction process all increase costs and extend timelines.”
Jeihani noted that the Gordie Howe International Bridge—a new crossing connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Canada to increase border capacity and efficiency—was originally estimated to be complete in 2024 at a cost of $5.7 billion. However, the opening date was pushed back to early 2026, and the cost increased to $6.4 billion.
She added that as MDTA moves forward with the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, it’s critical for agencies to weigh the
impacts on nearby communities, not just the technical and financial elements of the project.
“It’s extremely important to consider the wide-reaching impact of transportation infrastructure on residents’ quality of life, health and public safety,” said Jeihani. “This is especially important when thinking about pedestrians, whose needs and safety are often underappreciated in the context of traffic systems.”
On Nov. 17, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore addressed the new timeline and cost update for the bridge, emphasizing the economic and regional importance of the project.
“We remain committed to rebuilding as safely, quickly, and efficiently as possible, and we continue to move forward in our efforts to pursue litigation against those responsible, so taxpayers aren’t on the hook,” said Moore in a statement. “While the timeline has shifted and is not what we initially hoped for, I have full confidence in our team. They are working diligently to deliver a new gateway to the global economy that will endure for generations to come.”
Francis Scott Key Bridge
AFRO Photo/Tashi McQueen
Photo courtesy of Baltimore Center Stage
Co-creator and musical director of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ A Motown Christmas Revue,” Nygel D. Robinson, masterfully plays the piano. Robinson led several of the revue’s musical numbers with his deep, velvety vocals.
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From heartbreak to advocacy: Bianca Carolina’s HIV awareness journey
By Clayton Gutzmore
Discovering you have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can be one of the most devastating pieces of news a person can receive. For Bianca Carolina, it was crushing — but she refused to remain in shambles. Today, Carolina is an HIV advocate, a wife, an expecting mother of two, and an inspiration to many people living with HIV. She uses her story to illuminate that life isn’t over after a diagnosis. Through education and social media content, she shows that life, love, and long-held aspirations are still possible.
“The message I would love to give out is you can still find love, you can still build a family, and your life still has value and purpose. It is no longer what it once was, but HIV is no longer a death sentence — so we should not treat it that way,” said Carolina.
Carolina learned she was HIV-positive in 2019 while in a relationship with the man who infected her. When she received the diagnosis, her heart sank. When she shared the news with her then-partner, his calm, unsurprised
reaction alarmed her. The situation worsened when she discovered he had been infecting other women as well. Her former partner was a public figure, and in 2019, while he was hospitalized, a social media post about his condition drew comments from people alleging he had knowingly exposed several women to HIV. That is where Carolina learned she was not the only one.
“Up until that moment, I thought I was the only person he had intentionally infected. I didn’t know there were others. I guess I was still in denial. I didn’t know the extent of this person’s willingness to hurt people,” she said. The revelation was devastating, but Carolina chose not to let her diagnosis define her. She began by educating herself and researching HIV. However, she quickly noticed that most of the material she found catered to gay men or White women. Carolina explained that HIV disproportionately affects the Black community, yet she struggled to find heterosexual Black women publicly sharing their status or stories. Because of this, she didn’t see herself
reflected in the advocacy space.
On July 12, 2024, she posted a YouTube video about how she learned she was HIV-positive. It has since garnered more than a million views and has inspired many others to share their truths.
“The most impactful thing that has come out of me sharing my story is people being able to share theirs. Oftentimes, I am the only person some people have ever disclosed to, and they’ve been living with HIV for decades,” Carolina said.
Carolina documents her ongoing journey on Instagram, where her handle, @bianca. carolina, currently has nearly 30,000 followers. Her page features videos of her daily life, educational content about HIV, and updates on her pregnancy with her second child. Recently, she shared that her doctors approved her to breastfeed — something she described as both empowering and deeply meaningful.
Determined to show that life continues after diagnosis, Carolina spoke to a room full of journalists in August at the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention
New study shows improvement to mental health of college students
A new study shows that mental health is improving for college students across the nation.
According to the 2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study, which received responses from over 84,000 students from over 100 universities, the following changes have been noted since 2022:
• Severe depression: 18 percent now, compared to 23 percent in 2022
Suicidal ideation: 11 percent now, compared to 15 percent in 2022
Severe loneliness: 52 percent now, compared to 58 percent in 2022
Dr. Sonya Clyburn, licensed clinical psychologist and director of the university counseling center at Morgan State University, has over 25 years of experience within mental health services. Dr. Clyburn told the AFRO that therapy has become more popular since the past five years.
