A life well lived: Honoring the legacy of Dr. Renee Starlynn Allen
On Jan. 20 Dr. Renee Starlynn Allen, known as “The People’s Emcee” in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, took her last breath. The beloved Dr. Allen earned her title and a permanent place in hearts of many around the region as a television and radio personality with her top rated show on WLVS, titled the “The Renee Allen and Friends Show.”
To the AFRO, Renee was a friend and an ardent supporter who, along with the late Edgar Brookins, kept the AFRO top of mind throughout D.C.
Dr. Allen could often be seen at an AFRO event and last September, served as the emcee of AFRO’s D.C. High Tea. She was also a board member of several organizations to include We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC); the American Veteran’s Ball (AVB); American Mothers Inc. (2nd Vice President, AMI Maryland Chapter) and Open My Heart Foundation. Dr. Allen also served as the secretary, historian and lifetime member of Sisters 4 Sisters Network, Inc., where the motto is: women helping women to connect.
Dr. Allen, of Springdale, Md., served in the United States military for 22 years. She worked in the METU Mayo-Clinic Unit with Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. During her time in the military, Dr. Allen served in the Granada Invasion and Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. She ended her
career of 22 years honorably and highly decorated.
The inaugural host of the Women’s Business Report on WJLA – TV7, Dr. Allen had seven books and anthologies under her belt. She was the visionary author of “The J Word,” a book featuring a diverse group of women who share their testimonies of jealousy.
In 2022, Dr. Allen received the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden for over 10,000 hours of volunteerism and her commitment to humanity. In 2023 she earned the Heels and Motivation Award which represents women who connect, educate and inspire others. H.E. Dr. Allen (AMB) also spoke on the United Nations floor regarding the importance of Education and received the Danny Glover and Platinum Who’s Who Certificate of Achievement at the United Nations High Level Summit 2023.
Dr. Allen will be laid to rest on Saturday, Feb. 1. The family will receive friends between 10:30 a.m. and noon, with a service immediately following the viewing time. The service will be held at the Sanctuary at Kingdom Square, 5300 S. Crain Highway, in Upper Marlboro, Md.
Dr. Allen is survived by her mother, Charlotte Frazier; two sisters, Lisa Frazier and Sonya Frazier, and one son, Chase Allen.
AFRO Photo / Patricia McDougall
Dr. Renee Allen, honorary board member of the Open My Heart Foundation, speaks to those gathered at the Red Dress Gala in Feb. 2023.
Photo courtesy of Eddie Patton
Dr. Renee Starlynn Allen, cofounder of DMV 48 Men of Power, hosts a Feb. 24, 2023 event Honoring Rahman Ali, brother of Muhammed Ali, at the Bethesda Marriott.
AFRO Photo / James Fields
Dr. Renee Allen enjoys a moment with Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.07) at the 2023 AFRO High Tea in Baltimore.
Rest in peace
Dr. Renee Allen
Oct. 18. 1961 - Jan. 20, 2025
AFRO Photo / Patricia McDougall
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper (left), AFRO CEO and publisher, addresses the
2024 AFRO High Tea audience in D.C. after induction by longtime AFRO supporter and event host, Dr. Renee Allen (right).
AFRO Photo / Patricia McDougall
Dr. Renee Allen (left), Peggy Morrison and Monique Anderson-Walker enjoy the 2024 AFRO High Tea in D.C. at Shiloh Baptist Church.
Courtesy photo A decorated veteran, renowned author and community leader, Dr. Renee Allen enjoyed a full life while also impacting the lives of many.
Courtesy photo Dr. Renee Allen serves as mistress of ceremonies for the 2022 D.C. High Tea at the Masonic Temple.
Courtesy photo
Coppin State hosts 27th Annual Basketball Academy
By AFRO Staff
The 27th annual Basketball Academy was held on Jan. 25 at Coppin State University’s Physical Education Complex, located at 2523 Gwynns Falls Parkway. The event provided younger athletes an opportunity to hone their skills in a sports clinic, while high school players were given a chance to compete against other teams.
Each year, Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) hosts the Basketball Academy, which BCPS officials describe as a program “dedicated to enriching the lives of young people and increasing opportunities for inner-city youth in and around the Baltimore metropolitan area.”
This year’s matchups featured several intense games. Loch Raven edged out Poly, 54-52. Archbishop Curley narrowly defeated Benjamin Franklin, 45-44. Edmondson-Westside High School dominated Chesapeake High School, 8844, while Baltimore City College secured a victory against Oxon Hill, 72-38.
The Basketball Academy aims to expand opportunities for young athletes by providing programs that enhance their skills while promoting sportsmanship, education, mentoring and personal development, according to BCPS.
Since its founding in 1997, the Basketball Academy has served approximately 12,600 students. More than $146,000 in scholarships has been awarded to student participants.
Chris Cummings, a student at Perry Hall Middle School, sharpens his skills on the court.
Coach Darryl Wade serves as director of the Basketball Academy’s clinic.
Khalil McCollough takes part in the basketball clinic activities for younger students.
Brian Cosby, of Deep Creek Middle School, goes for a basket.
Coaches Tiffany Silver and Timmy Daughton take part in the sports clinic offered to middle school students at the 2025 Basketball Academy.
Coach Sam Brand, of The Sanctuary Collective, gives directions.
Diane Leach (left) and Darnetta “Toots” Heath serve as Basketball Academy committee members.
Archbishop Curley High School’s Miguel Davis (#4) (left) looks on as teammates Greate White (#5), Giampaolo Tripodi (#24) and Dante Watkins II (#2) try to block Cedric Harville (#0) (center), of Benjamin Franklin High School, from taking a shot at the basket.
David Talley Sr. (left) enjoys the tournament with his children David Talley Jr. and Heaven Talley.
Sian Tucker (left) enjoys the game with her father and brother, Larry (center) and Sage Tucker.
Omar Smith (#1) shoots a free throw for Baltimore City College.
AFRO Photos/ James Fields