B4 The Afro-American January 3, 2026 - January 9, 2026
Maysa Leak celebrates holiday season, 35 years in music business at the Birchmere By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO On Dec. 27, songstress Maysa Leak performed live at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Va. The celebrity artist took to the stage with her Jazz Funk Soul Orchestra.
Leak performed holiday songs and all her favorite hits, such as “Love is a Battlefield” and “Last Chance for Love.” In addition to an opportunity to perform popular tunes, the event highlighted Leak’s 35 years in the music business. All AFRO Photos/ Patricia McDougall
Maysa Leak, the celebrity jazz artist, performs live at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Va.
Shown here, Kevin Shannon (left) with international celebrity saxophonist Carl Cox at the Birchmere.
Shown here, Roberta Pope-Matthews Brown (left) and Jessica Wade.
Dwight Hall (left) shares a moment with Maysa Leak before her set.
Wanda Tyler “cuts a rug” during the live performance.
Curtis Levon Pope Sr. (left) and Kim Shaw-Pope arrive at the concert.
Jimmy Brown arrives at the Birchmere.
Maryland local Damon Bennett performs as part of the orchestra for the holiday concert.
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D4 The Afro-American January 3, 2026 - January 9, 2026
AME Zion Church hosts Christian Education Department Winter Meeting in Baltimore By AFRO Staff Members of the AME Zion Church’s Christian Education Department came together for their Winter Meeting in Baltimore Dec. 27-30. The conference served as a time for members of the AME Zion denomination to fellowship, learn and elevate their ministry. More than 2,000 people gathered at the Hilton in the
downtown Baltimore area for the event, which was hosted by Bishop K. Thompson, who serves as president of the board of bishops and chair of the AME Zion’s Christian Education Department. The conference included programming specifically aimed at youth attendees and a gala celebrating Black excellence took place on Dec. 28. All AFRO Photos / James Fields
Shown here, Bishop Brian Thompson at the gala on Dec. 28.
Towanda Harris speaks to the crowd.
Garo Sheates, of Mississippi, attends the Elevate conference in Baltimore.
Gwenita Ponder makes an appearance at the conference, representing Montgomery, Ala.
Jayana Perry (left) enjoys a moment with Rev. Zanetta Stallworth and Araeya Harvey (right) of West Virginia.
Ava Swinton, of Little Rock, Ark., and Portia Jacobs, of Durham, N.C., come together at the event.
Praise dancers from Judah Temple AME Zion Church put on a lively performance.
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