By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Homecoming services for Melvin L. Stukes were held Oct. 8 at the Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Randallstown, Maryland.  The former Baltimore City councilman and member of the Maryland House of Delegates died unexpectedly at his home in Pikesville during the morning of Sept. 21. He was 76.

Rev. Cordell E. Hunter Sr., presiding elder emeritus of the Baltimore Conference of the A.M.E. Church, officiated over the ceremonies. 

Several dignitaries, family members and friends attended the homegoing service for Stukes, including retired Maryland Supreme Court Chief Judge Robert Bell, former Baltimore City Comptroller Joan Pratt, former Baltimore City Police Commissioner Leonard Hamm, Maryland lobbyist Bruce Bereano, House of Delegate member N. Scott Phillips, D-Dist. 10, and Baltimore City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter, D-Dist. 10.

Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller was introduced by the Speaker of the House of Delegates Adrienne Jones after she applauded the work of Stukes, a former delegate.  “He was a hard worker who cared about the people  he represented,” Jones said. 

Miller presented a citation to the family on behalf of Gov. Wes Moore, Jones and herself. The lieutenant governor, who also served alongside Stukes in the House of Delegates, also told stories that reminded people of the man they knew.  

“‘Pops’ is what we affectionately called him,” she said.  “I recall the many times that Pops was called to give a prayer in the House of Delegates. Everyone in the house chambers, including the reporters, the guests, the pages, the speaker of the House and all 141 delegates, braced ourselves, knowing what was coming next.”

“He had a way of turning a simple prayer into a lasting experience, one that compelled all of us to stand up [and] hold hands across the aisle during the entirety of his prayer,” she continued. “And those who know Pops know that Pops  was never short of words. It was classic Pops reminding that prayer isn’t just listened to, it is felt; and it moves through us, connecting us in ways that words alone cannot.  It was a simple but powerful gesture of touch that we were all in together; connected with a shared responsibility to lift each other up and not tear each other down despite our political differences. That was Pops.”

Bruce Bereano, a lobbyist in Annapolis, said, “I saw firsthand the commitment he had to his district, his dedication. He was all about service; that is why he was elected over and over again. May he rest in peace.” 

Councilwoman Felicia Porter, who represents the 10^th District of Baltimore, which Stukes also represented as a councilman and delegate, said, “I am here out of gratitude for the work he has done.  I have great respect for him. He was a dedicated public servant.”

Family members and friends, one by one, spoke of Stukes’ dedication to his community while he was in office and even after he retired from public service, including Peggy Jackson-Jobe, chair of the Cherry Hill Community Coalition.

Numerous citations were presented to the Stukes family from political and community leaders, among them Congressman Kweisi Mfume and Mayor Brandon Scott.

The sermon was delivered by Rev. Raymond F. Edmonds Jr., pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church. That was followed by the interment at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills, Maryland.

The post Former Baltimore lawmaker Melvin Stukes laid to rest appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant was celebrated in a ceremony of life fit truly for a queen, as she was often called during the two-hour homegoing service on Oct. 5. The service included a host of family, friends, politicians and onlookers who came to pay their respect to the highly-regarded community leader, wife and mother. The service was held at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church,  located at 1300 Druid Hill Avenue in Baltimore. Bryant’s husband, Bishop John Richard Bryant, who pastored the church for more than a decade, listened as those in attendance spoke kind and powerful words about his wife of 55 years. 

Recordings of sermons, prayers and songs by Bryant echoed throughout the church during the family hour, carrying the voice of the late missionary to people in multiple overflow rooms of the church and those gathered on the sidewalks outside of Bethel. Famed violinist Dr. Melanie R. Hill, trumpeter and composer Dontae Winslow and the Bethel Community Choir provided music during the service.

A procession of A.M.E. bishops gave greetings to the family as they approached the pulpit. The line was led by Bethel A.M.E.’s senior pastor and first lady,  Rev. Dr. Patrick D. Clayborn and Dr. Sheri Smith Clayborn, respectively. 

Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, co-pastor of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Md., presided over the service. 

“We all come on this day to Bethel A.M.E. Church and virtually around the world to give God praise and to celebrate the loving life, the legacy and the ministry of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant. Lovingly, respectfully and affectionately she was called by many as Rev. Mother C and Queen Mother,” said Browning. 

The service continued with scriptures, songs, prayer and praise. Well-wishers delivered messages through their tears reflecting on Byrant’s presence in their lives including former member of the Maryland House of Delegates and friend, Dr. Salima Marriott, sisters Elise Williams and Rev. Quintalyn Williams Phillips. 

Naomi R. Bryant, one of Bryant’s grandchildren, spoke about her “Nana.”

“She was a mother and grandmother even outside her own bloodline.There are so many people around the world who have been blessed by her mentorship, love and support,” said Naomi Bryant. “When you think of Nana, we want you to picture her smiling at you; her laugh. Picture her praying for you and over you, picture her encouraging you and laying hands on you. Nana will continue to live on in our hearts and her legacy and blessings will anoint the many generations to come.”

Together Bryant and her husband, Bishop John Richard Bryant birthed and nurtured two children through adulthood, Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, founder of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore and now pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia and Rev. Dr. Thema Simone Bryant, a licensed psychologist, minister, author, sacred artist and president of the American Psychological Association. 

Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother via his social media platforms. 

“The only reason why I am still alive is because of the grace of God and because of the prayers of Cecelia Bryant,” he said.

Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant spoke for both herself and her brother during the homegoing celebration. Her words brought laughter and tears.

“Behold the woman, behold the mother of multitudes,” said Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant, to those gathered. “In the natural she birthed two children, in the spirit she birthed a movement and we–her fruit– understand her assignment. She mothered generations of intercessors and midwifed global consciousness with a heart for the African diaspora.” 

Bryant’s daughter said that her mother lived by the African proverb, “when you pray, move your feet.” 

“She came with an assignment to set the captives free,” said Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant. “She held up a mirror for women of African descent to see and embrace the truth of our glory… ‘Ma,’ as we– Jamal and I–called her, was known for her commitment to youth and education.” 

“What you don’t know…is the Cecelia Bryant Summer Enrichment College Preparatory Academy Camp that had two attendees: Jamal and Thema,” she continued. “We had to memorize and recite chapters of the Bible; go with her to hospitals and nursing homes where she served communion. Jamal read the scripture and I would praise dance between wheelchairs.  All of this prepared us to catch the baton and carry the movement forward.” 

Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant said that her mother was “a gifted speaker, preacher and poet,” and recalled how her mother would prep her for oratorical contents– which she won every year, except one. The year she wasn’t selected as the top orator, Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant demanded to know why they picked the wrong student. 

“The teachers told her they didn’t pick me because my piece was not age appropriate. Well, I realized this week that she and I practiced that piece over and over again–not so that I could win an elementary school competition– but so that all of these years later, I would hear her voice challenging me now to say the words again– with feeling. Those words were ‘Oh death, where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory?…Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Tell God thank you,” she said, as the crowd rose to their feet. 

Artistic tribute was given by the Akosua Visions Dance Ministry, which includes Bryant’s granddaughter, Ife Davis.

Zephia Bryant, founder and CEO of the Bryant Educational Leadership Group, acknowledged the numerous citations Bryant received, including from Maryland  Gov. Wes Moore, Congressman Kweisi Mfume,  Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Maryland State Senators Antonio Hayes, Jill Carter, bishops from around the world, ministers and many others.

The sermonic selection by Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford, Episcopal Supervisor of the A.M.E. Church’s 10th District, brought smiles to the face of Bishop Bryant.

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, president of the National Council of Churches of Christ, delivered the eulogy.  

“I must say that I don’t remember the day or the time in which I met Rev. C., but what I do remember is when I saw her…God spoke clearly in my heart ‘this is my prophet and she’s walking the prophet’s walk.’” 

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie called on those gathered to remember the sterling qualities of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant’s life and marvel at what God has done through her. 

“Could it be that Rev. C.’s greatest achievement– besides marriage and what she called the adventures of motherhood– is that she stood and she stood as a prophetic voice?,” quipped McKenzie. “She stood at a time when women were historically ignored. She stood demanding courage and unwavering faith in the face of rejection after rejection. She stood with and by her husband in a global ministry spanning three continents from Africa, India, the Caribbean to Canada and all points in between.”

McKenzie went on to explain the uniqueness of who Bryant was to the world and to those gathered. 

“She was a woman who refused to stay in her culturally assigned place. God saw her before she was seen or heard and she said she is the spirit personification of the warrior Queen Mother Nana Yaa Asantewaa. She is the warrior Queen Mother and according to the gospel of Cecelia she is the daughter of the Dust; a soul created, redeemed and anointed by Jesus.”

McKenzie encouraged others to live as Bryant did– “without fear and with Christ all the days of her life.” 

Following the procession of the bishops and family, an internment at Kings Memorial Park took place in Windsor Mill, Md.

The post Warrior, queen and mother: Honoring the life of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Herb Brown turned 100 years of age on Sept. 22 with all of the pomp and circumstance due to a centenarian of his caliber. The Baltimore business giant has been an active member of the Ashburton community for 62 years. 

Brown didn’t celebrate this milestone birthday alone. 

At noon on Saturday, Sept. 21, more than 125 of his friends and family gathered at the Baltimore Inner Harbor for a cruise on the water. The event was organized by his family and friends, who were excited to honor Brown.

“I have had the pleasure and honor of seeing Herb for the last 60 of his 100 years,” said Dan Henson. “It’s easy to think of your own mortality when you look at Herb and see his youthfulness.”

Henson said over the years, he has taken note of Brown’s ability to age with grace and style. 

“Three secrets to his longevity that I have noticed: One, he stopped drinking alcoholic beverages 50 years ago and replaced it with water–every Black bartender in Baltimore knows that. Two, he takes a nap every day and three, he gets dressed and does something daily that stimulates him physically and intellectually. I’m not saying these are the secrets to getting to 100, but they work for Herb and for me so far,” said Henson.

Among the many guests were Maryland Chief Judge Robert Bell, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07), State Sen. Jill Carter (D-Md.-41), State Del. Samuel “Sandy” Rosenberg (D-Md.-41), Theo Rodgers, co-founder and CEO of A&R Development, and Att. Kenneth L. Thompson.  

“It is rare,” said Bell, “to be able to celebrate the 100^th birthday of someone with such immense importance to the development of our community and to be able to share it with so many of his mentees– including myself. This was really special.”

Carter echoed similar sentiments. “We don’t often get to share a centennial celebration with our living heroes. It was an honor to see him smiling and to show him that his commitment and contributions are appreciated.”

Brown was born in Winnsboro, S.C.  He is the youngest of three sons born to  Lawrence and Willie Mae Brown.  “He was about six months old when his family moved to Baltimore,” says his granddaughter, Erika Bessick, who stays close to her grandfather to spend time with him every day.  

Brown graduated from Douglass High School and from there went into the Army. After two years, he was discharged honorably as a sergeant. 

“They had two lines, one if you wanted to stay in the army and another if you wanted to leave,” says Bessick.  “Grandfather chose the line to leave. He became a salesman,” she tells the AFRO.

And Brown was quite a salesman. 

He spent a number of years in sales, selling everything from mini blinds and floor coverings to beer.  According to Bessick, Brown spent 12 years selling Ballantine Beer until the company was acquired and his position was eliminated.

“Herb was a businessman, but more than that, he is a tremendous human being. It was great seeing one of the legends of the early days of Black entrepreneurship,” said Attorney Ken Thompson.

In 1968, Brown founded the Mondawmin Travel Agency. He was one of only two Black businesses at the time to be located in the West Baltimore mall. The only other Black owned business at the time was the Pauline Brooks women’s dress shop, which had moved to Mondawmin from North Avenue in 1967. 

Brown became among the power brokers in Baltimore and a close friend of the Late Willie Adams. Brown took a special interest in Northwest Baltimore politics and was among the founders of the Vanguard Organization, which helped elect a number of Black politicians going back to Sen. Verda Welcome and Sen. Clarence Blount. 

Chuck Thompson, who turned 100 years old earlier this year, also made his way to the cruise along with Angela Gibson. Thompson served as president of Vanguard while Brown was its long-time treasure. 

“His role as a political power broker helped to build Black power in Northwest Baltimore and shape policies that elevated our community for generations,” said Carter.

Theo Rodgers also weighed in on how Brown’s hard work has impacted the city.

“Herb Brown has always been involved behind the scenes in activities that improved Baltimore’s Black community in business and politics. His positive attitude has been a motivation for me for over 50 years,” he said.

Eventually, Brown moved his office into his Ashburton home, where he continued to host the Vanguard Organization after selling his travel agency.

Today Brown spends most of his time with his family. 

“He loves having his grandchildren around, he likes the noise, and he enjoys watching them. On special occasions like my sister’s baby shower, he’ll put on his suede jacket and strut. He’s steadier on his feet then most people, even me,” said Bessick. 

Lenny Clay remembers Brown as a mentor to many young Black business people.  “He is someone we looked up to–such a snappy dresser,” said Clay, who’s been cutting hair in Baltimore for over 60 years.

“He is up early every day and ready to go. [He] gets dressed a little more casual than the days when he would walk around in his sports coats and suits. Button down shirts [and] sweaters are now the order of the day,” says Bessick.

Brown fathered three children and only his son, Kevin Brown, lives with him in his Ashburton home today. 

Brown and his son Kevin occasionally spend time at C and C’s Lounge watching the football games together. 

“It is a joy to be here and ride this out with him,” said his son.  “He says he is ‘going to 110.’ I laugh and asked him is that all you got?’ I’m overwhelmed to see so many people supporting him and remembering his contributions.”

The post Herb Brown celebrates 100th birthday appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Over 200 people gathered on Sept. 7 at Shiloh Baptist Church, in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 AFRO High Tea.  

The event attracted women in their fanciest outfits and gorgeous hats and fascinators. There were also some well-dressed men in attendance.   All present paid tribute and honor to four women who have distinguished themselves in political and community service. 

The honorees included Prince George’s County Executive and Maryland U.S. Senate Candidate Angela Alsobrooks; Cora Masters Barry, the civic leader, professor and widow of the man known as “D.C.’s mayor for life,” Marion Barry; Former mayor of D.C. and attorney, Sharon Pratt, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. 

Diane Hocker, AFRO director of community and public relations, coordinated the event, which opened with an introduction of the Mistress of Ceremonies (MC) for the occasion, Dr. Renee Allen, founder of Global Conscious Initiative, and LaTara Harris, CEO and president Crittenton Services of Greater Washington. The two MCs’ added balance to the program as they alternated duties of the program, while presenting entertainment and guests.

After being introduced, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper,  AFRO CEO and publisher thanked the honorees and hundreds present. Robert Brown, served as entertainment for the afternoon, performing two songs for the audience. AFRO Executive Director and Advertising manager Lenora Howze gave the invocation before guests were served chicken, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and salad. 

The award presentation portion of the program began with the introduction of County Executive Angela Alsbrooks, who cited the roles of each of the honorees as mentors, friends and employers in her life. 

“It was 32-years ago that I was hired by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. At the New York Democratic National Convention in 1992, I was on the floor checking credentials and 32 years later I am on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a speaker. I thank the AFRO American Newspapers for continuing to tell our story.  I believe in you,” she told the audience. “When they see me. They will see you.  The best is yet to come.”  

After receiving her award, Cora Masters Barry said to Alsobrooks, “you’re going to be President one day.” The crowd erupted into applause. “We’re running this,” referring to Kamala Harris’ campaign to become president of the United States. 

“Don’t close that door,” she said, referring to the current class of strong, Black women leaders and the opportunities they can open for those to come. “Make sure one of us is walking through.”

Honoree Sharon Pratt, former mayor of D.C., gave a moving speech to the audience. 

“When I was captain of my line, Kamala Harris was being born,” said Pratt, speaking on Harris, her fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member, now a candidate for the president of the United States.

“We’ve always been marginalized. When they said ‘Black’ they meant ‘Black men’…when they said ‘women’ they meant ‘White women,” said Pratt, before thanking the AFRO for the recognition. “If we don’t tell our story and tell it right, who is going to tell it?”  

When Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton approached the podium the crowd rose to their feet with applause. Norton has represented the citizens of Washington, D.C. since 1991. The tenured Georgetown University professor also thanked the AFRO American Newspapers for the honor of being recognized alongside such distinguished women, who are pushing for change at the highest levels of government.

“Isn’t it just perfect that one of ours will be the first woman president of these United States?” asked Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. 

Each honoree received their own framed copy of the AFRO American Newspaper, featuring their story in a front-cover layout.

Aside from the awards, a highlight of the afternoon was the fashion parade, where attendees showed off their fascinators and hats. The nearly five-minute parade through the hall featured the women dancing, swinging their napkins and tipping their hats.As the festivities came to a close, Draper reminded those present to vote, guests gathered for photos, conversation and visits to the vendor section of the event, marking yet another successful AFRO High Tea in D.C.

The post AFRO High Tea returns to D.C. appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Melvin Stukes, the former Baltimore City Councilman and member of the Maryland House of Delegates died peacefully at his home in Pikesville on Saturday, September 21. Stukes was 76 years-old.  

Born March 15, 1948, Stukes was known for his work in the community and the church. 

He married his companion of sixteen years, Catherine DeFord Stukes, a retired principal, on December 31, 2022. 

“Because he heard God’s call to him, he willingly made his transition with a smile on his face,” said Mrs. Stukes. “It was an honor and privilege to be a part of his life for sixteen years. Melvin followed the footsteps that God provided for him.  He will be missed by all his family and friends. ‘Working together works’ was his theme,” she said.  

Former Baltimore City Mayor Kurt Schmoke, now president of the University of Baltimore, also recalled Stukes’ famous words.

“He lived by the philosophy that “working together works,” said Schmoke, speaking of Stukes, who was a member of the Baltimore City Council from 1991-2004 for District 6. 

Elected officials, community leaders, former constituents and friends were all saddened to learn of Stukes’ death. 

Sheila Dixon, former Baltimore City mayor and former president of the City Council, spoke to Stukes’ heart for the community.

“Melvin loved the people he served,” she said. “He was a true public servant who only wanted the best for the people of Baltimore and for the state of Maryland.  He fought hard for those who had challenges and was a superhero who was their biggest cheerleader.  He was a man of God.”

Former Comptroller for the City of Baltimore Joan Pratt agreed.

“Councilmember Stukes’ leadership was always about his constituency and he represented himself and his district well.  He was a pioneer.”

For eight years Melvin Stukes served in the Maryland House of Delegates, from 2007-2015.  

Retired State Senator Verna Jones, who served with Stukes, spoke with the AFRO about his time in office.

“Melvin was an authentic team player, committed to the economic stability of Baltimore and a fearless fighter for the City and the residents of our 44th District.  I am so honored to have served with him.” 

Stukes served three years in the United States Air Force from 1965-68 and was a member of the Prince Hall Masons Enterprise Lodge Number 3 in Baltimore.

A 1975 graduate of Morgan State University, Stukes worked for the State of Maryland from 1975 until his retirement holding positions in the Comptroller of the Treasury office and the Department of Transportation.

Even after retirement, he continued to serve the community and remained on numerous boards and commissions including the Cherry Hill Improvement Association where he was a founding member and president, the advisory board of the South Baltimore Learning Center and the Baltimore Education and Cultural Institute.  Stukes also stayed involved with the Leon Day Foundation, named in honor of Leon Day, who played for the Baltimore Black Sox in the Negro Baseball League.

“Melvin Stukes was a man for these times… a brother who exceeded the boundaries of devotion and service to  others throughout his life! Well done our good and faithful servant!  Rest in peace,” said Kwame Abayomi, the former Baltimore City Councilman known as Dr. Norman Handy Sr.

“Arrangements are currently being made,” said Catherine DeFord Stukes, adding that arrangements are being made with Wiley Funeral Home.  “There will be a day of tributes and we will inform the AFRO as we complete them.” 

Melvin Stukes is survived by his wife, Catherine DeFord Stukes, two daughters Tauraine and Marian, three sisters, Joan Stukes-Maurice, Sandra Chipungu and Mercedes Eugenia; Two stepchildren, Kevin DeFord and Sheila Cofield, and three grandchildren Dominique Pierre, Kenyetta and Andre Cofield.

Funeral Arrangements:

Viewing:

Monday, October 7, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. (Tributes begin at 7 p.m.)
Wylie Funeral Home
9200 Liberty Road
Randallstown, MD 21133

Funeral Service:

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Wake: 10 a.m.
Funeral: 11 a.m.
Union Bethel A.M.E. Church
8615 Church Lane
Randallstown, MD 21133

Livestream: https://unionbethelamec.org/media/livestream

Burial:

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Immediately following the funeral service
Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery
11501 Garrison Forest Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117

The post Melvin Stukes, former Maryland Delegate and Baltimore City, councilman dies at 76 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

The Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, with the support of the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation, hosted one of the largest state gatherings during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference from Sept. 11 through Sept. 15 in Washington, D.C.

The weekend’s Friday night is reserved for states throughout the country to host their congressional, state and local constituents, civic and business leaders and guests.  

Maryland has the largest Black state legislative body in the country with 66 members.

The event titled, “Maryland Black Excellence,” showcased Gov. Wes Moore who reminded the audience: “We have to elect Angela Alsobrooks to the United States Senate to maintain control of the country’s future agenda.” 

Alsobrooks, county executive for Prince George’s County, is the Democratic nominee for the Maryland Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin. Alsobrooks appeared on the stage with a number of Maryland elected officials, including Moore, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, who represents Maryland’s 7th congressional district, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. The diverse group also included U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md., 5th district), Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and Democratic candidate for Congress state Sen. Sara Elfreth (D-Dist. 30), who is running to replace Congressman John Sarbanes, who did not seek re-election. Congressman Glen Ivey (4th District) was also in attendance but had to leave for another event.  

The waiting list to attend the Maryland celebration exceeded 3,000 with over a thousand people in the room of the Salamander Hotel, which is owned by a Black entrepreneur Sheila Johnson and Henderson Park.

“The excitement and interest in the event with attendees from across Maryland reflects the energy and progress we are making in the state under the leadership of Governor Wes Moore and Speaker Adrienne Jones,” said Chairwoman of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus Jheanelle Wilkins, who has represented District 20 in the House of Delegates since 2017.

“With the only Black governor in the country, and the first Black and female speaker of the House, Maryland stands as a model for Black political leadership with deep impact, “ continued Del. Wilkins.

“This was a night of celebration,” said the Rev. Dr. Zina Pierre, president of the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation. “We put in a lot of work to showcase our Black leadership at the federal level and to showcase the excellence of Maryland and its delegation. In Maryland we all work together. That is why you saw the chair of the (national) Democratic Party, Ken Ulman, along with congressional leader Steny Hoyer in attendance. Maryland is a state that is truly moving forward.”

Pierre said 34 members of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus will head to the White House and Capitol Hill on Sept. 18 to lobby on behalf of the state of Maryland.

“We were so proud to come together during the nation’s foremost Black political week,” said Wilkins.

The post Legislative Black Caucus highlights Maryland’s ‘Black excellence’ at CBCF conference appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO 

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), one of America’s oldest civil rights institutions, has suspended both the president and treasurer of the organization’s Maryland State Conference.

In a letter dated Monday, Sept. 9, National NAACP President Derrick Johnson suspended both the Rev. Kobi Little, president, and Joshua Harris, treasurer.

Rev. Little and Harris also hold the roles of president and vice president, respectively, within the Baltimore Branch of the NAACP. 

Both the Maryland State Conference and Baltimore City Branch have been placed under administrative oversight by the national office of the NAACP.  

Harris confirmed the suspension with the AFRO at a gathering for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Faith Blackburn, vice president of the Maryland Chapter of the NAACP will serve as president of the NAACP’s Maryland State Chapter pending internal investigation.

Rev. Little offered the following statement:

“We are proud of the work that we have done to usher in a new generation of leadership and activism in the NAACP.  Sometimes change efforts incur backlash. This is one of those moments.  We are grateful to our supporters and partners for joining us to make meaningful contributions to our community.”

The AFRO reached out to National NAACP President Derrick Johnson for comment, but did not receive an immediate response. 

The length of the suspension and investigation has not been disclosed.  

Community leaders in Baltimore City recently expressed displeasure with the performance of Rev. Little and Harris, writing in an email shared with the AFRO that “There are so many issues that the Baltimore City Branch could take a stand on and they’ve done nothing. The people of this city have lost respect or have no knowledge of the NAACP.”

Others questioned how money was being managed, and cited a lack of treasury reports and meeting notes as a point of concern.

The post National NAACP president suspends leaders in Maryland State Conference and Baltimore City Branch appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Over 200 people gathered on Sept. 7 at Shiloh Baptist Church, in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 AFRO High Tea.  Watch the 360 video here.

The event attracted women in their fanciest outfits and gorgeous hats and fascinators. There were also some well-dressed men in attendance.   All present paid tribute and honor to four women who have distinguished themselves in political and community service. 

The honorees included Prince George’s County Executive and Maryland U.S. Senate Candidate Angela Alsobrooks; Cora Masters Barry, the civic leader, professor and widow of the man known as “D.C.’s mayor for life,” Marion Barry; Former mayor of D.C. and attorney, Sharon Pratt, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. 

Diane Hocker, AFRO director of community and public relations, coordinated the event, which opened with an introduction of the Mistress of Ceremonies (MC) for the occasion, Dr. Renee Allen, founder of Global Conscious Initiative, and LaTara Harris, CEO and president Crittenton Services of Greater Washington. The two MCs’ added balance to the program as they alternated duties of the program, while presenting entertainment and guests.

After being introduced, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper,  AFRO CEO and publisher thanked the honorees and hundreds present. Robert Brown, served as entertainment for the afternoon, performing two songs for the audience. AFRO Executive Director and Advertising manager Lenora Howze gave the invocation before guests were served chicken, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and salad. 

The award presentation portion of the program began with the introduction of County Executive Angela Alsbrooks, who cited the roles of each of the honorees as mentors, friends and employers in her life. 

“It was 32-years ago that I was hired by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. At the New York Democratic National Convention in 1992, I was on the floor checking credentials and 32 years later I am on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a speaker. I thank the AFRO American Newspapers for continuing to tell our story.  I believe in you,” she told the audience. “When they see me. They will see you.  The best is yet to come.”  

After receiving her award, Cora Masters Barry said to Alsobrooks, “you’re going to be President one day.” The crowd erupted into applause. “We’re running this,” referring to Kamala Harris’ campaign to become president of the United States. 

“Don’t close that door,” she said, referring to the current class of strong, Black women leaders and the opportunities they can open for those to come. “Make sure one of us is walking through.”

Honoree Sharon Pratt, former mayor of D.C., gave a moving speech to the audience. 

“When I was captain of my line, Kamala Harris was being born,” said Pratt, speaking on Harris, her fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member, now a candidate for the president of the United States.

“We’ve always been marginalized. When they said ‘Black’ they meant ‘Black men’…when they said ‘women’ they meant ‘White women,” said Pratt, before thanking the AFRO for the recognition. “If we don’t tell our story and tell it right, who is going to tell it?”  

When Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton approached the podium the crowd rose to their feet with applause. Norton has represented the citizens of Washington, D.C. since 1991. The tenured Georgetown University professor also thanked the AFRO American Newspapers for the honor of being recognized alongside such distinguished women, who are pushing for change at the highest levels of government.

“Isn’t it just perfect that one of ours will be the first woman president of these United States?” asked Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. 

Each honoree received their own framed copy of the AFRO American Newspaper, featuring their story in a front-cover layout.

Aside from the awards, a highlight of the afternoon was the fashion parade, where attendees showed off their fascinators and hats. The nearly five-minute parade through the hall featured the women dancing, swinging their napkins and tipping their hats.As the festivities came to a close, Draper reminded those present to vote, guests gathered for photos, conversation and visits to the vendor section of the event, marking yet another successful AFRO High Tea in D.C.

The post AFRO High Tea returns to D.C. appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Five years ago Vennieth McCormick struck out on a path to help people challenged with substance abuse disorders. He wanted to change lives.  He wanted to give hope. And he knew he could make a difference. 

McCormick believed since he overcame his own struggle with alcohol abuse 30 years ago, his story could serve as proof that a more productive life was possible, even for those tightly clasped in the grasp of addiction. 