“Since COVID, a lot of students are actually more inclined to seek therapy,” said Dr. Clyburn. “Their peers are speaking about it. They’re posting about it…so I think it’s a good thing.”
Still, Dr. Clyburn admits there are still some things preventing college students from seeking the help they need.
“Students across the board are doing a lot of self medication for coping,” said Dr. Clyburn. “It is critical that students know that by doing that they can actually harm themselves.”
Dr. Clyburn wants students to
know that it is fine to admit when they need help, and taking things upon themselves to cope isn’t always the best solution.
“We’ve been conditioned not to share our issues, we’ve been conditioned not to seek help or even seek help and have trauma as a result of seeking that help,” said Dr. Clyburn. “At the university counseling center, we are a holistic trauma informed short term model therapy so even if you feel comfortable coming, and if you still need support, we can refer you to culturally sensitive places where you can gain support. You’re not alone, and just be mindful that some of these substances and things that you’re doing to kind of cope can actually impact you.”
Devin Gilliam, a senior at Morgan State University, said going to the university counseling center helped him improve his mental health.
“Sometimes you just need to talk to someone,” said Gilliam. “In college, you deal with a lot of
in Cleveland, Ohio. She sat on a panel organized by ViiV Healthcare alongside music artist Tamar Braxton. Together, they emphasized that HIV can affect anyone and urged people to educate themselves and others.
“I hope that God opens more doors for me to educate, advocate, and put a face to HIV,” Carolina said. “I think oftentimes people assume those with HIV look a
certain way, and it’s unfortunate because that’s based on our biases. People say, ‘That could never happen to me because I’m not XYZ.’”
Carolina’s mission is to end HIV-related stigma.
Through her content, she aims to show that an HIV diagnosis is not the final chapter of anyone’s life. Sharing her truth has brought her community and support, and she wants the same for
others who may be suffering in silence.
“Speak to a therapist or seek community — it is crucial. At least disclose to one person who loves you that you’re HIV-positive. When the thoughts of disgust and shame come, that’s when support steps in. You cannot live with this alone. It will eat you alive,” she said. This post was originally published on Atlanta Voice.
“In college you deal with a lot of problems, and sometimes I may just need someone that can listen to me while I rant about what may be going on in my life.”
problems, and sometimes I may just need someone that can listen to me while I rant about what may be going on in my life.”
The
Building, has been a spot where students can come and speak to certified therapists. They accept walk-ins, as well as appointments for solo or group therapy sessions.
The counseling center’s mission statement is “to provide a mental health resource for students of Morgan State University (MSU), who are in need of information, support, consultation, and/or clinical intervention.” But they are not alone.
According to a report from the American Psychiatric Association, of 200 postsecondary institutions surveyed, 191 offered health mental health services. Of 50 community
colleges, 40 supported their students with some kind of “counseling” service.
A 2024 Journal of American College Health study led by Duke University also found that peer support on college campuses has increased. Specifically, college students responded well to text-based supports that allowed them to communicate via their personal devices.
For more information on mental health resources available to college students, please visit the American College Health Association or dial #988 on any mobile or home phone.
Photo Courtesy of Bianca Carolina
Bianca Carolina is using her story to end the stigma associated with HIV.
Morgan State University counseling center, located in the 600 suite on the 6th floor of the Health and Human Services
By Brandon Henry AFRO Intern
AFRO Photo / Brandon Henry
Mental health awareness is on the rise for college students looking to balance campus life. At Morgan State University, the counseling center is just one way the institution supports its students.
A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 5, 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 JUNE 5, 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: DECEMBER 5, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
DWAYNE JONES Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/25
Choice Voucher Program Opening of the Project-Based Waiting List
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) is announcing the opening of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) project- based voucher waiting list. The project-based voucher program provides federally funded rental assistance for eligible very low-income families up to five (5) bedroom households, elderly households, and non-elderly single persons with disabilities to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. The project-based voucher is attached to specific housing units.
The waiting list will open at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and will close on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. HABC will be accepting preliminary applications online only at www.habc. org.
Online applications will be available in multiple languages. Applicants with disabilities or those requiring additional assistance are encouraged to visit www.HABC.org when applications open for more information.
WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE
“B”
190 Octane North, LLC T/a Fat Tuesday - Robert George Petition: New restaurant license Premises: 718-22 S. Broadway 21231 (City Council District: 1st; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: HM Management Latrobe, LLC T/a Swann House - David Gjerde and Corey Polyoka Petition: New restaurant license requesting live entertainment
Premises: 909 N. Charles Street 21201 (City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: Copper Café, LLC T/a Copper Café - Mark D. Larkin, Jr.
Petition: Request to add live entertainment Premises: 5736 Falls Road 21209
Petition:
Di’Andra S.
3. CLASS “BD7”
Submission of a complete pre-application is necessary to be considered for placement on the waiting list. Selections will be randomized. Applications must be received between 9:00 AM January 14, 2026, and 11:59 PM January 23, 2026.
Public Housing residents will be required to submit a separate application if wanting to apply for the HCVP Project-Based Waiting List. To assist applicants with the pre-application process, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) will be available on HABC’s website at www.habc.org.
Pamela Smith announces resignation from D.C. police chief role
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith announced she will step down from her leadership position. Her resignation will go into effect Dec. 31, bringing to a close a tenure marked by historic firsts and a turbulent political landscape. Her departure comes as the city grapples with federal intervention in policing of the District of Columbia and an ongoing debate about control of law enforcement in the capital.
Smith issued her resignation in a written statement on Dec. 8.
“I am deeply humbled, grateful and deeply appreciative of my time with the District of Columbia,” said Smith. “Serving as Chief of Police has been the greatest honor of my career and I want to extend my sincere thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser for appointing me to this position and to the D.C. Council for their steadfast support throughout my tenure.”
For Smith the role brought both challenges and achievements.
“This role has been both challenging and rewarding. I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved together and I thank the residents of this city for their trust and partnership,” said Smith.
“I am deeply humbled, grateful and deeply appreciative of my time with the District of Columbia.”
“While my aspiration has always been to see zero percent crime, we are not there yet. Nonetheless, we have made tremendous progress and there remains important work ahead.”
Harrison
Her resignation follows a distinguished 27 year law enforcement career that began with the United States Park Police in 1998. Smith served in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and New York before she became chief of the agency
family
in 2021, making her the first African-American woman to lead the Park Police in its long history. In 2022, she was chief equity officer for the MPD (Metropolitan Police Department) where she oversaw the Equal Employment Opportunity Office and the Directorates for
sues PG
Employee Well-Being and Support Unit.
In 2023, Smith assumed the position of assistant chief of police in charge of the Homeland Security Bureau. Her tenure coincided with a period of heightened
A funeral celebration will take place on
Funeral arrangements announced for veteran Black Press reporter James L. Wright Jr.
By
Funeral services for veteran journalist James L. Wright Jr. will be held Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Wright, who died of natural causes at his home in Seat Pleasant, Md. will be memorialized locally at the Hemingway Memorial AME Church in District Heights, Md. Visitation will be held at 10
County, police departments and driver over toddler’s death in police chase
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
Tanishia and Allen Harrison, the parents of Zoey Harrison, have filed a lawsuit against Prince George’s County, the Capitol Heights Police Department (CHPD), District Heights Police Department (DHPD) and Larry Naylor following the 3-year-old’s death after a collision during a police chase in March. The legal action came on Dec. 1. According to the suit, on the evening of March 7, DHPD Sgt. Bryan Stevens tried to pull Naylor over for a missing front license plate. Naylor initially stopped, but then fled— leading the officer to radio the vehicle’s description to dispatch. Shortly thereafter, another Capitol Heights
officer and a District Heights officer spotted the car and began pursuing Naylor with their emergency lights and sirens on.
During the chase, Naylor crashed into four other vehicles, including one containing Tanishia and Zoey Harrison that was thrust into a wooded area. The pair were both taken to an area hospital where Zoey was later pronounced dead.
“The Harrison family has been shattered by this tragedy. Zoey was a vibrant girl full of potential and deeply loved by her family. Her young life was needlessly cut short because of the negligence of others,” said Terence Davis, an attorney at Morgan and Morgan who is representing the family, and John Morgan, founder of Morgan and
Morgan, in a statement sent to the AFRO. “This girl should still be alive. We are committed to holding all entities that contributed to this tragedy accountable and will stop at nothing to seek justice for our client.”
