Howard Theatre highlights ‘Best of The Apollo’
By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO
Two legendary staples of the Black community recently came together for one unforgettable night.
On April 26, The Apollo Theater and Howard Theatre joined forces for “Best of The Apollo,” a special evening celebrating music, culture and Black artistic excellence. The event took place in the nation’s capital at the Howard Theatre, was hosted by Chris Spencer and featured performances by Clipse, Matthew Whitaker, Wé Ani, Baltimore’s own Gabby Samone and Black Alley.
AFRO Photos/ Patricia McDougall
Shown here, Chip Ellis (left) with Keenan Towns.
Shawn Yancey, of NBC 4, hits the red carpet.
Tarrus Richardson (left), Robin Leeds and actor Lamman Rucker at the “Best of The Apollo” at Howard Theatre.
Artist Wé Ani performs live for the crowd.
Daryl Moody (left) and Mark Harper at the “Best of The Apollo” at Howard Theatre VIP reception.
Shown here, Marcus Wiseman (left), Joy A. Profet and Tiffany Hainesworth, owner of TCapri Tequila.
Gabby Samone performs live at Howard Theatre on April 26.
Michael Ferguson (left), Reggie Van Lee, Michael Whitaker and Wanda Felton arrive on the red carpet.
Actor Chris Spencer and Bowie State University alum turned Broadway actor, Myles Frost, enjoy the red carpet at the “Best of The Apollo” show.
Actor Lamman Rucker (left) and artist Demont Pinder enjoy the “Best of The Apollo” show at Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C.
AFRO High Tea returns to Baltimore
By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor
Nearly 1,200 guests gathered for the AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea, celebrating Black excellence and honoring women leaders across corporate, nonprofit and civic spaces. The annual sold-out event took place on April 25, with a special spotlight on the local Black women who foster community, tradition and intergenerational connection all while holding executive roles in the workplace.
Honorees included Janet S. Currie, president of Bank of America Greater Maryland; Shannetta R. Griffin, executive director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration; Baltimore
City Administrator Faith P. Leach; Robyn Murphy, CEO of Create Baltimore; Tamla Olivier, president and chief executive officer of Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.; Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson, founder of Black Girls Vote; Shelonda Stokes, president and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and executive director of Downtown Management Authority; Chrissy M. Thornton, president and CEO of Associated Black Charities; Alicia Wilson, vice president of civic engagement and opportunity for Johns Hopkins University; Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, Ph.D., founding executive director of the Karson Institute for Race, Peace and Social Justice.
AFRO Photo / Stephen Hopkins
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott shares a moment with AFRO Tea honoree, Shelonda Stokes, president and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and executive director of Downtown Management Authority.
AFRO Photo / Stephen Hopkins
AFRO Tea Honoree Dr. Karsonya Whitehead, founding executive director of the Karson Institute for Race, Peace and Social Justice, enjoys the tea with the likes of Vanessa Pyatt, of the Pyatt Group.
Photo courtesy of Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen
AFRO News Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper (left) presents tea honoree Tamla Olivier, president and chief executive officer of Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., with an award, alongside Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07), Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott (second from right) and mistress of ceremonies and co-anchor of WBAL 11 News Weekend, Jenyne Donaldson (right).
AFRO Photo / Stephen Hopkins Shown here, Jessica Murphy (left), with honorees Chrissy Thornton (center), president and CEO of Associated Black Charities, and Robyn Murphy (right), CEO of Create Baltimore.
Photo courtesy of Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen
Honoree Janet S. Currie (left), president of Bank of America Greater Maryland, spends a moment with Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue.
AFRO Photo / Stephen Hopkins
AFRO News Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper delivers remarks to the roughly 1,200 in attendance at the 2026 Baltimore Tea on April 25.
Photo courtesy of Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) thanks Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson, founder of Black Girls Vote, for her work in the community.
Photo courtesy of Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen
Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) (left) presents an award to Alicia Wilson, vice president of civic engagement and opportunity for Johns Hopkins University, alongside Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott (right).