“I would drive by, pass individuals on the street– some homeless–and see them. It was hard to turn and look away,” McCormick told the AFRO. “I knew that if only by the grace of God, it could be me.”

So, he took action. McCormick went on to build a fairly successful business in real estate and home improvement and began renting properties to organizations helping people with substance abuse disorders. 

 “I would run into some of those guys living in the rentals and end up in long conversations with them on what they needed to move their lives forward.  “I can do this,” he thought and so, he did. 

“I wanted to contribute to their success and every fiber of my body was telling me, I could do it– [I could] run a program with compassion and make a difference in the lives of people in need.”

“There was a lot to learn,” says Mr. McCormick. “I knew that counseling was necessary. What I realized most–and it goes back to Maslow’s Theory, Hierarchy  of Needs– is that until you put a roof over someone’s head, it is hard to help them in any sustainable way.”  

McCormick started with one house that he quickly filled with men in need of a place to stay. He connected them with programming and resources to manage addiction and some, over time, did complete the journey to a clean and sober lifestyle.  

Over the past five years, McCormick’s program, New Life Recovery, has grown from one house to eight– including a house for women.

“Believe me when I tell you that many of the people laying on the streets of our nation are suffering from some form of substance disorders or mental health issues or both. It’s true and can complicate their problems if not correctly diagnosed and treated,” said McCormick.

The data proves him right. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “over 582,000 individuals across the country were experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2022.” Of that number, “21 percent of individuals experiencing homelessness reported having a serious mental illness, and 16 percent reported having a substance use disorder.”

No easy solution

According to McCormick, a lot goes into running a housing unit for individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues.  

“Once you house them, you have to feed and clothe them…and then you can help them deal with the reasons for their abuse, which requires mental and therapeutic help,” he told the AFRO.

Every individual coming through New Life Recovery has access to those services.

More recently, McCormick consolidated his program.  He has acquired new accommodations for New Life Recovery in the form of a downtown Baltimore hotel, with over 100 beds, located at 110 St. Paul St.

McCormick described what the hotel space looked like before New Life Recovery took over.  

“It had become a place for homeless individuals or folks on assistance, paying very low rent, to hang outside,” he said. “You knew it was not your ordinary apartment building or living quarters, because in front of the building and sitting around the fountain were individuals who looked like they were in need, lost or struggling with a substance or mental disorder.”

Today, the atmosphere around the hotel is different.  In acquiring the new accommodations, McCormick is able to provide housing for individuals suffering from substance abuse, mental health issues and homelessness. The loitering that previously occurred, has subsided.  

McCormick also acquired the restaurant attached to the hotel, where he provides meals for the occupants.

“I am used to serving meals to our clients.  We have a regular dietician who prepares our meals,” he said. 

During the holidays, McCormick and New Life Recovery staff provide meals to homeless individuals. The AFRO has covered his efforts to serve in the past. 

“It is an opportunity to talk with people and offer them our assistance. Some take us up on it right away, while others may return at a later date,” he said. “At the least they learn about our program and know where we are.”

“The need in Baltimore to house individuals–male and female– suffering from substance abuse disorders, mental health issues and homelessness is great,” says Mr. McCormick.  “We want to continue to be a part of the solution. I am in the process of acquiring the hotel next door, at 100 St. Paul St., that will provide 160 beds with 100 rooms.  It is currently under renovation.”

The hotels offer a means for New Life Recovery to help more people immediately and centralize their counseling and mental health services. 

“Everything clients need are provided on sight,” said McCormick, who has moved all of his clientele into the hotel setting.

The accommodations are much like a hospital, however the rooms are more private like those seen in a hotel.  Similar to the expectations required in his earlier ventures provided, clients participating in today’s New Life Recovery programming must abide by rules and regulations that include specific guidelines and curfews.

While the sacrifice might be great, the reward is even greater.

“Everyone living in our program can get mental health counseling,” said McCormick. “I’ve learned if you are homeless, then you need our mental health services– something has you on the street that you need to face. There is a saying, ‘that you have to face it to fix it.’ And here at New Life Recovery we help our clients do just that.”

New Life Recovery is working in partnership with the University of Maryland to provide training for individuals who are ready to go to work, while also providing continued support to fully recover from experiencing homelessness.

McCormick likes the new accommodations for his program and says he looks forward to the expansion to 100 St. Paul Street adding additional accommodations. The expansion thus far has enabled him to put more time into other areas of New Life Recovery.

“I don’t have to spend half my day running around from place to place and picking up supplies and dropping off clothing.  It is consolidated,” he said. “I get to spend more time here with the folks residing here, participating with the training, and watching them…prayerfully leave here whole. I’m grateful. I think they are too!”

The post New Life Recovery expands services to fight substance abuse and homelessness with hotel purchase appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

This past Democratic National Convention (DNC) held at the United Center in Chicago from Aug. 19-22, is my sixth.  My first was in 2000, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles; followed by 2004, Fleet Center, Boston; 2008, Pepsi Center and Invesco Field, Denver; 2012, Cable Arena, Charlotte, N.C., and  my hometown in 2016, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia.

Every convention is confronted with protestors and Chicago was no different.  On the first day of the convention buses were held up for hours by protestors. The bus I was on sat for three-and-a-half hours before we were allowed to disembark. However, the protestors were unable to disrupt the excitement that was to follow once delegates and friends entered the convention halls. Every day following, we experienced little if any delay. They were smooth rides to the convention center and the check-in and security checkpoints moved quickly.

I can’t remember feeling this much excitement at a DNC; perhaps it rivaled the nomination of President Barack Obama who had survived a tumultuous battle for the nomination against Hillary Clinton  in 2008–quite a contrast to his crowning nomination in 2012.  

This year was more like 2012. My first two conventions were California and Boston, where Al Gore followed by John Kerry, respectively, became the Democratic nominees and lost the presidential elections.  There are those who would argue the election was stolen from Gore,  and I’m certain Hillary Clinton supporters laid claim to the same kind of defeat. The 2016 DNC in Philadelphia where Clinton was nominated saw disruption by Bernie Sanders holding his delegates to nearly the end of the convention in an effort to have his agenda heard, even though Hillary had won enough delegates to be the Democratic nominee for president.  The Democrats wanted unity and for Bernie to come under the tent.  

I don’t think anyone could have predicted–I know I could not–that on July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden would step down and endorse the candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the next president of the United States and in just  little under a month she would galvanize the Democratic Party and wrap up enough delegate votes to claim the nomination prior to the convention.  

Each day of the convention was filled with excitement. It was difficult to watch President Biden, front and center, tell America and those of us in attendance: ”I gave my best to you.” 

“Thank you Joe,” was the chant that roared through the center during his speech and every time his name was called.  I am sure he felt the love. That would be the last time we would see Joe during the convention even though many speakers, including the nominee and every former president paid tribute to him.  President Biden and his family left the convention following his speech for a well-deserved vacation.

On day two the featured speakers were the Obamas, and everyone I asked thought the best speech given outside of the vice president’s was that of Michelle Obama.  I was mesmerized by her presentation and forceful, calm delivery that had us sitting on the edge of our seats or standing and applauding uncontrollably.  The words of Michelle will be etched in history and will include her remarks when referring to Trump. She said, “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs.’” She was chiding remarks made by Trump during his debate with Biden when he referred to immigrants taking “Black jobs.”

To have witnessed two of the most engaging speeches, that of Michelle and Barack Obama, which were sheer joy and evoked emotions that made you wish the presidential election were happening outside the door of the convention center that day. 

During the ceremonial roll calls, every state was assigned their own song.  While almost everyone would agree that Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” is a great song, it had no connection to the state of Maryland–a state that has produced so many great artists, including Toni Braxton, Sisqo, Dru Hill, Billie Holiday and Frank Zappa. Most songs played for the states either reflected an artist born in that state, a theme song that had become a part of a top state official’s campaign or a hit song with the state’s name mentioned like Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” used by Texas.

Besides Maryland, of course, my favorite roll call presentation was that of Tennessee and the remarks given by its second speaker, state Rep. Justin Pearson who had been expelled from office in 2023 with one other Black member Justin Jones for protesting in support of gun safety and was reinstated a few days later. They are worth Googling.  I predict we will hear from this 29-year-old in the future of Democratic politics. 

Lil Jon was quite a highlight in the Georgia roll call, chanting, ”Get your hands up. We are not going back,” while New York featured director Spike Lee out front before the speech of its Gov. Kathy Hochul and played “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. North Dakota also featured an Alicia Keys song, “Girl on Fire.”

Nothing seemed more beautiful at the moment than on the third evening to hear poet Amanda Gordon recite a new poem “The Hill We Climb,” which began: ” We gather at this hallowed place because we believe in the American dream….”

My favorite two verses from her poem were: “We are one family regardless of religion, class, or color, for what defines a patriot is not just our love of liberty, but our love for one another.” And her conclusion: ”Let us not just believe in the American dream. Let us be worthy of it.”

There were many surprises during the convention, from the appearance of Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey and the rumor that ran rapidly that Beyonce was going to perform on the last evening.  

Other than Beyonce not appearing, I thought that most of the key speakers, including the Clintons, did not disappoint. Hillary drew out the loud chant from the crowd: Lock him Up, ” referring to Republican nominee Donald Trump.  

No one from Maryland appearing on the stage at the DNC let attendees down, evident by the ringing applause.  Gov. Wes Moore, U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks, Congressman Jamie Raskin–all were well-received, left indelible impressions, and kept very busy schedules during the convention speaking at caucuses and hosting their own events.

The families of the vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who also gave a riveting speech during the convention, along with Kamala’s family, including her husband, Doug provided moments of applause, tears and joy during the convention. “Joy,” by the way when mentioned during the convention became synonymous with Kamala.

The presidential nominee was elegant and engaging.  When I left the convention center in Chicago I felt I knew her, and I am sure that most of us who heard her felt the same.  She carried us on a journey from childhood, a life of service to this moment of in-person acceptance of the Democratic nomination for president of these United States.  She was not boastful but brilliant.  She laid out a plan for America with confidence and courage.  She was forceful and fearless. The applause and standing ovations were relentless and reassuring that Democrats had made the right choice in pushing forward a woman who could become the first woman and woman of color to be elected to the presidency of the United States.

The post Reflections on the Democratic National Convention appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Over 200 people crowded into the newly built Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center for a grand opening celebration on July 2. The date of the event coincided with what would have been the 115th birthday of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who called Baltimore “home.” 

Located at 1315 Division Street in Baltimore, the center represents the completion of the first building in a $50 million dollar initiative planned under the leadership of Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr., president and CEO of the Beloved Community Services Corporation. 

President of the Finn Group, LaRian Finney, served as master of ceremony for the event, and the program began and ended in prayer by Bishop Dennis Proctor of the AME Zion Church. 

The emotional opening of the building featured news clippings with remarks by United States Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first Black man appointed to America’s highest court in 1967. Marshall was appointed by then U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and served 23 years.

Among the attendees were several elected officials including Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07), Speaker of the Maryland State House Adrienne Jones (D-Md.-10), State Senator Antonio Hayes (D-Md.-40), Mayor of Baltimore City Brandon Scott and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.  

Mfume, who lived on Division street in his childhood, recalled meeting Thurgood Marshall in his office at the Supreme Court.  

“He told me he had received a call from Congressman Parren Mitchell, who let him know I had lived in the neighborhood.  I came with the new congressman who had been elected and he reminded us to never give up the fight for equality,” he said.

African Ambassadors from the Republic of Ghana, Rwanda and Tanzania were also in attendance.  Her Excellency Dr. Elsie Sia Kanzaa, Ambassador of Tanzania spoke about the power of uniting around a common cause. 

“While Justice Marshall did not work directly with Tanzania, his work touched Tanzanians as he was working closely with our African brothers and sisters, striking for common cause, ending colonization and oppression and [standing] with us in our social justice and struggle for independence,” said Her Excellency. “We thank Baltimore for giving us all Justice Marshall.”

Dr. Hathaway wasted little time in thanking everyone, beginning with his wife and family, which included third generation members. He also extended his gratitude to those who protected the project, from former mayors to current leader Brandon M. Scott, who spoke and thanked Dr. Hathaway for remaining committed to the project and the Thurgood Marshall legacy goal of equality.  

As an example of the need for such a center, Mayor Scott commented on the Supreme Court’s recent 6-3 decision to allow former President Trump immunity from some prosecution related to actions taken while in office on Jan. 6, 2021 before, during and after the U.S. Capital insurrection. 

“We must not give up the fight for dignity [and] equality–we must go deeper. If we don’t, many– if not all– of the things that Justice Thurgood Marshall toiled and worked for and accomplished will simply die because of our silence,” said Scott. “Let us continue in the fight the way he would want us to.”

Aside from Hathaway and Scott, additional remarks were given by the presidents from local universities including, Darryll Pines, of University of Maryland, Bruce E. Jarrell, president of University of Maryland Baltimore, and former Mayor of Baltimore and President of the University of Baltimore, Kurt Schmoke.

The Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, formerly known as Public School 103, was an elementary school located three blocks from Supreme Court Justice Marshall’s childhood home, which is located at 1632 Division Street. 

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Thurgood Marshall Lecture series, by Mary Miller, which will take place at the Thurgood Marshall Amenities Center on Sept. 25. Members of the Maryland House of Delegates also unveiled a painting of the three African American Congressmen, Parren J. Mitchell, Kweisi Mfume and Elijah Cummings, that will hang in the center. 

The final highlight before the ribbon cutting was the announcement of a $2 million pledge by the Carmelo Anthony Foundation, announcing the naming rights to the front of the building.

As the ceremony came to a close , Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr. announced the goal of raising $3.5 million with pledge cards being made available for all attendees.

 He expressed high hopes for the future of the center as well as the history being passed down.  

“Justice Thurgood Marshall should be to Baltimore [what] the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. is to Atlanta,” said Hathaway. 

The new center will house several training opportunities, including sessions in artificial intelligence by Career Communications, financial literacy sessions by Bank of America, and skills and job training supported by Ricky Smith, CEO of the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Judge Alexander Williams Jr. announced that a division of his center for education, justice and ethics will provide training at the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center. 

The post Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center opens in Baltimore appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Willie Earl Vereen, a member of the “Wilmington Ten” died on May 25, at the age of 70. 

Vereen is noted for being a part of the The Wilmington Ten, a group of young civil rights leaders who became political prisoners after being convicted in the arson and firebombing of a grocery store in Wilmington, N.C.

The year was 1971. The members of the group, sentenced to decades in prison, served ten years before receiving a pardon and compensation for a wrongful conviction in December 2012. 

The Wilmington Ten consisted of eight high school students, including Willie Earl Vereen, one White woman, Ann Shepard, an anti-poverty worker and Ben Chavis, who now serves as CEO and President of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. 

“Willie Earl Vereen, at the age of 17, was one of the youngest members of the Wilmington Ten, yet he was a gifted and talented young freedom fighter for equal, quality education for Black public-school students.  Vereen was an accomplished musician and drummer who dedicated his cultural genius to proclaim freedom, justice and equality for all,” said Chavis.

According to several news reports from 1971, armed White supremacy groups– including Ku Klux Klan members–patrolled the streets of Wilmington and participated in violence that resulted in the firebombings across the city. At least 20 buildings were destroyed.

Instead of being held responsible, The Wilmington Ten were tried in state court and received a combined sentence of 232 years.  Willie Earl Vereen received a 29-year sentence.  The longest sentence, of 35 years, was given to Ben Chavis.  

“We were political prisoners together,” said Chavis. “May the spirit and legacy of Willie Earl Vereen live on for future generations.”

Memorial Services for Willie Earl Vereen were held in Wilmington, N.C. on Wednesday, May 29, at noon inside of the Temple of Truth Light and Life, located at 2166 Kent Street.

The post Willie Earl Vereen, valiant freedom fighter, dies at age 70 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

The morning after a primary election—whether you win or lose—can be daunting but, perhaps, mostly reflective. Candidates will ask themselves, “Did I do everything I could…put it all on the table? Did I knock on enough doors, encounter enough potential voters, explain my reasons for running clearly whether in debates, advertisements, mailers, community meetings or private receptions?”

For some, the results answer this self-evaluation. For others, they await the final counts to begin their reflections.

With two councilmen deciding to go in different directions — Kristerfer Burnett in West Baltimore retiring as representative of the 8th District and Zeke Cohen heading to the presidency of the Baltimore City Council — primary elections in those districts are too close to call.

In District 12, a seat held by Robert Stokes Sr. since 2016, he trails his challenger by 140 votes, and District 11 incumbent Eric Costello leads unexpectedly by only 25 votes, so they wait, along with former Mayor Sheila Dixon for the counting of about 13,000 mail-in ballots to give their acceptance speech or to concede.

A win can come after much struggle but a loss can hit even harder. Winning requires as much grace as losing. That was seen on the night of the primary for some of the top candidates. 

“There might be some votes left to be counted but I think it is safe to say we are destined for a second term. A victory tonight means the work has just begun,” said Mayor Brandon Scott on election night. “I want to extend my thanks to former Mayor Dixon for her passion for the city and for her years of service and for her commitment to our residents and for a very, very hard-fought race. But now it’s time to turn the page. I am blessed to have another term to serve as your mayor.” 

City Council President Nick Mosby pledged to help Zeke Cohen with transitioning into a position he has held since 2020. He also thanked Baltimore residents for their support on social media. 

“You’ve been with me through every win and every loss, so I simply want to say, Thank You. Thank You for believing in me and allowing me the privilege of serving you,” Mosby tweeted. 

Zeke Cohen, the Democratic nominee for president of the City Council, was also gracious in his win, saying, “I am grateful to Nick Mosby for his call today and for his leadership.”

Congressman David Trone, who lost to opponent County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in his bid for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, immediately pledged his support for Alsobrooks after his loss.

“I had an opportunity to speak to Congressman Trone; I thanked him so much for his call. I want you to know we are united in our focus to keep the Senate ‘Blue.’ I am so grateful for his support,” Alsobrooks said.

The Democrat also thanked voters. She said, “I woke up feeling grateful! Grateful for your support, for the movement we’ve built, and for this history we’re going to make.”

Alsobrooks, now the Democratic nominee for the Senate seat to be vacated by Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., will face Republican nominee, former governor of Maryland Larry Hogan in the November General Election. Republicans have not won a Senate seat in Maryland since 1980.

With most of the results announced, the electorate would have awoken the morning after the primary with smiles or frowns at the outcome. 

Some voters would not have played a role in that outcome having not gone to the polls because “they didn’t think they would make a difference.”

Others, however, would be pleased that their voices seemed to outweigh the influence of money on the elections through endorsements, private pacts and self-funding, suggesting that money doesn’t matter as much as people.

For example, three-term Congressman David Trone outspent Democratic nominee Angela Alsobrooks 10 to 1, injecting over $60 million of his own money into his campaign.

“Sometimes fancy slogans, lavish endorsements, overdosing commercials…don’t always matter,” said Karen Miller, public relations campaign manager and principal of Karen Miller Consulting LLC.  “The public can see through plots, and sometimes good guys or ladies just win. And, if the candidate has done everything the right way and is sincere in their approach, especially in a re-election, or has a proven record of success, even if it is an uphill battle they are hard to beat.” 

Voters are also much more intelligent and have more access to information than ever before. One voter Piccola Winkey said she did her research on all the candidates. 

“I chose the one that I believed will get the job done,” she said.

The post Candidates, voters reflect on 2024 primary election appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

The viewing, wake and funeral for Helena Hicks, Ph.D., a distinguished Baltimore activist and civil rights leader, will be held May 6 and 7.  

A viewing will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on May 6, with a wake taking place and 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on May 7, followed by a funeral, set to run from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  Both ceremonies will be conducted at the Joseph H. Brown Funeral Home located at 2140 N. Fulton Ave. in Baltimore.  

Hicks was 88 years old when she died on April 18, however she leaves a legacy of fighting for civil rights and justice for African Americans.  

“She was a stalwart in the early civil rights movement as a student and she was a critical conscience of our community.  Ms. Hicks gave her energy to many causes that impacted Baltimore City,” said Michael Mitchell, attorney, and former member of the Maryland State Senate. “She remained involved in political elections vital to our community; helping to elect our city’s first Black Congressman, my uncle, Parren J. Mitchell, our first Black judge, Joseph Howard, and our first Black state’s attorney, Milton B. Allen.  

“She stayed involved and stayed committed, Mitchell continued. “I will be there to pay my respect. She was a freedom fighter like my grandmother, Lillie Mae Jackson, who headed the Baltimore Branch of the NAACP for thirty-five years.  Helena came regularly and helped to register our community to vote.”

In the 1940’s, as part of the youth group formed by civil rights leader Lillie May Jackson and the NAACP; Helena Hicks participated in the picketing of the Ford’s Theater against their segregation policies.

Hicks was no stranger to raising a voice in protest, as she was among the five Morgan State University students to lead the charge against segregation policies in Baltimore. At the time, the institution was known as Morgan State College and students at the historically Black institution had a goal in mind: desegregate the counters inside the chain of Read Drug Stores operating throughout Charm City.  

Reads Drug Stores opened up in Baltimore in 1934. Protests of the business centered around the drug store’s refusal to provide counter service to African Americans. 

Black people were allowed to buy products at Read Drug Stores but could not sit at the lunch counters and be served. They could not drink from fountains or enjoy a sweet treat at their leisure. Protests against the store’s policies began in 1952, when a group of students staged sit-ins.  The protest grew with the participation of the civil rights organization, Congress Of Racial Equality (CORE).

In 1955, the sit-in protest targeted several Read Drug Store locations throughout the city– including the Howard and Lexington Street Location and the Northwood Store.

On January 22, 1955, Read Drug Store President Arthur Nattans Sr. announced via the Baltimore AFRO American Newspaper, that his business would “serve all customers throughout our entire stores including the fountains, and this becomes effective immediately, “ he said.

In 1983 Read Drug Stores were purchased by Rite-Aid.

Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump weighed in on Hick’s death, saying on social media that  “a prominent Baltimore civil rights advocate has died.  A steadfast voice for justice, she left an indelible impact.”

Hicks is the inspiration behind The Helena Hicks Emancipation School at the Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts at Johns Hopkins University.

Helena Hicks earned a Bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University, is a  recipient of a Master’s Degree from Howard University and a Doctorate Degree from the University of Maryland College Park. 

She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and her professional career included employment with the Housing Authority of Baltimore, time as a social worker for the Department of Public Welfare and service as the director of the Office of Policy, Planning and Program for Baltimore’s Department of Human Resources.

Dr. Helena Hicks is survived by a daughter Lynne Wilson and a son Wayne Hicks.

The post Baltimore mourns death of legendary civil rights activist, Helena Hicks, Ph.D. appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh 

Special to the AFRO 

An office of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’  was broken into on April 5. The office is located at 8455 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Md. 

Alsobrooks is in the running to represent Maryland in the United States Senate, replacing U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, who has announced he will not seek re-election. Major opponents in the race include David Trone and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

“I’m disappointed to see that our office seems to have been targeted,” said Alsobrooks. “Someone forced their way in, went through sensitive material, threw some of our campaign shirts in the trash and stole personal items from a staff member.” 

No one reportedly has been hurt and the office remains open to campaign workers and the public.  

Alsobrooks told the AFRO that she is not “deterred.”

“This only strengthens our resolve to run the kind of uplifting campaign we’ve been running since day one,” she said.

The election for United States Senate will take place in Maryland on May 14. The deadline to register to vote in the election is Tuesday, April 23. Early voting will begin on May 2.

The post AFRO Exclusive: P.G. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks responds to office break-in  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh

They came by busloads, March 4, at the invitation of their State Sen. Antonio Hayes and Delegates Marlon Amprey and Melissa Wells to “An Evening in Annapolis with District 40.” 

“This is a tradition,” said Hayes to the more than 100 Baltimore residents who attended the event. “We do this every year.”

Attendees were treated to a meal and music by the 2023 Baltimore City Public School Teacher of the Year, music teacher Jared Perry and his cadre of youthful musicians from Booker T. Washington Middle School, which is located in the 40^th district.  The group of musicians sang and played original tunes by members of the band.

“It is a great event,” said Betty Clark, who journeyed to Annapolis for the annual event.  

While many of the 40^th District constituents came by bus, some of them drove. Organization leaders from the 40^th District were also in attendance, including Chief Executive Officer of Park Heights Renaissance, Yolanda Jiggetts, and President of the Center for Urban Families (CUF), Joe Jones. 

Jones said the Center was in its 25^th year, and he thanked the 40^th District delegation for helping them procure bond bills from the Legislature.  

The Baltimore constituents were given a tour of the Senate and House chambers.

President of the Senate William “Bill” Ferguson thanked the residents for coming and praised the Baltimore lawmakers. “You all send one of the best delegations to Annapolis to fight on your behalf,” he said.

The 40th District legislators said the annual event is part of an effort to educate voters about the work their representatives are doing in the General Assembly on their behalf.

“I want to remind you all that this is a part of our effort to be accountable to you,” said Sen. Hayes. “Before we come to session we invite you to give us feedback so that we present the best agenda on your behalf.  When this session is over we will also do our end of session briefing to share with you what we were able to accomplish.” 

The end of session briefing is scheduled for May 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Delegate Marlon Amprey offered a glimpse of his focus for the session.

“I don’t have time to tell you about all the legislation I have put in this session but I am championing legislation that focuses on individuals who are incarcerated and those leaving these institutions to become whole,” he said. Among the legislation Delegate Amprey is leading is HB 92, which asks the state to help those incarcerated to access federal PELL Grants.

Delegate Melissa Wells is also leading several pieces of legislation, including HB 432 which would replace references to mental retardation with “intellectual  disability.”

“We are proud of our work and also proud to represent the 40^th District.  We work for you,” she said. “It is so good to see so many of you here tonight.  Continue to hold us accountable.” 

Maryland’s first lady Dawn Moore brought greetings on behalf of Gov. Wes Moore and also praised the delegation from the 40^th District.  She stayed at the reception and took pictures with the crowd. Hayes referred to the work of the state central committee members that were present and how grateful the 40^th District is for their volunteerism.  Also in attendance and bringing greetings were Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, Vice President Sharon Middleton and Council members James Torrence, Phylicia Porter, Eric Costello and Antonio Glover.  Several state delegates and state senators stopped by the event, including Sen. Corey McCray and Sen. Jill Carter.

The post Baltimore residents attend annual legislative evening in Annapolis appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, 20th national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and pioneering educator, died at her home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 20, at the age of 93.

“Dr. Roddey was an outstanding educator who dedicated her life to service and developing strategic partnerships,” said Baltimore Alumnae Chapter President Geraldine Finch.

In 1968, Maxwell-Roddey was one of the first Black women appointed principal at a formerly all-White Charlotte-Mecklenburg elementary school. She joined the faculty of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte (UNCC) in 1970, becoming the school’s second Black professor. Four years later, she became the founding director of UNCC’s Africana Studies Department and she co-founded the Afro-American Cultural and Service Center, now known as the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts.

“There probably would not be a Harvey B. Gantt Center without Bertha Maxwell-Roddey’s vision. We are grateful for her attention to the African American culture in our city,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

”Dr. Bertha Maxwell-Roddey’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she has influenced through education, community advocacy, and the importance of preserving and celebrating Black History, arts and culture,” posted the Gantt Center on Facebook.

In a statement released by the National Office of Delta Sigma Theta it was noted that during Maxwell-Roddey’s presidency, the sorority partnered with Habitat for Humanity to address housing insecurity. Through this partnership, members of the sorority helped build over 350 homes for families in the United States, the Caribbean and Africa.

“Dr. Bertha Maxwell-Roddey was an active and impactful member of Delta Sigma Theta for over 72 years. She inspired me as I watched her lead with grace and integrity,” said Finch, the Baltimore chapter president.

The post Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, education advocate and former Delta Sorority president, dies at 93 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh 
Special to the AFRO

The Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher of the AFRO-American Newspapers, was surprised on the morning of March 20 by members of the Maryland State legislature.

Draper was invited to the Senate Chambers to give a prayer. Unbeknownst to her, she was giving an invocation — and receiving the Maryland Senate’s highest honor, the Maryland First Citizen’s Award.

As is tradition, the award presentation is described by the State Archivist, Elaine Rice Bachmann, on behalf of the President of the Senate William “Bill” Ferguson.