The Harrisons have accused Naylor of negligence and wrongful death and also named Prince George’s County, DHPD and CHPD in their wrongful death claim. In the complaint, they allege that the police departments were negligent in their pursuit and in the supervision, training and retention of their officers. They argue that law enforcement violated their duty of reasonable care by engaging in a high-speed chase in a heavily trafficked area over a minor infraction— a missing front license plate.
Prince George’s County is also included in the negligence charges because it operates and controls DHPD and CHPD.
The lawsuit further asserts that after the crash, officers removed Zoey from her car seat and sat her on the hood of a police cruiser rather than adhering
Dr. Deborah Bailey AFRO Contributing Editor
Facebook / City of Seat Pleasant - Government
Dec. 19 for James L. Wright Jr., a dedicated member of the Black Press, community leader, historian and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The service will be held Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. at the Hemingway Memorial AME Church in District Heights, Md.
Photo courtesy of GoFundMe
The family of Zoey Harrison, a 3-year-old who died after a collision during a March 7 police chase in Prince George’s County, is suing the county, Capitol Heights Police Department (CHPD), District Heights Police Department (DHPD) and Larry Naylor, the driver who hit them. Police were pursuing Naylor for a missing front license plate, a minor infraction the lawsuit argues should not have led to high-speed chase in a heavily trafficked area.
AP Photo / Susan Walsh
Pamela A. Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, will step down from her position on Dec. 31.
Upgraded Fort Dupont Ice Arena opens its doors to Ward 7 residents
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com
On Dec. 6, District officials, agency leaders and community partners gathered in Ward 7 to celebrate the reopening of the Fort Dupont Ice Arena, according to a press release issued by Mayor Muriel Bowser. The event highlighted upgrades to one of the city’s longstanding recreation sites. The ribbon cutting ceremony welcomed residents back to the modernized facility, which has been redesigned to support expanded skating programs and improved community access.
The rink opened in 1976 under the National Park Service during the nation’s bicentennial year. It later became known for producing two Olympic speedskating medalists and for housing the Fort Dupont Cannons, recognized as the oldest Black hockey program in North America. With the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) now running the building for the first time, the city is widening access to consistent, high quality instruction. To do that, DPR is offering grants of as much as $235,000 per group for programs that teach skating, develop figure skating and hockey skills, support broomball or field competitive youth hockey teams.
“We know that our children in Washington, D.C. deserve access to the best facilities, the best programming, and the best opportunities to help them grow as athletes and as people. At the new Fort Dupont Ice Arena, we’re going to raise and train the next generation of ice skaters in Washington, D.C.,” she said in a statement about the event. “The Fort Dupont Ice Arena has long been a pillar of the community, and with DPR leading programming for the first time, we’re opening a new chapter for Ward 7 and for the Sports Capital.”
The revamped venue includes a full size NHL (National Hockey League) rink along with modern mechanical systems and building upgrades. It also has improved locker rooms, updated concessions, a larger skate rental area, new administrative space and two rooms that can be used for classes or community gatherings. Officials said the result is the top ice facility operated by the District government.
“This ice arena is a great example of how Washington, D.C., continues to grow as the sports capital.”
During the ribbon cutting, Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke about the significance of giving young people access to strong recreational environments.
In a study done by the National Library of Medicine they found that “recreational facilities and the resources they offer are not equitably distributed. The presence of parks in poor and minority areas suggest that improving the types and quality of resources in parks could be an important strategy to increase physical activity and reduce racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities.”
Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder said the long awaited reopening strengthens the area’s recreation network.
James L. Wright Jr.
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a.m. with services starting promptly at 11a.m. Wright will be interred in Texas, his home state, in Austin.
The resolute and focused political and public affairs reporter wrote for AFRO News for many years. He served as city editor and represented the publication on the international stage on multiple occasions. At the time of his death, Wright worked as business and political writer for the Washington Informer.
Mayor of Seat Pleasant, Md., Kelly Porter, spoke about Wright’s service in the community he called home.
“Wright was a man of integrity, compassion and service. His leadership enriched our city. His legacy will remain in the heart of Seat Pleasant for generations to come,” she said.
Wright served on Seat Pleasant’s city council from October 2022 through October 2024. During his tenure he also served as Vice Chair of the Citizens
The
following renovations costing $39 million. The now government operated ice skating facility welcomes community members back into its doors.
