For decades, the War on Drugs has been narrated through the familiar vocabulary of crime, punishment, and public safety. Far less attention has been given to its afterlife: the neighborhoods hollowed out by incarceration, the wealth never permitted to accumulate, the families reshaped across generations, and the civic institutions expected to thrive after decades of deliberate neglect. As Dr. Khalilah Harris, Chair of Baltimore's Community Reinvestment and Reparations Commission, observes, "This war was waged on the community; it was not of the community."

Maryland is now attempting something that would have seemed improbable not long ago, not merely to acknowledge those harms, but to build a public infrastructure for repair.

The Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) is among the state's most consequential approaches in reparative policy. Rather than just folding all of the  tax revenue from Maryland's legal cannabis market into the general treasury, lawmakers directed a portion of those dollars toward the communities that endured the heaviest burdens of cannabis prohibition and the broader War on Drugs. 

The premise is deceptively simple: legalization, by itself, cannot undo decades of unequal enforcement. Justice requires more than ending a policy; it requires investing in the places that policy systematically diminished.

The Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) also referred to as Reparations for the War on Drugs, the initiative distinguishes itself from many governmental equity efforts for one essential reason. The question of what repair should look like has not been reserved for elected officials or policy experts alone. It has been entrusted to the communities that have lived with the consequences.

In Baltimore, that responsibility rests with the Community Reinvestment and Reparations Commission (CRRC), a community-led body charged with answering a question that is as philosophical as it is practical: What does repair require? The Commission is responsible for determining the use of those public resources for neighborhoods that have experienced generations of disinvestment strengthening local institutions, expanding economic opportunity, supporting community development, and creating conditions for long-term restoration.

As Sadiq Ali, Vice Chair of the Commission, explains, "The Baltimore City Commission, along with the twenty-three other counties across Maryland, were designated to create commissions to disperse community reinvestment in the form of dollars that come from tax sales from legal recreational cannabis."

The policy is statewide, but its geographic distribution tells a larger story. Baltimore receives the largest share of the fund, not by political favor, but by historical record. Allocation is determined by each jurisdiction's share of nonviolent cannabis arrests over the previous two decades, a formula that transforms arrest statistics into a measure of public obligation.

Ali explains:

"How those numbers were determined were based on that jurisdiction's contribution to nonviolent marijuana arrests over the preceding twenty years. Based on what we know about how over-incarceration works, especially in areas where there are concentrations of Black and Brown folks, Baltimore City is receiving the lion's share of those funds to be redistributed with an investment lens to help undo some of that harm."

The Commission's work asks a profound civic question: Can government repair what government helped break? It suggests that reparations need not remain an abstract moral aspiration or a distant national debate. They can become administrative practice, budgetary decisions, public meetings, and neighborhood investments. In this framework, repair is measured not by symbolic gestures, but by whether public institutions are willing to redirect resources with the same intentionality that once directed harm.

Rev. Dr. Robert Turner (CRRC Commissioner) situates the effort within an even broader ethical tradition:

"I think, as any society that wants to ground itself on morality and ethics, if you have done wrong, it is vitally important to correct, to repair that wrong. This work is important, and America has done that, in large part, for a lot of other people."

His observation lingers beyond Maryland's borders. The question is no longer whether the harms of the War on Drugs can be documented; history has already rendered its verdict. The more urgent question is whether democratic institutions possess both the imagination and the resolve to make repair more than a promise. In Baltimore, that question is no longer theoretical. It is being tested in real time.

New law expands early identification and referral for behavioral health conditions during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth.

Annapolis, MD — Under the Perinatal Behavioral Health Conditions Act (HB 1118), which took effect on July 1, the Maryland Health Care Commission is studying the fiscal impact of requiring standardized perinatal behavioral health screenings statewide. The Commission's report, due by the end of the year, will help inform future policy decisions on expanding standardized screening requirements across Maryland.

"After the passage of the Maryland Maternal Health Act of 2024, I reflected on testimony our committee received from someone who lost their loved one by suicide, three months after giving birth to their baby," said Delegate Jennifer White Holland, sponsor of HB 1118. "Paired with our statewide data and my own recent experience as a new mom, I knew we needed to strengthen our systems of care to better address perinatal mental health. Four months into my own postpartum journey, I brought together advocates, perinatal mental health providers, insurers, health officers, hospitals, state agencies, doulas, nurses, providers, midwives, and nonprofit organizations to advance this bill. This is a critical step, and we know there is more work to be done."

Sponsored by Delegate Jennifer White Holland, the legislation strengthens Maryland's approach to maternal mental health through phased implementation. While perinatal behavioral health screenings are already occurring and generally covered by insurance, beginning January 1, 2027, the law formally codifies coverage requirements, establishes standing referrals for follow-up behavioral health care, and requires the Maryland Department of Health to develop and implement perinatal behavioral health training for health care providers to improve care for pregnant and postpartum patients.

The implementation comes during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of expanding access to maternal mental health care and addressing disparities that disproportionately affect Black women and other communities of color.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications of pregnancy and the postpartum period, affecting an estimated one in five mothers, yet many go undiagnosed and untreated. While mothers of every race can experience perinatal behavioral health conditions, women of color—particularly Black women—face elevated risks.

"Far too many Black mothers face barriers to receiving timely behavioral health care during pregnancy and after childbirth," said Delegate N. Scott Phillips, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. "The Perinatal Behavioral Health Conditions Act advances our efforts to strengthen maternal mental health care by laying the groundwork for standardized screening, improving connections to behavioral health services, and better equipping providers to recognize and respond to perinatal mental health conditions. During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this legislation reminds us that mental health is maternal health, and every mother deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care."

The legislation was developed in collaboration with a broad coalition including advocacy organizations, community birth workers, providers, hospitals, public health professionals, perinatal mental health advocates, state and local agencies and insurers.

Founded by three Georgetown football teammates, the Washington, D.C.-based organization enters its second decade prepared to deepen its impact in Southwest D.C. and expand its place-based model globally.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GOODProjects is celebrating its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of work alongside youth and families to address the interconnected challenges of race, poverty, community violence, educational inequity, and limited economic opportunity. 

GOODProjects began in 2016 on the campus of Georgetown University through the vision of Darius Baxter and two of his fellow classmates at Georgetown University. What started through their conversations and early community work has blossomed into an internationally recognized place-based nonprofit organization serving families in the largest public housing community in Washington, D.C. 

For Baxter, a native Washingtonian who experienced the violent death of his father to a murder-for-hire plot and periods of housing instability while being raised by a single mother, the work was deeply personal. While attending Georgetown, he began mentoring young people from a public housing community just minutes from his campus and discovered a calling to help children and families overcome the conditions he faced as a child that prevent so many from reaching their full potential. 

While he initially focused on creating opportunities for young people, as the organization’s relationships with residents deepened, GOODProjects recognized that lasting progress for children required sustained investment in the stability and economic mobility of their entire families. 

That realization shaped the organization’s long-term, place-based approach.

A MODEL BUILT AROUND FAMILIES 

As GOODProjects expanded, so did its understanding of what families needed to thrive. The organization learned that helping a student succeed in the classroom meant little if their family was struggling with housing instability, unemployment, food insecurity, or the effects of community violence. 

Instead of creating disconnected programs to address each challenge individually, GOODProjects built an integrated, place-based model that supports families at every stage of their journey. Today, the organization works alongside residents through family coaching, year-round youth development, community violence intervention, workforce development, and civic leadership initiatives—all designed to create long-term stability rather than short-term solutions. 

That approach has become the foundation of the organization’s work in the region. Rather than asking families to navigate multiple systems on their own, GOODProjects brings those supports together in one coordinated continuum, helping residents build safer neighborhoods, stronger families, and greater economic opportunity. 

“Our philosophy has always been simple,” Baxter said. “Communities don’t need more disconnected programs—they need partners willing to stay long enough to help families build lasting change.” 

TEN YEARS OF GROWTH AND IMPACT 

Over the past decade, GOODProjects has grown from a student-led initiative on a Georgetown University campus into an organization with an FY2026 operating budget of approximately $1.83 million. 

During that period, the organization has secured more than $6.9 million through 87 grants from 56 funding partners to support youth development, family stability, community safety, workforce development, leadership, and advocacy. 

Crime Data in their working area reports that violent crime declined by 45% within their “GOODZone” since 2022. That result has helped establish the organization’s community violence intervention strategy as an important part of its broader neighborhood-based model and opened opportunities to partner with local governments. 

“Family Success Planning” now supports more than 300 families annually across areas that include housing, economic mobility, health and wellness, education, and family well-being. 

GOODProjects has also expanded educational and developmental opportunities for young people through its afterschool, summer, tutoring, athletics, workforce, and leadership programs. 

Complementary initiatives—including GOODSports, GOODCamp, the Black Justice Fellowship, and the youth-led Period Equity Action campaign—have extended the organization’s impact into athletics, summer enrichment, racial justice leadership, civic engagement, and health equity advocacy. 

The organization remains focused on its long-term goal of working with the Southwest public housing community and its partners to help 500 families achieve self-sufficiency by 2030.

Black Justice Fellowship Award 

FROM WASHINGTON, D.C. TO NAIROBI 

In addition to deepening its work in Washington, D.C., in 2019 GOODProjects began adapting its place-based approach internationally. 

The organization launched the Baxter Family Kids Center in Kawangware, Nairobi, to expand access to quality education for children in the community. The initiative has since grown into a full-time school serving more than 200 young people daily. 

The Nairobi expansion represented an extension of the principles that have guided GOODProjects in Washington: listen to the community, understand the barriers families face, and build solutions around local strengths, priorities, and leadership. 

Rather than applying an identical program in every location, GOODProjects uses its place-based framework to help communities develop strategies responsive to their own circumstances. 

GOODProjects visit to Naiorbi in 2019.

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT DECADE 

As GOODProjects enters its second decade, the organization is focused on strengthening the systems required to sustain and expand its work. 

In Washington, D.C., that means continuing to build a coordinated network of programs and partnerships capable of helping families move toward lasting economic stability while ensuring that young people grow up safe, supported, and prepared for adulthood. 

Internationally, it means continuing to invest in the Kenyan school and determining how the lessons developed through the GOODZone model can support other communities without losing the resident-driven approach at the center of the organization’s work. 

“GOODProjects began on Georgetown’s campus with three teammates who believed we had a responsibility to use our education, relationships, and experiences to serve communities like the ones that shaped us,” said Darius Baxter, President and CEO of GOODProjects. 

“Over the last ten years, residents have trusted us to walk alongside their families, learn from them, and build something that responds to the full reality of their lives. This anniversary belongs to our community, our team, and every partner who believed that families should not have to navigate poverty alone.” 

Baxter added that the organization’s next chapter will remain grounded in the principles that shaped its beginning. 

“Our goal is not simply to operate more programs. It is to build a model that helps families achieve lasting stability and gives communities the resources and power to create their own futures. We have learned a tremendous amount in our first ten years. Now we are preparing to deepen that impact in Washington and thoughtfully carry those lessons into other communities.” 

GOODProjects invites residents, alumni, funders, government agencies, businesses, and community partners to join the organization as it celebrates its first decade and prepares for the work ahead.

ABOUT GOODPROJECTS, INC. 

GOODProjects, Inc. is a place-based nonprofit organization headquartered in Southwest Washington, D.C. Founded in 2016 by Georgetown University football teammates Darius Baxter, Troye Bullock, and Danny Wright, the organization works alongside youth and families in the James Creek, Syphax Gardens, and Greenleaf public housing communities. 

GOODProjects provides an integrated continuum of support focused on family stability, youth development, education, community safety, workforce development, leadership, and economic mobility. The organization is working with the Southwest public housing community and its partners toward a goal of helping 500 families reach self-sufficiency by 2030. 

In 2026, GOODProjects’ work includes its Washington, D.C. GOODZone and a growing international education initiative serving more than 200 young people in Kawangware, Nairobi, Kenya. 

Learn more at goodprojects.org. 

Standing under the lights during "Baltimore Unfiltered: Let's Talk About Sex," a show The Short Kuts Show curated last year for RnD Associates to open a community conversation around sexual health, I understood something no audience seat could have taught me. I was not performing. I was handing a piece of myself to a room full of strangers and trusting them to hold it gently. That night, I became part of a small, fiercely loyal family, The Short Kuts Show calls "story sharers." On Saturday, July 25, that family — and ten years of the stories it has carried — will fill Baltimore’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum to celebrate a decade of turning lived experience into collective healing.

A Barbershop Built the Blueprint

Long before Short Kuts had a name, it had an observation. "Barbers spend their days listening to everyone else’s stories, but very few people ask about theirs," said Dr. LaMarr D. Shields, co-creator, curator and producer of the show. That insight became Faith and Fellowship, a project born a year before Short Kuts, when Shields met 92-year-old Nelson Mauldin, the barber who cut Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s hair, during a trip to Alabama. "I want to help bring his story to life," Shields recalled thinking, "but I want to include other barbers in Baltimore City." Alongside co-founder Darius Wilmore, he gathered 20 to 25 Baltimore barbers — business owners with no acting training — and rebuilt an entire barbershop set on stage so real that audiences felt they were waiting for a haircut. That production launched at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, which Shields calls "the home of Black stories," and it’s why the anniversary returns there.

The first Short Kuts Show Cast Members.

From Storyteller to Story Sharer

Marc LaVeau, Short Kuts’ live performance director, joined not long after, bringing a theater background Shields hadn’t expected. "I just asked his brother to come on board," Shields said, "and then when he pulled out his credentials, I was like — he was a poet like me." Over ten years and roughly 25 productions, the team has insisted on one crucial distinction: their participants are not storytellers; they are story sharers. "These folks are sharing stories about themselves," LaVeau said. "They are not telling stories about some arbitrary object or person outside of their own lived experience... You are the frame, the bone, the skeleton in that story, and then you lay the flesh of the lived experience upon that frame." Every participant moves through what the team calls the three E’s — excavation, exploration and expression — a process of narrative coaching, not performance coaching, that shapes a life event into something that can be shared and witnessed.

Short Kuts session with Sheila Dixon.

The Healing Behind the Curtain

What the team has termed their "narrative therapeutic process" now includes a mental health therapist, a mindfulness therapist, and a music therapist, who are brought in at various points throughout rehearsal. "Healing takes place on all levels," LaVeau said. "Even through this process of excavation and exploration... It’s sometimes eye-opening for me to hear different perspectives." Shields connects the work to a line from Dr. King’s Strength to Love: "The heart can never be totally right when the head is totally wrong." Storytelling, he said, "helps us process trauma. It reminds us that we are more than our pain." That’s why audiences don’t just watch — they stand, wave a hand the way one might in a Black church, and say, afterward, "I thought I was the only one." "That’s where the connection begins," Shields said, "and the connection is where healing begins."

"Our goal isn’t applause. It is transformation." — Dr. LaMarr D. Shields

The Vision You Don’t Always See

Much of what audiences feel on stage begins with someone who won’t be seen there: Kendra Rochambeau Banks, the show’s founding set and scenic designer and, LaVeau noted, the person who first connected him to the project. A former executive director of a cultural arts organization and museum educator now working as a school administrator, Banks has spent a decade turning Short Kuts’ emotional core into something audiences can physically walk into. "Kendra plays a major role in taking what’s in my head, what’s in Mark’s heart, and putting it in — making it visual," Shields said. For the anniversary, Banks and her team are building a photo and video exhibit tracing all ten years of the show, pulling back the curtain on the process before the audience ever takes their seats.

Beyond the Stage

Short Kuts also curates shows for organizations — including Kaiser and RnD Associates — helping them tell stories that statistics alone cannot. "A lot of us forget we have these numbers and these stats, but people want to know the stories behind these individuals," Shields said. "It’s kind of hard not to be connected with someone when you know their story." It’s the same instinct that shaped the RnD Associates show I was part of — proof that this work extends its healing reach well past the Short Kuts family itself.

The Anniversary — and What’s Next

The 10th anniversary show, "Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now," runs Saturday, July 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, with stories drawn from a decade of themes including You Don’t Own Me, the Million Man March, the Black Woman Genius Show and Dance With My Father. Looking ahead, both men see the model expanding nationally into schools, health care organizations, congregations, and corporations. But the mission, Shields said, will stay the same: "Our goal isn’t applause. It is transformation."