“Dr. Draper’s commitment to the community has been demonstrated throughout her career,” said Bachmann. “Dr. Toni Draper’s life and career embody the critical and historical intersection of the Black Church, the Black Press and civil rights. An integral partnership that has enabled the slow march toward a more equitable society.”

Draper had already returned to her seat next to President Ferguson, after giving the prayer. 

“It became obvious by the description that she was the awardee. We could see the smile and shock come over her face,” said Senator Antonio Hayes. “Well deserved,” he said.

“This is a beautiful award. Thank you President Ferguson and thank you to the members of the Senate,” said Dr. Draper. “I will cherish this forever. My name is on it and I appreciate that, but it belongs to team AFRO and to the citizens of Maryland— especially those who reside in Baltimore.”

The award is given annually to a citizen or citizens who have been dedicated and effective participants in the process of making government work for the benefit of all people.

The award is named in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton and bares his image.  Carroll who as a Roman Catholic was barred from public office. In 1773 Carroll wrote a series of letters published in the Maryland Gazette under the name “First Citizen.” The letters urged the General Assembly to work for the benefit of all people.

A signer of the Declaration of Independence, Carroll’s letters led to a long career in public service and he helped shape Maryland’s First Constitution. Charles Carroll served in the State Senate, Continental Congress and U.S. Senate.

The post Maryland legislators honor AFRO Publisher appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh

Special to the AFRO

Pamela Renee Leak, known on stage as comedian Ms. Maybelle, as a philanthropist and a community activist, died February 29, bringing tears to many in Baltimore and beyond. 

Leak, known as a philanthropist and community activist, died the evening February 29, bringing tears to many in the Baltimore and beyond. News of the death sent shock waves among those who are familiar and supportive of her comedy as well as her philanthropy.

Leak, or Ms. Maybelle, as she was known and liked to be called, was born Aug. 19, 1967, to Vivian Thornton and Larry Leak.  Both her parents preceded her in death.  

Ms. Maybelle suffered a massive heart attack and an aneurysm, leading to her death.  

“It was unbelievable,”  said her Aunt Sheila Smith, “and totally unexpected.”

Smith and most of Ms. Maybelle’s immediate family, including her three sons Antwon, Shawn and Nicholas, and her only sibling, Shelly Wallace, surrounded her bedside in disbelief at what they were experiencing. 

“She was preparing for her Friday night comedy appearance and a calendar full of activities, which included the 20^th Anniversary Big Girl Fashion Show with Travis Winkey,” said Smith. “Two years ago, she had a minor stroke, but had come back strong.  She returned to radio six months ago, and was incredibly happy,” she said.

Ms. Maybelle has appeared on both the David Letterman and Steve Harvey Show. For 27 years she has entertained audiences throughout the country, but concentrated her talent in Baltimore–her beloved hometown where she was born and lived. She debuted her One woman show at Baltimore’s Arena Playhouse last May.

“She once worked in the Clerk of the Court’s Office, Frank Conaway Sr., but as long as I remember Pamela, wanted to be a comedian.  She was the one that made us all laugh.  She was doing exactly what she wanted to do and has been doing it for almost 30 years,” Smith.

Larry Young, former state senator and president of the National Action

Network was among her most ardent fans.

“I met her over 20 years ago. I invited her to appear on The Larry Young Morning Show back in 2007.  She was such a hit,” Young recalls. “Three years later she was hosting her own show on WOLB.  I named her Ms. Maybelle because she told me she was such a big fan of Moms Mabley and wanted to honor her style of comedy.”

This past September, the 2600 block of Robb street was renamed after Ms. Maybelle. “It is where I was raised by my father and have done food giveaways and donated to the school and recreation center in the area,” she told the media.

Two weeks ago, Ms. Maybelle was a recipient of one of the National Action Network Community Honor Roll Awards, hosted by AFRO Managing Editor, Alexis Taylor.  

“I was the last one to give her a well-deserved honor.  There were 14 of those awards given, but she was the only one who got a standing ovation,” said Young, of the audience’s reaction to Leak’s award.

Leak was well known in the community for feeding those in need and giving back however she could. 

“I’ve been hungry,” Ms. Maybelle was once quoted saying, which led to her hosting her food and clothing giveaways.  

Her presence in the community will surely be missed.

“She never minded sharing what she had,” said Lena Redmond, a family friend.  “She was such a good mother.  Whatever her family needed within her power she gave. She was especially attentive to her youngest son, Nichols,18, who faces health challenges.  Her older sons, Antwan and Shawn helped her take care of him, ” said Smith.  

Young agreed. “She was a great mother. “We will continue the Arena Playhouse Annual Thanksgiving food give-away in her honor. I return to WOLB radio at 4 p.m. and I will dedicate my next few shows and my Wednesday 10 a.m. podcast to Ms. Maybelle. I know people in Baltimore want to vent and share their pain, sympathy and well wishes to her family.”

Pamela Leak, is survived by aunts Sheila Smith, Bessie Gross and Joyce Culbreth; three sons, Antwan Spencer, Shawn Carter, Nicholas King; and a host of other family members and friends. 

The post A purpose fulfilled: Honoring the work of comedian and community activist Pamela “Ms. Maybelle” Leak appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Rodney Orange Sr., born Aug. 23, 1942, passed away suddenly Feb. 15, 2024. 

“He had health challenges,” said his wife of 63 years, Catherine Orange, “but this was not expected.”

A graduate of Douglass High School, Orange was a notable member of the class of 1960.  

“He was a star quarterback that graduated with honors,” said Catherine Orange.  

Orange also served in the Marine Corps for four years and received an honorable discharge, in 1964, as a sergeant.  In 1976, Rodney Orange earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Morgan State University.

“Rodney was a good friend, a fearless soldier and confidant who I trusted and worked with on countless issues.  He loved Baltimore and Baltimore loved him,” said U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-07).

When Mfume went on to pursue a political career, Orange would often sit-in as the host of “Two-Way-Talk,” a program that Mfume created and hosted as program director of WEAA-Radio.

“Rodney was a quiet giant and not boastful.  He always spoke in terms of ‘we’ and ‘us’…never ‘I,’” said former Maryland State Senator Larry Young.  

Orange served as president of the NAACP’s Baltimore Branch from 1993 to 1998.  He stepped down in 1998 to run in a field of seven for a seat in the 44^th district for the Maryland House of Delegates.

“His passing,” said Mfume, “reminds us that there are not many from the old school left, who would run with the baton until it was their turn to pass it on.  He did his part in the struggle, to make it easier for those who would step up today.”

Final arrangements for Rodney Orange Sr. will be held by Wiley Funeral Homes, with a funeral taking place on March 5 at City Temple Baptist Church, in Baltimore. A wake will be held at 10 a.m. at the church, located in the 300 block of Dolphin St., with a funeral service starting at 10:30 a.m.

“He’s going to be missed by us all– especially our neighbors who, whenever they wanted to know something about politics, sought him out,” said Catherine Orange. “He kept up with all of it.”

Rodney and Catherine Orange had five sons, with Dana Kenneth Orange and Rodney Jr. preceding him in death.  He is survived by three other sons, Tracey, Rickey and Chris Orange. 

The post Rodney Orange Sr. dies at age 81 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

For three days I observed the glorious precision of the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Conference that occurred in Baltimore Feb. 15 – Feb. 17. People from across the globe filled downtown hotels, many not checking out until the last few waning hours of the weekend.  It was “Black excellence at its peak.”

BEYA (Becoming Everything You Are) left Baltimore 12 years ago.  This year denotes its 38^th year of existence, as it returned with the theme “People  Process, Technology.”  BEYA is a multicultural event and has been contracted to be in Baltimore through 2027, which will represent its 40^th year.  

Tyrone Taborn, president of Career Communications, is at the center of this effort.  He created BEYA and then went on to pursue and convince top engineering and technology companies and all branches of the Armed Forces that his brand of diversity hiring and inclusion at their organizations would be to their advantage. More importantly, his company has provided a singular platform to meet talented individuals for internships and employment with the BEYA STEM conference. 

Taborn declared he would improve opportunities for Black STEM professionals and salute members of the military, along with the pioneers of the leading Black STEM companies and organizations.

Taborn would be the first to admit that this conference planning and staging was hard work that could not have happened without the teams he assembled, including his wife Jean Hamilton and son Ty Taborn, who serve as officers in the company. A host of supporters and corporations also helped underwrite the cost of putting on such a first-class event. He thanked them all in the three publications distributed during the conference and featured them on the Career Communications website. They are also highlighted in STEM City USA, the metaverse his company created. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was showcased throughout the conference and a topic of many of the leaders who addressed conference attendees. 

Attendance at BEYA exceeded all expectations. Early estimates put the numbers at more than 12,000 people crowding hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. The economic impact on Baltimore City is yet to be determined.

Thousands of young people seeking to expand their careers in STEM fields flocked to the Baltimore Convention Center, where over 100 exhibitors staked out their locations for interviews.  

Young people arrived by the busloads, from colleges within driving distance, while others came by airplanes, trains and public buses.  

If for any reason you have lost hope for the future of our young people you need only to have attended BEYA.  You would have observed, as I did, youth as young as 16, dressed uniformly in suits– young men and women looking professional and projecting the image of tomorrow’s leaders; your faith in them and our country would have been restored. 

Among the many stories shared was a conversation I had with Peter Brooks, vice president of General Dynamics Talent Acquisition, IT. He told me he hired a young man he’d interviewed at BEYA.  During the interview, the young man revealed he had taken a two-day bus ride to Baltimore to attend the BEYA conference. “I hired him,” he said, “because I knew anyone who would travel for two days on a Greyhound bus for an opportunity, would be a great employee.” 

Brooks’ colleague Kori Montague, a graduate of Morgan State University School of Engineering, is now senior program manager of strategic programs for his organization. She spent a great deal of her time at the conference recruiting and building new relationships. While at the conference, she told Dr. Von Nebbitt, who is heading a new research institute at Morgan State University in the School of Social Work, that she looks “forward to building a relationship…to help Morgan in its research area.” 

The opening reception for the conference was left with standing room only, offering a prelude to the packed events that would follow each night. 

The Stars and Stripes Dinner, in its 19^th year, saluted a number of leaders in the armed forces. Gov. West Moore addressed his fellow members of the military with gratitude and U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) was also in attendance.  The renowned Morgan State University Choir performed as Morgan president, David Wilson,Ed.D. looked on with pride.

The formal culminating event, the Engineer of the Year Awards celebrated visionary achievements in engineering excellence for a number of industry STEM leaders. The top award, Engineer of the Year, was given to Ken Washington, a pioneer and innovator in STEM. Washington serves as vice president and chief of technology and innovation officer of  Medtronic. 

The event ended with a vocal salute from Washington’s wife, Angela Tribling. The couple met when she was emcee of the event years ago at BEYA. In his acceptance speech, Washington committed to “merging science and technology with the medical field.”

If you missed it this year, mark your calendars as a reminder– you won’t want to miss the BEYA STEM conference in 2025- same place- Feb. 13-15.

The post Commentary: BEYA Conference highlights Black excellence in STEM fields and military appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh 
Special to the AFRO 

“No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member  of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

~ 14^th Amendment, Section 3

The United States Supreme Court convened at 10 a.m. on Feb. 8, 2024, to hear the State of Colorado’s case against former President Donald Trump, an effort to keep him off their ballot for their state’s Republican primary on March 5.  

The justices bantered back and forth for nearly two-and-a-half hours while listening to the arguments being presented by Trump’s attorney Jonathan Martin, who argued that the Jan. 6, 2021 event, “was not an insurrection but a riot.”  

Jason Murray, who presented the case on behalf of the State of Colorado said: “The state has the right to run its own election and should enforce the 14^th Amendment, Section 3.” 

The Colorado State Supreme Court had ruled that Trump did incite the riot that led to the events of Jan. 6, 2021.

Both attorneys have asked that the case determining whether the former president can be on the ballot in Colorado be decided quickly and before Super Tuesday, March 5.  The precedent for quick decisions by the Supreme Court was set in 2000 when the court issued its decision in Bush vs. Gore, which handed the presidency to George W. Bush.  

It normally takes the Supreme Court three months to make its decision. The justices’ hearing of the case has already placed it on a fast track.

President of the University of Baltimore, an attorney and former mayor of Baltimore City,  Kurt Schmoke said, “The Supreme Court could write an opinion pointing out that the matter should have been defined by Congress—that would be a win for Trump.”  

What will happen in the upcoming days according to Schmoke is, “one of the judges will be assigned as the principal drafter of their decision and it will be sent around to their colleagues, and then the decision will be issued publicly.”  

The decision could impact future challenges to candidates’ eligibility for the White House, such as in Maine’s effort to bar Trump from the 2024 ballot.

The post  Supreme Court hears Colorado’s challenge to Trump’s candidacy appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO 

Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of civil rights leader and icon, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Coretta Scott King, died on Jan. 22 after a battle with prostate cancer.  

Dexter King lived with his wife of 11 years, Leah King, in Malibu, Calif.

“He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home,” she said. 

At the time of his death, Dexter King was serving as chairman of the King Center and president of the King estate. 

An attorney, Dexter King focused on protecting the intellectual property of the King family and managing his father’s legacy. 

It was Dexter King who most resembled his father, and was persuaded to play his dad in a small role in the 2002 CBS movie, “The Rosa Parks Story.”

Born in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 1961, and named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Alabama where his father once served as pastor, Dexter King was the third child born to Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King Jr. He was only seven years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn. on April 4, 1968. His mother died on Jan. 30, 2006. Her death was followed by the passing of his oldest sister, Yolanda King, on May 15, 2007.

Dexter King is survived by his wife, Leah, older brother Martin Luther King III, and younger sister Bernice King.

Leaders around the country are sending prayers to the family, including Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07). 

“My deepest condolences go out to Martin III, Bernice and the entire King family on the passing of Dexter Scott King, chair of The King Center and president of the King Estates. Our prayers are with you during this time of sorrow and loss. Dexter will be greatly missed by all of us.”

Former U.S. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook said, in a statement, that the passing should serve as a reminder. 

“Our hearts go out to the King family and to everyone who was inspired, moved, or changed by Dexter’s life and work. In his memory, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of justice, equality and peace,” she said.  “As we honor Dexter Scott King, let us remember the impact one individual can have in continuing a legacy of change. May his memory be a beacon of hope and a call to action for all of us in the continued fight for justice.” 

The 100 Black Men of America, a Black-led organization focused on mentoring youths, also weighed in on the death.

“The 100 Black Men of America celebrates the life, legacy, and witness of Dexter Scott King, chairman of The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change,” said Milton H. Jones Jr., chairman of the organization, and Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, interfaith chairman, in a statement. “A Morehouse man and an accomplished activist, attorney and creative executive, Dexter King will be remembered for his efforts to protect his family’s legacy and intellectual property. He was also president of the King Estate, ensuring that Dr. and Mrs. King’s affairs were managed with dignity and care.” 

“We hope the King family finds encouragement in the promises of Corinthians 2:5,” continued the statement. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

“Rest in peace and power, Chairman Dexter Scott King. Well done”

The post Dexter Scott King, son of civil rights legend, dies at 62 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Celeste Iroha has been a self-proclaimed activist since the age of 15 years old. 

“I lost one of my cousins when I was 12 in D.C. His funeral was the first I would have to go to,” recalls Iroha. “I am also a survivor of a shooting, resulting from domestic violence. I was 14 years old in an abusive relationship.  I was targeted because they did not want me to share what was going on in that relationship.  I was able to get out.”

Over the years, Iroha has lost some of those closest to her due to gun violence–including a best friend and a favorite uncle.

Now 27, she serves as president and founder of the organization, Enough of Gun Violence, an advocacy platform to end gun violence in America.

“I started Enough of Gun Violence because I wanted to create something that is youth led and survivor led,” said Iroha. “I want our voices to be heard. America has to see that we are tired of this violence.”

As of Jan. 5 Iroha is a proud graduate of Trinity College, and she is now planning to pursue a law degree.  She has already appeared on various national platforms to advocate for gun safety.  

On March 14, 2023, she spoke at a rally organized by Generation Lockdown, where she shared her story on how gun violence had impacted her life.

“We are planning a funeral type of rally and demonstration on Capitol Hill from March 18 -21, in Washington, D.C.  We will have body bags so that Congress can see what they are doing to our families,” she said, speaking on the need for a visual representation of what gun violence does to the community.

Iroha considers Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-Ga-7), who lost her son in 2012 to gun violence, a strong advocate and supporter of her cause for stronger gun laws. She also includes Congressman Jaamal Bowman (D-N.Y.-16) of New York, and Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.-10) of Central Florida, as allies in the fight for adequate gun control laws.

“President Biden has done a lot with the establishment of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, but we need the ban on assault weapons,” Iroha told the AFRO. “The federal assault weapon ban enacted in 1994 expired in 2004.  They are being used in mass shootings. No one needs an AR15 or an AK-47 to protect themselves.”

Iroha is also the president of the Unified Foundation, which she started in October 2023. The organization is focused on giving back to communities that face disasters– to include homelessness. 

“This organization will also raise money for scholarships for our young people,” said Iroha.

As a full-time employee in the healthcare field, Iroha still finds time to dedicate energy to the causes that matter to her.

“Every day when I come home, I work on these issues– changing gun legislation, advocating against domesticviolence and better healthcare provisions.” 

The post Leading the charge: Gun safety advocate Celeste Iroha speaks on making change after loss appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

On Friday, Nov. 17, the 66-member Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, led by its Chairperson Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Md.-20) held six virtual workshops during the 28th Anniversary Legislative Weekend. Multiple topics at the forefront of Black Marylanders were discussed, such as health in the Black community, higher education opportunities at historically Black colleges and universities and roads into the cannabis industry. Equitable housing and environmental justice were also discussed.

“We bring together Maryland’s political, business, and civic-minded leaders, for education, fellowship and recognition,” said Zina Pierre, Ph.D., president of the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation (MBCF).

The foundation is the fundraising arm of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. MBCF supports the activities that take place throughout the year and especially during their weekend of activities.

On Nov. 18, the Black Caucus Foundation hosted nearly 300 people at the annual “Business over Breakfast” event held at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore. Featured at the breakfast was a fireside chat, moderated by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. Panelists included Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson and former delegate, now Assistant Secretary of Transportation, Antonio Bridges. 

The panel focused on minority contractual participation and goals for the state.  The state minority enterprise goal is 29 percent, a goal that the state hasn’t reached in over a decade.  

Bridges reminded the audience that the Department of Transportation is the state agency for minority certification.  Anderson says the agency is looking for more ways to partner with minority companies and to see them grow as majority contractors.

Awards handed out at the “Business Over Breakfast” event included Outstanding Business Awards to Gregory Steve Proctor Jr., of G.S. Proctor and Associates, and Motorola Sales Manager Bruce Fryer.

The weekend closed out at Maryland Live! Casinos with a gala, as the foundation handed out several awards during the short program that included the following: Delegate and Senator of the Year Awards to Del. Stephanie Smith (D-Md-45) and Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-Md-47), respectively. The Chairwoman’s Award went to Cigna Vice President of Government Affairs Kimberly Robinson and the Legislator Service Award was bestowed upon former chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Darryl Barnes and former Delegate Tony Bridges. The Community Service Award went to Arnold Place’s founder and director, Tracy Arnold Nixon. The list of honorees also included, Major Pete Smith, who earned the Community Service Award with his Toys for Tots initiative.

State leaders and event organizers expressed praise for those who helped the two-day event happen and spoke on next year’s plans. 

“I want to thank the leadership of Dr. Zina Pierre, [whom] I’ve had the honor of working very closely with these last few months. She is truly a testament to being visionary and getting the work done.  We have had an amazing and wonderful weekend,”  said Wilkins. “Our promise is that in 2024, this Black caucus is coming back bigger, bolder and with an even more robust agenda for the state of Maryland focused on our five priority areas.”

The post Maryland Legislative Black Caucus hosts 28th Annual Legislative Weekend appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

On Friday, Nov. 17, the 66-member Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, led by its Chairperson Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Md.-20) held six virtual workshops during the 28th Anniversary Legislative Weekend. Multiple topics at the forefront of Black Marylanders were discussed, such as health in the Black community, higher education opportunities at historically Black colleges and universities and roads into the cannabis industry. Equitable housing and environmental justice were also discussed.

“We bring together Maryland’s political, business, and civic-minded leaders, for education, fellowship and recognition,” said Zina Pierre, Ph.D., president of the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation (MBCF).

The foundation is the fundraising arm of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. MBCF supports the activities that take place throughout the year and especially during their weekend of activities.

On Nov. 18, the Black Caucus Foundation hosted nearly 300 people at the annual “Business over Breakfast” event held at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore. Featured at the breakfast was a fireside chat, moderated by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. Panelists included Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson and former delegate, now Assistant Secretary of Transportation, Antonio Bridges. 

The panel focused on minority contractual participation and goals for the state.  The state minority enterprise goal is 29 percent, a goal that the state hasn’t reached in over a decade.  

Bridges reminded the audience that the Department of Transportation is the state agency for minority certification.  Anderson says the agency is looking for more ways to partner with minority companies and to see them grow as majority contractors.

Awards handed out at the “Business Over Breakfast” event included Outstanding Business Awards to Gregory Steve Proctor Jr., of G.S. Proctor and Associates, and Motorola Sales Manager Bruce Fryer.

The weekend closed out at Maryland Live! Casinos with a gala, as the foundation handed out several awards during the short program that included the following: Delegate and Senator of the Year Awards to Del. Stephanie Smith (D-Md-45) and Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-Md-47), respectively. The Chairwoman’s Award went to Cigna Vice President of Government Affairs Kimberly Robinson and the Legislator Service Award was bestowed upon former chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Darryl Barnes and former Delegate Tony Bridges. The Community Service Award went to Arnold Place’s founder and director, Tracy Arnold Nixon. The list of honorees also included, Major Pete Smith, who earned the Community Service Award with his Toys for Tots initiative.

State leaders and event organizers expressed praise for those who helped the two-day event happen and spoke on next year’s plans. 

“I want to thank the leadership of Dr. Zina Pierre, [whom] I’ve had the honor of working very closely with these last few months. She is truly a testament to being visionary and getting the work done.  We have had an amazing and wonderful weekend,”  said Wilkins. “Our promise is that in 2024, this Black caucus is coming back bigger, bolder and with an even more robust agenda for the state of Maryland focused on our five priority areas.”

The post Maryland Legislative Black Caucus hosts 28th Annual Legislative Weekend appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Paul Coates dropped out of high school at the age of 17 in 1964 because–as he would say,  facetiously– he “was so smart.” He joined the United States Army in a hurry to, as he explained, “get on with life, see the world and afterwards start a business.”

“Real Estate was all I knew. The ownership of buildings really excited me,” he said. “I was thinking I would probably own half of Philadelphia by now.’”

Born and raised in Philadelphia, He earned his G.E.D. while in the Army and later in life would earn two degrees, a Bachelor’s of Science from Antioch University in Baltimore and his master’s degree in library science, from Clark Atlanta University in Georgia.

Coates is the owner of Black Classic Press (BCP) and recently celebrated the company’s 45^th anniversary. Today Coates remains true to his original goal of running a successful business, as BCP publishes books for and about Black people. This month, the business reprinted copies of the AFRO’s book, “This is Our War,” which details Black experiences from the European theatre of WWII. Back in 1995, Coates established BCP digital printing which utilizes the newest technology in printing, books, flyers, newsletters and brochures.

He’s had a number of careers prior to establishing his business, notably a member and captain in the Black Panther Party, a faculty member of Sojourner College and librarian at Howard University’s Moorland Spingarn Research Center.

When Coates joined the United States Army in 1964, the United States presence in Vietnam had not peaked. 

“It was not a public conflict when I joined,” he said. Coates trained dogs at the Army base in Lackland, Texas to protect the troops.  Of the three years he served in the military, 19 months were completed in Vietnam. 

Coates ended up in Vietnam he says, “because I was the Black guy, and my commanding officer told me I was the only one in the unit that was not married. As the war escalated most of them ended up going anyway.”

Coates was a part of a protective k-9 unit that trained dogs, who used their noses to detect anyone coming within a mile or two of the base.  

Coates says when he first came out of the service he was a proud soldier.  

“It was not until after Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, my consciousness rose.  I realized I had become a mercenary,” he said. “The army had dangled money in front of me…and I took it.”

Coates celebrates Veterans Day, “like Memorial Day.”  

“Those holidays are reminders of the many people who have served our country and protected and died for it. I joined the army proudly,” said Coates. “My takeaways I believe contribute to the person I have become.”

Coates says the U.S. Army gave him discipline and a sense of loyalty.  “I’ve remained loyal to my family, my profession and my friends. I’m not in the habit of recommending the military, but” he paused,  “for those young people who lack discipline– the military is a means by which they can develop that trait.”  

“The military is different today, while racism still exists…the laws and policies are in place to prevent the discriminatory practices I faced during my time of service.  I still think about the thousands of Black soldiers who served in our country’s wars and were denied their rights as soldiers to education and housing– even employment,” Coates shared.  “It is different today. For all those Black soldiers who were denied their rights and for all who have served our country, I celebrate– including myself.” 

The post Lessons learned: Paul Coates on benefits gained from Army service appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Governor Wes Moore recently greeted the over 6,000 participants of the National Minority Supplier Development Council Annual Conference and Exchange at the Baltimore Convention Center. The event took place from October 22-25, with the theme of “Closing the Equity Gap.”

“Maryland we don’t have to choose between an economy that is competitive and an economy that is equitable,” Moore told those in attendance, “We can, we will  and have done both.”

“We are going to build an economy that will not be able to be stopped…and we are going to build an economic state that will be second to none.  This is the moment for us to get this right,” said Moore. “Thank you for being the ones who are willing to be bold…because fortune favors the bold.” 

The choice of Baltimore as the conference was mainly guided by Sharon Pinder, president and CEO of the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council.  

“There are 22 other affiliates of the council,” Pinder pointed out, as leader of the Maryland D.C. and Northern Virginia affiliate. 

Pinder has led her region over the past eight years and says that her region is the largest in terms of density of minority businesses.    

Pinder also serves as the policy director on the national board of NMSDC. This year, she took 65 public and private sector leaders to Capitol Hill to share with congressional leaders their concerns– including their views on the recent Supreme Court decision that impacts affirmative action and the future of supplier diversity.

“This organization is over 50 years old and is still relevant because of discriminatory practices and racism,” said Pinder. “What does that say about us as a nation that this organization is still relevant?”

Several workshops and gatherings took place during the convening including numerous exhibits. Speakers from across the country shared their views and conversations on how to create a more equitable economy including Exelon CEO Calvin Butler; Managing Director and Chief Impact Officer for Advantage Capital Sandra Moore; CEO and President of NMSDC Ying McGuire; Chief Diversity Officer for Chevron Josetta Jones; Dr. Heather Boushey, chief economist for the Invest in America cabinet at the White House, and Ed Gordon, an Emmy Award winning broadcaster.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott, along with United States Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development Donald R. Cravins Jr., hosted a roundtable discussion with the NMSDC in an effort to address challenges in creating equity for small minority and women-owned businesses.

“It was a privilege,” said Mayor Brandon Scott. “Our discussions were not just about recognizing our challenges, but to serve as a guiding light for fellow mayors seeking to foster similar conversations in their communities.”  

In leading the discussion,  Scott pointed to the fact that while mayor’s can now go directly to the federal government for assistance, there is no portal of distinction that allows them to be identified or note the relevance of their needs. 

“As mayors, we are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that opportunities for economic success are accessible to all, regardless of their background.  This means addressing the challenges faced by minority and women-owned businesses, and actively working to create a level playing field,” said Mayor Scott.

The robust meeting continued with input from mayor’s from as far away as Florida, Missouri and Arkansas. McGuire acknowledged that mayors need to be given more consideration as leaders of their cities and civil rights leaders during the almost two-hour discussion.

Sharon Pinder said the work will continue. 

“We are looking forward to continuing those discussions at our next annual conference and exchange in Atlanta,”she said, adding that solutions are the ultimate goal. 

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By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Cynthia Brooks is a woman not easily shaken by a challenge, she takes after her mother, the fearless activist and former Baltimore City Councilwoman, Beatrice “Bea” Gaddy. 

For the last 21 years Brooks has run the Bea Gaddy Family Center’s Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless, offering a chance for those who need it most to eat and fellowship to thousands of people. 