“I am so glad that the day has finally come for us to welcome neighbors to the new and improved Fort Dupont Ice Arena,” he said, in a statement. “The Fort Dupont Ice Arena has long been a jewel of Ward 7, making ice sports accessible for residents and visitors who might not otherwise have had access. Now, after successful renovations, I am proud to say
the arena can continue to serve our community for years to come, bringing Ward 7 neighbors together and building on our momentum of investments to create a stronger ward.”
The renovation was designed by Quinn Evans Architects and built by Smoot Construction. The D.C. Department of General Services (DGS) director Delano Hunter said the upgraded arena reflects the city’s growing reputation as a sports destination.
“This ice arena is a great example of how Washington, D.C. continues to grow as the sports capital,” said a statement from Hunter.
The project honors the rink’s longstanding legacy while expanding access for skaters across the District.
50-year-old man fatally shot outside Prince George’s County club
By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer vmejicanos@afro.com
Fifty-year-old Wayne Hunt of Waldorf, Md., died in a shooting the night of Dec. 8 after an armed private security guard shot him outside of Ebony Inn Club and Lounge.
Prince George’s County Police Department is still actively investigating the circumstances of the shooting, but preliminary investigations from police
Police Advisory Board (CPAC) actively supporting the city’s police and fostering stronger community-police relations.
Wright was also president of the Seat Pleasant Citizens Association, contributed to the Seat Pleasant/University of Maryland Health Partnership and participated in the 202 Coalition led by State Senator Joanne Benson.
A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, through the years, Wright proved to be a committed leader and supporter of the faith community. He was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. with decades of service to his name.
Wright worshipped at Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., where he served as church historian.
“James put in many hours serving as chair of Asbury’s Archives and History Committee,” said Asbury UMC Stephen Minister Tawana Jackson.
“He organized his fraternity to serve breakfast at our Neighbor 2 Neighbor breakfasts every Sunday. He was truly a ‘Methodist Man.’”
indicate that Hunt was involved in a fight with several other patrons at the time of the shooting.
When the security guard was alerted of the altercation, he shot Hunt, resulting in his death. A second firearm, not belonging to the security guard, was recovered at the scene.
According to the police dispatch call, several patrons called from inside a freezer at 11:50 p.m. after Hunt was shot.
Investigators are still working to
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national focus on the District’s policing capacity. Earlier this year the federal government temporarily assumed direct authority over MPD via an executive order issued by the 47th president of the United States on Aug. 11. However, just days later, on Aug. 15, a court order made it clear that she was to maintain control over MPD as chief.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement after Smith’s announcements, touting her leadership in the past couple of years.
“When Chief Smith stepped up to lead the Metropolitan Police Department, we had no time to waste. She came in at a very challenging time for our community, when there was significant urgency to reverse the crime trends our city was facing post pandemic,” said Bowser. “Within a year of her tenure, we opened the Real-Time Crime Center. We deployed newer and better technology. We worked with the Council to pass comprehensive legislation that prioritizes accountability.
And Chief Smith got all of this done while also navigating unprecedented challenges and attacks on our city’s autonomy.” Bowser praised Smith for her work in
determine what led up to the shooting, collecting additional evidence and conducting additional interviews. Additionally, according to a press release sent to the AFRO, “Detectives are also in consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.”
There have been no charges filed following the incident at the time of writing.
Anyone with information on this case who would like to speak to a detective may call 301-516-2512.
decreasing criminal activity.
“Chief Smith dramatically drove down violent crime, drove down the homicide rate to its lowest levels in eight years, and helped us restore a sense of safety and accountability in our neighborhoods,” she said. “We are grateful for her service to Washington, D.C.
United States Rep. Dr. Oye Owolewa spoke highly of Smith and her leadership during her tenure.
“Leading a police department in a time of deep national reflection on policing, public safety, and accountability is no easy task,” the lawmaker said. “Chief Smith stepped into that responsibility with steady leadership and a focus on the safety of District residents.”
Smith believes the department remains strong and positioned to continue its progress. She closed with gratitude for the opportunity to lead MPD.
“I am confident that the department is in a strong position and that the great work will continue, moving in a positive trajectory to combat crime and enhance public safety,” Smith said. “I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity as Chief of Police.”