New Undergraduate Program and Interdisciplinary Risk Management Course Expand Career-Ready Offerings Aligned With the Future of Work and the Demands of an AI-Driven Economy

BALTIMORE — Recognizing that artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining industries, occupations and the skills employers demand, Morgan State University is transforming its academic offerings to prepare graduates for the next generation of innovation. This fall, the University launches its new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence. Offered by the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the undergraduate program reflects the accelerating influence of AI across every sector of the global economy. Coinciding with the offer of a new degree, Morgan’s Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management (Graves School) is also introducing a new interdisciplinary course in risk management, equipping students with another critical competency increasingly sought in today’s technology-driven workforce.

Approved by both the Morgan State University Board of Regents and the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence represents the strategic reimagining of Morgan’s former Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing. As advances in artificial intelligence continue to reshape the technology landscape, the University adapted the program to place AI at its center, creating a curriculum that prepares students to design, develop and responsibly deploy intelligent systems across a wide range of industries. The transformed program reflects Morgan’s commitment to continually aligning its academic offerings with emerging technologies and evolving workforce demands.

The new degree program arrives as employers across virtually every sector seek professionals capable of designing, deploying and responsibly managing AI technologies. Students enrolled in the program will study AI models and intelligent agents, AI-driven cybersecurity, AI applications in cloud computing, and quantum machine learning, while building strong foundations in programming, mathematics, data science and computational theory. The curriculum combines rigorous technical instruction with project-based learning, undergraduate research and real-world AI applications that prepare graduates for careers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, cloud computing, data science and related fields.

Unlike traditional lecture-based instruction, every AI and machine learning course offered by Morgan incorporates hands-on projects developed by the University’s faculty and students, giving learners practical experience solving real-world challenges, while they build competitive portfolios for internships, graduate study and careers with leading technology organizations. The program also emphasizes the ethical development of AI, addressing issues such as fairness, bias, privacy, transparency, security and the creation of trustworthy intelligent systems. Students will receive personalized support from faculty mentors, graduate students and an AI-powered advising platform developed within the Department of Computer Science.

Dr. Paul Wang

“Artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed the direction of computing,” said Shuangbao Wang, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science. “Rather than simply updating an existing curriculum, we reinvented the entire program to ensure students graduate with the knowledge and experience required to lead in an AI-first world. Our emphasis on project-based learning, undergraduate research and ethical AI development prepares graduates not only to use intelligent technologies but to create them responsibly.”

Building upon the Department of Computer Science’s existing portfolio of 18 artificial intelligence courses, the newly transformed degree program integrates those strengths into a cohesive undergraduate curriculum focused exclusively on artificial intelligence and its rapidly expanding applications. The curriculum introduces advanced topics including reinforcement learning, agentic AI for cyber threat detection and analysis, natural language processing and quantum machine learning, reflecting the rapidly evolving needs of both industry and research.

“The launch of this new degree program underscores Morgan’s commitment to aligning academic excellence with the technologies and industries shaping tomorrow’s workforce,” said Paul B. Tchounwou, Ph.D., university distinguished professor and dean of the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences. “As artificial intelligence continues to transform scientific discovery, healthcare, business, government and virtually every other aspect of society, our students must graduate with the technical expertise, critical thinking skills and ethical foundation needed to become innovators, researchers, and leaders in this transformative era.”

Complementing the University’s expanding technology offerings, the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management will also introduce Holistically Assessing Risks (MGBU 363) this fall. Although not a degree program, the course marks the first step toward a distinctive, interdisciplinary Risk Management certificate that will prepare students to earn the nationally recognized Associate in Risk Management (ARM^TM) credential through The Institutes Knowledge Group.

Designed for students across multiple disciplines — not solely business majors — the course explores how organizations identify, analyze and mitigate risks ranging from cybersecurity threats and data privacy concerns to financial uncertainty, operational disruptions and reputational challenges. Students studying artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare, analytics, communications, public policy, information systems and other fields will gain practical analytical and strategic decision-making skills that are increasingly valued by employers.

The introduction of both offerings underscores Morgan’s broader commitment to designing academic programs that anticipate workforce trends while responding to the evolving needs of employers and society. As two of the University’s fastest-growing academic units, the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences and the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management continue expanding opportunities that position Morgan graduates to compete — and lead — in the innovation economy.

With the Graves School now the University’s largest academic school by enrollment, and with Morgan’s investments in artificial intelligence accelerating across research, teaching and infrastructure, the new academic offerings represent another significant advancement of the University’s vision as a leading public urban research institution — an institution that prepares students for careers that increasingly demand technological fluency, interdisciplinary thinking and adaptable leadership.

About Morgan

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master’s degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu. 

The well being of a typical city are often measured by infrastructure, budgets, and statistics. A more tried and truer to scale measurement would be the opportunities that are provided to the everyday resident of said cities.

That idea lives inside Baltimore's Mayor's Office of African American Male Engagement, better known as MOAAME. The program is built on a simple but ambitious belief: when young Black men are surrounded by mentorship, opportunity and expectation, they can outlive the generational stigma of the old generation.

MOAAME does not promise shortcuts. Instead, it offers something tangible, a foundation. Through mentoring relationships, workforce preparation, educational support, and leadership development, participating youth are introduced to skills that outlast a single seminar or event. They learn how to perform in professional and controlled spaces, cultivate discipline, and recognize that success is often constructed one deliberate decision at a time.

The program also functions as a bridge. It closes the distance between ambition and access by connecting participants with employers, educators, community leaders, and mentors whose experiences become road mapsinstead of distant success stories. What can seem unreachable begins tolook attainable when someone has already walked the path and is willing to point the way.

MOAAME's greatest contribution cannot be listed on a résumé. Confidence is difficult to quantify, yet it often decides whether someone applies for the opportunity, asks the subjective question, or believes they belong in rooms they once viewed from the outside.

My experience and a mentee in this program have taught me various skills I would never have been exposed to previously. An example of this is golf, however small that may seem, a lot of my peers found themselves enjoying and seeing how they could build a career through the sport. The exposure to public speaking, event organization, media training, etc, have always opened new gateways for networking. The staff are always listening and finding new ways to help, teaching accountability and responsibility through countless ways. They get to know the people in their space and bring us all together and let us congregate with little intervention at times. Without something like this, and I state this wholeheartedly, I would not have what I have or be where I am today.

The success of MOAAME is not measured only by the number of participants it serves, but by the ripple effects those participants create long after the program ends. Every new leader, mentor, entrepreneur, or college graduate carries forward a lesson that cannot be captured in a statistic alone: people often rise highest when someone first believes they can.

- A workforce prep session hosted by MOAAME.

“No Handouts, No excuses, Just Moves” - The Official MOAAME Motto

Q&A Interview Section

Ms. Estep, COO of the Mayor's Office Of African American Male Engagement

What inspired you to become who you are today?

“My journey started on the football field long before I ever held a leadership title. In 1989, I became involved with youth football through the Northwood Football League then AAU sports. What began as helping with paperwork and serving as a team mom quickly became something much bigger. I saw firsthand how sports could change a young person’s life. Football wasn’t just about winning games. It was about teaching discipline, accountability, respect, and giving young people another family that believed in them. As the years passed, my purpose became even more personal. My son was stabbed, and our lives changed forever. Sitting in hospital rooms, praying, advocating, and fighting for my child opened my eyes to the reality that far too many families experience violence and trauma with little support.”

Where are you headed now?

“Today, I believe my work is just beginning. Earning my Doctor of Human Services strengthened my knowledge, but more importantly, it reinforced my responsibility to lead with both research and lived experience. My goal is to continue building programs that create lasting opportunities for young people, influence public policy, strengthen communities, and help organizations develop approaches that truly meet people where they are. I want to leave behind systems that continue serving youth long after I’m gone. My legacy isn’t about titles. It’s about changing lives and creating leaders who will continue the work.”

How successful do you feel you’ve reached the youth?

“Success isn’t measured only by numbers. It’s measured by relationships, and youth and young adults understanding their Why. When a young man or young lady who once refused to answer my calls now checks in just to tell me I got a job, that’s success. When someone returns to school, reconnects with family, earns a diploma, chooses a different path, or comes back to mentor someone else, that’s success. Not every story ends the way we hope, but I never stop believing in the potential of every young person I meet. If we can help one young person see their value and make a different decision, we’ve made an impact. I believe we’ve reached many youth because they know we genuinely care. Not just while they’re in the program, but long afterward."

Five years ago, when I published Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict, I thought I was writing about food addiction, obesity, and how I finally kept the weight off after more than forty years of struggle. 

I was wrong.

The deeper story was about hope. About transformation. About finding my voice, telling the truth, and reclaiming my power.

Those themes don’t belong to any single audience. They resonate with executives, educators, healthcare workers, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, caregivers — and, perhaps most vividly, with artists.

That’s why I’m honored to return to Winston-Salem this summer for the International Black Theatre Festival , where I’ll present my workshop, Stage Ready: Essential Self-Care for Artists and Creatives. Two years ago, I led these sessions for the first time, and the response confirmed something I’d been discovering for years: our greatest performance challenges are rarely about talent. They are about what’s happening beneath the surface.

Michelle Petties having after the workshop fun at the Western Arts Alliance Conference in Los Angeles, CA.

Nourishing More Than the Craft

Artists spend their lives expressing emotional truth. But who helps the artist process their own? Whether you’re an actor, dancer, musician, playwright, director, spoken word artist, or creative entrepreneur, your body and mind are your instruments. If your emotions are overloaded, your nutrition is inconsistent, your energy is depleted, or your inner dialogue is filled with self-criticism, those struggles eventually find their way onto the stage, into the rehearsal room, and into the work.

The audience may never know why a performance feels flat. You will. But here’s what I want every reader — not just the performers among you — to hear: this isn’t only about the stage. It’s about how we show up, period.

Showing Up for Ourselves First

We show up for our families. We show up for our jobs. We show up for our communities. We rarely ask what it costs to keep showing up empty.Over the years, I’ve brought this message to the Western Arts Alliance, the Baltimore Jazz Alliance, and the National Organization for Arts in Health. No matter the audience, one truth keeps surfacing: when we heal our emotions and improve our nutrition habits, we perform at a higher level. We become more productive. More proficient. More present.

That isn’t just true on stage. It’s true at the kitchen table, in the classroom, in the boardroom, and in every relationship we’re trying to hold together. 

Many people still assume my work is about losing weight. More accurately, it’s about rewriting the stories we tell ourselves. Food is simply one of the places where those stories reveal themselves. For years, I believed food was my problem. Eventually I realized food was merely the symptom — the real challenge was a story rooted in fear, shame, perfectionism, and emotional survival. Once I changed the story, everything else began to change.

Wellness That Can’t Be Faked

That’s the work I’ll be sharing during my Stage Ready workshops at this year’s International Black Theatre Festival — how the stories we carry shape our confidence, creativity, resilience, relationships, and performance. We’ll look at how emotional wellness and physical wellness work together, not separately, to create sustainable success. 

Because the healthiest performer isn’t necessarily the most talented one. The healthiest performer — and the healthiest parent, employee, and neighbor — is the one who is emotionally available, mentally focused, physically energized, and spiritually grounded. That kind of wellness cannot be faked under the spotlight, in a Monday morning meeting, or at a family dinner table. It must be cultivated behind the scenes, long before anyone is watching.

To support that work beyond the workshop, I created a companion resource, Stage Ready: The Performer's Wellness Kit, designed to help creatives — and honestly, anyone carrying a full life — uncover limiting beliefs, strengthen emotional resilience, build healthier daily habits, and reconnect with the authentic voice underneath it all.

Whether your stage is a Baltimore arena, a Broadway theater, a classroom, a boardroom, or simply your everyday life, the principle is the same: every great performance, in any arena, begins within.

I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new artists at this year’s International Black Theatre Festival. If you’re there, join me for one of the Stage Ready workshops. Come prepared to do more than sharpen your craft. Come prepared to transform from the inside out — so you can keep showing up fully for the people and work that matter most.

Download your copy of Stage Ready: The Performer's Wellness Kit and learn more about my upcoming workshops at the International Black Theatre Festival. And if you need help with travel arrangements to the festival, you can reach out to the travel pros at The Watts Line, wandawatts@thewattsline.net, or call them at 443-540-7193.

Michelle Petties is a TEDx speaker, Food Story coach, and the award-winning author of the memoir Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict. After gaining and losing 700 pounds, Michelle discovered the secret to overcoming stress and emotional overeating. Her free workbook, Mind Over Meals, reveals her core principles for losing weight and keeping it off.

For nearly half a century, renowned artist Larry Poncho Brown has traveled the world as a practicing artist representing his hometown of Baltimore, contributing to countless art projects and cultural exchange initiatives. Yet no matter where Poncho's journeys took him, one question consistently surfaced: "What's the art scene like in Baltimore?"

For years, Poncho felt a quiet embarrassment when answering. Baltimore certainly had a tight-knit community, but it was also a city marked by divisions-commercial art realm versus fine art realm, and the persistent struggle of BIPOC artists fighting for visibility and equitable representation. The truth was simple: Baltimore lacked enough walls, venues, and institutional support to make its artists feel like a unified family.

In 2016—during the same year Poncho was diagnosed with cancer and still mourning the loss of his father, he decided to take action. He envisioned a project that would bring artists together, affirm their presence, and celebrate their contributions. That vision became B'more ArtScene 2016, a grassroots effort built entirely through word of mouth.

To Brown's amazement, nearly 80 artists gathered for the first photograph. The image quickly earned the title "A Great Day in Baltimore", inspired by the iconic Harlem Renaissance portrait. Other cities-Oakland, CA, and Peoria, IL-had organized similar regional photographs, but Baltimore had never claimed its own moment. Since Baltimore wasn't distinctly part of the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia), Poncho opened the call to anyone who lived, worked, or exhibited in Baltimore City. The list grew from 80 to nearly 160 registrants.

This project was more than a photo. It was a form of resistance—a declaration that Baltimore artists deserved voice, visibility, and space. It responded to the erasure many felt, despite the rise of online platforms and pop-up galleries. It reminded the community that Baltimore's creative ecosystem is alive, evolving, and worthy of recognition.

Thankfully, several institutions and individuals have stepped up over the years. Kibibi Ajanku, curator at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum has spent decades ensuring artists of color have dignified, open walls. Derek Price, Executive director at the Eubie Blake Cultural Arts Center has done the same, offering consistent representation and exhibition opportunities. Joy Bramble and Paris Brown of The Baltimore Times have also championed artists, expanding access to wall space and visibility. Artist advocacy organizations like the Black Art Today Foundation have also raised the bar by 

providing exhibition opportunities and artist professional training in line with these efforts.

They build the foundation for a healthier, more inclusive art scene.

The 2026 B'more ArtScene photograph (shot by Raymond Lucas) captures a cross-section of the people who shape Baltimore's creative fabric-visual artists, curators, emerging talents, and seasoned veterans. In the 2016 photograph (shot by L.A. Randall), at least eight of those artists have since become ancestors. Poncho began this year's gathering with a moment of silence in their honor, acknowledging their contributions and the legacy they left behind.

But this year's photo also celebrates the new faces joining Baltimore's creative family.

What began as a two-generation gathering in 2016 has now expanded to four generations, with artists ranging from 14 to 91 years old. Commercial artists stood beside fine artists, all united in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art—a museum that, over the past decade, has amplified the voices of women of color and elevated talents like Valerie Maynard, Amy Sherald, Joyce Scott, and other notable artists with Baltimore ties.

Baltimore has produced an extraordinary roster of artists whose careers were forged on its streets, in its studios, and within its communities. This photograph is both a tribute and a promise: a reminder that Baltimore's artists are a family, that their work will not be forgotten, and that they will continue to be represented for decades to come.

Back in 2016, Poncho charged a modest $20 participation fee with the intention of publishing posters for every artist. Without following the proper protocols, the image circulated online, prompting the Baltimore Museum of Art to intervene-questioning the project's motives and imposing a $500 fee to use their steps. They may have assumed Poncho was profiting, when his only goal was ensuring artists had a copy of their own history. In 2026, Poncho followed every protocol. The BMA graciously offered space, and for that, the community is deeply appreciative. As the Joshua Johnson Council celebrates its 40th anniversary at the museum, this photograph stands as a testament to their commitment to preserving Black presence in the arts.

July 2026 was a day many will never forget—a reunion, a celebration, a moment of pride.

And if fortune allows, perhaps Baltimore's artists will gather again in 2036, continuing the tradition of honoring the city's creative heartbeat.

Today, when Larry Poncho Brown travels the world, he no longer hesitates. He proudly declares: "Yes, Baltimore has a vibrant, powerful, and beautifully united art scene."