The event has traditionally been held at the Patterson Park Recreation Center, at  2601-A, E. Baltimore Street. This year, however, Brooks ran into a problem: the recreation center is currently out of commission as the heating and air conditioning systems are repaired.

A search to find a new venue made headlines, as Brooks searched for a new location for the event. 

“I wanted to keep the event in East Baltimore,” Brooks told the AFRO.  After realizing she would not be able to hold the event at the usual location, offers from the community poured in. 

Last week, she toured the Madison and Rita Church recreational centers with city officials.  “I liked the Rita Church site, but both venues had logistic problems,” she said. 

Brooks was searching for a space large enough to accommodate attendees, but preferred a building able to host such an event all on one level of the building. She also needed a space for the meals to be prepared.

“The church near Patterson Park, where food over the years has been cooked and prepared for the holiday dinner, is also not available,” said Brooks.

Stafford Culinary School, which shut down as a teaching institution after losing their accreditation, offered to lend their kitchen space to cook the meals and have them transported to Brooks.

Then, a solution appeared. 

Brooks, with officials from the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, toured the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center at 201 Reedbird Avenue in Cherry Hill. 

 “It is a great site,” says Brooks. 

With a space secured, the dinner plans are officially back in motion. 

“I’m looking forward to working out all the logistics with the city,” said Brooks.

While many challenges arose in the planning of this year’s event, city officials say next year’s dinner patrons should be able to return to their traditional spot, as renovations are expected to be complete ahead of November 2024.

“We recently received our purchase order and will have the center operational by the Spring,” said Reginald Moore, executive director of Baltimore City’s Department of Recreation and Parks. 

While the venue may be secure, Brooks says the next hurdle is supplies and food. 

 “I might have to start a Go-Fund Me- page to raise the fee for the turkeys we will need,” said Brooks. 

Brooks took over the planning of the dinner many years ago to continue the tradition started by her mother, a fierce advocate for those most in need. Gaddy was born in 1933 and died in 2001, but her presence is still felt in the city today as others carry on her work in the community.

To volunteer or donate to the causes supported by the Bea Gaddy Family Center, please visit beagaddy.org.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Maryland Gov. Moore recently appointed six new members to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) after two members resigned.  The twelve members of MHEC board serve a term of five years. Currently the board is operating with eleven members.

The new members found themselves quickly immersed in another hot-topic decision. A majority of the members voted to deny Johns Hopkins University and Stevenson University the right to duplicate Ph.D. Programs in Physical Therapy that already exist at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, a historically Black College, and University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Decision letters were sent to both Johns Hopkins and Stevenson University.

“While I believe it was the right decision, MHEC should respect the decision of the Attorney General and the Reform Committee, whose report is not due until the end of December,” said State Senator Mary Washington, who sits on the Education, Energy, and the Environmental  Committee.  “They were asked to pause and await the report from the workgroup that will address reforms for MHEC. The workgroup is composed of legislators and higher education officials.

“The Maryland system at MHEC is complaint driven,” says Senator Washington,  “That is not how it is done in other sectors. The current model needs to be adjusted to protect all our institutions. This report from the workgroup– I hope– will address how we provide equity throughout the system that allows all our institutions to grow.”

In the decision letter that went out to Hopkins and Stevenson’s Presidents, Chair of MHEC, Catherine Motz, wrote, “the majority of the commissioners voted against the proposals because they are unreasonably duplicative of existing DPT doctor of physical therapy programs in Maryland and will cause demonstrable harm.” Motz also said, “ the decision was final and not subject for review.”

The six new members of the MHEC board are Charlene Mickens Dukes, former President of Prince George’s Community College; Chike Aguh, a senior fellow at Northeastern University’s Burnes Center for Social Change and former chief innovation officer at the U.S. Department of Labor; Sheila Thompson, former national research coordinator with the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study; Mickey L. Burnim, former president of Bowie State University; Janet Wormack, former vice president for administration and finance at Salisbury University and Tanya Johnson, a student commissioner, who attends Morgan State University.  

Catherine Motz, executive director of the College Bound Foundation in Baltimore, was appointed as chair of the MHEC board by Governor Moore.

Rebecca Taber Stateheline, was also appointed by Moore and confirmed earlier this year by the Senate of Maryland. The board is supposed to have twelve members.  

Gov. Moore is expected to make another appointment to be approved in the 2024 legislative session.

The post MHEC rejects duplication of UMBC and UMES doctoral program by Johns Hopkins and Stevenson Universities appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Bishme Cromartie, winner of season 20 Project Runway- All Stars debuted his winning collection on Sept. 12 at the main stage of the coveted New York Fashion Week.  The title of his winning collection is “Powering Through,” which is a testament to his strength of overcoming adversity and grief after his sister’s death.

“I’ve dreamed of winning Project Runway ever since I first saw Christian on his season,” said Cromartie. 

The designer credits his late sister as one of his greatest supporters. 

“I miss my sister so much,” he said. “Before she passed away she told me I was going to win. All I had to do is just believe it.” 

“This right here just showcased to me everything that I have been fighting for is worth it…this win to my sister, my biggest fan– the first person who did not judge me for doing something outside of the norm,” said Cromartie. “She was there to allow me to blossom and fall deeply in love with my creativity. I know my sister is looking down and just happy and smiling from ear to ear. I promise I will never forget this moment.”

Cromarteie’s sister, Chimere Wall, died from cancer on July 24, 2022 at the age of 31. 

“My journey has been a steady growth. It was very difficult for me to make it.  It’s literally been two months and a day since my sister passed away,” Bishme said during the finale. “She was my inspiration and biggest cheerleader.”

The two were born and raised in Baltimore and grew up sketching fashions at the age of 8 under the tutelage of his Aunt who taught him the basics of sewing.

The Baltimore based designer graduated from Reginald F. Lewis High School in 2010 and went on to compete in Season 17, of Project Runway featured on the BRAVO channel and streaming on NBC’s Peacock network.  Bishme came close to winning on Season 17 finishing in fourth place.

The finish did not stop Cromartie from pursuing his dream of becoming a high fashion designer.  His designs have appeared in many of the top magazines including Vogue, Essence and Elle.  Over the years since season 17, he has also dressed stars like Lizzo and K. Michelle.  

“Over 300 winners have competed on Project Runway through its 19 seasons,” Nina Garcia, Editor-in-Chief of Elle Magazine and one of the judges said at the opening of the season for the

Project Runway season 4 winner Christian Siriano of Annapolis, Md. was the mentor to all the designers and host of the Project Runway After Show helping designers like Cromartie who took home $250,000, a feature in Elle Magazine and a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America after winning the latest competition. He is moving forward in the world of high fashion with confidence and grace.

“Giving-up is not an option,” said Cromartie.

The post Baltimore native Bishme Cromartie premiers at New York Fashion Week after Project Runway win appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) held a press conference on July 27 to call attention to the recent attacks on the fundamental rights of Black Americans, which he said are being “eroded.” 

Horsford expressed concern about how gains made over decades by Black Americans are being affected by the recent decisions from the United States Supreme Court and Republican controlled state legislatures.

Currently, there are 28 state legislatures controlled by Republicans, 19 by Democrats and 3 neutral states.

Chairman Horsford pointed out how voting rights and redistricting efforts in Alabama and Louisiana are affecting residents in that part of the country. The Supreme Court has ordered both states to provide for Black representation by re-drawing their maps.  

“Since the 118th Congress was sworn in seven months ago, the Congressional Black Caucus has been fighting for the people,” said Horsford. “We have been fighting to preserve our democracy, fighting to protect voting rights and creating fairer districts; fighting for public safety and police accountability, fighting to protect a woman’s right to choose, fighting against the expulsion of Black elected officials and fighting archaic traditions that block progress.” 

“And of course,” added Horsford, “fighting extremist Republicans and a judiciary who would rather erase us and want to see us less free and with fewer fundamental rights.”

Horsford said the erosion of Black rights is directly tied to the “ideology being driven by recent decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States, including the decision on June 29 to strike down affirmative action in college admissions.”

The court, in that decision, declared that “race cannot be a factor in trying to achieve a diverse student body.” 

Justice Clarence Thomas, the only African-American male on the court, stated in his opinion that “racial preferences for one group necessarily harm members of other groups.”  

A fight on every side

“The attacks against Black people and Blackness are coordinated and well-funded and coming from every side and they are about race,” said Horsford, with other Black legislators at his side.

 Congressman Glenn Ivey, representing Prince George’s County (D-MD-04), was in attendance.  

“I think it is important for the Congressional Black Caucus to take the lead on these kind of issues,” Ivey told the AFRO.  

Congressman Glen Ivey’s objective is to protect economic gains by African Americans through programs operated by the Small Business Administration such as its certificate 8(a) program, where selected companies gain access to resources. 

Federal law requires 23 percent of all federal contracting dollars go to small, minority and disadvantaged firms. According to its website, the 8(a) program is designed to help small business owners who may experience racial or cultural bias while trying to access contracting opportunities.

Congressman Ivey pointed to the recent U.S. District Court decision in Tennessee ruling the fifth amendment violation in the case of  Ultima Servs. Corp v. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 

Ultima Corporation brought the lawsuit in January of 2023. Ultima argued that the 8 (a) program, facially and as applied, is unconstitutional because Ultima’s owner, despite being economically disadvantaged, does not fall within the group of small business owners who are presumed to be socially disadvantaged.  

Ultima, according to reports, also argued that the 8(a) program was established as a race-neutral program and that when SBA adopted and began employing the race-conscious presumption in the mid 19080’s it did so without Congressional approval.   

The case resulted on July 21, 2023 in the striking down of the 8 (a) program in its entirety.  Tennessee Federal Judge Clifton I. Corker disallowed the small business agency and the Department of Agriculture from using as a defense, “rebuttable presumption” of social disadvantage,  for a contractor in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program. 

“Without stated goals for the 8(a) program or an understanding of whether certain minorities are underrepresented in a particular industry, defendants cannot measure the utility of the rebuttable presumption in remedying the effects of past racial discrimination,” Corker said. 

In response, Congressman Ivey said,  “we must track the statistics in making sure these programs are still around to fight for and expand our share of the pie. These programs are aimed at addressing ongoing racial discrimination.”

During the 2022 Fiscal Year, the government awarded $705 billion in federal contracts, an increase of $43 billion over 2021.  Federal records show that $159 billion from the federal government in 2022 was awarded to small, minority and disadvantaged businesses. Black-owned businesses received prime contracting status in only 6.4 percent of the federal deals, totaling $10.2 billion in 2022. 

“The federal government has been a source of growth for some of the largest businesses in America,” said Ivey. “The 8(a) program–and other programs within the SBA– are critical to making sure that minority businesses in the African-American community and beyond continue to have the opportunity to grow.” 

Congressman Ivey continued,  saying that leaders need to “work hard to make sure that these opportunities continue.” 

“The opportunity now is especially important because this is the time when the Biden Administration is pushing out billions and trillions of dollars in federal contracting that are going to go into communities over the next few years,” Ivey explained. 

He told those gathered about the need for Black business growth, which includes the hiring of Black people and provision of services in Black communities that others do not provide.

His goals for the future are clear.

“We will work within the laws under title six and legislatively and in addition  we’re asking the administration to create records that can be used to sustain these programs,” said Ivey. “As Justice Jackson so eloquently pointed out, racial discrimination isn’t a historical fact –it is a daily occurrence in the United States. That is clearly true in the economy.”

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Two years ago Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) settled a 15-year lawsuit that sought to rectify unfair funding of institutions in comparison to other universities in the state. The same lawsuit addressed the trend of predominantly White institutions (PWIs) duplicating HBCU programs, ultimately causing a loss of enrollment for Black schools. 

Now, the matter of program duplication is back on the table, as Towson University (TU) , a PWI in Baltimore County, has been given permission to begin a doctoral business program– similar to the one offered just miles away in Baltimore City at Morgan State University (MSU). 

Since 2001, MSU has offered a Doctoral Program in Business Administration. However, neither that fact nor the outcome of the HBCU equity trial stopped Towson University from submitting a request to approve a Doctoral Program in Business Administration to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). 

When MHEC received the request in January 2023, they announced that TU followed all the proper protocols and procedures, prompting MSU President Dr. David K. Wilson to submit a letter of objection. In his letter, Wilson cited the similarities and stated that both programs “will teach students to teach classes in the fields of information systems and supply change management as well as prepare students to share their research findings.”

Initially, an MHEC official agreed that approving the program would be an act of program duplication.

In a letter on April 7, 2023, Assistant Secretary for Academic Affairs for MHEC, Emily Dow, Ph.D., wrote to Interim President of TU, Meanie Perreault, Ph.D., saying: 

“I am writing to inform you [that] the proposed program is denied. This decision is based on an analysis of the program proposed in conjunction with the law and regulations governing academic program approval, in particular the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13B.02.03.  We conducted a careful analysis of the proposal, objection and response regarding the proposed and existing doctoral programs.  Through our analysis, we have determined that the proposed program at Towson is unreasonably duplicative of two specific concentrations within the Ph.D. Business Administration program at Morgan: the Information Systems and the Supply Chain and Logistics Management concentrations.” 

In her letter Dow, on behalf of MHEC, went on to say, “We believe allowing such duplication would cause demonstrable harm to Morgan.”

The letter also urged Towson to consult with MSU and other Maryland universities, should they wish to pursue a doctoral business program different from those offered at MSU and other 

TU administrators decided to appeal the decision, as Dow’s April 7 letter noted that an appeal to the full Commission could be made according to COMAR 13B.02.03.28. if Chair Mary Pat Seurcamp received the request in writing within 10 days of the date of the letter.

On June 4, with seven members of the MHEC present, Chair Seurkamp, Vice Chair Charles McDaniel Jr., Vivian S. Boyd, James E. Coleman, Barbara Kerr Howe, Ray Serrano and Rebecca Taber Staeheline,  a vote was taken to go into a closed-door session to discuss the proposal. In that close-door session, the seven MHEC members present took a vote that ultimately overrode Dow’s conclusion. The MHEC officials decided to overturn Dow’s initial conclusion that approving the TU doctoral program in question would amount to  program duplication, causing harm to MSU. 

Towson earned the right to begin their Doctoral Program in Business Administration with a 4-3 vote. 

Wilson responded to the appealed decision in a June 30,  letter, asking the Chair of the Education, Energy and Environment Committee in the Senate,  Senator Brian J. Feldman and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee in the House, Delegate Vanessa Atterbury to intervene. Both oversee policy and laws enacted regarding education.

Wilson wrote, “It seems to me that the bill that legislatively settled the long-running HBCU lawsuit in 2021 explicitly required that a process be established to prohibit unnecessary program duplication going forward.” 

“It was my understanding,” said Wilson, that “until such processes and procedures were put in place, no action would be taken by MHEC that would harm the state’s HBCUs.”

Former Senator Joan Carter Conway weighed in on the issue, saying that “there needs to be an established policy that requires a two-thirds vote by the Commission to duplicate any university programs or similar programs.  Towson, however, is asking to establish a Ph.D. program that has been in existence for over two decades at Morgan and it is wrong.”

Legislators have also begun to cry foul on the fact that MHEC took the vote to approve TU’s program without all members present. MHEC has 12 members, but only seven participated in the vote that gave TU permission to offer their doctoral business degree, with MSU’s program less than six miles away.

“When I first read this, I thought it was Groundhog Day,” said State Senator Charles  Sydnor. “MHEC’s decision, like any other governing body, must comply with the law.  Not only is there a judge’s order, which exists because of similar unlawful behavior, but there is a statute which I believe the Commission violated.” 

Syndor said that “while the law states that the Commission’s quorum consists of seven commissioners, the law prohibits MHEC from taking a “formal action” without the approval of a majority of the 12 commissioners serving on the commission.” 

“I cannot imagine any act being more formal than the establishment of a new university program,” Sydnor told the AFRO. “Yet, when the Commission voted to establish this program, there were only four commissioners– not the seven commissioners required by law– who voted affirmative on behalf of Towson.  I believe the plain language of the law calls this action into question and I would argue that the Commission’s action was unlawful.”

State Senator Mary Washington, who serves District 43 where Morgan State University is located, said she has been in contact with President Wilson.  

“I supported and encouraged his decision to write to my Committee Chairman. The legislature just appointed a work group under House Bill 200 (HB 200) to assess the policies of MHEC [and] make recommendations on MHEC’s approval process.  Their report is due December 31.  Our committee looks forward to receiving those recommendations.” 

The language in HB 200 requires the workgroup to make decisions including how to ensure that the approval process complies with applicable laws and legal precedents with respect to the state’s HBCUs.

HB 200 also prohibits the spending of $2.5 million in funds “until a report is submitted on recommendations to improve MHEC’s academic program approval process by making it a transparent, efficient, evidence-based and timely process that allows institutions the flexibility to respond to the needs of the students and State.”

The AFRO contacted Dow regarding the issue, but requests for comment were referred to MHEC Director of Communications Rhonda Wardlaw. 

In response, Wardlaw wrote, “MHEC was copied on President’ Wilson’s letter to the General Assembly.  However, the process is completed, and no further action is being requested of the Commission.”

On June 28th, two days before the expiration of her term as Chair of  MHEC, Mary Pat Seurkamp, Ph.D., emailed a letter to Towson State University Interim President, Dr. Melanie Perreault, stating the Commission has voted to overturn the Assistant Secretary’s decision to deny approval of the proposed program.  This decision was not unanimous.  The letter went on to say, “ that there was insufficient evidence of demonstrable harm to the existing program at Morgan.”

On July 17 Maryland Governor Wes Moore appointed six new members to MHEC,  naming Catherine Motz, Executive Director of the College Bound Foundation in Baltimore as chair.  Other members appointed by Moore include Charlene Mickens Duke, Sheila Thompson, Mickey Burnim, Janet Wormack and Tanya Johnson.  Moore appointed Rebecca Taber Staeheline earlier this year and will soon appoint another member to the Commission to replace James Selinger who resigned on July 6th.  

The July 26th scheduled meeting of MHEC has been canceled and rescheduled for August 9, 2023.

The AFRO asked Wardlaw to respond to the comments  of state legislators who disagree with the overturn of Dow’s decision. She submitted the following response:

“The Maryland Higher Education Commission is beholden to state regulations and followed the process as outlined in 13B.02.03.27and 13B.02.03.28.” 

Those regulations refer to how Commission meetings and reviews of programs are conducted.

Wardlaw’s  statement on behalf of MHEC went on to say, “The Moore-Miller administration’s recent appointments to the MHEC board will bring a strong commitment to equity in its decision making  processes. To that end, MHEC looks forward to working side-by-side with university partners and legislative stakeholders on the workgroup established by the general assembly in HB 200, which will craft recommendations to improve the academic program review process.”  

Chairman Atterbeary, of the House Ways and Means Committee, has announced that she will meet with Dr. Wilson and MHEC later this month.

The post MHEC officials overturn internal decision to block new doctoral business program at Towson University, initially deemed “unreasonably duplicative” of Morgan State University offering appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

The Baltimore Art Museum’s Sculpture Garden was recently the scene of  “A Midsummer Night’s Gala,” hosted by the newly appointed BMA Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director, Asma Naeem and world renowned Baltimore artist, Derrick Adams.

Adams’ works are showcased in museums throughout the world and have earned him numerous awards, including the Gordon Parks Foundation Fellowship in 2018.  His art is versatile. He paints, sculptures, creates performance videos, sound installations and collages. 

Derrick Adams, now 52 years old, left Baltimore after spending a year at the Community College of Baltimore. From there, he landed in  Brooklyn, New York, where he earned his Degree in Fine Arts at the Pratt Institute, in 1996 and an MFA from Columbia University in 2003.

Derrick Adams grew up in the Park Heights community and spoke with the AFRO about his time growing up in Charm City.

“It was different then,” he explained.  “There were families there –not the narrative that has evolved over the years with the crime rate.”

Tonya Miller, currently senior advisor  to the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, has known Adams since she was 14 years old. She brought him back to Baltimore in 2019 for a city hall exhibit, said “Derrick is like the pied piper for Black artists in Baltimore.”

Adams said he started forming his nonprofit, The Last Resort Artist Retreat (TLRAR), in 2019 as a way “to keep Black artists in Baltimore.” Derrick bought the property in Waverly and the vacant lot next door.  What he often called his “summer home” became the home to TLRAR. 

Adams said that he took on the project after “studying some of the history of the city” and taking note of “the accomplishments made by others who tried to create spaces [and] opportunities for a lot of the Black citizens,” but  “somehow… fell short.” 

“Black artists  struggle to stay afloat and get support for their work and the space they need to develop,” Adams told the AFRO, recalling the good ole’ days with spaces like the Kromah Gallery, one of the only Black Art Galleries in the city that opened in 1978 and has since closed.

“I’ve been driven by the idea of creating a nonprofit that focuses on the creative community in Baltimore and the Black creative community primarily,” said Adams. 

The artist said that “growing up and hearing conversations surrounding the lack of  support [for] Black people in the Arts” was a major impetus for TLRAR. He often wondered “how much better they (Black artists) would be if they had the financial support for spaces and things that are needed for them to be successful.”  

“It is always a constant struggle for Black spaces to stay afloat because of the lack of support from federal to private funding in this particular city,” said Adams, adding that this is not the case in all cities across the country. 

To remedy the situation, Adams put his own money into the idea of creating a non-profit focused on the survival of Black artists– to the tune of “over $800,000” according to his accountant, who reports that the personal investments from Adams were put up over a three-year period. 

 “I am sad and happy that I had to do that,” Adams told the AFRO, “but I guess that was what was needed to get the attention and support of others.”

The property Adams bought and renovated in Baltimore’s Waverly community houses for TLRAR serves as a retreat and residency program focused on Black artists of all disciplines. 

TLRAR It is expected to continue to grow and help Black artists as they “create financial structure for themselves,” said Adams. “We want our Black artists in Baltimore to know that you can live here in Baltimore, where the cost of living is cheaper. With social media [and] the internet, we can showcase their works all over the world.”

The well attended event at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) solely supported TLRAR. Last year, Adams won a $1.25 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to create a database for documenting the Black Culture of Baltimore. 

Among the diverse crowd were local and other national artists including Mickalene Thomas, and Leslie King Hammond. Art supporters and philanthropists,  including Claire Zamoiski Segal, Eddie and Sylvia Brown, David Warnock, Sherrilyn Ifill and Ivon Knobloch were also on hand for the event.

Newly appointed BMA Director Asma Naeem said the money raised and support for TLRAR “is a start. We have to do more.” 

Chairman of the BMA Board James Thornton agreed. 

“The fact that we were able to bring artists together to collaborate represents–hopefully– a foundation we can build on  over the years to come. It was refreshing to see the diversity and we are committed to diversity and inclusion and equity.  This is a good way to demonstrate that through our actions.”

We will do this at least something similar once a year and next year we hope to have an even bigger crowd,” he said.  

Derrick Adams says others began to notice what he was doing for Black Artist including the BMA and wanted to help. “They were hearing how they were being supported by me.  On this evening we hope to raise, I don’t know,  I’ll say $100,000.  “I want to create spaces in Baltimore for artist and specifically Black artist to grow, stay and live and unlike what I had to do; leave Baltimore to earn a living.” 

There were opportunities during the Mid-Summer Night Gala  to bid on art by Black artist including Derrick Adams and to purchase items illustrating the logo of the organization The Last Resort.

Highlighted at the Museum is The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21^st Century Exhibit. Which all the guests were able to visit.  It showcases works by Derrick Adams and others featuring  hip hop artists including Tupac and Lil Kim.  The exhibition  opened  April 5^th and will close on July 16^th.  Admission to the Baltimore Museum of Art is free.

The post Baltimore Art Museum’s Sculpture Garden hosts A Midsummer Night’s Gala appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Henrietta Lacks, born Loretta Pleasant in 1920 an African American woman who died of cervical cancer in 1951 has become the subject of books, speeches and a 2017 Movie, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and now a request from Congressman Kweisi Mfume(D-District 7-MD) to receive posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal.  “Her cells were stolen from her without her knowledge or family consent, while being treated at Johns Hopkins hospital” said Ben Crump the Lacks’ family attorney.  

Those cells which are the only known cells to live outside the body for decades now known as the HeLa cells have been used by research scientist around the world to provide vaccines and cures for polio, hepatitis, aids, COVID and so many other diseases,” Crump says. The Lacks family did not learn of the taking of the cells or their existence until 1973 and have recently filed lawsuits seeking compensation from pharmaceutical companies that have profited from the use of the cells that continue to regenerate themselves.”

Last Wednesday, Congressman Kweisi Mfume took to the House Floor to re-introduce a bill asking that a Congressional Gold Medal be bestowed posthumously to Henrietta Lacks. Mfume first introduced the legislation March 2022, to get the process which requires a two-thirds vote by Congress to move forward. According to the Congressional Archives, “since the American Revolution Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.”

Prior to the floor re-introduction of the legislation Congressman Mfume was joined by Congressional Black Caucus  Chair Steven Horsford, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson the family’s attorneys Civil Rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump who thanked the family and introduced them to the media.  Among the attendees was Lawrence Lacks, the only living child at 88years old and several grandchildren. 

Ron Lacks a grandson of Henrietta Lacks who authored the book, Henrietta Lacks The Untold Story, said “this is a historical day for the Lacks family. We came a long way. We’ve been fighting since 1973 when we first read about it in Rolling Stone and Jet Magazines.  “This is very personal,” says Congressman Kweisi Mfume, who reminded the audience that his family was from the same neighborhood as Lacks and her family, “Turner Station.” “She was loved and known for her great cooking.  Our mothers knew each other,” he said.

Lawrence Lacks, the only living child  of Mrs. Lacks at 88 years of age was present for the ceremony.  

“The Congressional Black Caucus, our members are proud to support efforts to recognize the contributions of Henrietta Lacks for years to come. The Congressional Black Caucus believes that Ms. Lacks deserves this posthumous honor and I want to thank again my colleague Representative Mfume for leading the charge in Congress to see that she does,” said Chairman Horsford.

“ I am here today,” said, Congressman Mfume, “to commemorate and recognize the immortal life of Henrietta Lacks and to do so in a way that  I think sets her apart from so many, many others it’s  to be able to award Ms. Lacks the Congressional Medal of honor. I will urge all my colleagues in the House and the Senate to move forthwith towards its passage as a real statement of where we are . There are a lot of people in this country and indeed around the world walking around today benefitting from the research and the further development of those cells and all those great cures and vaccines that have been developed go back to the Lacks family and Mrs. Lacks.”

Expressing herself Congresswoman Sheila Jackson from Houston, said “I’m hurt today…filled with joy but hurt.  She should have been told what was happening to her.  I simply want to apologize to this family publicly. This should never have happened to her. We are grateful for her sacrifice giving us the HeLa cells.  She changed lives. Getting her the Congressional Medal Honor posthumously is the right thing to do.”

“Nobody can say that the sacrifices of Henrietta Lacks did not advance healthcare  not only people all across  America,  but Congressman Mfume all across the world have benefited from the sacrifice of your homegirl there in Baltimore, “said Attorney Crump.

Henrietta Lacks son, Lawrence Lacks,  said, “I wanted  to thank everyone for coming and recognizing my mother and realize that she has done so much for most of her life to make everybody else happy and well being and to get better healthcare.”

Kim Lacks, said, “my father is David (Sonny) Lacks he was the  middle son of Henrietta Lacks, I am so honored our whole family is honored and he would be honored if he were here. He would be all smiles. HeLa has been recognized for doing things for the world, but  no one knew where those Hela cells came from.  “Henrietta Lacks, she continued, “was a mother, she was a wife, she had cousins and friends  and family that loved and cared about her, and we are so happy that finally the world is beginning to know about Henrietta Lacks and her family and our legacy.”

“I can’t give a timeline,” said Congressman Mfume, “but we hope to get this done by the end of the year. This is very personal.” When we started this journey Kim’s Father Sonny was still with us.” We can’t waste anytime we want her last living sibling Lawrence Lack to be able to see this get done , said Attorney Crump, “we can’t waste any time.”

Congressman Mfume led the family into a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus where they gave their unanimous support for the legislation that would lead to the Congressional Gold Medal being bestowed posthumously to Henrietta Lacks.

“It’s good and I am glad that my mother would get some recognition for all that she gave. She sacrificed her life for the betterment of others, and nobody seems to recognize that.”  Lawrence Lacks.

