Afro LifeStyle 12-30-2023

B4 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

H Street Toy Drive welcomes Black Santa

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com The D.C. Creative Institute recently hosted

the Black Santa of H Street Toy Drive, bringing holiday cheer to families across the District. Gifts were distributed on Dec. 23, as participants enjoyed free

food and live performances.

DJ Demp, DJ Kid Marvel and Yusha Assad kept the music going, as food and fun were had by all. A variety of gifts were on hand for local

Greg Etienne is the owner of Botl’d, a LGBTQ+, Black-owned business. The company, which produces artisanal, handcrafted, small-batch cocktails, served as a vendor during the holiday event.

children and spirits were high throughout the course of the four hour celebration, which took place at Baby Wale in the 1100 block of 9th St. NW.

Tonya Wilson offers natural skincare products to those in attendance for the toy drive.

Local artist, Yusha Assad helps with the set up of donated toys, ranging from basketballs to baby dolls for young boys and girls.

Photos courtesy of Yusha Assad

Holiday dinner uplifts local families

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com Council member Sydney J. Harrison (D-Prince George’s County-District 9) hosted a special holiday dinner on Dec. 15 at the

Tree of Life Ministries Church. The event was organized in partnership with Our Sons Rise, a local nonprofit organization. In addition to free food, those in attendance were invited to play family games, collect wrapped gifts and enjoy the presence of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Photos courtesy of Council member Sydney J. Harrison’s Office

Gifts pour in from across the county for the toy drive, proving the dedication of local community members.

Kids from across Prince George’s County play musical chairs while waiting for gifts.

Participants gather to bless and enjoy a buffet of food.

Malik Aziz, chief of Police for Prince George’s County, welcomes attendees.

Tree of Life Ministries pastor, James Robinson (left) in his Santa costume, with Council member Sydney J. Harrison and Rev. Marcia Johnson, posing as Mrs. Claus.

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com

D4 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

Wylie Funeral Homes opens third location in Baltimore

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held on Dec. 14 for the grand opening of Wylie Funeral Homes’ third location on The Alameda in Baltimore. Show here: City Council President Nick Mosby (left); Sen. Mary Washington (D-Md.-43); Chauncey Wylie; Kendi Ja’Far, Brandon M. Wylie, Beckham Wylie (child), Ashley Rock Wylie, Albert P. Wylie, Ph.D., Bishop Oscar E. Brown, Aldonna R. Wylie, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Lady Jacqueline D. Brown and Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Md.-40).

All photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen

By AFRO Staff

eaders, stakeholders and members of the community celebrated L the opening of a third location for Wylie Funeral Homes on Dec. 14.

The new building, located in the 5600 block of The Alameda, signifies

a reported $2 million dollar investment into the Baltimore economy.

For roughly three decades Wylie Funeral Homes has been a pillar in the community, aiding families in their most vulnerable time.

Rev. Gregory R Maddox, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, celebrates the growth of Wylie Funeral Homes.

Sen. Mary Washington (D-Md.-43) speaks to those gathered for the Wylie Funeral Homes ribbon cutting in the 5600 block of The Alameda.

Albert P. Wylie, Ph.D., is founder of Wylie Funeral Homes, which began in Baltimore in 1993.

Mayor Brandon Scott, City Council President Nick Mosby, Sen. Mary Washington (D-Md.-43) and Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Md.-40) were all present for the grand opening celebration, which included a ribbon cutting and a time for guests to complete a walk through and experience the facility. Aside from serving as a third space to offer funeral services, the Wylie family has also created jobs in the Baltimore community with their newest location. In August 2023, the AFRO honored Wylie Funeral Homes for being a leader in the pandemic, which significantly impacted the funeral home industry.

Brandon M. Wylie serves as CEO of Wylie Funeral Homes, carrying the family business into the future.

Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby thanks the Wylie family for their decades of service to the Baltimore community.

Residents and elected officials tour the new facility.

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com