In Baltimore, a lot of teen girls get swept under the rug and left to their own devices when it comes to academics and mental health. It's shown that “Girls in middle (45%) and high school (49%) were more likely than boys in middle (23%) and high school (24%) to feel sad or hopeless.” (Maryland department of health) In the rise of this reoccurring problem, Coach G Academy was founded. Inspired by the young ladies she mentored, Geri McCarter created a nonprofit mentorship utilizing the art form of step for girls ages 11-19 in the Baltimore area. Step is a traditional art form in the African American Community that comes from African gumboot dancing used to communicate in mines. It was brought over from the Trans-Alantic-Slave trade and adopted through D9 organizations.

Post pandemic, McCarter worked at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women where she taught the girls there how to step in the gym 3-4 times a week. During her time at BLSYW she was featured in the acclaimed film “STEP” which brought youth to the school at a mass. With popularity it wasn't accessible to young girls who had always asked if they could join the team, for step was only inside the school.

It only got more inaccessible during the 2020 Covid-19 epidemic, which inspired her to start her nonprofit, Coach G Academic Inc. With only a handful of founding members Coach G Academy went and won a national title at Youth Step USA under a citywide step team called “Fatal Attraction Step”. Over the course of 6 years the program continues to grow. McCarter states, "The fact that I’ve made such a difference in a person’s life makes a big difference. If we are talking numbers, I would say I’ve reached over 200 girls.”

“In my experience in this mentorship, I made lifelong connections with several people. From the girls I had met to the coaches I’d ask for assistance from. I’ve gotten well acquainted with those I’m surrounded by. Often, I’d help where I can, especially during the competition season. Helping with fundraising, prop setting, documentation had been the main tasks I’d partake in. Such tasks kept me busy and helped gain community service hours and help networking skills. I watched Step enrich and change the girls around me for success. Step is an intense sport; girls need water immediately after performances, and I took my job quite seriously. Especially during showcasing events like “Baltimore’s Finest Step show" or “Homecoming”.

The Homecoming event takes place every june to celebrate the founding of CGA alongside the conclusion of their senior chapter and the beginning of a new cohort. Dressed in color coordination, they wear the founding colors as they celebrate.”

Later in the summer usually they’d have a few performances and start their summer camp “Step Is Life Summer Experience." Recently they received a big achievement. For the first time, a step team performed at the “ESSENCE Festival” in New Orleans. “The girls experienced a VIP-like experience like no other.” At the festival they performed at several pop-ups in the area and opened for returning RnB artists “Brandy & Monica" on the 4th of July. 

Stacy Richardson, Ta’Niyah Coles, Coach G (Geri McCarter) Seraiah Tavares, Arielle Taylor. “A Day in New Orleans"

No program is a straight path; Coach G Academy is no exception. Grant funding and temporary practice spaces are one of the biggest pestilences in programing for CGA. She states that “Some difficulties really were operations and funding, right now I’m focusing on strengthening the program and making sure it’s in the best shape to serve kids.” Thus, Coach G Academy keeps growing one year after another, guiding the girls of Baltimore City to success and beyond.

“Step Is Life.”

For many working mothers, balancing career ambitions, entrepreneurship, and family responsibilities can often feel like a full-time juggling act. The Working Mom Conference was created to remind women they don't have to navigate that journey alone.

Taking place on August 8 at Boordy Vineyards, this year's conference embraces the theme "Power Moves Only", inviting mothers to step confidently into their next season with community, purpose, and actionable strategies.

Founded by veteran, entrepreneur, and working mom Christa Bright, the conference was inspired by her own experience relocating to Maryland without a support system. While building a career and raising her son, Bright quickly realized that many mothers were searching for more than networking—they were searching for a village.

"I wanted to create a space where women could walk into a room and immediately feel seen, supported, and reminded that their dreams still matter," Bright said.

Unlike traditional conferences, The Working Mom Conference is intentionally designed around the realities of motherhood. Sessions are scheduled with working moms in mind, and attendees leave with more than inspiration—they leave with connections and a plan.

"I've been to plenty of conferences where you leave motivated, but without a roadmap," Bright shared during a recent interview. "This year, I challenged every speaker to help attendees identify a power move they can begin immediately."

That emphasis on practical action is reflected throughout the day's programming, which includes keynote speakers, networking opportunities, interactive conversations, and the popular Mompreneur Marketplace, showcasing women-owned businesses from across the region.

Bright also hopes the conference sparks conversations about challenges many working mothers silently carry, including workplace culture, career advancement after maternity leave, and the mental load of balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

"We often have to work a little harder simply because we're mothers," she said. "Finding workplaces and communities that truly support working moms matters."

While attendees can expect professional development, they will also experience intentional moments of celebration and self-care, including a scenic vineyard setting, wine tasting, giveaways, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships with other women navigating similar journeys.

Above all, Bright wants every attendee to leave knowing they are exactly where they need to be.

"If you feel like you're falling behind, you're not," she said. "Stop comparing your journey to someone else's. Focus on your next step, build your community, and make your next power move."

The Working Mom Conference takes place Saturday, August 8, at Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore. Tickets and additional information are available at www.thewmconference.com.

July marks Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Herdyne Mercier, LCSW—a certified grief coach, speaker, author, and podcast host—offers insight into mental wellness through her work with L.I.V.E. (Living Intentionally Victoriously with Expectation), a nonprofit organization, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, and alongside her husband, Dr. Jameson Mercier, LCSW.

Good Mental Health is Essential 

“In my professional opinion, good mental health is essential because it enhances your overall quality of life. It influences how you think, feel, make decisions, build relationships, and respond to life's challenges,” Herdyne said.

Prepare for Life’s Storms

Herdyne noted that she reminds people that storms are inevitable. Every person with a heartbeat will experience loss, disappointment, change, trauma, or uncertainty at some point. 

“The mistake many of us make is waiting until we're in the middle of the storm to figure out how to cope. When I talk about good mental health practices, I'm not simply referring to self-care activities like getting your nails done. While those things may help you feel good in the moment, they are not the same as mental health coping skills,” she added. “I recommend that we, as individuals, build coping skills before we need them.”

Good mental health practices are the skills that anchor you when life becomes difficult. They include naming and expressing your emotions; prioritizing quality sleep; going for a walk or engaging in regular movement; practicing mindfulness or deep breathing; praying or engaging in spiritual practices that bring peace; setting healthy boundaries; staying connected with supportive people; and seeking professional help when needed. 

Emotional Resilience

Emotional resilience entails developing the ability to recover after difficult experiences, according to Herdyne. She recommends strengthening resilience by learning emotional awareness by naming your feelings; building healthy relationships and community; practicing gratitude; prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and movement; creating healthy routines; setting boundaries; developing spiritual practices if they align with your beliefs; and seeking therapy before you experience a crisis. Resilience is a skill that can be developed throughout life.

Views About Therapy Are Changing

Herdyne believes that more people are seeking therapy than ever before.

“According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the demand for mental health treatment has remained consistently high since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many therapists across the country continue to report full caseloads, and some even have waiting lists because the need for services continues to exceed the number of available providers,” she said.

The pandemic changed the way many people view mental health. It normalized conversations about anxiety, grief, depression, burnout, and trauma, helping people realize that seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and self-awareness. However, there are still barriers, including financial limitations, lack of access, cultural stigma, and the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Herdyne hopes that therapy becomes viewed the same way we view preventative medical care—not just something we seek during a crisis, but an investment in our long-term well-being.

Understand Trauma

“Trauma isn't defined only by what happened to you. It's also about how your mind and body experienced what happened. Two people can experience the same event and respond very differently because trauma is personal,” said Herdyne.

Professional support provides a safe space to process painful experiences, understand how trauma affects the brain and body, develop healthier coping skills, and reduce symptoms such as anxiety, hypervigilance, depression, or emotional numbness.

“Healing doesn't erase what happened, but it changes how much power the experience has over your present life,” Herdyne added.

Resources

If someone is experiencing an emergency or is in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else, they should call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room. Herdyne provides noteworthy mental health resources below:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime for immediate emotional support.

• SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) – Free, confidential referrals for mental health and substance use treatment.

• Open Path Collective (https://openpathcollective.org)  – Affordable therapy with reduced-fee clinicians.

• Mental Health America (https://mhanational.org/about-mha) Mental health screenings, education, and local resources.

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org ) – Education, support groups, advocacy, and community resources.

• Redefining Grief Podcast (https://herdyne.com/the-redefining-grief-podcast) –  Herdyne hosts the Redefining Grief Podcast. She holds authentic conversations about grief, healing, resilience, and mental wellness with experts, survivors, and everyday people. New episodes are released weekly.

Learn more about Herdyne and her books by visiting www.herdyne.com. 

Practical strategies every family can use to help young people stay safe, connected, and prepared.

The disturbing, developing story about Nolan Xavier Wells (https://apnews.com/hub/ben-crump ), a talented 18-year-old college football player from Mississippi who was found dead on July 6, 2026, sparks a reminder to have conversations at home to address friendships and safety for young people to help avoid additional potential tragedies. Tips provided below can help parents and guardians to initiate an upcoming conversation.

Family Sharing Devices

Life360, a comprehensive location-sharing app (https://www.life360.com/location-sharing) creates a virtual safety net. It is designed to keep everyone in the loop about each other’s whereabouts and safety. 

Find My

Set up the Find My application to share your location with friends and family, locate lost Apple devices, and find missing AirTags or third-party items.

“With iPhone, you can share your location with family and friends to keep in touch, coordinate around an event, or know when a family member has arrived home. You can share in different apps — and you can choose what location information to share,” according to Apple support.

A live location can be shared for specific periods of time or on an ongoing basis. See https://support.apple.com/en-us/105104  to learn more about the iPhone feature. 

Gizmo and Other Cellular Smartwatches for Children

Verizon offers the Gizmo Watch 4, an ideal first device without Internet access and social media capabilities. This device uses its own cellular phone number and is equipped with GPS location tracking. The Gizmo Watch allows parents to program managed, approved contacts. A monthly service plan is required. Young users can call, text, or video chat while keeping parents in the know. Similar smart watches are available through other cellular carriers.

Child Shoe Trackers

Although Apple’s AirTags can be used to track personal items, they can also be used to track children’s locations through insoles in hidden shoe holders. Search for hidden insoles AirTag holders online.

Establish Communication Rules

Teenagers and young adults should remain aware of household rules and expectations to communicate with their parents or guardians when they are away from home. Check in times, curfews, returning from visits with friends, adhering to established communication rules before trips are taken, and discussing habits that support safety help to safeguard their wellbeing. Even young adults who no longer live at home can benefit from an agreed communication method that strikes a balance between privacy, independence, and safety. Parents can participate in family rules themselves to reinforce the value of communication rules.

Consider adding a family safety code word to a family safety plan. Parents or trusted adults can act immediately if the discreet word or phrase is sent to them because a young person feels that a situation is dangerous. Young children can also benefit from knowing and using a family code word. 

Establish Protocol Regarding New Contacts

Will you allow your children and teens to share their private information with new associates? Some parents may not want them to exchange cell phone numbers immediately. Communicate how you would like young people in your household to communicate with people they do not know well. Although teens may want to feel independent, incidents of stalking, or receiving unwanted calls or messages can become unintended consequences if information is provided too freely.

Meet New Contacts and Parents

True friendships are not built overnight. Require children and teens in your family to introduce potential new friends and their parents to you. Establish a way to meet with fellow parents and their children to assess if similar values and interests are shared. Set the tone for mutual respect by allowing time for everyone to get acquainted when the time is right.

Remind Your Child or Young Person About the Buddy System

Age does not matter when it comes to staying safe. A buddy system can improve safety when children, teens, and young adults are in social situations. Establish expectations about staying in pairs, groups, or instruct your loved ones how to handle group activities. If a young person becomes isolated during an outing, unfortunate outcomes can increase. Sometimes other young people can begin to engage in questionable activities that cause some group members to become isolated. Remind children, teens, and young adults to stay with their group or at least with a trusted buddy if something causes the group to disband. Prepare for unexpected situations. Role play or have serious discussions about how to handle uncomfortable situations that could arise in adolescence. Remind young people that they should call you for help regardless of the situation.

BALTIMORE — More than 600 CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield employees stepped away from their regular work responsibilities on July 15 to support nonprofit organizations and community partners throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

The service initiative was part of CareFirst’s annual Week of Equity and Action, an employee engagement program focused on learning, reflection and community service. This year’s activities encouraged employees to put the organization’s values into practice by supporting projects connected to health, education, food access, housing, youth development, environmental stewardship and neighborhood revitalization.

“Our CareFirst Difference Makers are stepping out of the office and into communities across the region to take action where it matters most,” said Angela Celestin, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.

“We do this often, but this is a special time for us to join collectively and work side by side with local partners during the Week of Equity & Action to support children, families and organizations advancing health and well-being.”

Volunteer Day served as the community impact component of the weeklong initiative, giving CareFirst employees an opportunity to turn conversations about equity, belonging and organizational values into hands-on service.

Across the region, employees participated in 19 volunteer opportunities benefiting 18 community partners. Projects included packing and distributing food, supporting local food banks and community pantries, preparing meals, assembling school and community supply kits, beautifying parks and assisting organizations serving children, older adults, veterans and families.

In Baltimore, 125 volunteers gathered at Pack Shack, located at 1501 S. Clinton Street, for a large-scale food-packing event from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Employees worked together to prepare meals that were scheduled to be distributed to community partners serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

The activity reflected one of the initiative’s major areas of focus: improving access to basic resources that can affect a person’s overall health and quality of life.

Another 70 CareFirst volunteers served at Kennedy Krieger Institute, located at 1741 Ashland Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers assisted with activities designed to support patients and their families and also participated in empathy training.

Kennedy Krieger provides specialized services for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, injuries and disorders that affect the nervous system. The volunteer activities offered CareFirst employees an opportunity to better understand the experiences of patients and caregivers while supporting the institute’s programs.

Celestin said the range of projects demonstrated how collective service can create a meaningful impact.

“From assembling school supplies and preparing comfort items for young patients to creating meal kits for families facing food insecurity, the work our team is doing shows how meaningful change happens when we come together in service of something bigger than ourselves,” she said.

CareFirst describes the Week of Equity and Action as an opportunity for associates from across the organization to examine how shared values can strengthen belonging, improve decision-making and produce better outcomes for members and communities.

This year’s theme emphasized putting those values into action both inside and outside the workplace. Through volunteer service, employees were able to engage directly with nonprofit organizations addressing immediate community needs.

The July 15 projects also highlighted the connection between community conditions and overall health. Reliable access to food, safe housing, educational opportunities, supportive youth programs and healthy neighborhood spaces can influence the well-being of individuals and families.

By working alongside local partners, CareFirst employees contributed volunteer labor while learning more about the organizations serving communities throughout the region.

The Week of Equity and Action is intended to reinforce that equity is not limited to internal workplace discussions. It also requires collaboration, reflection and sustained community involvement.

For the hundreds of employees who participated, Volunteer Day provided a chance to translate those principles into service while helping nonprofit partners expand their capacity and reach.

Annual fall show brings home inspiration, local makers, family-friendly experiences and stars of Maine Cabin Masters to the Maryland State Fairgrounds

(Timonium, MD) – The Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show will return to the Maryland State Fairgrounds this October, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests for a three-day celebration of home, garden and seasonal inspiration.

Taking place Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, the annual show offers homeowners, gardeners, interior design enthusiasts, DIYers and families the chance to explore the latest in home improvement, landscaping, outdoor living and decor, alongside the opportunity to do some holiday shopping and take part in hands-on experiences all under one roof.

Attendees participate in a Wreath Making Workshop.

This year’s show will feature more than 300 exhibitors, including over 100 crafters from around the state in the Makers Market, along with unique exhibits, stage presentations and a special appearance by Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and Ryan Eldridge from Magnolia Network’s hit series Maine Cabin Masters.

“As temperatures start to drop and the holiday season comes into view, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is a place to gather ideas, meet local experts and get inspired before the busy season begins,” said Dave Paul, show manager. “Whether attendees are planning a home project, looking for outdoor living ideas or getting a head start on holiday shopping, the show brings together resources and experiences for every kind of homeowner, maker and DIY enthusiast.”

Meet the Stars of Maine Cabin Masters!