The post Henrietta Lacks recommended for Congressional Gold Medal appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Shirley Nathan-Pulliam accepted an honorary Doctor of Public Service Degree at the University of Maryland-Baltimore’s commencement on May 18, the latest milestone in a public service journey that has spanned nearly three decades.

As the first African-Caribbean woman to be elected to the Maryland General Assembly, Nathan-Pulliam has impacted countless lives during her career in the medical field and as a lawmaker. 

“Senator Shirley Nathan-Pulliam’s unwavering commitment to public health and her community has created an enduring legacy in Maryland’s legislature,” Tyrone Taborn, publisher, chairman and CEO of Career Communications, told the AFRO. “Her drive to enhance healthcare and equity access for all, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities has brought about profound change. We honor her every year at our Black Engineer of the Year Conference that returns to Baltimore in February of 2024.”

On Jan. 30, her name was placed on the facade of the newest multi-million-dollar wing of the University of Maryland Nursing school.  

Born in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, on May 20, 1939, Nathan-Pulliam earned her high school diploma in Kingston, Jamaica. She fulfilled her life dream of becoming a nurse by attending Bootham Park Hospital School of Nursing in Yorkshire, England. 

Nathan-Pulliam moved from England to the United States after meeting and marrying an American soldier in 1960. Together, they gave birth to three children: Wayne, Sharon and Warren.

After coming to the United States, Shirley Nathan-Pulliam worked as a licensed practical nurse at Baltimore City Hospital and Bon Secours Hospital.  She earned an American GED in 1969 and enrolled in Baltimore Community College where she obtained her associate degree in nursing, established the Nurses Alumni Association and became its first president in 1980. That same year, Nathan-Pulliam earned her B.S. Degree in Nursing from the University of Maryland and in 1987 received her Master of Science Degree from Johns Hopkins University. She continued to work at hospitals in Baltimore including the now closed Provident Hospital.

Known as the “Mother of the Jamaican” movement in Maryland, Nathan-Pulliam has always been vocal about her love of Black culture.  

“She and I were founders in 1988 of the Jamaican Association,” said Rick Nugent, a former president of the Jamaican Association of Baltimore.

She was a major force in the organization of affiliate chapters of the association throughout the U.S., according to Nugent, who noted that the association will celebrate its 35th anniversary on Aug. 19 at a gala at Martin’s West.  

“There will be busloads of Jamaicans coming from other states she helped organize as affiliates of our Jamaican Association. She has made us all proud,” he said. “My proudest moment was [in 1992] when she took me to meet  [then-presidential candidate] Bill Clinton and told me he would become the next President…and he did.  She is a phenomenal woman,” Nurgent said.

When Pulliam entered Maryland’s General Assembly she immediately began to make an impact.  Her first year in office she secured $2.6 million dollars for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment for low-income women. 

“I met Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam in 1996, when I joined the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as director of the administration’s Community and Public Health Administration,” said Dr. Carlessia Hussein. “We bonded on a mission to improve the health of Marylanders with a special focus on health disparities.”

Hussein added that in 1999 Maryland began receiving an annual allocation from the Cigarette Restitution Fund to assist health initiatives for residents.

“Through then-Del. Nathan-Pulliam’s leadership, our office was able to establish the Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance  Program that directed funds to local health departments,” said Hussein, adding that Nathan-Pulliam “is a star trailblazer” for Maryland.  

“It was her leadership that led to the reduction of Black/White cancer health disparities by 51 percent [in Maryland], according to the 2000-2011 data,” Hussein said.

Dr. Elain Simon said she and Nathan-Pulliam have become lifelong associates. 

“Her contributions will forever be etched in Maryland’s history. She became a nurse for the people,” said Simon. 

Baltimore journalist Kenny Brown, who worked alongside Nathan-Pulliam for 20 years, called her “a force of nature.” 

“Even if she had never entered politics she would have found a way to serve people which is evident in her career choice to be a nurse,” he said. 

Radio personality Donny Glover has recorded numerous events involving the legislator–enough to create his own documentary. 

“She would go to communities that others ignored.  I fondly remember her coming to our community on Carrollton Avenue and taking her time to hear our needs and concerns,” said Glover. “She deserves to be applauded. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam is the quintessential public servant. 

Glover said that Nathan-Pulliam has led a life that rightfully puts her name with that of another Jamaican hero. 

“To me she is the reincarnation of  Queen Nanny of the Maroons who is featured on the $500 note in Jamaica,” said Glover. “Queen of the Maroons Nanny was a fighter against the enslavement of her people.  As a proud Jamaican and an American citizen, Shirley Nathan-Pulliam–throughout her life in the legislature–has been a fighter for her people.”

“Shirley has been and remains a fierce and passionate advocate for affordable health care and a leader on so many issues affecting the physical and mental health of our community,” added Glover.

Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) described Nathan Pulliam as “ simply the best,” adding that now is the time to make sure the former senator knows how much she is loved and appreciated.

It’s no coincidence that Nathan-Pulliam is known across the state of Maryland as “Mrs. Health Care.” The residents of Maryland have been fortunate to have her principled and practical approach to solving issues and lifting people.  

For these reasons and many more that well exceed the number of pages in this week’s paper, the AFRO salutes Senator Shirley Nathan-Pulliam for her decades of dedication and tenacity in serving the residents of Maryland. 

The post An AFRO salute to Sen. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, former Maryland legislator and life-long health maven appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh

There are laws in every state that should be modified or repealed, either because they are outdated or just don’t make sense. Some laws are not enforceable or provide convenience for legislators. Other statues are not justly applied and can be seen as discriminatory.

The question for all states is not only  the repeal or modification of laws that don’t make sense but how do we fairly and justly apply or enforce these elements of our state codes and constitutions at the local, state and federal levels without prejudice.   

Some laws are made with specific people, animals, or concerns in mind. Consider Kentucky where every legislator, public officer and lawyer must take an oath stating that they have not fought a duel with deadly weapons. The law, a part of the Kentucky constitution, was placed on the books in 1849 to keep men who sought public office from engaging in the once popular southern tradition of public dueling.   

Consider, too, statutes that since 1931 labeled adultery a felony in the state of Michigan or the difficult to enforce provision of Nebraska law that no person who is afflicted with a sexually transmitted disease can marry.  In 2015, some 9,700 Nebraskans reported cases of chlamydia or gonorrhea to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The health code in the state statute could have prevented any of them from marrying.

Legislatures have enacted laws into their constitutions that outlaw many actions. In Hawaii billboards are outlawed, with a few exceptions for notices from public offices.

But legislative bodies across the country don’t always get it right. 

According to Laura Hall, president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), what happened to State Reps. Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin Pearson of Memphis in Tennessee should never happen again.  Hall, a Democrat in the Alabama legislature, leads an organization that is the voice for more than 700 African American lawmakers in legislatures across the country.

The action that took place in the Tennessee legislature was discriminatory.  Let me remind you there were three legislators originally subjected to the punishment meted out to Jones and Pearson, two Democratic African-American members. A third person who participated in the activities which caused Tennessee lawmakers to consider expulsion was State Rep. Gloria Johnson, a White-female democrat from Knoxville.   Johnson, in a narrow vote in the chamber,  was spared expulsion. 

Johnson quickly exclaimed that she was not given the same punishment “because of my race.” To be expelled from the legislature required a two-thirds vote. Republicans outnumber Democrats in the Tennessee legislature three to one.  The expulsion vote to expel Jones was 75-25,  69-29 against Pearson 69-29 and 65-30 against Johnson.  

The expulsions were carried out under Article 11, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution which states that the house can “punish its members for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two thirds expel a member.” The resolution to expel the three Democrats was offered the Monday following the disruption to the session that occurred the previous Thursday evening.

The activity that led to Jones and Pearson’s expulsion was precipitated by a debate and protest in the Tennessee House chamber over gun control in a state that has experienced two mass shootings this year. The Republican-controlled legislature refused to hear the three Democrats and they were ruled out of order.  One mass shooting took place Feb,19 in Memphis represented by Pearson where eleven people were shot one fatally and the second occurred March 27 in the district represented by Jones when three children and three adults at a Christian school were shot to death. To say that emotions were high is an understatement.  Parents and community members were present demanding action on behalf of their legislators. 

Events such as these mass shootings should at the least cause legislators to pause, engage in debate and think about how we get guns under control in our country.  Since 1968 more civilians have died from gunshot wounds in this country than soldiers killed in all our collective wars, according to military statistics. The data says 1.5 million   people have died in gun-related deaths in the United States in comparison to 1.2 million service members killed in every war in United States history, according to estimates from the Department of Veterans Affairs and iCausualties.org,  a website that maintains an ongoing data base of casualties from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  

It is time to place responsible gun laws on our books and hold ourselves accountable and that includes our legislative bodies. Laws cannot be discriminatory; they cannot be applied differently for one race against another or one sex or one party against another. 

While Reps. Jones and Pearson were finally reinstated, the red flag in Tennessee has already been raised.  

Correcting injustices in our local, state and federal constitutions is an obligation that all legislative bodies should undertake.  Our nation is at a crossroads and Tennessee helped put us there.  We cannot let this happen again.

The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American • 233 E. Redwood Street Suite 600G
Baltimore, MD 21202 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

The post It’s time for gun laws to make sense, not casualties appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Baltimore Playwright and journalist Ursula Battle is bringing her production “Serenity House: From Addiction to Deliverance,”  back to the stage. 

The play has ingratiated audiences from Baltimore to Virginia over the past years, becoming a must see for anyone suffering from addiction, going through recovery or supporting a family member or friend battling addiction.

“This production is the impetus for my new breakout novel of the same name,” said Battle.

“Serenity House,” forces those watching to examine current and past behaviors that kept them or their loved ones from recovery and moving forward with life in a more productive way.

The play will run on May 20 at 3pm at the Randallstown Community Center, and  on June 3 at Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center in Dundalk at 3p.m.   

The play is directed by Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory William Branch. 

“My interest in medicine dates back to childhood having watched a former neighbor struggle with addiction and ultimately succumb to an overdose,”said Branch.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics drug overdose deaths are up 30 percent year-over-year.  The cost of drug addiction and substance abuse in the United States is $600 billion dollars annually.

This play is an in-depth look at addiction, portrayed by actors such as Randy “Fruity” Roberts, of The Choir Boyz. 

The play centers around the journey of six people who enter a recovery program started by a church. With song, dance and storytelling, this production takes a heart-wrenching, yet heartwarming look at the devastating impact that addiction has on society, particularly on families that in some cases, have been battling the cycle of addiction over multiple generations, says Battle.

Tickets are available now at $20 each. For more information or to purchase a ticket call 443-531-5839 or visit battlestageplays.com. 

Coming up next, the Afro-American will talk in depth with the playwright and journalist Ursula V. Battle about her journey and her upcoming book.

The post Baltimore playwright uses theater to address cycle of addiction and deliverance appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  —Proverbs 22:6

Almost every day on an Urban One (formerly Radio One) media platform, you can hear a disc jockey ask listeners to patronize Black businesses. It is a mantra to which Cathy Hughes, founder and Board Chairperson of Urban One, is committed. Why is this so important?  

It is a way of assisting the Black community in surviving and flourishing.

According to a study by the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth, financial transactions circulate one time within the African-American community, compared to six times in the Latino community, nine times in the Asian community, and an unlimited number of times within the White community. 

While African Americans have an estimated $1.3 trillion gross national income, the Selig Center reports, only two percent is recirculated in the Black community.Now, more than ever, African-American families need to have conversations about smart financial decisions. Recirculating the Black dollar and building generational wealth begins with families and relatives having the “money talk.”

The “money talk” among families begins with understanding how to build wealth and not create dependency among family members. Creating generational wealth means being able to ensure that future generations can benefit from the wealth that is being created by families today.

More than 88 percent of millionaires today are first generation. Passing and building wealth through to the third generation almost guarantees future prosperity for a family. Some people rely on a certified public accountant to assist them with money management, while others look to investment companies or estate planners. Some people utilize all three. 

Below are views from three different Black families — the Robinsons, the Hensons and Hughes— who share their experiences on building financial security that can also become known as generational wealth. From individuals who have successfully built family businesses or accumulated finances that can sustain them for a lifetime and leave a legacy for their future generations to continue to grow.

Among the commonalities in the information shared is educating children on the significance and importance of saving, investing, and securing a financial future. Instructing our children about financial literacy and the value of assets, including property, insurance, stocks and bonds, should be a part of those family discussions.   

Charles Robinson establishes a financial legacy

Charles Robinson will be 98 years young this year. To meet him is to know a man who does not have a care in the world. That is because one thing that Charles Robinson has focused on is how to build wealth and not have to depend on anyone else, including his children who have taken care of him in his latter years. Indeed, Charles Robinson takes care of himself.

“Uncle Charles,” as he is fondly called, says he took his cues from his father and mother, both of whom were business minded when it came to taking care of the family. “I grew up in a small town in Kentucky and I was able to see how my parents operated.  My mother sold everything, from the fruits she canned to making clothes for people in the community,” said Robinson.

“What I have learned over the years is that you can’t just tell our young people what to do to become financially independent — you have to show them,” he continued. 

At one point Robinson had over 200 agents working for him in the insurance business. “I am still getting residuals from those agent’s sales today,” he noted.

“Buying real estate and managing properties was also another way of building wealth,” said Robinson.  He currently lives in the Ashburton Community, which became accessible to Black Americans in the 1950s. 

“I paid $18,000 for this house back then, and I paid it off in eight years,” said Robinson. “Buying a house is one of the greatest assets for building wealth. Property that is kept up only escalates in value. The average selling price for houses in the single-family homes in Ashburton can range from the high $200s to over $500,000,” he added. “I am surprised [at] the number of young people who don’t see the value in owning a home.” 

There are lots of ways to build generational wealth, Robinson pointed out. It begins with helping our young people to understand the value of a dollar and how to save and invest their money. Planning for the future is important. 

“Many people start their first business with the equity they accumulate in their homes. The way to build equity is by paying on the principal of your mortgage with any extra money you have,” said Robinson. “We want our children to live better than we do, but we really don’t make it easy for them when we just give them things. [We must] teach and show them how to earn, expand and build on the wealth that we can pass along.”

With unlimited wealth you can also create unlimited capital that can be used over the course of a lifetime.

“That’s what I’ve done. You don’t want to have to depend on anyone. I can live to be 150 years old, and I will be alright,” he laughed, adding, “It is all in the planning.”

Developing the Henson Development Company

Danny Henson celebrated 80 years of life with a crowd at Colin’s Restaurant, a Black-owned business in Baltimore, on April 4. 

“I didn’t expect to be celebrating with all those people,” he said. “We go there once a month as a family.” 

Henson then reflected on his journey to accumulate family wealth.

“I wanted to build wealth and independence for my family, but politics and public service also had its callings on my life,” he explained.

“My plan has always been for my children to join me in some entrepreneurial experience. Business ownership was frequently discussed at the dinner table. My daughter, Dana, was a natural in business,” he said. “She was smart. She graduated from high school in three years and college in three years. My thoughts were that she would go to business school.”  

Dana felt differently; she wanted to go to work after finishing her undergraduate studies.  She started out at IBM, and afterwards worked at Xerox. At both early tech powerhouses, she learned about being in business and understanding wealth building.

After public service, the senior Henson went to work with Struever Brothers, a real estate firm with a reputation of finding creative ways to reimagine urban properties. It wasn’t long that he formed the Henson Company, where his daughter would come to work. Though she had joined the family business, Henson said that at the time, she was not ready to take over operations. They partnered on projects with the Rouse Company, a leading real estate development and management firm, and built– among other facilities–the Legal Aid Building and the Columbus Center. 

“It was not just about building wealth, but building our own independence and being in control,” Henson noted.

Dana left the Henson Company to work for Xerox in Miami, Fla., but she returned to Baltimore 12 years ago.

She was now ready to join her father at the Henson Development Company, the firm he started and expanded to Raleigh, N.C., Tampa, Fla., and Washington, D.C. 

With Dana as the chief operating officer, the company’s focus today is on Baltimore. 

Henson says that generational wealth building begins with engaging your children at an early age, “around the dinner table,” as he did and still does.  

“Dana is a hustler and between her education, former employment, exposure to the family business — she is a natural business leader,” he said.  

Henson believes that his next generation, his grandchildren–who are already being introduced to the business– will allow the company to continue to grow and give back to the community.

Building the nation’s leading Black media empire

Cathy Hughes built Radio One broadcasting into the Urban One media platform, with the help of her son Alfred C. Liggins, the largest Black-owned media company in the country. Under the direction of mother and son, the business is continuing to grow.

“To build generational wealth you must let your children grow up in the business,” Hughes said. “They may not ultimately want to join the business, but at the least they will understand its worth.”

Alfred grew up in the Hughes media empire. 

“You can’t make excuses about not having time to help them understand the value of owning or taking over a business that you’ve started. If you wait too long,” she warned. “It could be too late.”

Hughes gives the example of John Johnson, owner of Ebony and Jet magazines. Following his founding of Johnson Publishing, and the Ebony Fashion Fair, Johnson was considered at one time to be in control of the most powerful Black media outlet in the country. 

“Mr. Johnson had one of the brightest daughters I know [Linda Johnson], who could take over the business and lead it into the 21^st century. But he stayed at the helm too long. By the time he turned it over to Linda, print media was transforming into the digital age,” said Hughes.  She recalled a visit to Johnson’s offices in Chicago, when he said to her, “I hope you’re not going to turn your business over to someone you’ve given birth to.” 

Hughes’ son, Alfred Liggins III, was eager to go to work and attended the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Wharton Business School with a probationary entrance. 

“He graduated with honors because his classes were like recalling the applications he was using every day in our business,” said Hughes.

Alfred left the family business to go work for Berry Gordy at Motown.  Nevertheless, Hughes said, “You can’t give up on them.” She didn’t. She would remind Alfred that “when Berry Gordy’s will would be read someday, Alfred’s name would not be included.”

“At the least,” she said, “they learn the worth of the business and if they were to decide to sell it, they would know its worth and what to ask for it.”

Among the most important things Hughes said she did in her pursuit of building generational wealth, was look for an outside consultant — more specifically, a psychologist/therapist. 

“I found a Black woman therapist in Virginia. I was her only African-American client,” said Hughes. “This woman focuses on helping families build generational wealth in terms of passing leadership on to their children.”

“She helped us set boundaries and guidelines that we both had to agree to abide by, if my son, Alfred, was to become the chief operating officer of the company. Truth be told, the reason I ended up in Baltimore was so that Alfred could have a clear shot at running the company from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. – some of the older employees felt they could still come to me and not him if I remained in the D.C. office.”

“I remember saying to our therapist, ‘It is difficult to turn the combination to the safe over to someone, who as a child, lost the keys to the front door more than once,” said Hughes.

But she eventually relented. “I’ve made my share of mistakes in growing this company and I had to allow Alfred to make his own,” she said, concluding that “you have to put your ego aside. You must be open to new ideas and listen to their advice and recognize that your way may not always be the best way. What I have learned is that advice, creativity, and growth is not a one-way street.”

The post Lessons in generational wealth: three families share their stories appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Both of the expelled Tennessee legislators, Rep. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson have been reinstated by the Shelby County Commission in Memphis, Tenn.

Tennessee lawmaker Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) was exempt from the April 7 expulsion, despite her involvement with  the “Tennessee Three” and choosing to speak out against the lack of gun control in the state of Tennessee on the house floor. 

A total of 66 votes were needed for Johnson to be removed from her position, but she was spared from expulsion by one vote. However the other legislators involved in the protest were two Black men Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, and Rep. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis. 

Johnson spoke out about the expulsions of her fellow democrats, noting that she believed it to be racially motivated.  

“I hear racist statements all the time.” Johnson stated when discussing her two Black colleagues being expelled with local media. “They’ve made themselves clear. If you heard the questioning of those two young men compared to my questioning, you definitely heard racially tinged questions. It’s blatant, quite frankly.” 

Laura Hall, president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), says that what happened in the Tennessee State Legislature should never happen again in any other state legislature in this country.  

“It is appalling that something like this can still happen in the United States,” said  Hall, a Democrat in the Alabama State Legislature. Hall represents over 700 state African American legislators nationwide who represent over 60 million people.

Hall is calling on all state legislatures in the country to pass a resolution condemning the actions of the Tennessee legislature.  

The Majority Republican Tennessee State legislature, which outnumbers Democrats three to one, on April 6, voted to expel two African American male members, Democratic State Representatives Pearson, of Memphis, and Jones, of Nashville for a gun violence protest they led inside of the chambers on March 30. Johnson, who stood with the two protesters, says she survived the expulsion vote because she is a “White woman.”  

“To say this action was not racially motivated is to be delusional and in denial,” said Hall.

“For a debate over such an important issue as gun control to result in expulsion is unprecedented.  The floor of the legislature is for healthy debate and protest,” said Hall.  “The emotions are high in this country. Mass shootings that involve our children and community members are taking place too often.” 

Tennessee has experienced two mass shootings this year. On Feb. 19 in Memphis eleven people were shot – one fatally – where  Rep. Pearson hails from. 

On March 27 three children and three adults at a Christian school were shot to death where Rep. Jones hails. 

“These tragedies should spark action and conversation over the need for stiffer gun control laws in the chambers of the Tennessee legislature and chambers of legislative bodies across this country,” said Hall, “not result in expulsions.” 

The post Black lawmakers from Tennessee reinstated appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott directed the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) to block the discharge of wastewater treated from the Palestine, Ohio train wreck at a Baltimore wastewater treatment plant. 

On March 24 with Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski held a news conference with Scott to announce that at least 650,000 gallons of waste linked to the Feb. 3 derailment was headed to Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant is owned by Baltimore City but located in Dundalk in Baltimore County.

The waste was directed there by Clean Harbors, the contractor responsible for cleaning up the toxic mess left behind by Norfolk-Southern after their freight train derailment near a working class Ohio community. Clean Harbors has access to Back River facilities through a waste treatment facility it owns there.

Many vehemently spoke against the move, while the city explored legal options to block Clean Harbors’ plan.

“After legal review, the City’s Law Department has determined that the Department of Public Works has the authority to modify discharge permits in an effort to ‘safeguard Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) from interference, pass-through, or contamination of treatment by-products,’” said Scott, in a March 27 statement. 

“As such, I have directed DPW to modify Clean Harbor’s discharge permit to deny their request to discharge processed wastewater from the cleanup of the Norfolk Southern Railroad derailment into the City’s wastewater system after processing at a Clean Harbors facility,” Scott continued. “Clean Harbors has facilities across the country that may be better positioned to dispose of the treated wastewater, and we urge them to explore those alternatives.”

The mayor’s sentiments were echoed by Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, who praised the move. 

“None of us believe that Baltimore should be a dumping ground for environmental hazards and the way in which we all spoke out against this unconscionable attempt to have us clean up the mess of others shows that, when we come together to support and protect Baltimoreans, effective and impactful change can happen,” said Mosby in a statement.

Communities and elected officials across Maryland reacted almost immediately following the Scott-Olschewski’s press conference. Two Republican Maryland House of Delegates members, Baltimore County’s Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga, called it a non-partisan issue. 

Upon hearing the plans, Baltimore City Council member Zeke Cohen introduced a resolution calling for the EPA to reverse the decision to send the contaminated water to Baltimore. 

“Too many neighborhoods in Baltimore are already overburdened with pollution,” he said.  “Under the Biden Administration, the EPA has rightfully committed itself to environmental justice. Now is their chance to prove that commitment by rescinding approval of this plan.”

The mayor and county executive have committed to working together to protect the waters surrounding the area.

“We have questions,” Scott said, adding “we want to assure that we are protecting the health of our residents. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has made it clear that the train company Norfolk-Southern will pay for the toxic chemical spill and will be fully responsible, it is still unclear where or how some of that waste will be cleaned up and disposed.  

“Both the county executive and I have grave concerns about the waste from the derailment coming into our facilities and being discharged into our system,” Scott said.

On March 12 Oklahoma Gov. J.  Kevin Stitt, working with his federal delegation, was able to stop a shipment of toxic waste from the derailment in Palestine from arriving in his state.  

Scott has said that– after consulting with the city’s law department– he will not stop the contaminated water from Palestine from coming to a private treatment facility in Baltimore, but the city will not give them the right to release the treated wastewater into the city’s sewer system. 

“Clean Harbor has facilities across the country that may be better positioned to dispose of the treated wastewater,” he said.

Clean Harbor, is one of the largest environmental and industrial firms in the country with 90 locations. Started in 1980, the company is headquartered in Massachusetts.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Rev. Alfred Corrogan Daniel Vaughn, pastor of Baltimore’s Sharon Baptist Church, passed away quietly on March 19 at home surrounded by his family, his wife of sixty years Lillian Vaughn, and his two daughters, CaSandra and Rev. Lynnette Vaughn. 

About ten ministers showed up immediately following his death to offer the family prayer and praise, to include co-pastor of Sharon Baptist Church, Rev. William Johnson. 

Johnson said he worked alongside Rev. Vaughn for 35 years. 

“He has been a mentor and a father to me as he was close to my father.  It is a tremendous loss not only for Baltimore but nationally. Our hearts at Sharon are very heavy right now,” he said. 

Dr. Harold Carter Jr. remembered Rev. Vaughn as his godfather, who led as pastor of Sharon Baptist for more than three decades. 

“When my father passed in 2013 he became my surrogate father. In many ways he is the godfather of our city in terms of other clergy persons. He was a preacher every day in the traditional sense of our culture,” said Carter. “He was a husband of 60 years to his wife and was married to his faith and to the community. His legacy will speak for itself.”

Bishop John Bryant, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, also spoke with the AFRO about Rev. Vaughn’s passing. He was in the number of ministers who joined the family in support. 

“He was a soldier,” said Bishop Bryant. “He was Baltimore’s ‘Bishop.’ He presided over more funerals of pastors than any other pastor in this city.  He was a pastor’s friend. He lived and breathed in faith that the people would have a better life. He left here with know regrets.  He left it all on the field.  He served the people until the very end. He will be missed,” said Bishop Bryant.

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, called Rev. Vaughn an iconic preacher in the city of Baltimore whose reach was nationwide.

“He gave us opportunities that would not have been available to young preachers when we were coming along.  He was a champion of young people,” said Murphy McKenzie, who was selected to lead as interim president and general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) last year. “He has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Afro-American Newspapers for such a long time.  I appreciate his advocacy on behalf of African Americans and helping us get to places that were formerly denied us.”

“His presence will be missed. He left an indelible mark,” said Bishop McKenzie.

Bishop Dennis Proctor, of the African Methodist Episcopal  Zion Church, spoke to how Rev. Vaughn “was always promoting someone to the next level” with no thought to how it could benefit him personally. 

“He put me on platforms in places and opened doors I could not open myself.  He was the kindest, gentle, generous person—financially [and] emotionally.  He has probably done as much to promote people in ministry than anyone else I know.”

Bishop Frank M. Reid III, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, recalled Reverend Vaughn’s welcoming spirit. 

“In life my father used to tell me ‘there are two kinds of friends: transformational friends and transactional friends,” said Bishop Reid. “Rev. Vaughn was a transformational friend.  He was a father figure and gatekeeper for the Black Faith Community.  He had friends across denominations.”

“He put in place a new generation of pastoral leadership. He built bridges, politically, economically, spiritually and socially,” Bishop Reid continued. “He equipped and prepared generations of pastors in Baltimore and this nation to lead.  He will be missed.”

Bishop Walter Thomas, of the New Psalmist Baptist Church, told the AFRO that Rev. Vaughn “was not just the one you went to on issues…he was the one you loved to be around as a father.” 

Former mayor of Baltimore City, Kurt Schmoke, now president of University of Baltimore said, “for a generation of clergy in Baltimore, Rev. Vaughn was first among equals. He was a gifted preacher, an effective mentor, and a dedicated civic leader.”

Rev. Vaughn served several terms as president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity. He had also served on the board of the Progressive National Baptist Conference, founded by civil rights activists, to include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Rev. Harley Wilson, pastor of Israel Baptist Church, was one of Rev. Vaughn’s oldest friends in ministry. 