Unsplash/ Kelli Mcclintock
Fort Dupont Ice Arena has officially reopened in Ward 7,
Kenny Eliason / Scott Rogerson
The Prince George’s County Police Department is still actively investigating a shooting that occurred late Monday night.
D.C.’s youth curfew extended
By Xavier Board Capital News Service
During a holiday season when teens are often out late for work, shopping and attending winter events, the District of Columbia’s expanded youth curfew, now extended through April 15, is shaping where young people can go and at what hours.
“My kids work jobs that have them out past midnight and waking up at 4 in the morning to get to school,” Ange Pirko, former teacher from the city’s Ward Four told the D.C. Council, referring to her students. “If you treat kids like criminals, they will act like criminals. They need support, not judgment.” Pirko opposed the curfew’s expansion and its effect on working teens.
zones and whether any policies would change with a new head.
“The authority to issue Juvenile Curfew Zones is given to the chief of police.
The next chief of police will have the same authority,” Tom Lynch, MPD Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist, said in an email to Capital News Service.
Under a citywide curfew that is in effect, youths under 18 are prohibited from being outside between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays.
On Dec. 2, the council extended the emergency curfew law, the temporary measure that authorizes the current restrictions while it considers the Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act, a permanent measure that would lengthen the prohibited hours and give the mayor and police chief the power to expand them.
the District of Columbia.
Yass did not provide a position on the curfew, but suggested the District handle curfew and safety concerns with additional programs to keep young people engaged.
“Our leaders cannot keep turning to police and jails as the solution to every issue,” Yass said in a statement.
The current policy allows the chief of police to declare temporary curfew zones for specific parts of the city for specific days with more restrictive hours than the citywide curfew.
The District last month designated such zones for the Washington Navy Yard and the U Street Corridor. The imposition of curfew zones started following several fighting incidents involving groups of youths gathered around the Navy Yard in July.
“MPD’s goal in establishing Juvenile Curfew Zones is not to arrest or detain youth for curfew violations, but to engage our city’s young people, gain voluntary compliance, and proactively connect youth and families with critical support.”
The city says the policy is meant to “prevent disorderly juvenile behavior.” At the same time, the city is navigating an abrupt change at the top of the Metropolitan Police Department. Chief Pamela Smith recently announced her departure, leaving questions about how MPD’s leadership transition will unfold as the curfew continues into spring.
At a press conference, Mayor Muriel Bowser said she will nominate the department’s next chief, who must also be approved by the DC Council. She said she will begin by looking internally for a successor but is open to outside candidates.
“I’m obviously going to start first with the best police department in the nation,” Bowser said.
The resignation raised questions about who has final authority to declare curfew
There are exemptions to the curfew, including for youths who are working at night and those attending or participating in a District school event.
Youths found to be in violation of the curfew may be ordered to perform up to 25 hours of community service.
Still, the divide between the public and law enforcement in public hearings stems from some District residents’ concerns about increased police interactions with youth and the intent of designated curfew zones in certain neighborhoods.
“The curfew zones are being set up in areas that are popular around the city, so if youth were passing through, they would be subject to increased scrutiny merely for going about their business,” said Alicia Yass, supervisory policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union of
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to standard medical protocols— a decision the Harrisons say worsened the toddler’s injuries.
Both CHPD and DHPD did not respond to requests for comment. Prince George’s County told the AFRO it could not comment on pending litigation.
Back in September, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that he would not seek charges against the officers involved in the pursuit, which included Stevens, DHPD Private First-Class Shivesh Butani, CHPD Officer Michael Montgomery. According to a report from his office’s Independent Investigations Division (IID), the officers followed department policy during the pursuit, maintained control of their vehicles and did not create “substantial or unjustifiable risk” to human life.
The IID concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the officers. Zoey’s tragic death has already spurred calls for reforms to police pursuit policies. On Nov. 17, Prince George’s County Council passed a measure in her honor, Zoey’s Law, which requires annual reporting on all police vehicle pursuits and ensures a uniform policy across the county and its municipalities to improve accountability and public safety.
Councilwoman Krystal Oriadha (District
MPD Executive Chief for Patrol Operations Andre Wright said many of the gatherings, sometimes known as “takeovers,” promote alcohol and narcotics use.