Headlining this year’s show are Chase Morrill, his sister Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and her husband Ryan Eldridge, three of the stars behind Magnolia Network’s hit show, Maine Cabin Masters. The renovation team is known for transforming aging lakeside cabins across Maine while sharing practical renovation ideas, creative design solutions and behind-the-scenes stories with viewers.

Ashley and Ryan, who drew excited fans to the home show with their appearance in 2024, will return this year with Chase for two Main Stage appearances on Friday, October 16 at 4 p.m. and Saturday, October 17 at noon.

Highlights of This Year’s Show

In addition to the Maine Cabin Masters appearances, highlights of this year’s Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show include:

• Outdoor Oasis: Five seasonal, outdoor displays designed by top local landscapers, offering inspiration for turning yards, patios and outdoor spaces into extensions of the home.
• Makers Market: Hundreds of artisan makers, artists and small local retailers featuring jewelry, clothing, candles, food items, pet products, gifts and more, giving attendees an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping.
• Petting Zoo: Family-friendly animal encounters from The Enchanted Garden, featuring kid-friendly animals including goats, sheep, rabbits, tortoises, mini donkeys, mini cows, chickens and more.
• Tiny Living Square: A collection of small living and economical structures, each with its own style and purpose, made from refurbished sea containers and presented by Dale’s Cans.
• Kids Market: A brand-new show feature debuting Saturday and Sunday, giving attendees the opportunity to shop from local children - the next generation of entrepreneurs. 
• Save Your Fave’s: A new digital feature that allows attendees to scan QR codes at exhibitor booths and save business information, links and show specials directly to their phones. Attendees who scan three or more QR codes and provide their email address will receive two free tickets to the next show.

Admission Information

Tickets are available at the door and online.

Online:

Adults: $8

Senior Citizens (60+): $6

Children (ages 6-12): $4

4-Pack Online: $30 for four tickets, valid for one admission each and one day only

At the door:

Adults: $10

Senior Citizens (60+): $8

Children (ages 6-12): $4

Friday & Saturday: $4 after 4 p.m. at the door only

Special Offers:

Active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers receive free admission all weekend, along with one guest, with valid ID at the box office.

Attendees who show a CharmPass app, Light RailLink ticket or eligible transit pass at the box office receive free admission any day of the show. One admission is available per pass.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.mdfallhomeandgarden.com/

DMV Girls Hockey Weekend marks an annual joint effort between the Washington Capitals, MSE Foundation, PVAHA and several area youth hockey organizations to introduce girls ages 4-9 to hockey at no cost

ARLINGTON, Va. – Registration is now open for the first-ever DMV Girls Hockey Weekend (previously DMV Girls Try Hockey for Free Day), taking place at 18 rinks across Maryland and Virginia on Sept. 12-13.

DMV Girls Hockey Weekend is a joint effort between the Washington Capitals, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) Foundation, the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association (PVAHA) and various youth hockey organizations throughout the region to introduce girls ages 4-9 to hockey at no cost. With a $32,991 grant from MSE Foundation supporting the weekend’s funding, hockey equipment is loaned to participants for a one-to-two-hour ice session.

Click here to register for the weekend. Please note that the participating locations are subject to change, and new ones may be added throughout the summer. Provided equipment and equipment requirements will also vary by rink. Registrants are advised to refer to an email from their host rink prior to the weekend. To further showcase girls hockey, some of the rinks will also host a girls hockey game either before or after the free event.

Participating clubs in Virginia include: Ashburn Ice House (Ashburn, VA), Caps Academy at MedStar Capitals Iceplex (Arlington, VA), Hampton Roads Warriors/Hampton Roads Youth Hockey Association at Iceland of Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, VA), NoVA Ice Dogs at Mount Vernon RECenter (Alexandria, VA), Potomac Lady Patriots at Prince William Ice Center (Woodbridge, VA), Reston Raiders at SkateQuest (Reston, VA), Richmond Generals at Richmond Ice Zone (Chesterfield, VA), Roanoke Lady Dawgs at Lancerlot Sports Complex (Vinton, VA) and STJ Hockey Club at The St. James (Springfield, VA).

Participating clubs in Maryland include: Baltimore Youth Hockey Club at Reisterstown Sportsplex (Reisterstown, MD), Bowie Hockey Club at Bowie Ice Arena (Bowie, MD), Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex (Hagerstown, MD), Howard Huskies at Columbia Ice Rink (Columbia, MD), Montgomery Ice Devils at Rockville Ice Arena (Rockville, MD), Navy Youth Hockey at Brigade Sports Center (Annapolis, MD), Southern Maryland Sabres at Capital Clubhouse (Waldorf, MD), Tri-City Eagles at The Gardens Ice House (Laurel, MD) and Tucker Road Ducks at Tucker Road Ice Rink (Fort Washington, MD).

DMV Girls Hockey Weekend aligns with USA Hockey’s Try Hockey for Free program, which provides local youth with the chance to try hockey during a one-to-two-hour ice session at no cost. Required equipment is loaned to participants through the local youth hockey organization. The program provides these organizations with a platform and opportunity to acquire new players locally and engage interested families into youth hockey programs across the region. 

The Capitals partnered with the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association to host a DMV Girls Try Hockey for Free Day at 16 local rinks/clubs for the first time in 2023. Last year, 18 local rinks/clubs participated in the event, as more than 630 girls ages 4-9 tried hockey for the first time. Additionally, girls participation in the Future Caps Learn to Play program increased by more than 8% in a span of less than seven days following the event.

According to USA Hockey, there has also been significant growth in hockey participation in the Washington, D.C., area since Alex Ovechkin was drafted. The total number of USA Hockey-registered youth and adult players in D.C. has climbed by more than 220 percent from 2005-06 through 2025-26. The total number of USA Hockey-registered girls and women players across D.C., Maryland and Virginia has also increased by 225 percent over that period. Additionally, the Southeastern District (comprised of D.C., Maryland and Virginia, as well as nine other states) ranked No. 1 in registration for the 2025-26 season.

The Capitals Youth Hockey Development team offers a robust lineup of hockey programming and is committed to growing the game throughout the region. For more information on the programming, visit capsyouthhockey.com.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are an ascending force in the Democratic Party. They have claimed victories not only in the New York City mayoral race with Zohran Manadi, but also in recent Democratic congressional primaries in New York and Denver.

This raises a historical question around how socialists have engaged with the Black left. Though many of their candidates are people of color, recent actions by the DSA-aligned left show that current socialist left has much to learn from the history of socialists' failure to effectively engage the Black community.

While Black folks have always been the most impacted by the poverty and joblessness produced by capitalism, they have consistently had to contend with class-first socialists arguing their desire to center race along with class are “splitting the left”.

Hubert Henry Harrison worked for the socialist party in the 1910s, but eventually left to become a pan-African “race first” socialist.  He argued that socialists have a paternalistic attitude toward Black communities and that they take credit for political results tied more to Black desires for self-determination than their socialist “propaganda”.  He wrote in 1919:

“The Socialist party thinks that the “unrest” now apparent in the Negro masses is due to the propaganda which its adherents support … Negroes in America are now reacting is not the exploitation of laborers by capitalists…It is not the Class Line, but the Color Line…we are seeking racial independence in business and reaching out into new fields of endeavor…Where Negro “radicals” of the type known to white radicals can scarce get a handful of people, Garvey fills the largest halls… racial solidarity…That is the secret of his success so far…”

Nearly 100 years later, something similar is happening, with class-first leftist ignoring the role of race in politics. Krystal Ball, a progressive journalist, explained on her show Breaking Points that Maryland’s primary election results, with a “progressive challenger” defeating a “more conservative incumbent state senator,” were a result of the larger progressive, class-centric wave. She was almost certainly talking about Malcolm Ruff’s victory over Dalia Attar, a race defined by grassroots Black civil society mobilizing for Black power in a majority Black district. Advocates worked for months uniting Black civil society around Malcolm, whose platform included advocating for measures that would support grassroots violence prevention, support juvenile justice reforms, and sponsor a bill that would tax endowments of large non-profits to fund reparations. Ball reading this race through the lens of a class-first movement shows she, like Harrison notes, continued to mistake Black political agitation as a result of their “propaganda” rather than grassroots desire for self-determination.

A more stunning example of this issue comes from a recent interview between podcaster Danial Denvir and journalist Briana Joy Gray. Gray is not a proponent of Black nationalism, but she is a critic of the racial blind spots of the socialist movement, including many leftist jettisoning the call to “defund police”.

In an interview with Denvir, Gray mentions the limitations of the DSA’s “entrying” approach of running Democrats, presenting the alternative approach of combining this tactic with 3rd party activism. Denvir says she is rehashing her “6-year-old debate about DSA’s approach”, and claims that the conversation is “not enjoyable” and “melting his brain”. When Gray mentions leftist efforts in 2021 to “force the vote”, demanding the Democratic caucus use the leverage of the appointment of House leadership to force votes on key issues like Medicare for All, Denvir stunningly logs off the interview. This is an incredible show of disrespect not only for a Black woman leftist fellow traveler, but for the idea that the DSA progressive approach could ever legitimately be questioned. Professor Alex Vitale reported on Briana Joy Gray’s show a week before this interview that arrests for low-level offenses have actually increased under Mandani. If Denvir respected critiques of DSA’s approach, he could hear Gray’s question as stemming from this sort of concern.  

Danial Denvir represents the kind of class-first socialist who does not respect Black criticism. He works for Jacobin magazine, which recently published a justification of the Young Patriots, a group of poor white populists Chicago Black Panther Fred Hampton formed an alliance with, using the Confederate flag. This example is framed through the lens of Black folks getting over their “woke” objections to the flag to see their mutual class interests with the Young Patriots. In reality, Hampton’s connection with the Young Patriots was a coalition where Black folks were willing to trade resources controlled by working-class whites for resources controlled by working-class Blacks. This can be seen in Hampton's famous chant “yellow power for yellow people, white power for white people, Black power for Black people”. This was an explicit attempt to combine class politics with Black self-determination that Jacobin, as Harrison notes, reads through the lens of socialist “propaganda” as a call for Black people not to be so mean to working-class white people, even though they fly a flag used to bring racial terror and violence to their ancestors.

Denvir should apologize to Briana Joy Gray. Moreover, the DSA left, if they hope to win Black votes, should humble itself and respect Black community desires for self-determination. Outside of places like New York City and Denver, full of college-educated progressives, DSA’s current style of politics will not work as well without winning the working-class Black voters Malcolm Ruff won in Maryland’s 41st district. In Maryland, the left was not as successful as they were in New York, with an attempt to oust Senate President Bill Ferguson from a left insurgent sputtering out and a pro-AIPAC-backed Democrat winning in a mostly Black southern Maryland congressional district. Without an intentional effort to respect Black voters' desire for self-determination, progressive efforts to win with working-class Black voters will continue to fall short.

Lawrence Grandpre is a political commentator for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle.

Program relaunches July 15 with expanded eligibility map

Baltimore, MD — Live Baltimore today announced the relaunch of its nationally award-winning Buy Back the Block program, a groundbreaking initiative that helps Baltimore City residents become homeowners and build wealth in the very neighborhoods they already call home. First introduced as a pilot in 2023, the program has delivered strong early results and will reopen to applicants beginning July 15, 2026, with its largest eligibility area to date.

“We are incredibly excited to relaunch Buy Back the Block with record-level funding and the broadest eligibility map this program has ever seen,” said Live Baltimore Executive Director Meghan McCorkell. “By growing both our resources and our reach, we can help many more Baltimore renters become Baltimore homeowners. We’re profoundly grateful to the Mayor, City Council, and the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs for standing with us to make this kind of transformative opportunity a reality for our residents.”

“I’m so proud of the way we used the American Rescue Plan Act and City dollars to help over 200 Baltimoreans buy a home,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Restarting Buy Back the Block means more folks will be able to create and build wealth for themselves and their families here in Charm City. That’s life-changing for the residents who will directly benefit from this program and all those who will indirectly benefit from the historic growth of our city."

Buy Back the Block provides financial assistance to income-eligible Baltimore City residents who wish to purchase homes in designated areas with the goal of preventing displacement, stabilizing communities, and increasing Black homeownership and generational wealth. The new eligibility map for the July 2026 relaunch is now defined by Baltimore City’s Housing Market Typology, categories D through J, rather than the previously federally mandated Qualified Census Tracts, increasing the number of potentially eligible applicants across the City.

Evidence of Impact

Since its pilot phase began in 2023 through June 2026, Buy Back the Block has:

• Awarded 218 homeownership grants to Baltimore City residents.
• Provided more than $3.12 million in direct financial assistance toward home purchases.
• Supported home sales totaling $46.0 million across 88 Baltimore neighborhoods.
• Generated an estimated $2.03 million in single-year City property tax revenue from participating home purchases.

 In the most recent run of the program from October 2025 to June 2026, 99% of grant recipients were first-time homebuyers. These results highlight the program’s ability to boost neighborhoods, assist long-term residents, and enhance Baltimore’s tax revenue, all while increasing homeownership opportunities. The Buy Back the Block FY26 Impact Report offers a comprehensive overview of the program, including customer demographics.

Funding for Buy Back the Block is made possible through an award from the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, as well as a grant from the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs.

Grant Options

Through Buy Back the Block, eligible homebuyers may qualify for one of two grant options:

1. $15,000 grant towards the purchase of a home; or
2. $20,000 grant toward the purchase and renovation of a home.

These funds are structured as grants that do not need to be repaid. Eligible applicants must currently live in a grant-eligible address and have lived there for at least 12 consecutive months, complete homeownership counseling through a city-approved agency, work with a Live Baltimore-approved lender, and meet other income and eligibility requirements. 

"Building a competitive economy for working families in Maryland must include homeownership, which still remains one of the quickest paths to economic growth and stability for Marylanders," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. "In Baltimore, we're removing barriers to bring more families closer to homeownership. By layering the new Reinvest Baltimore Rate Savings and Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance incentives with Buy Back the Block, residents can unlock greater purchasing power and put down stronger roots in the neighborhoods they love."

Relaunch Details & Call for Applications

Relaunch Date: Wednesday, July 15

How to Apply: Baltimore City residents who do not currently own any real estate and are interested in Buy Back the Block should visit LiveBaltimore.com/bbb to verify their address, take the eligibility quiz, and view additional resources. Grant funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

To learn more: Download the full Buy Back the Block FY26 Impact Report, visit LiveBaltimore.com/bbb for application details, and hear program recipient testimonials.

About Live Baltimore

Live Baltimore is a nationally recognized, independent nonprofit organization committed to promoting the benefits of Baltimore City living. Each year, Live Baltimore provides thousands of individuals with information on the city’s 250+ neighborhoods, rental living options, homebuying incentive programs, historic tax credits, and more. For more information, visit LiveBaltimore.com. PRONUNCIATION NOTE: Live Baltimore’s name is pronounced with a short “I” sound, as in “I live in Baltimore City.”

Ahead of 200^th anniversary of American railroading and campus expansion, 
museum looks to the “Past. Present. The Possible.”

BALTIMORE, Md. — As the nation prepares to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, the B&O Railroad Museum, birthplace of American railroading, today announced it will become the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation, reflecting its expanded national mission to preserve and interpret America's railroad heritage while exploring the innovations shaping the future of rail transportation.

Rooted in the place where American railroading began, the museum's new name reflects a broader vision that honors the extraordinary legacy of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad while embracing rail's continuing role in shaping America's future.

"Nearly 200 years ago, a bold vision launched from this very place transformed our nation," said Kris Hoellen, executive director of the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation. "As we prepare to commemorate the bicentennial of American railroading, we are embracing a name that reflects both our responsibility to preserve one of America's greatest transportation stories and our commitment to exploring where rail transportation is headed next."

Located on the 40-acre campus where the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad—the nation's first common carrier railroad—was founded, the museum occupies one of the most significant railroad sites in the United States. The campus is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a Smithsonian Affiliate and a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site, preserving nationally significant collections and the historic B&O buildings and grounds where American railroading began.

While the institution's name is changing, its commitment to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad remains unwavering. The story of the nation's first common carrier railroad will continue to be central to the museum's exhibitions, collections, educational programs and historic campus. 

“The B&O is not being left behind—it is the foundation upon which the museum's expanded role as a nationally significant institution is built,” added Hoellen. “With today’s announcement, we celebrate the past, the present and the possibilities of American railroading.”

The announcement comes as the museum continues its transformative $38 million campus expansion, one of the most significant investments in its history. The project includes new visitor experiences, expanded gathering spaces and an outdoor amphitheater. As part of the expansion, the museum will also provide public access to its nationally significant railroad archives for the first time in its history. Comprising more than 30 million documents, the archives represent one of the nation's most important collections chronicling the history, development and impact of American railroading. The expansion will culminate in the opening of Innovation Hall in 2027.