”We pastored the same church, Promise Land Baptist Church in Moneta, Va.  We served as trustees on the same board of Virginia University of Lynchburg, (formerly Virginia Seminary and College).  He put me on the board at Hampton University’s Ministers Conference,” said Rev. Wilson. “This is a great loss to pastors.  He was a friend to the pastoral community. He was a friends to pastors all over the United States and especially to young pastors. Many of us got our start under him.  We call him the ‘Elder of Baltimore.’ Many pastors are in this city because he opened doors for them.”

Congressman Kweisi Mfume said Rev. Vaughn was a long-time family friend.  

“I’ve known him since my childhood. He was and forever will be a guiding light for so many, and a true example to me of a God fearing and God directed disciple of Christ,” said Congressman Mfume. “I will miss his sense of humor and the many conversations we shared over the last fifty years.  My deepest condolences go out to Lillian, his queen for life, and to his daughters, Lynnette, and CaSandra. What a great husband and father! His was truly a life well lived. Rest well my friend!” 

Family, friends, and community members are paying their respects to the Rev. Dr. Alfred C.D. Vaughn at Sharon Baptist Church in Baltimore today. A wake will take place tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the same location, with a funeral immediately following at 11 a.m. 

This article originally misspelled the name “Corrogan.” The AFRO deeply regrets this error.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

It took the Baltimore City Council’s Rules and Legislative Oversight Committee less than 20 minutes to approve the nomination of Faith Leach as Baltimore City Administrator. 

The March 13 unanimous vote marked an abrupt reversal of the special committee’s March 9 rejection of the nomination.  Leach has been serving as acting city administrator since January and prior to that she was deputy mayor for equity, overseeing several departments and programs.

In the March 9 vote, Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton, along with committee members Erik Costello, Mark Conway and Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer peppered Leach with questions about how the post would function.

Council member James Torrence left the meeting because he said he questioned the legitimacy of the vote to reject Leach. 

“This is an election year,” he said, “and this is grandstanding at its best.”  

Torrence apologized for his behavior, but pledged to work on clarifying council rules on votes.

Council President Nick Mosby said he was annoyed by the way the nomination was addressed.  “We are here today and looking forward to engaging this administration around this important matter,” he said. 

His remarks came after Leach, Mayor Brandon Scott and council members met privately to iron out how Leach’s position will function.

After the private meeting, council members said they never questioned Leach’s ability to do the job, but had many unanswered questions around the operations of the office.

In the wake of the meeting, council members said disagreements about procedure were settled. “This past weekend has been one of the best collaborative operations in building relationships.

“We are here as a legislative body. There is a lot of work to be done… and we are all ready to work with you to make that happen,” said Middleton to Leach.  

Costello told Leach, “You are a brilliant, dedicated hard working public servant who is always responsive.  This was about concerns of the administration and how this office was structured. I am confident after conversations we’ve had over the weekend with the mayor, you and others we can work through those concerns.”

Leach said she is grateful for the agreement and pledged a straightforward approach to the job.

“What you will see from me moving forward and what you will see from this administration is an administration that communicates, an administration that  coordinates and an administration that works for the betterment of this city in partnership with members of  this body. Thank you for your confidence in me,” she said.

Leach has a track record of hard work.

In April 2021, she was appointed deputy mayor of equity, health and human services overseeing several agencies including recreation and parks, immigrant affairs, library and homeless services. 

She came to Baltimore from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation in New York City where she served as chief of staff. She also served in local government under D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, where she was  chief of staff to the deputy mayor of economic opportunity and as a special projects manager in the office of the city administrator.

Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued a statement regarding the vote on March 13.

“Following a weekend of productive collaboration, I am proud to announce that Faith Leach is confirmed as Baltimore’s Chief Administrative Officer. With her exceptional leadership skills and expertise, I am confident that she will be instrumental in propelling our City forward,” said Scott. “Furthermore, I view her confirmation as a pivotal moment in forging a deeper partnership between my Administration and the City Council, paving the way for more fruitful collaboration in the future. I am eager to see what we can achieve together and the positive impact we can make for Baltimore.”

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

The Randallstown NAACP created a task force nearly eight months ago to focus on the revitalization of the nine mile corridor of Liberty Road, which starts at the Baltimore City/County line and travels up to Deer Park Road. Recently, they released the results of the task force with a 23-page report outlining their findings.

 “The elected officials especially, our 44B state representatives and council council representatives, attended every meeting. If our federal representatives were not there they would send representation,” said Randallstown NAACP Ryan Coleman.  

The report points out several deteriorated buildings along the corridor that need to be repaired and rehabilitated, while others received a recommendation to be removed. Plans for a Health Center and Community Entertainment Center for gatherings are also identified in the plan. Residents would like to call the proposed establishment, “The Community Gathering Place.”   

“We want to be able to attract businesses like ‘Dave and Busters,’ movie theater[s] and bowling alleys,” says Coleman. “Looking at this corridor is not new.” 

Baltimore County Executives going back to Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, have taken interest in the Liberty Road Corridor and some initiatives have been seen through. In 1978 the Liberty Road Community Development Corporation (LCDC) was formed but evolved into the Liberty Road Business Association.  In 1980 a plan adopted by the County Council designated the nine-mile Liberty Road Corridor as a revitalization area.

Recently, federal officials representing Randallstown committed to providing funding for the Post Office at the gateway of the corridor, soon to be dedicated to Congressman Parren J. Mitchell.  The county has had conversations with Baltimore City government officials about creating a pocket park that encompasses both Baltimore City and County.  

“We are hopeful that it will move forward,” said Coleman, noting that many investments needed have not been realized. 

Coleman said that much of the Liberty Road corridor is surrounded by African American communities and, in his opinion, that accounts for the lack of quality development taking place. 

“We have too many dollar stores and gas stations with mini-marts attached to them,” Coleman pointed out.  “What is interesting is that the income levels of those living in and around this corridor are above the state average.  They can support quality stores and entertainment areas–not only for adults but for our children.” 

“We envision more quality supermarkets with fresh foods, quality sit-down restaurants,” Coleman told the AFRO. “I believe that with the NAACP leading this task force, we have been heard and our agenda will move forward.  What I am looking forward to is the implementation stage.”

Coleman said he understands that the work to revitalize the corridor has just begun.  

“We look forward to a Request for Proposal being extended by the county planning department in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development.  We want dates and a time frame that assures us this work is going to be done,” he said. “I am meeting with our county executive Olszewski and I am going to raise the issue of a time frame.  He has been supportive of our community, and we believe he’ll continue to be.  He was a part of the task force.”

The task force was composed of twenty-four individuals, to include U.S. Senator Ben Cardin; Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger; Congressman Kweisi Mfume; Speaker Adrienne A. Jones; State Senator Delores G. Kelley; State Senator Charles E. Sydnor III; Delegate Benjamin Brooks; Delegate Sheila Ruth; Delegates Alethia McCaskill; County Executive Johnny Olszewski; Chairman Julian Jones;  Councilman Izzy Patoka; Linda V. Forsyth; Kimberly Shiloh; Shirley Supik; Kirk Mitchell; Mrs. Martha Nathanson and Raekwon Conaway. NAACP members on the task force included Nigeria Rolling Ford, Autrese Thornton, Lamont Cook, Derrick Burnett and President Ryan Coleman.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

In an October 2022 interview with the AFRO- American Newspapers, Mayor Brandon Scott told Ralph Moore that Baltimore City was not selling its conduit system. And it has not. 

“No,” he said. “What I have before the board is a study to determine what is best for the city. The city loses money every year on the conduits.  I am asking to have an outside source tell us what is best for the city: sell the conduit? Lease it? Enter into a long-term lease or some other kind of partnership agreement?  The fact is that we cannot afford to continue to pay for the cost of the upkeep of the system.” 

“If, for example, the city raises the rates for BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric) to continue its lease agreement on our system, what do you think will happen to that rate increase,” Mayor Scott asked Ralph Moore?  

Moore replied, “it gets passed on to the customer.” 

“You’re right,” said the Mayor. “I believe we are losing $4-7 million dollars a year,” an estimate similarly made by Moore.

The conduit system, which is 741 miles long, began operation in Baltimore City in 1898. It contains electric, telephone and fiber optic cables.  

Underground piping allows for telephone, electricity, internet, and cable systems to flow to residents and businesses throughout the city. BGE is the largest user of the conduit system at 76 percent.  

A charter amendment passed by Baltimore City voters during the 2022 election prohibits the city from selling its conduit system.

A meeting was recently held to work out repairs and ownership of the system.

The Feb. 15th agreement that was made –without the presence of City Council President Nick Mosby and Comptroller Bill Henry–was not a sale of the conduit system, but rather, an agreement with the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company to provide maintenance for the more than 100 plus years-old system. 

In the agreement with the three members of the Board, Mayor Brandon Scott, the acting city solicitor and public works director, BGE agreed to pay $134 million for capital improvements to the conduit system over the next four years.  They will also pay an occupancy fee of $1.5 million each year. 

If BGE does not spend the entire amount of $134 million on improvements to the city’s conduit system, according to the agreement, BGE will provide the city with the unspent sum at the end of the 4-year contract.

The last agreement BGE entered into with the city regarding the leasing of the conduit system was finalized in late November of 2016, when BGE–after lawsuits–agreed to pay the city $24 million dollars annually.  

The original request by the city was first set at a $30 million annual rate fee. The current agreement with BGE and Baltimore City ended in 2022.

The new agreement could result in $140 million dollars being received by Baltimore City in repairs and leasing fees over a four year period.

Neither Council President Mosby and Comptroller Henry  entered the Board of Estimate Chambers on February 15^th at 9 a.m. intentionally. 

Henry sent the following statement to AFRO reporter, Tashi McQueen, when asked about the meeting:

“First of all, I did not walk out of the BOE meeting; there was no meeting because I was never there. On February 15th, President Mosby and I purposefully did not enter the Board of Estimates chambers at 9am. We made this decision to intentionally deny the other members of the Board the additional members necessary for quorum, as defined in the BOE Rules. Instead, the Clerk read our joint statement to all present – explaining our position – and then left. Without quorum, the BOE was not able to hold its scheduled meeting that day.”

Henry called the Scott’s meeting with the acting city solicitor and the director of public works “an unsuccessful attempt to vote solely on the BGE agreement” so that “the Administration could assert that the item had been approved, when in fact, those members were not capable of legally conducting business.”

Henry asserts that during the meeting, held in his absence, “no opening statement was read, no effort was made to call for a vote on the routine agenda (nor for any other items on the non-routine agenda), nor were any protests or statements of opposition noted or public comment permitted – all of which would have happened at an actual meeting of the BOE, as is required by the Rules & Regulations of the Board.”

“Given that no meeting occurred, the agreement with BGE has not yet actually been approved,” his statement continued. “All items on the February 15th BOE agenda are being moved to the March 1, 2023 meeting agenda. The March 1st agenda will be distributed and posted publicly on the Comptroller’s website on Wednesday, February 22nd, by close of business.”

Mayor Brandon Scott recently issued a statement defending his decision to move forward with the Board of Estimates Meeting and approval of the BGE Agreement. 

“The approval  of the BGE agreement was valid and in compliance with the board’s rules,” said Mayor Scott.  “The attempt by Henry and Mosby to prevent the vote from happening violated at least six board rules. Their actions,” he went on to say, “violated rules about canceling a meeting, deferring a contract, abstaining from a vote, substitutes for absent board members and the number of meetings that the Board of Estimates is required to have each month.” 

Going into detail Mayor Scott gave examples of how President Moby and Comptroller Henry were in violation.

“The rules,” Mayor Scott, said explain that “The Council President may cancel any meeting with the concurrence of a majority of Board Members.”  Moreover, he quotes, “the rule requires that any cancellation notice be provided 24 hours prior to a meeting and be posted on both the City Council and the Comptroller’s websites.  This never happened.  Therefore, the meeting was not canceled,” said Mayor Scott. 

Mayor Scott defended the vote on the BGE contract saying that he was clear with the Council President and Comptroller and the members of the city council , “that BGE had needed approval of the agreement with the city before their submission of a rate hike on February 17^th, otherwise,” says the Mayor, “BGE would not have entered into the agreement.”

The Mayor also pointed out that the rules of the Board of Estimates require them to meet twice monthly unless a recess is announced at a prior hearing.  “By attempting to cancel or postpone the February 15^th meeting to March 2023, without announcing a recess at a prior meeting, the Council President and Comptroller would have caused the BOE to fail to meet a second time in February,” said Mayor Scott. 

The question of whether Baltimore City should sell, lease or enter into a partnership with another company like BGE remains unanswered.

Voters already cemented the fact that the city cannot sell its conduit system, however, it does not prevent the city from entering into partnerships with private entities.

Cities throughout the country are forfeiting maintenance fees by selling their conduit system for free, long-term city services– including for fire and police departments. Other areas are also entering long-term partnerships that relieve cities of the cost of upgrading systems to manage the rapidly growing technology industry.

West Des Moines, Iowa entered  a public private partnership to build conduit connecting every home and business with Google Fiber and improving options for its residents and business owners.

The Board of Estimates meetings are streamed live on Charm TV  Channel 25 and posted after on Charm TV’s YouTube channel.  

Lingering thought: 

In 1972, Baltimore City sold Friendship International Airport to the state of Maryland for $36 million and later that year it was named Baltimore/Washington International Airport.  It was renamed again in October 2005 in honor of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.  What if Baltimore City had leased the airport to the state of Maryland maintaining ownership…would it be today to Baltimore City what Atlanta and other city airports are to their cities in terms of revenue?

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Marshall “Eddie” Conway, a former Black Panther Party member and prison reform advocate whose murder conviction was overturned after he spent 44 years in jail, died Feb. 13 in  Long Beach, Calif. after a short illness.

Services for him are to be held Feb. 25 at Homewood Friends Meeting House, located at 3107 North Charles Street. A viewing will take place from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a service from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Conway, 76, left the U.S. Army as a sergeant to become a community organizer in Baltimore. He moved from the NAACP to the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) to the Black Panther Party, where he helped launch a community food distribution program on Greenmount Avenue in 1970. 

While a member of Black Panther Party, he was convicted for the 1971 death of Baltimore police officer Donald Sager and sentenced to life, plus thirty years. The conviction was overturned by Maryland’s highest court for improper jury instructions.

Conway maintained his innocence in the incident in which Sager was killed and another BPD officer injured. He contended that he was framed by the FBI in a Justice Department campaign to destroy the Black Panther Party and not guilty of the crime until his release in 2014.

He described himself as a political prisoner and, along with Baltimore’s Black Classic Press founder Paul Coates, covered his politics and life in the book, “The Brother You Choose,” written by Susie Day. 

Coates, father of famed writer Ta-Nahisi Coates, remained close friends with Conway for decades, rushing from Baltimore to Long Beach in the final stages of Conway’s illness. He arrived at the hospital less than an hour after he died.

“I know that I am the person I am because of Eddie Conway. Black Classic Press would not exist. I started it to support the George Jackson [slain political activist] prison movement and [as] a way to get books to Eddie and so many incarcerated individuals.  

“When I came out of the Black Panther Party I did not know how I would support them.  I believed in Eddie’s innocence. If Eddie had not been in prison I don’t know that there would be a Black Classic Press…the Paul Coates that everyone knows does not exist without Eddie Conway,” he said. 

“So many men in the prison system have been changed by his actions,” Conway’s wife, Dominique, told the AFRO in an exclusive interview. “Eddie has left a legacy that will keep growing. It’s like an eternal fire that never goes out.  He taught them inside to do things for the community, so that others can grow from their experience.”  

Coates said Dominique first heard of Eddie on one of her trips to South Africa and came to the prison to meet him.

“I fell in love with him when I first met him–but almost anyone who met him did. I wanted to see him out of there,” she said. “Later, it became about work. We worked together to build a program for people inside to come out whole.  We were always doing that kind of work.  

The couple were married in New Orleans by actor Danny Glover. 

After prison he joined Real News Network as executive producer, host and reporter and advocate for prison reform.

“I remember standing at an elevator at Morgan State University, and a young man turned around and said ‘Eddie Conway…you saved my life.’ Sometimes I feel like I loved him in another lifetime. He touched so many lives,” she said. 

“We moved to Las Vegas because I am enrolled in a doctoral program at the University of Las Vegas, Eddie liked the idea of having a doctor in the family,” she said.  “They could not treat him in Las Vegas and recommended the VA hospital. It’s painful to know that he is not around,” she said. “But he was able to help so many others, I know his spirit lives on.”

CORRECTION: This article originally stated that services for Marshall “Eddie” Conway will take place at Homewood Funeral Home in error. A viewing will take place at Homewood Friends Meeting House on Feb. 25 from noon to 1 p.m., immediately followed by a funeral service from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

If Grove Park community leaders have their way, the elementary school that was shut down five years ago won’t become the future site of a nursing home.

Residents have been voicing their concerns about the derelict property and the plans to turn it into a nursing home run by the Ohio-based company, CommuniCare, for months. Still, city officials have been moving forward with the plan. 

Petitions have been signed, emails have been sent and social media posts have been made– all claiming that residents do not want the nursing home in their neighborhood.

The issue was revisited in a Jan. 20 community meeting, where stakeholders discussed the compatibility of a nursing home in a solid northwest Baltimore neighborhood.

“I can honestly tell you…that we are not happy with the way this selection of CommuniCare went down to develop this location into a senior care facility,” said Karen M. Braden, president of the Grove Park Improvement Association (GPIA). “It is our understanding that the sale is not yet complete, and we still want to have answers. We have asked questions of our Councilman Schleifer and we are not comfortable with the answers he has provided us. He calls this venture with CommuniCare a big investment for our community and one of the biggest projects he has going in his district,” said Braden.

The Grove Park community, according to GPIA Vice President Stephen Ward, had other plans in mind for the closed Grove Park Elementary School. 

“We wanted another school here,” said  Ward.  

Other proposals for the site, preferred by the GPIA members, were submitted to the city’s Housing Department. The community members suggested the BEAM Prep School be given a home in their neighborhood. The proposed Business and Economics Academy of Maryland, would be operated by Calvin Watkins, a resident of  the Grove Park Community. Others put forth the idea that the Concord Baptist Church operate a community center.

Still, the residents say Councilman Schleifer has not honored their requests, instead choosing to develop a plan for the building with CommuniCare, a company that has donated thousands to politicians in the state.

“We are not ready to get on board with the selection of CommuniCare. We have many questions that deserve to be answered,” said Braden, who identified some of the most pressing concerns they want addressed.

“No provisions have been made in this community for our young people and we want that.  The school provided a meeting place, after school programs and a place where our children could play,” said Braden. “We have over 100 youth in this immediate community. They need a playground and place to go for activities.  These concerns need to be addressed before we can move forward.”

Then there is the matter of community safety, she said. “We want to know how much security will be provided for our community. We are nestled here in a pretty safe and clean community, and we want to keep it that way.” 

CommuniCare sent a representative to the town hall meeting Grove Park held last week, assuring residents that their interests will be addressed. But many Grove Park residents are not convinced their interests are being considered. 

“I  asked him if he is taking back everything to CommuniCare that he hears in our meetings,” Braden said. He responded that he was,” said Braden. “The community does not want CommuniCare in their neighborhood.  They do not communicate with us, so we don’t trust them,” she said.  

“We are asking that  the City Housing Department start a new process.”

Vice Braden Ward says the community is organizing and “you will see signage going up,” he said. “We are asking other communities that are reaching out to us to continue supporting us. We don’t want a nursing home or anything that is going to operate in that building for 24 hours,” said Braden.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Governor Wes Moore wasted little time getting to work in his new role. The first Black man to lead the state of Maryland filled his first full day in office as Maryland’s 63rd governor with meetings– both public and private–press conferences and announcements. 

Moore signed the state’s Standards of Conduct and Ethics Guidelines, an executive order detailing expected behavior for state officials. 

Flanked by Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and Secretary of State Susan Lee,  Moore announced the release of $69 million authorized by the General Assembly but withheld by then-Gov. Larry Hogan. Matters covered by the unreleased funds included abortion care access, paid family leave, state climate change control initiatives and marijuana policy reform reform.

“We view the General Assembly as partners not adversaries,” Moore said.

The majority of the funds being released, $46.5 million is earmarked to support participation and growth of small, minority and women-owned businesses in state-sanctioned marijuana businesses.

Of that total, $10 million dollars will go to the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations to set up a paid family leave program. “Eighty-eight percent of Marylanders support a paid family leave program including 94 percent of Democrats and 77 percent of Republicans,” he said.   

The restored funds include $9 million for climate change solutions and $3.5 million is designated toward medical training for women’s pro-choice rights.

Another executive order from Moore created the new Office of Service and Civic Innovation.  The governor tweeted that he will be nominating a Secretary for the new agency in the coming days.

Moore held a closed-door meeting with state Attorney General Anthony Brown and Erek Barron, U.S. attorney for Maryland on public safety. The meeting included addressing the policy for prosecuting repeat offenders in the criminal justice system.

Earlier on his first full day in office, Gov. Moore had breakfast with both Presiding Officers, Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones, and President of the Senate Bill Ferguson. Governor Moore held an afternoon cabinet meeting and toured the courts.  Later that day he announced the State’s Data Officer for twenty years would remain with the Administration.

On Jan. 20, Moore,  Lt.  Gov. Aruna Miller and Budget Secretary Helene Grady unveiled the proposed $63.1 billion budget outlining education, transportation  and public safety as the administration’s priorities.  Included in the budget proposal is a measure to create a public service initiative for high school students and funds to push the state towards a $15 an hour minimum wage. The governor described his budget as being “bold without being reckless.”

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

The inauguration of Maryland’s first African American governor was nothing short of spectacular. From the promenade of the state’s first family – Gov. Wes Moore, first lady Dawn Chante’ Flythe Moore, and children Mia and James Moore – from the pre-inauguration event to the podium, to his introduction by Oprah Winfrey. It was magical. 

We decided to take a look at all the festivities and compile a list of our BEST—from fashion to best moments and scene stealers. You may not agree but certainly can go online to Afro.com and voice your own opinions.  So here we go…

BEST DRESSED: DAWN MOORE

This was an easy one with the first lady dazzling us in every outfit and gown she wore from the swearing-in ceremony to the inaugural balls. 

BEST SPEECH OF THE DAY: GOV. WES MOORE

The governor’s speech was filled with inspiration and hope.  The faces of the audience showed emotions as they held onto his every word.

BEST SINGLE INTRODUCTION: OPRAH WINFREY

When Oprah Winfrey came to the podium to introduce Gov. West Moore, she began with a loud voice: “Hello Maryland!” And an uproar of applause rippled through the crowd. The renowned television host reminisced with the crowd about her history in Baltimore, having come to our city as a news anchor on WJZ-TV at the age of 22, and seeing her name on numerous billboards asking the question, “What is an Oprah?”

“I did not know who I was, but I will tell you something: Maryland is where I figured it out.  I grew up here…I found community here at Bethel A.M.E. Church.” She continued, “With Wes Moore as your governor…Maryland’s best days are ahead of them…I trust him and you can too.”

BEST GUEST: DEVAL PATRICK 

Patrick was the 71^st governor of Massachusetts (2007-2015) and the second Black governor in the United States. Doug Wilder, governor of Virginia from 1990-1994, was the first.

BEST LEAD PERFORMER AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY: JAMES MOORE

James Moore, the governor’s son, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance

BEST SCENE STEALER: MIA MOORE

The first daughter stole the show in her blue coat and matching bunny hat.

BEST INTRODUCTION BY A GROUP: MEENA, CHLOE, AND SASHA MILLER

The triple introduction of Lieutenant Gov. Aruna Miller – the first woman of color to be elected to that post – by her daughters.

BEST FAUX PAS: CHELSEA CLINTON

Oprah Winfrey was seated next to former President Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea Clinton and noticed she had on a mismatched pair of Black heels.

BEST DESIGNERS/STYLISTS:  KEVIN SCOTT AND JODY DAVIS

The pair curated the outfits worn by the governor and first lady during the inauguration. 

BEST SONGSTRESS (INAUGURATION CEREMONY): PARITJITA BASTOLA

The Severna Park student and “The Voice” alum gave a stunning rendition of the national anthem. 

BEST CHOIR: MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CHOIR 

The world-renowned HBCU choir hit the right notes in its delivery of “God Bless America.”

BEST HISTORICAL MOMENT: TWO BIBLES USED DURING SWEARING IN

Governor Moore was sworn in with his wife, Dawn Moore beside him and with two Bibles, one that belonged to his grandfather and the other that was owned by abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

BEST NEW TITLE: SECOND GENTLEMAN DAVID MILLER

BEST COMEDIAN: CHRIS TUCKER

Another easy choice since he was the only one. Having Chris Tucker…no one else was necessary.

BEST DISH: MARYLAND CRABCAKES

As promised by the first lady, guests at the Inaugural Ball were served Maryland crab cakes. Thank you head Chef Gregory Pittman.

BEST GESTURES

There was a three-way tie: Governor Moore dancing onto the state at the People’s Ball with his son; the father and son’s fist bumps and private conversations; and the affectionate exchanges between the governor and first lady.

BEST SINGLE SONG PERFORMANCE AT THE BALL

This was a tough one…. I’m sure everyone will have their own personal favorites, so I declare a tie between Maxwell and Raheem DeVaughn.

BEST GROUP PERFORMANCE: DRU HILL

Hometown boys never disappoint.

BEST DEEJAY: DJ QUICKSILVA

BEST YOUTH SINGLE PERFORMANCE: PRIMA BALLERINA CAROLINE ROCHE BARNES

BEST YOUTH PERFORMANCE BY A GROUP: THE MORTON STREET DANCERS

BEST POLITICIANS PARTYING AT THE BALL: CONGRESSMAN KWEISI MFUME AND HIS WIFE, TIFFANY 

BEST GROUP DANCE: RHW BHANGRA DANCE GROU OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

The best runner-up in this category was the crowd at the Convention Center during the Electric Slide.

BEST COUPLES DANCE: THE GOVERNOR AND THE FIRST LADY

Gov. Wes Moore in his tuxedo and first lady Dawn Moore in her pink ball gown

BEST WORDS OF THE NIGHT: 

There were many, but we leave you with this one: “It’s our time, Maryland.”

THE BEST PRAYERS: 

The nearly 20,000 Marylanders who attended the historical events of the day.

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Related articles:

Governor Wes Moore takes office

Governor Wes Moore sworn into office as first Black man to lead Maryland

Inauguration Day arrives for Gov. Elect-Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Elect-Aruna Miller

Moore Miller Inauguration Ball Pictures

AFRO Exclusive: Baltimore designers curate inauguration look for Maryland Governor and First Lady Moore

AFRO Person of the Year Westley Moore discusses 100-day plan ahead of January inauguration as Maryland’s first Black governor

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

This would have been a third year without Baltimore’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, which had been cancelled two years in a row because of COVID-19 by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA). Until a miracle occurred. 

A tax-exempt organization, BOPA gets funds from the city’s budget to put on events like the MLK parade and Artscape. BOPA also serves as the film office and arts council. Its executive director is hired by its board of directors. 

Mayor Brandon Scott had called for the resignation of BOPA’s Chief Executive Officer Donna Drew Sawyer, expressing displeasure at BOPA’s cancellation of the MLK parade among other issues. He also announced the creation of a new position that would manage city events, appointing Tonya Miller, who was serving as chief marketing and programs officer of BOPA, as the new Senior Advisor for Arts & Cultural Affairs in the Mayor’s Office.

“It has become clear that BOPA is not meeting the expectations of the city and is causing significant disappointment and frustration for the residents of Baltimore,” Scott said in a statement at the time.

With the involvement of the Mayor’s Office and Baltimore groups like WE OUR US, the parade was put back on schedule, and it went off without a hitch.  

A little pass noon on Monday, Jan. 16, the marching bands, dancers, baton and pom-pom twirlers and groups paraded down Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., named in honor of the slain civil rights leader. 

There were over 50 units that marched this year, slightly smaller than previous years that had as many as 70 groups.  However, with performers tossing pom-poms in the air and stopping to do special dances, the onlookers were not disappointed.  

Members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity dressed in black and gold came in large numbers.  One of its members reminded onlookers that Dr. King was a member of their fraternity.  He joined the fraternity in June 1952 as a student at Boston University. 

“I’m glad the parade is back,” said attendee Jerry Lee, who brought his son and granddaughter to the event.  