“MPD’s goal in establishing Juvenile Curfew Zones is not to arrest or detain youth for curfew violations, but to engage our city’s young people, gain voluntary compliance, and proactively connect youth and families with critical support,” said the MPD’s Office of Communications in an email statement. “The Juvenile Curfew Zones have been a critical tool in addressing disorderly behavior that disrupts our communities.”
According to Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah, the designated curfew zones are declared in certain neighborhoods through MPD’s “intelligence,” consisting of scrolling social media to detect plans of large gatherings, finding flyers and receiving tips from community members.
7) introduced and sponsored the bill in June.
“This legislation is about saving lives,” said Oriadha in a June 16 press release.
“Police pursuits are inherently dangerous— not only for officers and suspects but for innocent bystanders. We have a duty to ensure that the decision to engage in a pursuit is guided by sound judgment, best practices and accountability.”
The Harrison family is seeking a judgment in excess of $75,000 against Naylor, Prince George’s County, CHPD and DHPD. They have also started a GoFundMe to seek support during this challenging time.
Zoey’s grandmother, Gina M. Pryor, who started the online fundraiser, said people often referred to the 3-year-old as a “fireball,” because of her energetic and bold personality.
“In her short time with us, Zoey taught us the true meaning of unconditional love and the joy found in simple moments,” wrote Pryor in the GoFundMe post. “Her memory will forever remain in our hearts, a testament to the profound impact one small child can have on the world around her.”
The family is looking to raise $25,000 to cover medical bills and funeral costs and to support Tanishia Robinson, who is currently out of work to recover from her injuries and mourn the loss of her daughter.
But public defenders said that the curfew’s enforcement structure gives police too much leeway to stop teens who aren’t breaking any laws.
“This expansive authority to detain young people does nothing to protect them, it only exposes them to nonconsensual encounters with
federal and local law enforcement by requiring them to provide their ‘defense’ to being outside during curfew hours,” Katerina Semyonova, special counsel with the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, said at a Dec. 4 city council meeting.
Educators told the council the earlier curfew hours would hit the most vulnerable students the hardest, especially those balancing school, jobs, sports and unstable home environments. It is unclear whether the council will revisit the curfew laws between now and April. Smith said she is confident the MPD will continue to grow even as the department faces controversy over the curfew legislation and federal investigations into alleged manipulation of crime data.
“I am confident that the department is in a strong position and that the great work will continue, moving in a positive trajectory to combat crime and enhance public safety,” Smith said in a statement.
Courtesy photo
Youth in the District of Columbia will be under a curfew until April 15, 2026. No one under 18 will be allowed outside without an adult or guardian between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays.
PGCPS launches Lumi Story, new AI tool, to boost student creativity
By AFRO Staff
Students of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) now have a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool to help them as they venture into the world of storytelling.
According to information released by PGCPS, the AI tool, Lumi Story, will help students with “character development, dialogue, illustration and story structure, opening new pathways for literacy and creative expression.”
The official unveiling and launch of Lumi took place Dec. 9 at Largo High School in Upper Marlboro, Md.
Lumi Story is currently available to students at 10 PGCPS locations thanks to a partnership between Prince George’s County Executive
Aisha N. Braveboy and Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback turned activist.
“I’m committed to ensuring our students have the tools, resources, and skills they need to excel—not just today, but every day,” said Braveboy, in a statement posted to her official social media accounts. “These young people aren’t just our sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews… they are the future of Prince George’s County.
It’s our responsibility to nurture their brilliance so they’re ready to lead the next generation.
Kaepernick plans to expand use of the Lumi Story platform beyond Prince George’s County, to school districts across the country and abroad.
All Photos Meta (Facebook) / Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy, except where noted
Shown here, Chair of the Prince George’s County Board of Education, Branndon Jackson (District 6).
Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md.-04) makes an appearance to see Lumi Story in the classroom.
Meta (Facebook) / Prince George’s County Public Schools
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy proudly helps launch Lumi Story for students in Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Students interact with the artificial intelligence tool, Lumi Story, at the Dec. 9 official product launch of the storytelling platform.
Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback turned activist, is the face behind Lumi Story and the company’s campaign to partner with schools across the nation.
Lumi Story is already being used in 10 classrooms across Prince George’s County Public Schools. The platform helps creatives as they produce graphic novels.
Dr. Shawn Joseph, interim superintendent for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), speaks to those gathered for the official launch of Lumi Story in PGCPS classrooms.