Opening in 2027 as part of the nation's commemoration of the 200th anniversary of American railroading, the Innovation Hall will introduce a first-of-its-kind museum experience showcasing the present and future of railroading technologies. Through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences, visitors will explore engineering, automation, sustainability, freight systems, passenger mobility and emerging innovations shaping the next generation of rail transportation. Together, the museum's historic campus and Innovation Hall will connect the place where American railroading began with the technologies shaping its future.

"This announcement represents a defining moment for one of our nation's most significant cultural institutions," said Governor Wes Moore. "The birthplace of American railroading has long preserved a story that began in Maryland and transformed America.

As the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation, it will continue to honor that extraordinary legacy while helping future generations understand rail's continuing importance to our economy, our communities and our future."

“As the direct corporate descendant of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, CSX is especially proud to celebrate this historic milestone," said Steve Angel, president and CEO of CSX. "The B&O lives on today through the railroad industry it helped create. We are proud to support an institution that honors this extraordinary legacy while embracing the innovation that continues to shape rail transportation."

The announcement also introduces a new visual identity and logo that reflect the museum's broader vision while honoring its historic roots.

"Our story began here," Hoellen said. "As the birthplace of American railroading, we have a responsibility to preserve that extraordinary legacy, explore how rail continues to shape our lives today, and inspire what is possible for the future. That is the vision behind the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation."

About the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation

The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation is the birthplace of American railroading, located on the historic grounds of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the nation's first common carrier railroad. Situated on a 40-acre National Historic Landmark campus in Baltimore and recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate and a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site, the museum preserves one of the nation's most significant collections of railroad history while exploring the innovation and technologies shaping the future of rail transportation.

As the birthplace of American railroading, the museum is uniquely positioned to help the nation commemorate the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027 while preserving the legacy of the industry's first two centuries and exploring the possibilities that will shape its next century.

For more information on the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation, visit www.nationalrailroad.org.

Middle States Reaffirms University's Academic Excellence, Building Upon Eight Years of Historic Growth, Expanded Research, Record Enrollment and National Ascendancy

BALTIMORE — Following a comprehensive, institution-wide evaluation, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has reaffirmed Morgan State University’s accreditation, confirming that Maryland’s largest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) continues to meet the rigorous standards required of leading institutions of higher education. The reaffirmation, which extends the University’s accreditation through 2033, comes at a defining moment in Morgan’s evolution, reinforcing the strength of an institution that has simultaneously expanded its academic offerings, increased enrollment to record levels and strengthened its position as one of the nation’s fastest-rising research universities.

Accreditation serves as one of the highest forms of institutional quality assurance in higher education, verifying that a university meets established standards for governance, academic excellence, student success and continuous institutional improvement. Morgan has maintained continuous membership with MSCHE since 1925.

The Commission’s action follows a comprehensive self-study process that began in 2024 and concluded with MSCHE’s accreditation decision on June 25, 2026, which is now reflected in the University’s official Statement of Accreditation Status. Throughout the review, Morgan demonstrated compliance with the Commission’s core standards of mission and governance; ethics and integrity; design, delivery and assessment of the student learning experience; support of the student experience; and planning, resources and institutional improvement.

Morgan President David K. Wilson congratulates a student graduating.

“Reaffirmation of Morgan’s accreditation confirms our University's continued attainment of the highest standards of academic quality, institutional integrity and student success,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “For every student, alumnus and employer, this reaccreditation reinforces the enduring value of a Morgan degree. As we continue to elevate our research enterprise, expand academic opportunities and invest in transformative student experiences, this outcome validates that our growth has remained firmly grounded in educational excellence and sustained public trust.”

The accreditation self-study serves as a comprehensive institutional assessment, enabling universities to evaluate their effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement and align future priorities with strategic goals. At Morgan, the process engaged leadership and stakeholders from across the institution in examining every aspect of University operations, while documenting the effectiveness of policies, academic programs and student support systems.

Morgan’s accreditation effort was led by Solomon Alao, Ph.D., assistant vice president of Assessment and Operations and the University's accreditation liaison officer, who chaired the MSCHE Self-Study Steering Committee alongside Kara Turner, Ph.D., senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success, who served as co-chair.

The reaffirmation also reflects the remarkable trajectory Morgan has sustained since its previous accreditation review in 2018. In the years that followed, the University experienced one of the most transformative chapters in its history, including:

• Introducing more than 40 new academic degree programs since 2020
• Achieving Carnegie Classification as an R2 “High Research” institution
• Launching seven new research centers
• Receiving two historic philanthropic gifts totaling $103 million from MacKenzie Scott
• Surpassing $100 million in sponsored research commitments in a single fiscal year for the first time ever, reaching $104.4 million in FY25
• Growing its annual economic impact on the State of Maryland to $1.5 billion
• Enrolling nearly 12,000 students for Fall 2025, marking five consecutive years of record-breaking enrollment
• Expanding and modernizing campus infrastructure with new student housing, the new Health and Human Services Center, Calvin and Tina Tyler Hall and a new Science Center now under construction
• Establishing the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies to advance the University’s “Morgan Completes You” initiative
• Conferring nearly 1,900 degrees during the 2025–2026 academic year — the largest graduating class in University history

Morgan graduates process to walk across the stage at Spring Commencement.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a voluntary, nongovernmental membership association recognized by the U.S. secretary of education as an accreditor of degree-granting institutions across Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through its independent, third-party accreditation process, the Commission evaluates institutions as a whole, to ensure they demonstrate educational quality, institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement while maintaining public confidence in higher education.

For Morgan, the Commission’s reaffirmation represents more than continued accreditation; it validates an institution whose rapid ascent has been matched by an unwavering commitment to academic quality, accountability and student success, as it continues its advancement toward even greater national prominence.

About Morgan

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master’s degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu. 

JetBlue Starts Fort Lauderdale Flights; Puerto Rico Service to Begin in November 

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport today celebrated the arrival of JetBlue Airways with the launch of its inaugural flight, providing travelers with new nonstop  access to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Airport officials and airline representatives marked the  milestone with a gate celebration before passengers boarded the first departure. 

“We are excited to welcome JetBlue back as a returning airline partner,” said Shannetta Griffin,  Executive Director/CEO of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. “This air service offers new travel  opportunities for our passengers and showcases the strength of our market. We look forward to  working with JetBlue as it grows its service and provides customers with more travel choices.” 

The new service from JetBlue further strengthens BWI Marshall Airport’s role as a key  transportation gateway and economic development engine for the State of Maryland and the  National Capital region. With three flights per day between BWI Marshall and Fort Lauderdale,  the new route will also provide passengers with convenient connections throughout the JetBlue  network. The airline will add service between BWI Marshall and San Juan, Puerto Rico beginning  November 2, 2026. JetBlue will utilize A320 aircraft on its new BWI Marshall routes. 

BWI Marshall Airport serves as a vital travel hub, connecting travelers to destinations around the  globe. The airport offers approximately 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and  international destinations. BWI Marshall Airport generates a total economic impact of $11.3  billion annually. The airport and visitors produce and support more than 107,000 jobs throughout  Maryland and the region. 

Five years ago, when I published Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict, I thought I was writing about food addiction, obesity, and how I finally kept the weight off after more than forty years of struggle.

I was wrong.

The deeper story was about hope. About transformation. About finding my voice, telling the truth, and reclaiming my power.

Those themes don’t belong to any single audience. They resonate with executives, educators, healthcare workers, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, caregivers — and, perhaps most vividly, with artists.

That’s why I’m honored to return to Winston-Salem this summer for the International Black Theatre Festival, where I’ll present my workshop, Stage Ready: Essential Self-Care for Artists and Creatives. Two years ago, I led these sessions for the first time, and the response confirmed something I’d been discovering for years: our greatest performance challenges are rarely about talent. They are about what’s happening beneath the surface.

After the workshop fun at the Western Arts Alliance Conference in Los Angeles, CA.

Nourishing More Than the Craft

Artists spend their lives expressing emotional truth. But who helps the artist process their own?

Whether you’re an actor, dancer, musician, playwright, director, spoken word artist, or creative entrepreneur, your body and mind are your instruments. If your emotions are overloaded, your nutrition is inconsistent, your energy is depleted, or your inner dialogue is filled with self-criticism, those struggles eventually find their way onto the stage, into the rehearsal room, and into the work.

The audience may never know why a performance feels flat. You will.

But here’s what I want every reader — not just the performers among you — to hear: this isn’t only about the stage. It’s about how we show up, period.

Showing Up for Ourselves First

We show up for our families. We show up for our jobs. We show up for our communities. We rarely ask what it costs to keep showing up empty.

Over the years, I’ve brought this message to the Western Arts Alliance, the Baltimore Jazz Alliance, and the National Organization for Arts in Health. No matter the audience, one truth keeps surfacing: when we heal our emotions and improve our nutrition habits, we perform at a higher level. We become more productive. More proficient. More present.

That isn’t just true on stage. It’s true at the kitchen table, in the classroom, in the boardroom, and in every relationship we’re trying to hold together.

Many people still assume my work is about losing weight. More accurately, it’s about rewriting the stories we tell ourselves. Food is simply one of the places where those stories reveal themselves. For years, I believed food was my problem. Eventually I realized food was merely the symptom — the real challenge was a story rooted in fear, shame, perfectionism, and emotional survival. Once I changed the story, everything else began to change.

Mingling with Western Arts Alliance Conference attendees in Los Angeles.

Wellness That Can’t Be Faked

That’s the work I’ll be sharing during my Stage Ready workshops at this year’s International Black Theatre Festival — how the stories we carry shape our confidence, creativity, resilience, relationships, and performance. We’ll look at how emotional wellness and physical wellness work together, not separately, to create sustainable success.

Because the healthiest performer isn’t necessarily the most talented one. The healthiest performer — and the healthiest parent, employee, and neighbor — is the one who is emotionally available, mentally focused, physically energized, and spiritually grounded. That kind of wellness cannot be faked under the spotlight, in a Monday morning meeting, or at a family dinner table. It must be cultivated behind the scenes, long before anyone is watching.

To support that work beyond the workshop, I created a companion resource, Stage Ready: The Performer's Wellness Kit, designed to help creatives — and honestly, anyone carrying a full life — uncover limiting beliefs, strengthen emotional resilience, build healthier daily habits, and reconnect with the authentic voice underneath it all.

Whether your stage is a Baltimore arena, a Broadway theater, a classroom, a boardroom, or simply your everyday life, the principle is the same: every great performance, in any arena, begins within.

I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new artists at this year’s International Black Theatre Festival. If you’re there, join me for one of the Stage Ready workshops. Come prepared to do more than sharpen your craft. Come prepared to transform from the inside out — so you can keep showing up fully for the people and work that matter most.

Download your copy of Stage Ready: The Performer's Wellness Kit and learn more about my upcoming workshops at the International Black Theatre Festival.

And if you need help with travel arrangements to the festival, you can reach out to the travel pros at The Watts Line, wandawatts@thewattsline.net, or call them at 443-540-7193.

https://go.michellepetties.com/performerswellnesskit

Baltimore will welcome the premiere of They Fight on Friday, July 17, 2026, when the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, in partnership with Events DC, the Baltimore Development Corporation and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, hosts a special red-carpet screening at the SNF Parkway Theatre.

The event, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at 5 W. North Avenue, will spotlight a film rooted in resilience, second chances and the life-changing power of community. They Fight arrives in Baltimore fresh from its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and will make its streaming debut the same day on Hulu from Andscape on Disney+.

Written and directed by Sheldon Candis and produced by Jason Michael Berman, They Fight follows Walt Manigan, played by André Holland, a reformed ex-con who returns home to Southeast Washington, D.C. determined to change the direction of his life. Walt is searching for redemption and a way to reclaim his sense of purpose, but his journey leads him back to a place he once promised himself he would never enter again: a struggling boxing gym that still holds pieces of his past.

Inside the gym, Walt reconnects with Slim, his former mentor, portrayed by Wendell Pierce. The gym is worn down but still alive, serving as a refuge for young fighters who are trying to survive their own challenges. Among them are Quincey, Peanut and Twin, a trio of determined youth who confront personal battles with discipline, grit and gloves. Their stories reveal that boxing is not only about competition in the ring. It can also become a structure for healing, accountability and hope.

The film’s cast includes Samira Wiley, Anthony B. Jenkins, Toussaint Francois Battiste, Tory J. Malone, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Tinashe Kajese-Boldon, Amanda Warren, Mykelti Williams and Andre Royo. Together, the ensemble brings depth to a story centered on the complicated path toward transformation.

The Baltimore premiere is more than a film event. It is also a local celebration of storytelling that reflects the struggles and strengths found in many urban communities. Through Walt’s return to the boxing gym, They Fight explores what it means to face the consequences of the past while still believing in the possibility of a different future.

For young people in the film, the gym represents more than a place to train. It becomes a space where they are seen, challenged and guided. Under the influence of mentors and peers, the fighters learn lessons that extend beyond footwork, punches and endurance. The discipline required in boxing becomes connected to the discipline needed in life.

That message may resonate strongly in Baltimore, a city with a deep history of neighborhood-based arts, athletics and youth development programs. By hosting the premiere at the SNF Parkway Theatre, organizers are placing the film in a cultural setting known for bringing community-centered stories to audiences.

The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment is presenting the event in partnership with several civic and cultural organizations, including Events DC, the Baltimore Development Corporation and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks. The collaboration reflects the role that film, public programming and recreation can play in shaping conversations about opportunity, healing and community investment.

The premiere will include a red-carpet portion for pre-credentialed media. Press arrival is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., with the press start time set for 5:30 p.m. Media activities are expected to conclude at 6:30 p.m. Due to anticipated space constraints, participating outlets have been asked to limit attendance to one reporter and one camera.

While the event is open only to pre-credentialed media, the wider public will be able to experience the film through its streaming release on Hulu from Andscape on Disney+ beginning July 17, 2026.

At its core, They Fight tells a story about people who are working to overcome pain, pressure and past mistakes. It follows characters who are fighting for more than victory in the ring. They are fighting for family, for dignity, for direction and for a chance to become something stronger than what life has demanded of them.

As Baltimore hosts the film’s premiere,They Fight offers viewers a reminder that redemption is rarely easy, but it is possible when people are supported by community, mentorship and the courage to step back into the places where healing can begin.

• Baltimore’s 22nd annual ten-minute play festival 

• A collection of 12 world premiere short plays by local writers 

• Live and in person at Strand Theater

Rapid Lemon Productions will continue their 15th season in July with Variations on Silence, an evening of 12 world premiere short plays by local authors. Produced each year  since 2005, The Variations Project is an annual highlight of the Baltimore theatrical calendar. The theme “Silence” won the audience vote during last year’s Variations on Night, and attendees of this production will vote to select the theme for the 2027 Variations Project. 

Variations on Silence features plays by Deborah Carry-Amland, Allison Chen, Gabe Fremuth, Natasha Joyce  & Martin Thompson, Taylor Leigh Lamb, Wendy Matt, Alfonso Morales-Escobar, Tia Nellie, Regan Marie  Nelson, Mae Philippe-Auguste, Douglass E. Smith Jr., and Colin Tillery. Janis Hannon directs an ensemble cast of Alexys Adams, Cat Bustos, Jae Jones (Variations on Courage, 2024), Caleb Madison (From East, Like the Sun, 2026), Kobe Morrison, and ReginaGinaG (Variations on Night, 2025). 

Jae Jones, ReginaGinaG, Caleb Madison, Alexys Adams, Steven Forrester, and Cat Bustos in "Gus" by Natasha Joyce & Martin Thompson

Performances will be at Strand Theater, 5426 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214. Tickets are general  admission, $25. A special discounted "Industry Night" performance is just $15, on Monday, July 13. Press night  is July 10. Tickets are available at www.rapidlemon.org. Rapid Lemon Productions uses paperless ticketing – patrons' names will be at will call on the date of the performance. 

This production is supported in part by The Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org). 