Kesia Lee, his 18-year-old son, said, “Martin Luther King Jr.  tried to make a change in the world.  There was a lot going on back then…and a lot going on now. And, like Dr. King Jr. we must make it better.” 

Logan Beaver Lee brought his 11-year-old granddaughter to the parade. She told the AFRO about the meaning of the occasion: “King tried to make the world better, he tried to stop the separation between Blacks and Whites, he tried to help all of us.”  

“These are teachable moments,” Lee said of his reason for attending the MLK parade, “and I get to share it with them.”

Mayor Brandon Scott led the parade, stopping occasionally to greet onlookers.  

Congressman Kweisi Mfume said not only was he participating in the parade but he also volunteered with Our Daily Bread, serving meals to the homeless.

Newly elected State’s Attorney Ivan Bates attended the parade with his two daughters.  And other politicians and city leaders also participated in the return of the Baltimore Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, including the city’s top cop, Police Commissioner Michael Harrison.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Anthony Brown, a seasoned veteran of national and state politics who was sworn in as the state’s first Black attorney general Jan. 3 in Annapolis, says he will tackle racial and economic disparities as the state’s 47th attorney general.

“Maryland reflects where America is going,” he said, taking the oath of office in the House of Delegate chamber. “So, what deeply troubles me is the racist and ethnic disparities and inequities that still exist in Maryland, motivated by bias and even overt discrimination in housing, in the marketplace, in the workplace, and in opportunities.”

“Anthony Brown has spent his entire adult life preparing for a moment like this.  He was destined for greatness,” Speaker of the House of Adrienne Jones said at the swearing ceremony.

The Harvard Law School graduate entered politics at the age of 31, when he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1998, representing the 26^th district in Prince George’s County until 2007. 

He rose to several leadership positions in the House and was appointed majority whip by former speaker of the House Michael E. Busch. He served on the House Economic Matters and the Judiciary Committees as vice chair.

The West Point graduate, a Gulf war veteran who is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, was decorated with a bronze star for his service in Iran. 

He was elected lieutenant governor in 2005 as  Martin O’Malley was elected governor.  They took office in 2006 and would earn a second four-year term.

 Brown was elected in 2010 chair of the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association.

Brown ran unsuccessfully for governor 2014. In 2016 he won a seat in the United States Congress and served as representative for the 4^th congressional district. 

Brown has chosen McLauren Lanham to be chief deputy attorney general but will have the title of chief of staff until she gains admission to the Maryland Bar.   Carolyn Quattrocki who served as deputy attorney general under former attorney general Brian Frosh, will continue in her role and title, while Zenita Wickham Hurley will be appointed chief of the newly created office of equity, policy and engagement. 

At the top of the newly elected Attorney General’s agenda will be asking the General Assembly to pass legislation giving him the power to sue companies and individuals who violate federal or state civil rights laws regarding housing, employment and other violations. Attorneys general in California, District of Columbia and New York have similar authority. 

Brown also says his office will review the autopsies of people who died in the custody of police officers. “We owe it to the families of those who died in police custody to make sure we get to the truth,” said Brown.

Brown is married to Karmen Walker Bailey and has three children. 

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

As we focus on the change makers and thought leaders continuing the work of Martin Luther King Jr., the AFRO would like to salute the work of Nicole Hanson-Mundell, the executive director of Out for Justice. Recently, the Baltimore native sat down with the AFRO to discuss her life, the organization’s priorities for the 2023 Maryland legislative session, and the work they have been doing over the past five years under her leadership.

Out for Justice is the policy arm for the re-entry community in the state of Maryland . After receiving its nonprofit status in 2012, the organization has been actively working to make life less challenging for the formerly incarcerated. 

Highly recognizable in Annapolis, as their members walk the halls daily during the session, they hold rallies and can be heard testifying and advocating for legislation they believe makes transition for returning citizens easier. There is no shortage of individuals for them to advocate for—Maryland has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country, and the highest rate nationally for Black males.  

A 39-year-old advocate, Hanson-Mundell is no stranger to the experience of incarceration. “We are policy advocates that do everything we can to change antiquated laws, make law and modify laws in Maryland that make it almost impossible for returning citizens to live a quality life,” she said.

“In Maryland, we lobbied and helped return the right to vote to returning citizens. People still don’t know that in Maryland you can vote if you have a record, and you can vote if you are sitting in jail or prison waiting for a trial and have not been found guilty or not guilty. During this past election we traveled from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, prisons and jails making sure people voted. We took in absentee ballots,” said Hanson-Mundell. 

A strong advocate for just policies

Nicole’s introduction to Maryland politics and policy began in 2006 when she campaigned for the Martin O’Malley-Anthony G. Brown ticket for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively. Over the years, she picked up strong female mentors who would encourage and shape her work and approach to making change. 

“I worked with young people teaching them how to go door-to-door. They faced a lot of racism, and I would have to reassure them that they were OK. I also encountered Mary Washington, an openly gay woman, who knocked on my aunt’s door asking for support. I was intrigued by her message and joined her on her campaign trail,” said Hanson-Mundell. “She didn’t win that time but did win the following state election. I also worked for [State] Senator Jill Carter when she campaigned for mayor, and she campaigned and transitioned into her legislative liaison. I say I got my strategic thinking from now-Senator Mary Washington, and boldness from Senator Jill Carter.”

For several legislative sessions Nicole worked for State Delegate Jill Carter, alongside Caryn York, who is now in New York heading the Women’s Prison Association. 

“She was their policy person—I learned how to be a strong advocate for just policies,” Hanson-Mundell said of working with Caryn York. “There weren’t many Black women like us walking those halls.” 

Nicole, however, said when you work for politicians your life becomes theirs. She had to figure out what she wanted for herself. 

Becoming a voice for incarcerated women 

Nicole’s life has taken a few twists and turns, she explained. 

“I was feeling the pressure of the adults I was around in Annapolis talking about the college they had attended. You’ve heard about peer pressure? Adult pressure is real. After eight years in Annapolis and working a full-time job as a nursing assistant at the Veterans Administration hospital at night, I asked my then-boyfriend and father of my child– now my husband– if I could quit my job and go back to school. And he said yes,” said Hanson-Mundell.

“For some reason I could not trust that a man could provide for us. I needed to contribute,” the policy advocate said. “I wanted to continue having the things I had when we were both contributors to the household. I had enrolled at Sojourner Douglass College and couldn’t concentrate. I was hearing the rumblings about the problems Sojourner was having. I watched students transferring to other colleges and I did not react until I realized I had lost the credits I had accumulated. 

“I spiraled and found myself caught in the criminal justice system for minor offenses that led to nine months of incarceration,” said Hanson-Mundell. “What I saw there made me realize that women who didn’t deserve to be there, did not have a voice or means to advocate for themselves. I vowed that when I was released that those walls would never see me again, and that I would be the voice for them—advocating for fairness.”

Hanson-Mundell spoke of the added burden that comes with incarceration as a mother. 

“When you incarcerate a mother, you stifle everything around them—their children and the family,” she said. “Every offense does not deserve a prison sentence and everyone leaving the system deserves an equal opportunity to live a productive life.”

When she returned home, Hanson-Mundell reached out to several people she had worked with. It was Caryn York who responded. “Caryn said, I have just the place for you.”

Out for Justice was just starting up as an advocacy group and Hanson-Mundell joined as a volunteer and then eventually became an unpaid board member. She found an opportunity that was provided through the Obama administration, employing previously incarcerated unemployed, until York helped her get a salaried job. The Greater Homewood Community Organization was operating an America Vista program that hired returning citizens. 

“There were 10 of us working there in the basement building a program and were vying to lead the open table model,” Hanson-Mundell recalled.

Ultimately, she was selected as the leader for the program model, which worked closely with returning citizens as they navigated their way back into society. The program would secure transportation for clients, help them fill out applications and access resources they needed to successfully re-enter the community.

Hanson-Mundell continued to volunteer with Out for Justice, and five years ago she became its executive director.

“My greatest challenge is managing the nonprofit industrial complex. What I mean is, as a leader I must be strategic– data keeping, and tracking our progress is important to our funders,” she said. 

The structure of the organization is sound. There is an accountant, attorney, chief operating officer and a full staff. 

“My greatest challenge is being my authentic self, in an unauthentic world,” Hanson-Mundell said. “My greatest accomplishment has been stabilizing funding for our organization and being able to hire formerly incarcerated people.”   

“We don’t get a lot of local funding,” she noted. “There are groups that did not believe we would still be around.” 

Indeed, Out for Justice gets its most substantive support from the Oprah Foundation and Meyers Foundation, and Open Society Institute has been funding Out for Justice since it started nearly 12 years ago.

Mission: engage, educate, empower

Out for Justice started as a grassroots organization with a mission they continue still today. Members of th organization still follow through on what Hanson-Mundell calls the three E’s: 

“We engage formerly incarcerated individuals, families and friends through grassroots outreach and community events. We educate our member base and communities on the policies and practices impacting our communities and navigating the legislative process for reform. And we empower those impacted by the criminal legal system to utilize their voices and experiences to enact tangible change. This mission is on our website,” she said.

As she moves into 2023, Hanson-Mundell said, the group has a well-defined set of objectives: 

“This session of the Maryland General Assembly we will be advocating for a brick-and-mortar building just for women returning from incarceration, to be able to get the services and support they need. Also, we have too many laws on the books that are unjust and need to be repealed.  For every proposed change into the law, we will be calling on lawmakers and partners to include specific timelines, oversight processes, accountability measures, and necessary budgetary allocations,” she said.

Out for Justice continues to educate its membership and the community on how the system of justice can be reformed and what requires legislation. 

“We will continue to hold rallies, and meetings with our legislators, to help us meet our objective of a fairer justice system,” she said.

When asked where she sees herself in the next five years, Hanson-Mundell, one of Baltimore’s strongest agents of change is very clear:

“I would like Maryland to establish a statewide Maryland re-entry office, and I want to be the first director.”

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Though Martin Luther King Jr.’s life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet, his work is continued through organizations and leaders across the world that have taken up his cause.

The Mayor’s Office of African American Male Engagement (MOAAME), under the leadership of Dr. Andrey Bundley, has developed several partnerships in the Baltimore community to make change. It follows the mission: “To facilitate positive and constructive engagement that moves African American males to their excellence—Awareness. Access. Accountability.” One of those partnerships is with the organization We Our Us.

Andrew “Captain” Muhammad, executive director of We Our Us, founded the group, which he speaks of as a movement, in 2019, along with Dr. Bundley.

“I believed that what the city needed was an organization that is committed to being in the streets in various parts of the city,” he said, adding, “and were not only able to identify problems but gained the confidence of the community to mediate conflicts without involving the police and keep them from escalating to more death in our streets.”

The message, as described on the We Our Us website, states that the movement is a shared vision of men from Baltimore and the vicinity, who focus on consistent and collective action to strategically assist people, especially boys and young men, in obtaining resources to help guide them to productive pathways and move their goals forward from a unified energy.

In addition to building programmatic practices, the goals are: to serve as connectors in order to guide boys and men to appropriate resources; to serve as protectors by mobilizing young men and boys to embrace prominent roles in communities as models of positive and constructive behavior; to serve as mediators by addressing and helping reconcile conflicts between individuals; to serve as messengers by describing the work of the movement in the community and through various media outlets.

“We have a ‘Stop the Beef Hotline.’ It is one of the efforts we are proud of because when someone calls, we respond,” Muhummad said.

When they first started out, he said, they did not record the mediation sessions or the dangerous activity they were able to stave off. This year, however, they are keeping numerical records of all their activities, so as not to compromise the integrity of their efforts or the confidence of the community. No names and addresses are collected. Areas of altercations shall be noted.

“Collecting data is important. It is a way we get to measure our success and progress. We know that what we are doing is crucial. We just want to do more, and we invite the community or anyone who is interested in our efforts to join us,” said Muhammad.

He explained they also engage the families of those who are involved in the conflicts. This helps develop a support system along with the services they provide to guide them to productive pathways.

“When I see some of those people we’ve helped to get a job, steer into a career, push to go back to school—they say, ‘thank you.’ They too believe had we not intervened they could have ended up dead in our streets,” said Muhammad. “By being out here, we gain the confidence of our community that we can help them engage in more positive behavior. I’m reminded of what Dr. Bundley shares with us often, it appears on website: ‘What you do most, you will do best—good or bad.’ We believe that if we are focused on change and solutions, many of the problems our city faces, especially crime, can be dissipated.”

A diverse group of faith-based individuals of all races and backgrounds making a difference

Every Monday at 6 p.m., and Saturday at noon, and once a month on Thursday at 6 p.m., We Our Us walks in neighborhoods around the city. The group has grown, starting out with around 20 guys, and now Muhammad said, they easily number 100 or more. During the walks they often set up resource booths that include drug treatment, food distribution, job resources and training, and homeless and social services.

Muhammad said it’s important that their movement looks beyond the crime issues facing the city.

“We believe we have been contributors to reducing crime especially in the West Baltimore community but that is not all we do. We have developed strong partners in the city. We are not just a Black organization—we are a diverse group of faith-based individuals of all races and backgrounds who believe we can make a difference.”

Partners of We Our Us include Amazon, North America Trade Schools, Baltimore Hotels including the Marriott and Sheraton, Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Hospitals, Downtown restaurants, Gaudenzia, New Life Recovery, and Baltimore City, especially the Office of Employment and Development (MOED).

“We have faith leaders working in various capacities throughout the city like Pastor Meekins. Marvin M. McKenstry and Dr. Bundley are examples of individuals who walk the streets with us and have been tremendous advocates for We Our Us,” Muhammad told the AFRO. “I am proud of the work we have done thus far led by our Board Chair and Vice Chair Antoine Burton and Bishop Kevin Elliott. We are looking for more partnerships because our male mentoring program needs additional resources. We are planning an afterschool youth league for 12 to 18 years’ old.”

“Our leagues will provide youth who are not on school teams with activities after school that will allow them to still be competitive across the city. We believe this is crucial because the city and the school systems have the facilities, and we should make use of them to ensure we are meeting the needs of our children,” said Muhammad. “All the leagues will have a programmatic component with mentors that assist participants in achieving their educational and careers goals.”

Aside from helping youth, We Our Us also works with adults.

“We encounter a lot of adults on our streets who want to move from mediocrity to opportunity. We believe that We Our Us can help them,” said Muhammad, adding that he would like to create an entrepreneurial training and funded program.

Muhummad said he is excited about the goals We Our Us have established for 2023. They have a full agenda ahead of them, evidenced by the calendar that appears on their website.

“We will continue our Martin Luther King Jr. parade down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard as we did in previous years,” he said. “We marched even doing COVID-19.”

They ask people to join them on January 16, on the corners of Eutaw Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The parade will begin at 12 noon.

On January 20 at 7 p.m. at Patterson High School they will host a Life and Healing Free Concert featuring local and national artists. “We have many activities planned to include our Salute to Black Men in June. All of them will be listed on our website,” Muhammad said.

Significantly, Muhammad noted: “We embrace Governor Wes Moore’s Slogan, ‘Leave No One Behind.’ Our work is aimed at leaving no child in Baltimore behind. We are connectors, protectors, mediators, and messengers, as we say on our website. The earlier and more often we reach our youth, the greater their chances are for success. We believe in Baltimore.”

For further information on We Our Us go to their website www.weourusmovement,org, or follow them on Facebook at WE OUR US and twitter WeOurUS2.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

What does it take for Republicans to elect a Speaker? 

Apparently, in 2023, it takes 15 rounds of voting. 

Kevin McCarthy was finally sworn in as Speaker of the House in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, after arguments and even threats of physical violence were broadcast via livestream on CSPAN.

“As Speaker of the House my ultimate responsibility is not to my party, my conference or even our Congress. My responsibility– our responsibility– is to our country,” said McCarthy, shortly after his victory. 

President Biden congratulated McCarthy on Dec. 7. 

“The American people expect their leaders to govern in a way that puts their needs above all else, and that is what we need to do now,” said Biden, in a statement from the White House. “As I said after the midterms, I am prepared to work with Republicans when I can and voters made clear that they expect Republicans to be prepared to work with me as well.”

“Now that the leadership of the House of Representatives has been decided it is time for that process to begin,” said Biden.

Though McCarthy was ultimately successful, some pundits say rounds and rounds of failed votes, concessions and compromises have weakened him politically.  

McCarthy made several concessions to the group of 20 Republican holdouts. Now, if even one legislator wants to call for a vote to oust the speaker– they can. Still, McCarthy told media outlets, “I’m not afraid, I won’t be a weaker speaker.”

There are 222 elected Republicans in the House and 212 Democrats.  McCarthy needed 218 votes in his favor, give or take based on how many Republican lawmakers decided to only vote that they were“present” instead of casting a vote for McCarthy. 

The Majority Party gets to elect the Speaker of the House while the losing party elects the Minority Leader.  Democrats have unanimously elected Congressman Hakeem Jefferies as Minority Leader.  

The battle to elect a Speaker began on Tuesday, but by Thursday night, after more than 11 rounds of voting failed to compile the 218 votes, the struggle in Congress continued. 

Votes recorded in the eleventh round were as follows: 12 people voted for Congressman Byron Donalds,  Congressman Kevin Hern received seven votes, President Trump had one vote, and one person voted that they were only present. 

Representative  Byron Donalds, an African-American Republican, acquired as many as 19 votes through the first 11 rounds of voting. 

A fourth day of voting began on Friday. Again, McCarthy was initially unsuccessful. 

Multiple votes on Friday were needed as McCarthy failed to receive time and time again.

Finally, he won with 216 votes, after six Republicans chose to vote “present.”

According to the Federal Election Commission, Congressman McCarthy’s political action committee, since 2012, gave over $300,000 in contributions to 17 members of his party vehemently opposed him this week, including $50,000 to Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry.

No business could be conducted by Congress until a Speaker of the House was selected.  

Congress had not seen this kind of chaos since before the Civil War. 

According to the Office of Historian of the House,  “the record for the most rounds of votes is the 34^th Congress when Nathaniel Prentice Banks, a member of the American and free Soil Party and an abolitionist, was elected by three votes after 133 rounds and two months of voting.”

The U.S. House of Representatives Archives reports that “after two months and 133 ballots, the House finally chose Representative Banks by a vote of 103 to 100 over Representative William Aiken of South Carolina.”

That year, no less than 20 people set their sights on the post because Banks was against slavery and conflicts over immigration.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Rep. Billy Mitchell from the state of Georgia’s 88th District, is the outgoing president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL).  He has served as its 14th president.  Rep. Laura Hall will assume his post at the end of this month as the 15th president of NBCSL.

In a question-and-answer session President Mitchell reflected on his visit to Maryland, his accomplishments, and the future of Democrats in America.

AFRO:  You visited Maryland during the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Gala– give us your thoughts?

First, let me say that Maryland is probably the envy of the nation, at least among communities of color.  

Your leadership in Maryland reflects more of where the country is going in terms of population and race.  I had a great time at the Maryland Black Caucus event. I got to meet your new Gov. Wes Moore, who is the only Black governor in our country.  I met your Attorney General Anthony Brown, who is also among the few Black state Attorneys General in the country. I also met and chatted with your Speaker of the House, Adrienne Jones. I must also add you have, I believe the largest population of Black state legislators in the country at 60 plus–I think it is 66. I must tell you, that they are already talking about your governor as a candidate for president, I would think in 2028.  We wish we could get half the things done in our state of Georgia that your legislature gets done in Maryland.

AFRO: As president of the NBCSL, what do you consider your major accomplishments?

Under my administration we began to look at these bias and racist election laws being proposed in states throughout this country.  What we found was that we did not have the support system that is provided to conservative state legislators by organizations such as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and the Heritage Foundation.  I was able to do a comparison of the biased election laws they were trying to pass in Georgia, Texas and 40 other states. I can tell you that the language was the same, the talking points were the same, and the messaging was the same–they peddled their points of view across the country. 

My response, as president, was to create our own Public Policy Institute so Black legislators and those committed to diversity and equality in this country can come to us and we will provide them support through research, talking points, legislation and messaging to combat these  attacks on our constitution.

The other accomplishment I want to mention is reactivating our International committee, which honored the president of Uganda in 2021 and the president of Jamaica this past December.  Both countries want to encourage Black people to do business in their countries and are looking for corporate companies to consider locating in their country.  Through our corporate roundtable efforts, the president of Uganda is talking with Amazon about locating a distribution center there.

AFRO: How do you think President Biden is doing?

I think he is doing an incredible job.  Let me say for full disclosure, I received a phone call from then-Congressman Cedric Richmond, a former state legislator who asked me to endorse Biden as I was the incoming president of NBCSL.  I told Cedrick to have then-candidate Biden to call me. He said he would do better than that. They both came to Atlanta two weeks later and I listened to Biden, and was impressed.  

I endorsed him then and would endorse him again.  Forty other state legislators also endorsed him.  He has appointed more Black federal judges than all the presidents put together.  There would not be a Ketanji Brown on the Supreme Court if not for him.  The Rescue Bill, the bi-partisan infrastructure legislation, the inflation R\reduction Act and the science and technology legislation all are among President Biden’s accomplishments.

AFRO: What does Biden need to focus on prior to the election of 2024?

He needs to aggressively promote what he has done.  Almost every state has drawn down money from the bi-partisan infrastructure bill– including Maryland and Georgia.  This is money not coming from state coffers but from the federal government.  

In Republican states controlled by Republican governors you will see the monies going towards roads and bridges. There is so much more being done that we are not hearing about.

Further he needs to get the tuition reimbursement bill across the finish line. That will impact a lot of families across the nation.  He has some appointments including ambassadors that he needs to complete.  He wins on the environment. What we did at NBCSL at our conference this year,  I believe, will help–that is pass a resolution asking state legislators to create oversight structures and executive orders to assure that federal dollars being made available are going to their communities and to assure that the intent of Biden’s Justice 40 is met. Climate change is real and we must focus if we want a better environment for future generations.

AFRO: What do you think of what is going on with leadership in Washington, D.C.?

It is historical in every way.  Never in the history of the Republican Party, that now is supposed to control the House by a small majority, has there been this much chaos.  Today they are up to five votes and McCarthy can’t get the votes he needs to be speaker.  Even if he does eventually win, he won’t be able to– in my opinion– maintain control.  

In contrast, the minority leader Congressman Hakeem Jefferies of New York, has achieved something that has never happened before in the Democratic Party Leadership and that is to come into leadership with a unanimous vote.  Jefferies superseded Nancy Pelosi, considered one of the greatest house leaders of all time in capturing votes.  The joke among Republicans is perhaps they should vote for him as majority leader.  Of course, we know that won’t happen.  Many of them couldn’t go back home and get elected if such a vote was cast (he laughs).

AFRO: What are your thoughts on Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries?

He was a state legislator from 2006 to 2012 before going to congress.  I’ve talked with him during this term as NBCSL president. He is very thoughtful and methodical. His goal will be to return the house back to Democratic Leadership in 2024 and I think he is up for that challenge. I believe he too will be a presidential candidate in 2028.

AFRO: I must ask you this since you are from Georgia, will Stacy Abrams run again for governor of your state?

I believe she would be the front runner if she does try a third time. There is a stigma when you have lost two times for the same office, however I think she could do it.  It is hard to unseat an incumbent governor. In 2028, she would not be running against an incumbent.  She only lost by five percent of the vote and 15 percent of Democrats in Georgia stayed home. I would endorse her!

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Gov.-Elect Wes Moore has reached out to some incredibly talented individuals to become members of his front-line team. A couple of his top picks for leadership positions have strong ties to Baltimore City and have been a part of his inner circle for quite some time.  

Rhodes Scholar Fagan Harris, co-founder of Baltimore Corp and Moore mentee, has been chosen as his chief of staff.  Harris lives in Baltimore and is married to his high school sweetheart and award winning filmmaker, Meryam Bouadjemi.   

Harris may be new to Maryland politics, but he is no stranger to public service and social entrepreneurship, having served as president and chief executive officer of Baltimore Corp.  He has been responsible for hiring, recruiting and engaging thousands of gifted young people into public service roles and has created a platform that can be emulated nationally in the search for young and talented individuals. 

Under President Obama’s Administration, Harris worked on the White House Council for Community Solutions. He has received recognition, including a profile in Forbes Magazine as one of the 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneurs.  Humbled by the experience of working in state government, Harris says he intends to get people inspired and involved.

“Let’s get people really invigorated around the work of government,” he said.

Governor-Elect Moore chose his campaign chief of staff, Tisha S. Edwards, as his secretary of appointments. Edwards is an attorney, who holds a master’s degree in social work. She served as Moore’s choice to lead his non-profit Bridge EU when he left Baltimore to run one of the country’s largest non-profit organizations, the Robin Hood Foundation.  

Edwards has served in both the public and private sector.  She has held several leadership roles in city government, as she was head of the Office of Children and Families for three Baltimore City Mayors: Scott, Young and Pugh. A passionate leader, Edwards also served as chief of staff to former Baltimore City Public School CEO Andres Alonso.

Edwards also held the position of  executive vice president of corporate affairs, for JSP Ventures. She  brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role in state government.

The incoming Maryland State Appointment Secretary says, “I will work to make sure the heads of agencies, departments, boards and commissions appointed by Gov. Moore represent the diversity of the state’s citizens, interests and needs.” 

Edwards added that she is looking to “embrace equity as the driving force for fair and effective state government.”

Moore’s nominee for budget secretary also has ties to Baltimore City. Helene Grady currently serves as a vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer at Johns Hopkins University, a position she has held since 2020.  For nearly eight years she served as vice president for planning and budget for the university. Grady oversees over  one billion dollars in assets.  She is married to the head of the Goldseker Foundation, President and CEO, Matt Gallagher, former chief of staff for Governor Martin O’Malley.

Other recent appointees to Governor-Elect Moore’s team include Chief Legislative Officer Eric Luedtke, the Maryland House of Delegates Majority Leader, currently serving District 14, in Montgomery County.  He is also a public school teacher in Montgomery County and has served in the legislature since January 2011. Luedtke brings  a wealth of knowledge and experience to his position.

Appointed Chief of Counsel for Governor Elect West Moore, Amanda Moore is no stranger to Maryland or National politics.  An attorney, who lives in Chevy Chase, Md., Amanda Moore has worked as an attorney for over twenty years for the Democratic National Committee.  She also worked in the Maryland State Government under State Secretary John Willis during the Glendening Administration. A leader in the creation of Emerge Maryland, the organization encourages women to run for office, Amanda Moore serves as vice chair.

Gov.- Elect Wes Moore will be inaugurated as the first Black governor of Maryland on Jan. 18 at noon in Annapolis at the State House. 

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By Catherine Pugh, Special to the AFRO

This week, Vennieth McCormick will do what he has been doing monthly afor almost four years: provide hot meals for as many people as he can, until the food runs out. 

On Friday, December 23 the meals will be provided inside of his offices at 2017-19 W. Pratt St. due to weather conditions.

“It is a way to meet people where they are in their addiction,” McCormick. 

Some would probably give an arm and a leg to have a plated hot meal, but here there is no requirement to get a three-course meal other than to show up. 

McCormick spoke with the AFRO about the personal joy he receives from helping Baltimore residents get their lives back on track. 

“I get to hold conversations with about 300 people and ask that simple question — do you want to get clean?” he said.

McCormick knows a lot about the world of addiction. He is the founder, president, and CEO of New Life Recovery, a residential treatment program for addicts. The program has been operating in Baltimore City for nearly four years. 

McCormick told the AFRO how he attempts to address what has become a national emergency. 

“At New Life Recovery, we believe people can overcome addiction. We’ve seen it with our own clients,” McCormick said. “We run a strict program because they need care and understanding and at the same time our clients learn they must accept responsibility for their treatment in order to break the cycle of drug addiction. Recovery is a journey and we are willing to go the distance with them.”

McCormick believes some residents in need of help just don’t have the willpower or support system to maneuver themselves out of addiction–even when it means living on the street or finding meals in dumpsters and trash cans. 

The reasons for addiction vary and the contributing factors are numerous, McCormick explains. 

The propulsion into the spiral of drug addiction could be stress, a history of trauma or chronic pain. Some addicted to drugs have lost a loved one, been influenced by peer pressure or have family issues. Others have experienced financial difficulties or are struggling with a mental illness. Experts say addiction impacts the brain and changes behavior. 

McCormick said it is hard to profile an addict because they are as different as their race, gender, age, and income levels. He adds that he has even known drug dealers who start out pedaling their products to others on the streets, only to become victims of their own trade. McCormick has seen addicts who use drugs simply to escape their environment, as taking the drug invites them to momentarily escape their surroundings.

“Think about the individuals who go into their doctor or dentist office or have been hospitalized and undergo surgery. are prescribed pain tolerance medication and after the prescription is done, they crave the feeling they experienced while on pain medications such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine and so many others,” McCormick said.

Those temporary feelings, McCormick notes, can lead to irresponsible behaviors that drive people to act out of their own control. 

“People have lost homes, families and end up living in the street all in pursuit of that next high or hiding behind their addiction,” said McCormick.

A complicated fall: the push to hold drug companies, pharmacies and doctors accountable

On any given day in Baltimore, thousands of people are suffering from alcohol and drug addiction and in need of the services McCormick provides. Heroin usage, which has dominated the city since the 1960’s, is being replaced by fentanyl — a deadly trend that also is exploding nationally.

While hundreds of state and local lawsuits have been filed against opioid manufacturers, claiming that manufacturers have engaged in aggressive and misleading marketing of the addictive drugs, the role of physicians in contributing to a national tragedy has received little scrutiny.

In 2021 however, a federal jury in Cleveland found three of the nation’s biggest pharmacy chains, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, liable for helping to fuel the opioid crisis in America. 

By February 2022 four of the largest U.S. corporations agreed to pay Wisconsin and all other states and territories roughly $26 billion to settle lawsuits related to claims that their business practices helped fuel the deadly opioid crisis in the United States.

Pharmaceutical distributing giants Cardinal, McKesson, and Amerisource agreed to pay $21 billion, while Johnson, and Johnson, who manufactured generic opioid medications, agreed to pay $5 billion. 

“Fifty-two states and territories have signed on to the agreement as well as thousands of local governments across the country,” according to information released by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (WDOJ), where the case originated. “All 87 of Wisconsin’s litigating political subdivisions have signed on to the agreement, and Wisconsin will receive its full share of over $400 million.”

In Maryland, Attorney General Brian E. Frosh confirmed that the state was included in the settlement.

“Currently, Maryland stands to receive approximately $395 million from the settlements over 18 years. The funds will be spent on opioid crisis abatement throughout the State,” said Frosh, in a statement released earlier this year. 

The settlement was a major win for communities that have been devastated by drug addiction and the crime that comes with it. 

“It’s the second largest multistate agreement in U.S. history, the first being the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement,” said Frosh’s statement.

Johnson and Johnson announced in 2020 that they were getting out of the opioid business altogether. 

But the damage has already been done. 

“In 2021, the number of fatal overdoses increased by 0.9 percent annually, from 2,799 to 2,823,” according to data released by the Maryland Department of Health’s Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC). 

Fentanyl, specifically, has a stronghold in the state.

“In the 12 months ending in August 2022, fentanyl was involved in 81.1 percent of all fatal overdoses,” the OOCC reports. 

Current estimates from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHA), a federal agency, indicates that 15.4 percent of all adult Americans struggle with some form of addiction. 

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says African Americans have been hit hardest by the opioid epidemic. 

“In 2020, overdose death rates, [the] number of drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people, increased 44 percent for Black people and 39 percent for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people compared with 2019,” according to the CDC.

The Maryland General Assembly, through Chair of Health and Government Operations Joseline Pena-Melnyk, will introduce legislation to look at creating overdose prevention sites in Maryland during the upcoming legislative session, which begins Jan. 11, 2023 in Annapolis, Md. 

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to AFRO

Laura Hall was recently elected the serve as the 15th president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL). The decision was made at the organization’s 46th national conference, in Las Vegas, Nev.  

A Democrat with nearly 30 years of legislative experience in the Alabama General Assembly,  Hall has served as a community college administrator and former teacher and held several leadership positions in NBCSL. organization.

“My goal is to engage the over 700 members of our organization that represent over 60 million people and assist them in addressing their state concerns through the workshops we conduct and empower them to individually achieve their objectives as legislators,” said Hall.

NBCSL, founded in 1977, serves as a national network, advocate and catalyst for public policy innovation, information exchange, and joint action on critical issues affecting African Americans and other marginalized communities. 

“While we advocate on behalf of matters facing the Black community, we also see our role as educating our younger and newer members on how to write and pass legislation in their respective states,”  Hall said.

As the incoming president of NBCSL, Hall, who will officially assume her responsibilities January 2023. She says she will continue collaborations with other organizations– especially health organizations– like the Alzheimer’s Association, which presented a play at the National Conference demonstrating the impact the disease is having on Black communities and the lack of medical trials involving African Americans.

Hall says at the top her priorities is engaging “Historically Black Colleges and Universities so that we might stay abreast of the challenges they face in their states like adequate funding and becoming research institutions.

“Social and economic issues will  remain a priority under my leadership as they have in the past and are indicative of the resolutions we passed during this year’s conference,” said Hall.

“I am forming a presidents’ council so that we don’t lose the institutional knowledge that former presidents of NBCSL can bring to this organization,” Hall said. “As a female president I am inspired by the many female presidents that came before me and am supported by them and our male presidents.  I look forward to moving NBCSL forward.”

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

The seesaw race in the Georgia State run-off election for the U.S. Senate handed incumbent Democratic United States Senator Raphael Warnock a victory against former football player and Republican candidate Herschell Walker. 

According to information released at 12:54 a.m. on Dec. 7 by the Georgia Board of elections, a total of 3,518,244 voters took part in the run-off election. Warnock had 1,804,189 ballots cast in his favor, compared to Walker’s 1,714,055 votes. The state has 7,008,263 registered voters. 

This was Ralph Warnock’s fifth time on the ballot in two years for the Georgia Senate seat.  He had won all the past races, but had not gained the majority of the votes, which led to the run-off. This victory gives Senator Warnock a full six year term in the United States Senate.

Republicans had a lot riding on this race. A win for Walker would have put them even with Democrats in the United States Senate, with 50 democrats and 50 Republicans.  

Democrats would have still controlled the Senate with Vice President Kamala Harris having the authority to break a tie with vote, a power she has utilized in the last two years to keep the Democratic agenda moving. Often, Harris has found herself making compromises with Democrats like Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

However, the Warnock victory gives the Democrats a clear majority with Republicans holding only 49 seats in the United States Senate. 

In January, because of the election of Warnock to the Senate, Democratic majority leadership can set the make-up of the committees as they choose. What this does is keep democratic legislation from being watered down, compromised, or denied a vote by the full Senate.

Importantly, for President Biden the victory of Warnock gives him the flexibility to nominate whoever he wants to fill the nine federal appeals-court vacancies and six dozen federal district court vacancies. It also allows for the confirmation of other positions to be filled by the administration.

The election of Warnock also gives power to the Democrats to issue subpoena’s without support from Republicans.

The victory of Warnock in Georgia further signals a change in the demographics and a rise in the Black, Latino and Asian populations. The win lends Democrats more hope in swinging Georgia in future elections in the democratic column.

Some Republicans are pulling away from former President Trump and looking for new leadership of the party, while others are doubling down on their support of his rhetoric.

Collectively, $401 million was spent on the Georgia Senate campaign, making it one of the most expensive races in history.

When the polls closed, Senator Raphael Warnock held a less than .2 percent lead over his opponent Herschell Walker.  In less than five minutes the lead switched giving Walker the lead and then flipped again in two more minutes, putting Senator Raphael Warnock back on top.  That was the story for the next few hours with political pundits trying to predict the outcome of the race.  

It was 10:30 p.m. when major television networks like CNN declared Senator Raphael Warnock the winner of the highly contested race.

It was 11 p.m. when Walker gave his concession speech and nearly 11:15 p.m. when Senator Raphael Warnock gave his victory speech, which was live streamed from his official social media accounts.

“Against unspeakable odds, here we stand together,” proclaimed Senator Raphael Warnock. As he ended his One More Time Tour and campaign, Warnock thanked God, his mother, his family, and Georgia residents for his victory.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Two prominent figures of Baltimore have been named to key positions in national advocacy organizations. 

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, former mayor of Baltimore City, was named executive director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation, the professional union for NBA players.

Ben Jealous, former head of the NAACP and former Maryland Democratic nominee for governor, was named head of the Sierra Club. He is the first person of color to step into the role at one of the nation’s best known environmental protection advocacy groups.

Rawlings-Blake will play a key role in amplifying pro basketball players’ “philanthropic efforts as we  continue to reimagine the possible,” she said. “This is a new chapter in my career and an amazing opportunity to lead the NBPA Foundation.” 

Jealous, as the first person of color to head the venerable Sierra Club, will play a key role in “a critical juncture in our transformation as we continue to discover more equitable and just ways to fight for more equitable and just ways to fight for a healthy and sustainable future,” Sierra Club President Ramon’ Cruz  said.

The Sierra Club is among the largest environmental organizations in the country with over a million volunteers members.  The 130-year-old organization is focused on its 2030 framework which includes cutting the natural equity gap in half, protecting 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters, and transforming America’s energy system.

“New technologies and recent major progress in our nation’s capital have us poised to reduce  carbon emissions faster than ever before. I am proud to join the nation’s largest army of environmentalists and conservationists to help hasten that day,” said Jealous.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

The barriers blocking vehicle access to the Roland Water Tower in the historically Black neighborhood of Hoes Heights have been removed. 

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said in an exclusive Nov. 29 meeting with the AFRO that he has instructed the Department of Public Works (DPW) to remove the barriers, which were blocking traffic around the monument.

“A road that has not been bothering residents for over 100 years should not be changed,” said Scott. 

Residents of Hoes Heights adamantly opposed the road closure and believed their concerns about access to the monument were being ignored as plans for redevelopment forged ahead.

Scott’s remarks came after a well-attended Nov. 17 community meeting on the Roland Water Tower plans, which include a park.

Lawrence Brown, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Community Health and Policy at Morgan State University, noted the importance of Hoes Heights and the road access. 

Brown spoke to those gathered, which included Hoes Heights residents like Joanne Kent, a descendant of Hoes Heights founders, brothers Grandison Hoe and William Hoe. 

Grandison Hoe, a former slave, purchased the 12 acres of land known as Hoes Heights for $500 for his five children and built the homes the descendants still live in today. 

Kent is among those residents who speak passionately about how life around the water tower and the road around it “has such deep meaning to a Black woman who grew up in Baltimore during segregation.”

Kent gave insight on her experience as a child, growing up in a segregated Baltimore. She said that the water tower represented a safe place for Black Baltimoreans during a time when life there was governed by an unwritten rule: do not go past the water tower road. 

The rule was accepted by both Black and White residents alike. 

Kent spoke of her encounter with a White man at Roland Avenue and Cold Spring Lane. The stranger told her and a sibling that they didn’t belong there and to go back to the water tower. 

“We couldn’t get back to the water tower fast enough,” she recalled during the meeting. “The year was 1968. I was 12 years old.”

“The erection of those barriers brings back bad memories,” Kent said. 

Kent concluded her remarks by noting that Hoes Heights residents are looking for a win-win situation that doesn’t ask the community to give up on the idea of a park around the water tower. She stated that she would rather residents look at the space as a place for recreation and commemoration, for gathering and celebrating the spirit of Hoes Heights’ founders, like her great-great grandfather, Grandison Hoe and his brother William. 

The road being blocked has been open to the community for over a century. 

The water tower sits in the middle of Hoes Heights between Roland Avenue and Evans Chapel Road.

Betsy Heeney, a member of the Hoes Heights Action team, spoke about how the closure had united the communities nearest to Hoes Heights. 

“The road issue around the tower became the bridge that many of us chose to walk across to extend our hand in solidarity with neighbors left out of the process, including those who changed their minds about closing the road,” she said.  “We support a park design that compliments the road with a greenspace designed for the enjoyment of all our neighbors. I didn’t know when the road was closed for the water tower repairs that it was to be permanently closed, it turns out that many of my neighbors did not know either.” 

“We acknowledge and respect the hard work of the Roland Park leadership,” said Heeney. “We look forward to working together to complete a more perfect and equitable space for our neighborhoods for generations to come.”

Following the speeches, the moderator opened the meeting up for questions. Mostly statements were made in support of the Hoes Heights community, others asked when the road would be reopened.  

District 7 Councilmember James Torrence was also in attendance and gave updates.

“My colleague, Odette Ramos has been taken out of this process.  I want to build trust with this community,” he said.  

Torrence explained that another round of survey will be done.  The survey will be conducted door-to-door by his staff and will only include the communities surrounding the water tower to ascertain what they want.

Dana Moore, equity officer for Baltimore City, assured the audience that she will be watching the process.

The Hoes Height Committee Action team has received emails from area residents; most complimentary and a few disappointed, accusing the organizers of inserting race into the discussion around the closure of the road.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

The passage of national legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Chips and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law call attention to President Biden’s Justice 40 Executive Order. 

They raise the question: how aware are state and local governments when it comes to the devastating impact of harboring resources?

The Justice 40 Order clearly states that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments are to flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.   

The categories of investment include climate change, clean and affordable efficient energy, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing, training and workforce development, remediation and reduction of legacy pollution and the development of critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure. 

Almost any federal agency you can think of is subject to Justice 40, from the Army Corp of Engineers to the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Environmental Protection, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Health and Human Services, Labor, Transportation and Veteran Affairs.

Billions of dollars are being spent by federal agencies– and just to provide an example– $50 billion is being spent to make communities safe and infrastructure able to withstand the impact of climate change. Communities of color need not miss out or suffer like in Jackson, Miss., where climate change flooded the Pearl River, demonstrating the fragility of the  water infrastructure. The result left 150,000 residents without safe drinking water. 

While water pressure has been restored, the water crisis remains. 

Another example is that every state has been given $5 million dollars to plan connectivity and is guaranteed another $100 million. Those same states could gain up to $800 million to assure that communities have internet access.

Recently, the Black Lives Matter organization raised its voice when calling together some groups to address environmental justice, including climate change plaguing Black communities. 

We should all be listening.

The problem being faced in many Black communities is that they are governed by some Republican Governors who don’t want to see a Democratic agenda be successful– even if the focus is on equalizing the playing field. 

President Biden’s Jan. 27, 2021 signing of Justice 40, Executive Order 14008, reminds me of Maryland’s Minority Business Law that needs to be increased to accommodate business and population growth in communities of color.

It has been over a year since Justice 40 was signed by President Biden and people including government leaders are still asking “What is Justice 40?”

While speaking at a recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation workshop on doing business with the federal government, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial highlighted that “not millions– but billions of dollars are available to marginalized communities through the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Chips and Science and the Bipartisan Infrastructure law.” Morial declared that all cities and states should put Executive Orders in place to assure that monies do flow to communities of color. 

When Biden says “I am doing my part,” he is right.  The rest is up to community leaders, mayors, county executives, governors to do the rest. Get the money.  I can’t think of a city, county or state that does not need the influx of capital that Justice 40 can bring.  

Justice 40 calls for community engagement.   The question that needs to be raised is where are those community engagement meetings taking place?  

Our communities need more than roads and bridges fixed.  Homelessness is growing in almost every city and state in America.  Housing has become unaffordable for too many.  Old and damaged lead pipes permeate America’s water system and can now be fixed. 

Healthcare costs relating to drug addiction continue to escalate.  Our schools still face air conditioning issues in the classroom and some fountains remain covered because they can’t provide safe drinking water. Many of our children continue to suffer from lead paint poisoning. Training programs that can provide futures for the unemployed and underemployed are not being funded at the levels they should, but they could be with Justice 40.

There are groups like the ReGenesis Institute that are going directly to community members and offering to help put in place processes for combining community and civic engagement and executive oversight. 

Why did Morial recommend repeatedly that executive orders be put in place?  Simply stated: executive orders provide oversight and a roadmap to navigate federal agencies who are looking for communities to work with and can be assured that the federal dollars will flow to communities of  color and the disadvantaged where they are needed most.

The ReGenesis Institute, started by Harold Mitchell Jr. 20 years ago in Spartanburg, South Carolina, grew out of frustration for what was happening to his own family health wise. The result was Mitchell obtaining a $20,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, which he leveraged  over the years into $300 million dollars for the cleaning up of three Brownfields, capping off leaking wells spewing poisons into waterways, the building of a solar far and a health clinic.

Mitchell and the ReGenesis Institute have become the blueprint for how American should be aggressively addressing Environmental Justice Issues particularly as it relates to climate change in similar communities.  He sits on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.  

“The money for environmental justice is on the table now, “ says Mitchell, “and communities of color need to make sure they access it.”  

Mitchell agrees with Morial that executive orders should be put in place by every city, state, county, and state government to assure that the process of monitoring and attracting federal dollars reflect the needs of communities of color, “we are providing communities with examples of executive orders at every level.”

The restoration of America and its neglected communities of color depends on our country’s willingness to put politics aside– both Democrats and Republicans–and engage communities with the goal of sharing the opportunities.

The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American • 145 W. Ostend Street Ste 600, Office #536, Baltimore, MD 21230 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

Speaker of the House of Delegates of Maryland Adrienne Jones said “It is always a humbling experience to receive an award, but this was special.”

Speaker Jones received the Inaugural Great Emancipator Award alongside University of Maryland, Baltimore County Professor Emeritus, and author Acklyn Lynch, at the inaugural Maryland Emancipation Day Festival.  

Awards were presented by Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford at the Mt. Clare Mansion, located in Southwest Baltimore’s Carroll Park on Nov. 5. 

The event was a collaboration between Baltimore’s Mount Clare at Carroll Park Commission and the National Center for the Improvisational Arts.

Professor Lynch, born 1932 in Trinidad,  received his award first and reminisced about his journey and understanding of Black history in America.  

“I was my mother’s first child and had to be responsible for the symbolic image being presented to my siblings. I was put in school in Trinidad at three years of age. I was taught to take my teachings seriously and to engage in an exercise of knowing something you didn’t know yesterday.”

In the 1960’s he joined the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and traveled the world to understand Black Culture. A graduate of Howard University, Lynch went on to attend Harvard University.

Professor Lynch is considered a guru by students of African studies.  

He spoke a little of his musical accomplishments, having traveled with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Max Roach. He has written several essays and authored “Nightmare Overhanging Darkly: Essays on Black Culture and Resistance.”

“I enjoyed hearing Professor Lynch,” said Speaker Jones.  “He reminded me of how far we have come.  I think about Maryland now, having the first Black Governor with Wes Moore, the first Black Attorney General in Anthony Brown and even the first woman Comptroller in Brooke Lierman, how far this state has come.”

Jones is the first African American and the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Delegates in Maryland. She is only one of three African Americans holding such a post in the country. 

Jones was elected to the House of Delegates in 1997 and she served as Speaker Pro-tem from 2003 until her election in 2019 to Speaker of the House of Delegates.

“I look forward to the continued rise of African Americans, people of color and women in our state. We’ve come a long way since slavery and the emancipation of our people, and yet, we have so much further to go,” she said.

180 years ago, on Nov. 1, 1864, the New Constitution of the State of Maryland freed all slaves making Maryland among the earliest states to outlaw slavery within its boundaries. The State of Maryland officially acknowledged Nov. 1 as Emancipation Day in Maryland.

Tours of the mansion were given showing old documents depicting the existence of slavery in the area and our state.  The entertainment local, national, and international was robust featuring poets, singers, drummers and dancers.

Organizers of the event including, WEAA General Manager Robert Shahid, a host of the festivities, said among the goals of the celebration is  to establish Mount Clare Mansion and Baltimore’s Mount Clare at Carroll Park as a community resource for African American art and culture– nationally and internationally.

There was plenty of food, art, and entertainment along with the tours. 

Dale Green, founder and co-chair of Baltimore’s Mount Clare at Carroll Park Commission put in a lot of work and none of the participants were is appointed.  

It was truly a day of pride.

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

On the evening of Nov. 6, a group of diverse women gathered around the dining room table of Quianna Cooke. Present that night in the Hoes Heights neighborhood were Betsy Heeney, Hana Morford, Jennifer Jarvis, Joanne Kent and Eleanor Matthews. 

They were not angry women. They seemed frustrated–more than anything–that their voices seem to have fallen on death ears.  

A concrete barrier was erected recently and now blocks the access road to their historical community, something they have held dear for more than 100 years. 

Now there is a town hall meeting planned for Nov. 17,  at the Roland Park Presbyterian Church at 4801 Roland Avenue, at 7 p.m.  

The town hall organizers say city council member Odette Ramos is not listening to them. They have also accused her of taking the side of the other residents– other residents who they refer to as members of the Roland Park Community Foundation.

In an October meeting, Councilwoman Ramos said that plans to move ahead with closing the access road to Hoes Heights had been put on hold.  She claimed that she and council member James Torrence, who represents the Hoes Heights community, are going to go door-to-door to hear what the community wants. 

So why is that concrete barrier without notice to Hoes Heights sitting at the foot of the community blocking their access?

Many elected officials that represent the residents of Hoes Heights have met with community leaders and promised to help.  

Most recently State Sen. Jill Carter (41-MD-D) and Delegate Tony Bridges, (41-MD-D) who they believe understand their problem, have heard their concerns and will be at the town hall meeting on Nov. 17.

“This is our home too,” explained Matthews. “Our families have lived here in Hoes Heights for over a 100 years and now they–meaning some members of the Roland Park Community–have decided to block our entrance and exit to the community in favor of building a small park with no regard to the historical relevance of this community.” 

Hoes Heights is a historic neighborhood in North Baltimore.  It is situated off West Cold Spring Lane.  You can easily miss it if you don’t make that right turn into Evans Chapel Road.  Hoes Heights is names for its founder Grandison Hoe a freed slave in Antebellum Baltimore who brought the land and divided it among his children. Two of his direct descendants still live there, Matthew and Kent.

“[It] is not an option to acknowledge our historical presence in this community, it is an insult,” said Kent.

Heeney said the lines of communication have not been open to Hoes Heights residents. 

“We were all in favor of refurbishing the water tower and we’re happy that it is done,” said Heeney. “There were never plans openly discussed with the residents of Hoes Heights that mentioned closing the over 100 year access road to the historical community.”

On Nov. 6, a three-woman crew from Hoe’s Heights drove to City Hall and hand delivered letters to Mayor Brandon Scott, Council President Nick Mosby, City Council Vice President Sharon Greene and Councilmembers James Torrence and Ramos. 

For more information on Hoes Heights go to: www.hhaction.org

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

The ballroom at the Waterfront Marriott hotel in downtown Baltimore could not have been more jovial on Nov. 8.  It was teeming with campaign volunteers, well-wishers, people who wanted to be a part of history and those who made the trek just to get a glimpse of Gov.-Elect Wes Moore, the first Black man elected to the office in Maryland.

Moore did not disappoint. 

Bounding up on the stage, the crowd immediately erupted into applause and chants at the sight of the next Maryland governor. Moore embraced his entire family, his wife Dawn, his mother and two children.

Moore highlighted how the state of Maryland has fallen in love with Dawn. “People across the state made so many requests of her that she would sometimes have to respond, ‘Can I send my husband?’”

The governor-elect thanked everyone– including Gov. Larry Hogan (R) –who called to congratulate Moore shortly after news outlets announced the 44-year-old was the winner of the gubernatorial election. The new Maryland governor praised his campaign staff, led by Ned Miller, and chief of staff Tisha Edwards.  

“We started from the bottom sixteen months ago and I am forever indebted to them,” he told the audience. “Thank you! Thank You! Thank you, Maryland, for an improbable night and what an amazing journey.”

The historic night was not for Moore, alone. 

“This state is blessed to have a lot of firsts tonight,” he said, noting that voters picked Aruna Miller to be the first woman and immigrant of color to serve as lieutenant governor. Brooke Lierman was also elected to be the first woman to serve as state comptroller and Anthony Brown will be the first Black attorney general in Maryland.

After calming the crowd, Moore declared that his team will immediately target public safety, illegal guns and violent offenders. They will also fight for protections that have come under attack by the Supreme Court and other detractors. 

“We will protect abortion rights and access and we will empower women to make decisions about their own reproductive health a decision he says, that should be made between a woman and her doctor,” said Moore. “We will build a first-class education system starting with free Pre-K for every single child in Maryland who needs it.”

Moore said that under his administration, the state “will invest in apprenticeship programs and trade programs” in efforts to ensure that “every young person knows there is a pathway to their long term economic viability and long term economic success.”

“We will make Maryland a true hub of innovation and economic growth.  A place where small businesses can thrive, and unions are strong and we will not choose one over the other,” Moore continued. 

The military veteran closed his speech with praise for his grandmother, who recently passed at the age of 95 years old. 

Moore told those gathered how his grandmother came to the United States from Cuba, served as a school teacher for forty years and dedicated her time and energy to help his family after his father passed away. 

“She has the best seat in the house tonight,” he quietly told his well-wishers of his grandmother, Winell Thomas. 

Moore then welcomed his running mate and other newly elected officials to the spotlight. 

Standing next to each other, the victors of Election Day 2022 in Maryland began to resemble the United Nations. Some of the state’s top elected officials came to the microphone to thank Marylanders for electing them to specific offices for the first time in Maryland’s history. 

Attorney General-Elect Anthony Brown

Congressman and former lieutenant governor Anthony Brown approached the stage with his wife and 95-year-old mother.  “I know you all are wondering why I did not bring a chair for my mother,” he said. “Take a brisk walk with her in the morning and see who comes back winded,” Brown joked. 

He will be the first man of color to serve in the role in Maryland.

“Over a year ago my campaign team and I came together. I accept this responsibility of being your next attorney general. As the people’s lawyer you gave me your commitment,” Brown said as he addressed the crowd. “I look forward to doing what I was born to do. Serve!  Maryland congratulations…we have broken barriers.”

Maryland Comptroller- Elect Brooke Lierman

Former House of Delegate member Brooke Lierman became the first woman in Maryland to be elected as state comptroller. 

“I will work to make sure I am not the last,” she said. “This is our time to do the work.”

Lierman thanked her mentors, including U.S. Senator Barbra Mikulski and the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, for believing in her success and paving the way for greatness.

Lt. Gov.-Elect Aruna Miller

Lt. Gov. – Elect Aruna Miller is the first Indian-American and woman of color to be elected to the post of lieutenant governor.  

She came to this country at seven years old from India. She is also the first woman of Indian descent to have been elected to a position as a member of the State House of Delegates. 

In 2019 she ran for a congressional seat in District 6 and lost. The setback only toughened her skin and will to serve and make a difference in the lives ofMarylanders.  

“I am humbled,”  Miller told the audience. 

Miller said she has always believed in the greatness of her running mate. 

When she and her husband first met Wes Moore, they both agreed that he would become the first Black governor.  

“I thank Governor-Elect Wes Moore for putting his trust in me,” said Miller. “Thank you again, Maryland, and thank you for supporting me. We look forward to doing the work.”

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By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO

On top of choosing the right candidate, voters are being asked to weigh in on changes Maryland needs to make for the better on Nov. 8 in the midterm elections. 

From marijuana legalization to the appropriate name of the state’s highest court and the right level of civil penalties, voters are being asked to put on their thinking caps at the polls this year. 

The highest profile ballot initiative is the question of pot possession. If approved, marijuana possession of no more than 1.5 ounces, or the equivalent to no more than two cannabis plants would be allowed, effective July 1, 2023. Civil penalties for offenses such as smoking in a public would be set too, ranging from $250 to $500. 

Those convicted for possession with the intent to distribute cannabis to petition would have a criminal record expunged three years “after the person satisfies the sentence or sentences.” 

The state would establish a Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council to collect data on public health use of cannabis. It will also create a Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund to fund organizations that serve communities affected by previous disproportionate enforcement of marijuana prohibition laws.ine for subsequent offenses. 

Of the constitutional questions, voters will be asked to approve an increase in the monetary floor for the right to request a trial in a civil proceeding. The new constitutional amendment would allow a defendant to request a jury trial if the amount in dispute is more than $25,000, instead of the current $15,000 threshold. 

Also on the ballot is a question of renaming the state’s highest the Supreme Court of Maryland instead of the Court of Appeals. In addition, the Court of Special Appeals would become the Appellate Court of Maryland.

Voters are also being asked to approve eliminating the election of the Orphan’s Court judge in Howard County and instead requiring the Circuit Court judges to sit on the Orphan’s court.

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