ReginaGinaG, Jae Jones, Caleb Madison, Alexys Adams, and Steven Forrester in "Gus" by Natasha Joyce & Martin Thompson

Cat Bustos and Caleb Madison in "The Void's Had Enough of Your Noise" by Colin Tillery

Alexys Adams and Cat Bustos in "Save the Monarchs" by Tia Nellie

“The Variations Project is an important construct in the Baltimore arts community.” – Broadway World

“…a freewheeling thematic hub.” – Baltimore Sun 

“…a fun and worthwhile Baltimore institution.” – DC Metro Theater Arts 

“The company of Rapid Lemon is engagingly versatile and highly talented, not to mention diverse, energetic and  authentically committed.” – TheatreBloom 

“…full of life, layers, laughter and a really, really good time.” – Maryland Theatre Guide 

Established in 2012, Rapid Lemon Productions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit theater company whose mission is to  develop and present new work that promotes representation of and participation by the community it serves. Curators of the Variations Project since 2015, the company has also presented world or regional premieres of  full length plays by established playwrights including Suzan-Lori Parks, Chisa Hutchinson, D.W. Gregory,  Audrey Cefaly, Hope Villanueva, and Erlina Ortiz. Information: www.rapidlemon.org.

T. Rowe Price, a global investment management firm and leader in retirement, has released its 2025 Community Affairs Impact Report, showcasing how the firm drives measurable impact through community investment, inclusion, sustainability, and associate engagement worldwide.

The 2025 Community Affairs Impact Report highlights the firm’s strategic efforts to strengthen its business, empower associates, and uplift communities around the world. Making an impact today and in the future, these efforts include participation in pro bono and volunteer initiatives, grantmaking, associate giving and serving, strong community partnerships, and programmatic spotlights.

Highlights from the 2025 Community Affairs Impact Report include:

• $204.5 million in total giving by the T. Rowe Price Foundation since its inception in 1981 
• $19.4 million in total global giving to communities 
• More than 37,000 hours volunteered by associates globally 
• 81% of operational waste diverted from landfills
• More than 57% of associates are members of at least one business resource group

See the full 2025 Community Affairs Impact Report.

In May, the firm also celebrated Global Volunteer Month—engaging associates worldwide in community service. Associates led and participated in activities ranging from packing and sorting food donations and gardening to mentoring youth, beautifying neighborhoods, and delivering financial education. 

Overall highlights from Global Volunteer Month 2026 include:

• 40+ organized events 
• 5,500 volunteer hours 
• 800+ associate volunteers 

“Our Community Affairs Impact Report stands as a powerful reminder of our commitment to the communities we serve and the positive, lasting impact our associates and the T. Rowe Price Foundation have made worldwide,” said Raymone Jackson, head of Community Affairs at T. Rowe Price and president of the T. Rowe Price Foundation. “Through meaningful relationships, shared responsibility, and inspired action, we foster trust, collaboration, and long-term value for both our business and the communities in which we operate.”

Programs such as Global Volunteer Month and those represented in this report reflect how the firm connects its values with its stakeholders and how it leverages the time, resources, and expertise of its associates to strengthen communities worldwide.

Baltimore County NAACP ACT-SO to Host Fundraising Screening of Michael at Historic Pikes Theatre

The Baltimore County NAACP ACT-SO program will host a special fundraising movie showing of Michael, the 2026 biographical drama directed by Antoine Fuqua, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the historic Pikes Theatre, located at 921 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208. Baltimore County’s local ACT-SO contestants who are advancing to the national competition will be on hand to showcase their work and share what ACT-SO has meant to them.

Michael chronicles the life and career of Michael Jackson, from his rise with the Jackson 5 to his legendary solo career. The film offers audiences an opportunity to revisit the music, artistry, and cultural impact of one of the most influential entertainers of all time. 

Tickets are $20 each, with $1 off concessions included. Tickets may be purchased online at:
https://www.ticketor.com/baltimorecountynaacpactso/tickets/baltimore-county-360585#buy

An event flyer is attached.

All proceeds will support Baltimore County NAACP ACT-SO youth participants as they prepare to compete locally and, for qualifying students, nationally.

ACT-SO, the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among high school students. Students work with volunteers, mentors, and coaches to develop projects and performances in categories spanning the sciences, humanities, business, performing arts, visual arts, culinary arts, and more. Local gold medalists may advance to the National ACT-SO Competition, where students attend workshops, network with peers and professionals, and compete for scholarships, prizes, and national recognition. 

“This fundraiser is a chance for the community to enjoy a fan-favorite film while investing directly in Baltimore County students,” said Mrs. Marietta English “ACT-SO helps young people develop their talents, build confidence, and experience the power of excellence, mentorship, and opportunity.”

Community members, families, students, educators, and supporters are encouraged to attend.

Contact: Baltimore County NAACP ACT-SO
Mrs. Marietta English 

Email: mrsenglish925@gmail.com

Phone: 443-540-2844

Event Details

What: Baltimore County NAACP ACT-SO Fundraising Screening of Michael
When: SUNDAY, July 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Pikes Theatre, 921 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
Tickets: $20 each, with $1 off concessions included
Purchase Tickets: https://www.ticketor.com/baltimorecountynaacpactso/tickets/baltimore-county-360585#buy

Supporters can donate to Baltimore County NAACP ACT-SO using Zelle here. To donate using Square here.

About Baltimore County NAACP ACT-SO

Baltimore County NAACP ACT-SO is part of the NAACP’s national youth achievement initiative, the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. Through mentorship, preparation, and competition, ACT-SO encourages high school students to pursue excellence in academic, artistic, scientific, and cultural disciplines.

SEATTLE – The Americans were left shaking their heads.

This one was hard to believe. 

It wasn't so much what Belgium accomplished, it was what the U.S. men's national team failed to accomplish. The Americans started flat and slowly, falling behind early and, eventually, falling short, making too many costly mistakes in critcal moments. 

In the end, Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup with a 4-1 victory, kocking the U.S. out of the tournament and silencing the soldout crowd of 66,925 at Seattle Stadum.

U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams covered his face with his jersey. Defender Chris Richards dropped to the grass in disbelief. Fans watched the score board stunned.

"Yes it stings," Adams said. "I don't like to be eliminated from anything. Tonight was not a good performance overall. It's not what we looked to achieve. There was a lot of things we could have done better."

The U.S. must now wait another four years before another World Cup presents an opportunity to prove to the millions of international football fans that the Americans are a challenging side.

And who knows when FIFA will return to this country. The U.S., Canada and Mexico hosted the 48-team event, attracting football fans from around the world. The tournament finals will be held in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19 at the Medowlands.

But for the Americans, the tournament is over. 

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who became the U.S. national team's all-time winningest manager in World Cup history, must now face the question about whether he plans to stay with the national team. And the national team must face the questions about how it plans to improve its quality of play on an international stage. Coaches and players may return to the team's new headquarters in Atlanta and contemplate the future.

The rest of us are left to ask the tough questions and start the uncomortable conversations. 

"I don't think the conversation should die down," U.S. defender Tim Ream said. "How incredible this journey has been with this group? How can we keep the conversation going? How can those boys and girls continue ... how can we continue to inspire them now that the tournament is over? It was a secondary things for us, but we fully aware of what and how we were inspiring the rest of the country."

After outplaying Bosnia and Herzogvina to advance to the Round of 32, the U.S. team entered the match with Belgium looking to prove it possessed the quality to play with a high-ranking FIFA squad and advance to the quarterfinal round – a place it hadn't been since 2002. With this type of statement victory, the men's national team could point to significant growth since the country last hosted the World Cup in 1994.

"I think that was the goal was to obviously inspire people that the sport was growing in the U.S.," Adams said. "I think we saw. The support was unbelievable. I think our initial reaction as a team was that in this moment we let them down. But altogether people gravitated towards the team because we were relatable.

"We represented exactly what the U.S. was. Today wasn't a good day."

With a new 48-team format introduced at this year's World Cup, many observers believed the actual tournament started with the Round of 32. The U.S. cruised through the three-game Group Stage, winning group D with victories over Paraguay and Australia. 

Many dismissed a loss to Turkey in the third game, suggesting that a complete roster shift accounted for the debacle. They received a pass.

A 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzogvina soothed the minds of American well-wishers and somewhat satisfied naysayers, who pointed to the match with Belgium as the true test for an American team led by striker Christian Pulisic.

He owns the most caps on the team and retuned for this match after recovering from a leg injury suffered in the tournament's opening game.

Pulisic was joined up top by American forward Folarin Balogun, who had received a red card in the previous game and by tournament rules was suspended against The Red Devils. 

Until he wasn't. 

FIFA announced that its displinary committee had upheld the referee's red card decision but ruled to allow Balogun, who in recieving the penalty had landed on a player's ankle as he tried to bring his foot to the ground, to return to play for the match against Belgium. 

Instead of keeping out of the match, the committee applied Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allowed the one-match penalty to be be suspended for a probationary period of one year. 

"It's important for me to say that it was totally unintentional," Balogun said prior to the match with Belgium. "The choice of the referee ... I don't think it was the correct call. I think a yellow card would have been fair."   

Belgium appealed the decision, but didn't need the help. This match was decided on the pitch and it didn't go the American's way for much of the evening.

Baltimore's thriving culinary scene is making history inside one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

On Thursday, July 16, the National Aquarium will transform into an immersive culinary experience for Voyages: Chapter 8, an innovative event curated by Baltimore storyteller and content creator Chyno "The Baltimore Foodie." More than a dinner, the experience blends food, conservation, storytelling and community while celebrating the chefs, cultures and institutions helping shape Baltimore's culinary renaissance.

Voyages: Chapter 8 artist Tim "Chyno" Chin 

For Chyno, the event is deeply personal.

"My love for the Aquarium runs deep," he shared. "I've loved the National Aquarium since I was a child. When I received this residency, it only made sense to bring together two things I care deeply about—Baltimore's culinary community and one of my favorite places in the city."

Celebrating Black Women Leading Baltimore's Food Scene

One of the evening's defining features is its lineup of accomplished Black women chefs whose talents reflect the depth and diversity of Baltimore's culinary landscape.

Rather than focusing solely on nationally recognized names, Chyno intentionally curated a lineup representing different stages of success and perspectives within Baltimore's food community.

"If we have moments to celebrate Black women, we should always celebrate Black women," he said. "I wanted to create a platform where these chefs could be celebrated in a space where we don't typically see Black women featured."

A Menu Inspired by Marine Life

Unlike a traditional tasting menu, every course in Voyages: Chapter 8 is inspired by the diets of the Aquarium's animals.

Guests will dine throughout the Aquarium while enjoying dishes crafted from many of the same sustainably sourced ingredients fed to the animals earlier that day. The concept highlights the interconnected relationship between people, waterways and wildlife while introducing guests to the Blue Food Movement, a global effort promoting sustainable seafood systems.

"The easiest way into people's hearts and minds is through their bellies," Chyno explained. "We want people to leave thinking differently about where their food comes from and how our choices impact the Chesapeake Bay."

Conservation Meets Community

Sustainability extends far beyond the menu.

Organizers expect Voyages: Chapter 8 to become the National Aquarium's first zero-waste culinary event, utilizing compostable serving materials and dedicated composting teams to minimize environmental impact.

"We can't ask people to think about sustainability if we aren't practicing it ourselves," Chyno said.

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in an oyster restoration initiative by dedicating an oyster shell in memory of a loved one. The shells will later become part of a living oyster reef in the Chesapeake Bay.

"It's a way for people to become a permanent part of Maryland's waterways while honoring someone important to them," Chyno explained.

More than an unforgettable meal, Voyages: Chapter 8 is a testament to what makes Baltimore's culinary community so special. It celebrates the chefs pushing our city forward, the waterways that sustain us, and the power of food to bring people together. Whether you're a longtime foodie, a conservation advocate or simply looking for a unique night out, this immersive experience promises to showcase Baltimore in a way you've never seen before.

Voyages: Chapter 8 takes place Thursday, July 16, at the National Aquarium. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit aqua.org/voyages

To keep up with Tim "Chyno" Chin and his latest culinary adventures, follow @thebaltimorefoodie and @boywiththebluebeard on Instagram.

Catch the full rundown on the latest episode of Be More Positive podcast brought to you by The Baltimore Times

Applications are Now Open for:  

 MASB ARTIST TRAVEL PRIZE 

and 

 FREE FALL BALTIMORE  

Create Baltimore announces that applications are open for the Municipal Art Society of Baltimore (MASB) Artist Travel Prize and Free Fall Baltimore grant opportunities. 

“Travel can be inspiring on so many levels, so it’s a joy when nonprofits and private entities work together on collaborations such as the Artist Travel Prize to provide possibilities for artists who may not have the opportunity otherwise,” said Robyn Murphy, CEO of Create Baltimore. “In addition, for our Free Fall Baltimore program in October, we provide grants to individual artists and small arts organizations throughout Baltimore City to produce arts and cultural events that are free and open to the public.” 

2026 MASB ARTIST TRAVEL PRIZE 

Create Baltimore recently announced an open call for emerging artists who live or work in Baltimore City to apply for the annual Artist Travel Prize sponsored by the Municipal Art Society of Baltimore City (MASB). This prize is designed to fund travel that is critical to an artist's studio practice but may otherwise be financially out of their reach.  

This year, the Artist Travel Prize amount has been increased to $8,000. Also new this year, the selected artist must present, within one year of return from their funded travel, a public-facing presentation to showcase new work created during the artist’s travel or because of their travel experience. The successful proposal selected by MASB Board of Directors must clearly articulate the artist’s reason for travel to a specific destination and how it is essential to their studio practice.  

The deadline to apply for this year's prize: July 14, 2026 at 5:00pm. 

https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=49970 

FREE FALL BALTIMORE 

Create Baltimore is proud to present the 2026 Free Fall Baltimore grant opportunity. Free Fall Baltimore is a citywide celebration held in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month each October. This year, Create Baltimore will provide $1,500 grants to individual artists and small arts organizations throughout Baltimore City to produce a variety of arts & cultural events that are free and open to the public.  

Free Fall showcases the importance of accessible arts programming with free concerts, dance and theater performances, festivals, lectures, workshops, art exhibitions, special events, and more. This annual program is made possible by the generous funding support of the Maryland State Arts Council. Individual artists/creatives can apply for this grant if their event is free, open to the public, and located in a venue or public space in Baltimore City. Baltimore area nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with annual operating budgets under $500,000 are also eligible to apply for grant funds to produce a Free Fall event. 

Arts and cultural organizations and anchor institutions with operating budgets over $500,000 are not eligible to apply for grant funding, however, Create Baltimore provides an opportunity for these entities to participate in Free Fall Baltimore by promoting their events and incorporating them into the Free Fall calendar. 

Applications close: July 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. 

Free Fall Grant - Individual Artists 

https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=49977 

Free Fall Grant: Small Arts Organizations 

https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=50339 

Free Fall Promotion: Large Arts Organizations 

https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=49976 

For most of her career, Roseline Ifidon spent her days making sure other people had what they needed. As a regional director with Work Opportunities Unlimited, she oversaw more than 450 clients across central Maryland, helping people find jobs and meet their dreams — while working a second full-time job at Catholic Charities because she loved people too much to walk away. What she didn’t make time for was herself.

“I just ate anything that came my way, anything I could see,” Ifidon recalls. “I drank soda. I was always so thirsty for sweet things. I used to eat chocolate for breakfast.” Too busy to slow down, she told herself there would be time later to think about her health.

Then, in 2017, her body forced the issue. Ifidon suffered the first of two strokes; the second followed in 2019. That year, doctors also discovered a brain tumor, along with heart disease and kidney disease. She had to relearn how to walk and talk. She had to retire early. And in the chaos of managing a body in crisis, she became something she never expected: food-insecure.

“I wasn’t driving, so I wasn’t moving around,” she said. Even after she regained some mobility, cooking was out of reach. “I didn’t want to start eating pasta or bread, or putting too much salt in my meals, because of my heart. But I didn’t even know what I should buy.”

It was a health counselor in Minnesota — taking nearly a week to research Ifidon’s situation — who found the answer: Movable Feast, a Baltimore nonprofit that delivers medically tailored meals to people living with chronic and serious illness. A registered dietitian designed meals around Ifidon’s specific conditions, down to soft-chew portions when a hernia made swallowing difficult, and her allergies to pineapple and avocado. A driver brought the food to her door every week, carrying the bags into her kitchen because she couldn’t.

“I thought it would just be one of those things,” she said of her first delivery. “But it tasted so delicious.”

This is the heart of the Food is Medicine movement, a growing field reshaping how Americans understand the relationship between what we eat and how we heal — through medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries, and produce prescriptions written the same way a doctor writes for medication. 

Organizations and platforms like  WANDA (Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics, and Agriculture) are celebrating a decade of empowering Black women as healers and innovators. Through projects like the NOURISH Maternal Food as Medicine initiative, they highlight how indigenous and diasporic foods can be used for cultural and holistic healing.

I encountered this movement up close in May at the Food as Medicine Summit in Chicago and went deeper last month in June at FIMCON, the new national Food is Medicine Conference in Washington, D.C., where Ifidon and I met. Hearing her speak, I knew I needed her story in this space.

For Black communities, where rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease run highest, this conversation matters in a particular way. We’ve long celebrated food as the language of love, gathering and survival — soul food, in the truest sense. But Ifidon’s story pushes us toward something more: food not only as comfort, but as treatment. Not instead of soul, but alongside it. Medically tailored meals are one important piece of a complex puzzle, and Ifidon is proof of what’s possible when nutrition, healthcare and human dignity finally align.

The results were measurable. Ifidon lost 128 pounds. Her hospital visits and ER trips, once constant, dropped sharply. Her medical bills came down. “Whatever it is that we put in our mouths really helps us,” she said. “Food is not here to hurt us. It’s here to cure us.”

Ifidon Speaking at the June 2026 Food is Medicine Conference in Washington, DC. FIMCON

Today, Ifidon serves on Movable Feast’s Community Advisory Board and governance committee and speaks nationally as an unofficial ambassador for Food is Medicine — including for the Food is Medicine Coalition and the Rockefeller Foundation. Her advocacy now centers on one goal: making Medicare and Medicaid coverage for food is medicine programs permanent, even as funding faces new uncertainty. She recently joined a Hill Day visit to the Capitol to make her case directly to lawmakers.

Networks such as  Black Women in Food actively fight for equity and representation. They ensure that Black women are not just preparing meals but are leading as business owners, investors, and policymakers in the evolving food space. 

“Health is wealth,” she said, echoing her grandmother’s words. “But you have to look at what you’re consuming to get to that point.”

As we reflect on the dishes that raised us and look beyond Soul Food Month, Ifidon’s journey asks us to hold two truths at once: our food carries our culture, and it can also carry our cure.

Ready to start eating healthy? Get my exclusive How to Start Eating and Shopping Healthy workbook here.  https://go.michellepetties.com/howtoeathealthy 

Michelle Petties is a TEDx speaker, Food Story coach, and the award-winning author of the memoir Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict. After gaining and losing 700 pounds, Michelle discovered the secret to overcoming stress and emotional overeating. Her free workbook, Mind Over Meals, reveals her core principles for losing weight and keeping it off.

Securityplus Federal Credit Union strengthened its commitment to youth financial education by partnering with Junior Achievement of Central Maryland at JA Finance Park, where team members volunteered throughout June to help local middle school students build real-world money management skills.

During sessions held on June 1, June 3, and June 11, Securityplus volunteers guided students through interactive budgeting and life-simulation activities that mirrored the financial responsibilities adults face every day. Students were assigned unique life scenarios including income, career, and household expenses, and worked through decisions involving budgeting, saving, and balancing financial priorities. Junior Achievement research shows that 1 in 5 JA students ultimately pursue a career path aligned with the volunteer who mentored them, highlighting the long-term impact of these experiences.

“Financial education is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future of our communities,” said Mike Barr, Chief Executive Officer of Securityplus Federal Credit Union. “Our partnership with Junior Achievement allows our team members to share their knowledge, experiences, and passion for helping others while empowering students with skills they can carry throughout their lives.”

“Our team walked away just as inspired as the students,” added Obinna Ndukwe, Chief People & Impact Officer at Securityplus Federal Credit Union. “Seeing our employees connect with students and help them understand real-world financial choices reflects the heart of who we are as an organization.”

Securityplus volunteers included: Obinna Ndukwe, Danielle Warren, Tymeshia L. Alleyne, Erin Thompson, Rhonda White-Johnson, Charlita Stevenson, Chakeesha Simmons-El, Shelton Hunter, Nathaniel Moseley, Atia Ross, Patrice Smith, Latoya Saunders, Yeshimebet Gutema, and Taylor Tripp.

Securityplus Federal Credit Union is dedicated to preparing the next generation for financial success by investing in programs that build confidence, capability, and real-world readiness. Through hands-on partnerships like Junior Achievement, Securityplus continues to support educational experiences that help students make informed decisions and build strong financial foundations for the future.

For more information about Securityplus Federal Credit Union and its community initiatives, visit www.securityplusfcu.org.

Morgan State University continues to strengthen its reputation as a national leader in global scholarship and academic excellence with two students earning highly competitive U.S. Fulbright Student Awards for the 2026–2027 academic year. Natan Coresh-Chiappori and Michelle Mondrey have each accepted Fulbright Research Awards that will advance impactful international research in the spirit of and fulfillment of the Fulbright Program’s mission of cultural immersion, global networking and scholarly and professional advancement.

Natan Coresh-Chiappori, a Fulbright Student Award recipient and recent graduate from Morgan State University, received his master's in Applied Neuroscience.

“Natan and Michelle’s Fulbright awards highlight the exceptional caliber of researchers and scholars Morgan cultivates through its programs and dedicated faculty mentorship,” said Megan DeVirgilis, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish and Fulbright Program director at Morgan. “Moreover, they perfectly embody Morgan’s vision of producing interculturally competent and empathetic individuals deeply committed to service—principles that lie at the very heart of the Fulbright Program. Supporting and getting to know them throughout this process has been a true joy.”

Coresh-Chiappori, who graduated in spring 2026 with a Master of Science in Applied Neuroscience, will travel to Germany, where he will be hosted by the internationally renowned Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. His research will focus on designing and testing a German-language artificial intelligence model to assist older adults with daily tasks, supporting greater independence and quality of life through emerging technology. 

Mondrey, a doctoral student in Higher Education Leadership, will conduct research in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), partnering with local youth to co-create career-readiness workshops and community action plans aimed at addressing one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. Her project emphasizes collaborative engagement and sustainable workforce development through higher education and community partnership.

FIFTY OF THE TOP HBCU PLAYERS IN THE NATION
SET TO COMPETE AT CITIZENS BANK PARK ON JULY 10
Tickets for the Event On-Sale at AllStarGame.com

Major League Baseball today announced the 50-man roster and coaching staff for the fourth annual Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball, which is scheduled for Friday, July 10th, at 7:00 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. The rosters comprise 50 of the top players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities from across the nation. 

Led by 2007 National League MVP and Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Famer Jimmy Rollins and HBCU legend and 14-year MLB veteran Rickie Weeks, the Swingman Classic roster will be broken up into two teams: National League (Rollins) and American League (Weeks). Rollins will be joined on staff by Wes Chamberlain, Wayne Gomes, Jason Maxwell, Milt Thompson and Lenny Webster. Weeks’ staff will feature Marlon Anderson, Courtney Duncan, Derrick Lewis, Jemile Weeks and Corey Wimberly. For the fourth consecutive year, MLB Network will exclusively broadcast the game with Dave Sims (play-by-play) and Harold Reynolds (analyst) on the call. Ken Griffey Jr. and Emily Haydel, granddaughter of Hank Aaron, will also contribute to the broadcast. 

Jimmy Rollins and HBCU legend and 14-year MLB veteran Rickie Weeks, the Swingman Classic roster will be broken up into two teams: National League (Rollins) and American League (Weeks). Rollins will be joined on staff by Wes Chamberlain, Wayne Gomes, Jason Maxwell, Milt Thompson and Lenny Webster. Weeks’ staff will feature Marlon Anderson, Courtney Duncan, Derrick Lewis, Jemile Weeks and Corey Wimberly. For the fourth consecutive year, MLB Network will exclusively broadcast the game with Dave Sims (play-by-play) and Harold Reynolds (analyst) on the call. Ken Griffey Jr. and Emily Haydel, granddaughter of Hank Aaron, will also contribute to the broadcast. 

The event will also include the following three honorary VIPs: Andre Dawson, Ralph Garr Sr. and Ken Griffey Sr. Dawson (Florida A&M) and Garr (Grambling State) are two of the most decorated players in the history of HBCU baseball, and Griffey Sr. spent 19 seasons playing in the Major Leagues. 

Players were selected by a committee that includes Griffey Jr., representatives from Major League Baseball and professional scouts and evaluators. In total, 22 athletes on the roster have previously participated in Major League Baseball’s elite-development events (MLB Develops). Trey Callaway, Thomas Ealey, Aaron Grant, Tervell Johnson, Chris Marcellus, Solomon McKinney, Eric Williams and Bruce Wyche are all products of Nike Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) programs. Nine players on the roster have previously participated in the Hank Aaron Invitational, six played at the DREAM Series and four are alumni of the Breakthrough Series. Eleven athletes will return to the Swingman

Classic after previously playing in the event, including two-time participants Justin Journette, Robert Tate Jr. and KJ White. Additionally, Philadelphia native Santino Harwood and Lincoln University’s McKinney were both named to the Swingman Classic roster. 

In total, the 50 players were selected from the following HBCU’s: 

● Alabama A&M University 

● Alabama State University 

● Alcorn State University 

● Bethune-Cookman University 

● Coppin State University 

● Delaware State University 

● Florida A&M University 

● Grambling State University 

● Jackson State University 

● Lincoln University 

● Maryland Eastern-Shore University 

● Mississippi Valley State University 

● Norfolk State University 

● North Carolina A&T University 

● Prairie View A&M University 

● Southern University 

● Southern University of New Orleans 

● Texas Southern University 

● University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

The HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball will feature special pregame activities designed to honor and celebrate HBCU culture. Pregame festivities, which will be announced at a later date, are set to feature an in-ballpark DJ, an in-game “Divine Nine” recognition and much more. 

Tickets for the HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball are on sale NOW at AllStarGame.com. 

Baltimore soccer fans will have a chance to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup on the city’s waterfront Wednesday night as Pier Six Pavilion hosts a free watch party for Team USA’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The event will take place Wednesday, July 1, at Pier Six Pavilion, located at 731 Eastern Ave. Gates open at 6 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, live music from a DJ, food, beverages and cocktails before watching the match on a giant LED screen.

This year’s FIFA World Cup carries added significance for American fans, as the United States is serving as one of the tournament’s co-host nations alongside Canada and Mexico. The international spotlight on North America has created new opportunities for cities across the country to celebrate soccer’s growing popularity while bringing communities together around one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.

In Baltimore, organizers say the Pier Six watch party is about more than the match. The free event is designed to create a welcoming public celebration that highlights the city’s waterfront, supports downtown activity and brings residents and visitors together through sports, music and culture.

“Baltimore’s strength has always been its people and the experiences that bring us together,” said Linzy Jackson III, MCRP, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment. “Events like this World Cup Watch Party activate our waterfront, celebrate the diversity of our city, and create opportunities for residents and visitors alike to connect through the universal language of sport. We’re proud to support experiences that showcase Baltimore as a vibrant destination for arts, culture, entertainment and community.”

The event is being presented through a partnership among Pier Six Pavilion, the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, the Baltimore Development Corporation and community partners. Together, the organizations are working to create public experiences that strengthen Baltimore’s downtown and waterfront while showcasing the city as a destination for entertainment and community gatherings.

“Events like the World Cup Watch Party demonstrate the power of partnerships in activating our waterfront, supporting local businesses and creating experiences that strengthen Baltimore’s economy,” said Kevin Seawright, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Baltimore Development Corporation. “Bringing residents and visitors together in vibrant public spaces is part of building a more connected, welcoming and economically competitive city. We’re excited to support an event that showcases Baltimore on an international stage while celebrating the diversity and energy of our community.”

Pier Six Pavilion, one of Baltimore’s premier waterfront entertainment venues, has become a key location for concerts, cultural events and community celebrations. Operated by The Finn Group in partnership with Knitting Factory Entertainment, the reimagined venue continues to expand its programming as part of broader efforts to activate the Inner Harbor and downtown Baltimore throughout the year.

Wednesday’s watch party offers fans a chance to cheer on Team USA in a festive waterfront setting as the nation embraces its role as a World Cup co-host. Admission is free and open to the public.

Event Details

What: FIFA World Cup Watch Party
Match: USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Gates Open: 6 p.m.
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
Location: Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21202
Admission: Free and open to the public

State-of-the-Art Outpatient Facility Brings Together Multidisciplinary Cancer
Services, Improving Access, Convenience and Care Coordination for Patients;
Modern Space Provides Views of Cylburn Arboretum, Art Therapy Room,
Survivorship Programs, “Infusionarium” for Pediatric Patients and More

The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building on the campus of Sinai Hospital of Baltimore is expanding access to comprehensive outpatient oncology services for patients of all ages in one centralized, state-of-the-art facility. 

The three-story, 125,000-square-foot building will house outpatient adult and pediatric cancer services, bringing together specialized physicians, cutting-edge technology, infusion treatment, radiation therapy, research and supportive care in a modern, patient-centered environment. The building offers views of the neighboring Cylburn Arboretum in private spaces for those receiving chemotherapy and other infusion treatments.

With the guidance of patient and family advisory panels, the facility features natural light and surfaces as well as a curated art collection and a living room with fireplace, all designed to create a comfortable and healing environment. For pediatric patients, there is a playroom, art therapy room and an “Infusionarium,” a special space providing an immersive experience for children undergoing chemotherapy and infusions.

The hospital celebrated the $95 million building with a “gong-ringing” ceremony on June 30 featuring Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, doctors, donors, elected officials, community leaders and patients, followed by tours of the new facility. There was a community open house that afternoon. 

“The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building represents a transformational moment for Sinai Hospital and the patients we serve,” says Amy Shlossman, president of Sinai Hospital and Grace Medical Center. “Every detail of this facility, from bringing outpatient services together in one location to creating welcoming spaces that support healing and well-being, was designed with our patients in mind. We are proud to offer a destination for cancer care that reflects the excellence, compassion and innovation our patients deserve.”

Teams from Sinai’s Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute will begin seeing patients in the Weinman Building on July 10, when the facility is fully open for patient care.

Adult Services 

The upper floor of the Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building is dedicated to adult oncology services, offering a modern, patient-centered environment designed to support comfort, efficiency and coordinated care for patients who often interact with a wide variety of specialists and services, ranging from oncologists and surgeons to social workers, lab technicians, genetics specialists and researchers. 

"Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding on patients and their families. Our vision was to bring outpatient oncology services together under one roof in a modern, thoughtfully designed and bright space. Our team wanted to provide a seamless experience that allows patients to focus on their treatment and recovery," says Pallavi P. Kumar, M.D., cancer center director for the oncology service line at LifeBridge Health, including the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute at Sinai and Northwest hospitals and the William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center at Carroll Hospital.

She adds, “This building reflects what our patients and families shared was important, and spaces were created that feel calm, open and filled with natural light.  Delivering excellent clinical care is our priority. As we care for our patients, the vision is to be recognized regionally for our commitment to compassionate, innovative, comprehensive care that reduces disparities and the burdens of cancer in our communities.” 

The adult infusion area includes 32 bays featuring a mix of private and semi-private spaces organized into smaller care pods to create a more personalized treatment experience. Two nourishment stations are conveniently located within the infusion area to enhance patient comfort during visits. A dedicated fast-track infusion section accommodates treatments lasting less than one hour, helping improve convenience and patient flow.

This floor also includes 16 exam rooms designed to streamline the patient experience. Patients enter through the public-facing corridor while physicians and care teams access rooms from a separate staff corridor and centralized workroom. This layout enhances collaboration among care teams while supporting patient privacy and operational efficiency.

In addition, the second floor includes a procedure room for minor outpatient procedures performed under local anesthesia, including select gynecologic, melanoma-related and other minimally invasive treatments. 

Pediatric Services

The pediatric area was designed to create a comforting, family-centered environment that supports children through every stage of treatment. Located on the first floor, the space combines advanced clinical care with engaging, age-appropriate services aimed at reducing stress and promoting healing.

The clinical area includes seven private infusion bays and seven exam rooms, each designed with ample space to accommodate family members and caregivers. Additional specialized spaces include a dedicated phlebotomy room and an area for patient vital signs at check-in.

The pediatric infusion area features recliners, PlayStation gaming systems and a variety of activities and entertainment options designed to provide comfort and distraction during treatment. The Stacy’s Place “Infusionarium” has lights on the walls and ceiling, giving a theater-like feel with a large wall screen, designed to create an immersive experience for patients. 

Large, bright and colorful, dedicated art therapy and playroom spaces encourage creative expression and play, recognizing the important role both can have in a child’s emotional well-being and healing journey.  The availability of Child Life specialists, art therapy, music and pet therapy all add to that experience.

“Children experience cancer differently than adults, and their care should reflect that,” says Aziza Shad, M.D., the Ellen W. P. Wasserman chair of pediatrics and chief of pediatric hematology and oncology at the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai. “Art therapy gives our young patients a way to express emotions that can be difficult to put into words while creating moments of comfort, creativity and normalcy during treatment. Spaces filled with color, light and opportunities for self-expression can play a vital role in supporting a child’s emotional well-being and physical healing throughout their cancer journey.” 

Dr. Shad adds, “As cancer affects the entire family, we also want to ensure that our families feel cared for and supported, so there are quiet spaces for family members to relax and recharge. Our Child Life specialist and social worker will be onsite in the new building to provide essential support for children facing illness and their families.”

The pediatric outpatient clinic is named the Alfred I. Coplan Pediatric Hematology Oncology Outpatient Center. 

Radiation Oncology

As part of Sinai’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, many patients also receive radiation treatment, which is located on the ground floor of the Weinman Cancer Building. “With multidisciplinary cancer treatment, it is more important than ever that patients can easily access the many specialists involved in their care and that those physicians can work together to support each patient’s individualized care,” says David Perry, M.D., chair of radiation oncology for LifeBridge Health. “As the Sinai campus evolved and grew over time, patients often faced a 10-minute walk between their oncology and radiation appointments. Now, with services located together in one building, patients can move more easily between appointments, care teams can collaborate more efficiently and the overall experience is significantly improved for everyone.”

The radiation oncology department offers a comprehensive range of advanced radiation therapies, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), brachytherapy and other highly targeted treatments designed to maximize effectiveness while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. LifeBridge Health’s radiation oncology program is accredited by the American College of Radiology, and the cancer program is additionally accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer through the Integrated Network Cancer Program.

The department also offers radiotherapy for osteoarthritis and will soon provide radiopharmaceutical treatment for metastatic disease, including radioligand therapy for prostate cancer. The Weinman Family Department of Radiation Oncology was named in 2006 by the Toby and Melvin Weinman Foundation and the late Michael Weinman. The Toby and Melvin Weinman Foundation was created by Dennis’ grandparents and run by Dennis’ uncle and late father. Michael Weinman was a long-time Sinai Hospital Board member and a nephew of Melvin and Toby.

Research

As part of LifeBridge Health’s commitment to innovation, discovery and advancing cancer care, a laboratory within the Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building will support clinical research, allowing onsite collection and processing of specimens. Sinai Hospital offers patients access to clinical trials that may provide early access to emerging
and potentially life-saving therapies. Clinical trials are the foundation of cancer research and play a critical role in identifying better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Through affiliations with leading national cancer research organizations, LifeBridge Health connects patients with cutting-edge clinical trials and investigational therapies. Available research opportunities are reviewed through multidisciplinary clinics and weekly tumor board meetings, where specialists from across oncology collaborate to identify the most appropriate treatment options, including clinical trials, for individual patients. 

Currently, LifeBridge Health has 30 adult oncology clinical trials and 45 Children’s Oncology Group pediatric trials, available through the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai. Research opportunities span a wide range of areas, including treatment, prevention, screening, supportive care and observational studies. Clinical trials may be appropriate at many points along a patient’s cancer journey, from newly diagnosed, early-stage cancers to advanced disease.

Survivorship Programs

The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building will serve as a hub for adult and pediatric survivorship services designed to support patients beyond diagnosis and treatment, recognizing that cancer care continues long after therapy ends. 

For adult patients, the building will house the Dr. Michael J. Schultz Cancer Survivorship Program, developed around the belief that survivorship begins at the moment of diagnosis. Named to honor retired LifeBridge Health surgeon Dr. Michael Schultz, the program is designed to connect patients with navigators, coordinators and a range of supportive services to address the physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer care. Resources may include nutritional counseling, financial planning support, psychosocial services, healing therapies such as yoga and massage, and rehabilitation services through the Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai.

The program also includes Survivors Offering Support, which connects newly diagnosed patients with trained cancer survivor mentors. The Weinman Cancer Building will also be home to “The Next Step”: The Kara Amey Cancer Survivorship Program, established and funded through the generosity and vision of the Amey family, which provides specialized long-term follow-up care and education forchildhood cancer survivors.

Through an interdisciplinary team that includes pediatric oncologists, primary care providers, pediatric and adult sub-specialists, a nurse navigator, social worker, art therapist, dietitian, neuropsychologist and other clinical experts, the program supports childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors' physical, emotional and psychosocial well-being throughout their lives. The pediatric survivorship program also participates in research focused on the long-term effects of cancer and cancer treatment, helping advance knowledge and improve quality of life for future generations of survivors. Through a ‘Shared-Care’ model, survivors can maintain connections with the physicians who treated them as children while benefiting from coordinated care from survivorship specialists and primary care providers. 

Healing by Design

The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building was thoughtfully designed with the help of a patient and family advisory committee that envisioned a space centered on healing, comfort and well-being. Multidisciplinary teams of healthcare providers and other staff put in hundreds of hours to ensure the building will meet the needs of caregivers, patients and their families, now and into the future.

Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the neighboring arboretum, filling the space with natural light and calming views of nature. Thanks to the generosity of local artist and philanthropist Wendy Jachman, more than a dozen curated works are featured throughout the building as the first phase of the Jachman Family Art Collection. Jachman, whose work has long focused on art that elevates feelings of strength and self-healing, also created several custom tapestries for the space.

Natural design elements such as stonework, soft pastel tones and organic patterns create a serene, welcoming atmosphere. To deepen the building’s connection to nature and its focus on healing and wellness, one of the building’s architects designed a unique moss installation that is safe for immuno-compromised individuals, complemented by a custom light fixture above the stairs from the parking level to the ground floor.

Throughout the building there are spaces designed for families and visitors, including the SECU MD Foundation Living Room with a fireplace and an area where people can work while waiting.

About Mandy and Dennis Weinman 

Mandy and Dennis Weinman share a long-standing connection to Sinai Hospital and a deep commitment to advancing compassionate cancer care in the community. Their transformative $5 million gift helped make possible the creation of the Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building. 

Dennis Weinman, who serves on the LifeBridge Health board of directors and served on the Sinai Hospital board for 12 years, was inspired to support the project after hearing the vision for the future of cancer care at Sinai. The Weinmans have also shared that Dennis’ grandmother, Toby, received compassionate cancer care at Sinai years ago, an experience that helped shape their commitment to this transformational project. 

This quote from the Weinmans is on display in the new facility: “The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building stands in honor of the resilient spirit of every patient and the dedicated team of physicians, nurses and caregivers who walk beside them. This union of quiet bravery and compassionate care transforms and inspires us all.”

Final Notes

The Weinman Cancer Building features its own entrance and dedicated parking, further enhancing convenience and accessibility for patients and families navigating cancer treatment.

The Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute serves more than 30,000 patients annually, creating the need for a larger, more integrated facility designed to support the future of cancer care in the community. The Weinman Cancer Building marks an investment in cancer services at Sinai, including the recent recruitment of additional specialists in hematology, thoracic and colorectal surgery and an expanded focus on research.

Along with the $5 million gift from the Weinmans, the health system has received more than 60% of its $20 million goal, through both private and public funding, to support the building and the services offered there. This includes $1.5 million in federal funding and $2.5 million in state funding.

Building construction began in summer 2023 and was completed at the end of 2025. In the project’s final phases in 2026, crews finished internal renovations of the radiation oncology treatment area and the radiation oncology administrative offices.

Sinai Hospital is also recruiting volunteers to serve as greeters and escorts in the Weinman Building. 

About Sinai Hospital of Baltimore 

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore is a 537-bed medical complex located in northwest Baltimore. Sinai Hospital is Maryland’s largest community hospital and third largest teaching hospital. Founded in 1866 as the Hebrew Hospital and Asylum, Sinai Hospital is a nonprofit healthcare organization with a mission of providing high-quality, compassionate patient care. Medical specialties include cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, oncology, rehabilitation and pediatrics. Sinai is the flagship hospital for LifeBridge Health, one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland.

https://vimeo.com/1204610380/f488680424?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

The Goldseker Foundation is celebrating 50 years of grantmaking in Baltimore with the release of its 2025 Annual Report and the relaunch of its redesigned website.

The milestone annual report reflects on a half century of investment in the Baltimore metropolitan area, highlighting the foundation’s most significant accomplishments, grantees and civic partners since its founding in 1975. The redesigned website, GoldsekerFoundation.org, was relaunched in conjunction with the 50th Annual Report and offers improved access to the foundation’s grantmaking history, strategic priorities and resources for current and prospective grantee partners.

Read the full annual report here: https://goldsekerfoundation.org/resources/2025-annual-report/ 

Founded through the estate of Morris Goldseker, the foundation has grown into one of Maryland’s leading private foundations. Goldseker, a Polish immigrant, arrived alone at the Port of Baltimore in 1914 as a 15-year-old boy. He went on to build a real estate business that employed hundreds of Baltimoreans and helped thousands of families access housing and homeownership opportunities.

When Goldseker died in 1973, he left his entire $11 million estate to establish a foundation dedicated to supporting the people and institutions of Baltimore. His founding guidance made clear that grants, loans and investments should benefit Baltimore, with a special focus on Baltimore City. He also directed that no institution imposing restrictions based on race, creed or color should be selected for funding.

Over the past five decades, the foundation has granted more than $140 million to more than 700 organizations and projects across the Baltimore metropolitan area. Its endowment is now valued at approximately $150 million, allowing the foundation to remain both a long-term civic asset and an active funder of community development, education, immigrant services and nonprofit capacity building.

“This milestone is a moment to reflect with gratitude, recommit with urgency, and look forward,” said Sharna Goldseker, Board Chair of the Goldseker Foundation. “Morris Goldseker arrived in Baltimore with little more than his determination. The Foundation he made possible has honored that spirit for 50 years. As we enter our next half century, we do so as engaged and deeply rooted partners in Baltimore’s progress.”

The annual report also highlights the leadership of Sheldon Goldseker and Simon Goldseker, Morris Goldseker’s nephews, who served as founding chair and vice chair. Across more than four decades, they helped establish the foundation’s board, investment committee, professional staff and grantmaking policies. Their leadership helped shape the foundation’s long-term approach to philanthropy and supported the growth of Baltimore’s broader civic and nonprofit ecosystem.

From its earliest years, Goldseker invested in the infrastructure of local philanthropy. In 1978, the foundation provided startup and early operating support to the Baltimore Community Foundation. Today, BCF stewards more than 950 charitable funds, holds assets exceeding $350 million and has distributed nearly $800 million in grants since its founding. Goldseker was also a founding member of the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, now Maryland Philanthropy Network, with Sheldon Goldseker serving as its first board president.

The foundation’s education investments have also been significant. Over the decades, Goldseker has provided more than $12 million in scholarship funding to Johns Hopkins University and Morgan State University and invested nearly $4 million in more than 30 elementary and secondary public schools. Its Neighborhood-School Partnership strategy, which ran from roughly 2009 through 2020, helped increase enrollment at partner schools and supported the creation or expansion of school models projected to add more than 1,800 high-quality seats for Baltimore students.

“Fifty years of grantmaking has taught us that lasting change in Baltimore requires patience, partnership, and an unwavering belief in the capacity of this city’s people and institutions to lead their own transformation,” said Matthew D. Gallagher, President and CEO of the Goldseker Foundation. “That conviction has never wavered—not through civic unrest, a global pandemic, or a federal landscape increasingly hostile to American cities. We remain committed to the work, not as an outside observer, but as a partner with genuine stakes in Baltimore’s future.”

In 2025, Goldseker awarded more than $5.6 million in grants to 84 grantees, with an average grant of more than $67,000. Grant recipients included organizations working in housing, neighborhood revitalization, education, immigration, food access, nonprofit capacity, youth development, workforce development and civic life.

One of the report’s major 2025 highlights is the foundation’s role in the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative. Goldseker led the development of a $1.7 million fund, supported by 11 local and national funders, to provide capacity-building support to community development organizations working to address Baltimore’s vacant housing crisis. The initiative is part of a coordinated city and state effort to rehabilitate more than 12,000 vacant properties and reinvest in Baltimore neighborhoods.

The foundation has also deepened its support for Baltimore’s immigrant and refugee communities. Since 2023, immigration-related grantmaking has nearly doubled, supporting organizations that provide legal services, case management, housing, workforce development and youth programming. The annual report notes that immigrants make up about 10 percent of Baltimore’s population, 12 percent of its workforce and 20 percent of its small business owners.

“The Goldseker Foundation always hopes to serve as a role model in private philanthropy,” said Ana and Deborah Goldseker, the foundation’s Co-Vice Chairs. “We will continue supporting Baltimore’s most promising leaders and ideas through the Foundation’s grantmaking.”

As the Goldseker Foundation enters its next 50 years, its annual report presents a story of legacy, stewardship and continued responsibility. What began with Morris Goldseker’s $11 million bequest has become a lasting investment in Baltimore’s neighborhoods, schools, nonprofits and civic future.

For Collie “Shaka” Long, the work of supporting justice-impacted families is deeply personal.

After spending more than 26 years incarcerated, Long knows firsthand that incarceration does not only affect the person serving time. It touches children, parents, partners, caregivers and entire communities. That understanding helped inspire him to create the Family First Program, a mentorship and family engagement initiative housed within Georgetown University’s Prisons and Justice Initiative.

Founded by Long, a formerly incarcerated PJI Program Associate, Family First was created to strengthen relationships between parents and their children through mentorship, educational opportunities and shared experiences. At its core, the program seeks to interrupt cycles of intergenerational incarceration by giving families space to reconnect, heal and build memories rooted in hope.

“Family First was born from the belief that when parents and children can laugh together, learn together, and create positive memories together, they strengthen the bonds that help families thrive,” Long said.

The program comes at a critical time. Across the country, incarceration continues to impact far more people than those who are sentenced. Children with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated parents often face emotional, social and economic challenges. Parents returning home may also struggle to rebuild relationships after years of separation.

Family First addresses those challenges by creating intentional opportunities for connection and trust-building. Rather than only responding to the harm caused by incarceration, the program focuses on prevention. It helps young people envision positive futures while strengthening the family support systems that can be essential to long-term success.

For Long, the mission is rooted in both memory and responsibility.

Growing up, he witnessed the effects of incarceration in his own family and community. For many young people around him, prison was normalized and often viewed as an inevitable part of life. After his release, Long began working with Georgetown University’s Prisons and Justice Initiative and saw the strong support offered to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Still, he noticed a gap.

There were few programs focused specifically on the children and families affected by incarceration.

“I wanted to create something that would help break the cycle before it continued into another generation,” Long said.

Through Family First, families participate in a range of educational, recreational and community-centered experiences. The program supports financial literacy workshops that give families practical tools for economic success. It also hosts family outings, holiday celebrations and community gatherings designed to foster belonging and connection.

Mentorship is another key part of the program. Family First connects young people with positive role models and community leaders who can help broaden their sense of what is possible. The program also supports educational enrichment, including visits to colleges and universities that expose youth to higher education and career pathways.

One example is Family First’s partnership with Georgetown University’s Center for Multicultural Equity and Access. Through the partnership, children of PJI alumni participate in campus tours that allow them to see themselves in college spaces and imagine futures that may have once felt out of reach.

These experiences are about more than a single trip or event. They are designed to create moments that can change how young people see themselves and their families.

By centering both parents and children, Family First offers a model of reentry that goes beyond employment, housing or individual support. It recognizes that healing must also happen within families. It acknowledges that children need opportunities to feel seen, supported and inspired. It also affirms that parents returning home deserve spaces where they can rebuild trust, share joy and strengthen their role in their children’s lives.

For Long, that is the heart of the work.

Family First is not simply about addressing the consequences of incarceration. It is about helping families write a different story—one grounded in connection, opportunity and the belief that the next generation can move beyond the criminal legal system.

Through mentorship, education and shared experience, the program is giving justice-impacted families something powerful: a chance to grow together.

Baltimore is preparing for a citywide Independence Day celebration filled with fireworks, live music, food, waterfront views and family-friendly activities as local agencies and partners join forces for “Four on the Fourth.”

The celebration, scheduled for Friday, July 4, will connect several major activations along the Inner Harbor and Pratt Street, while the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival brings a full day of programming to Middle Branch Park. The events will also help mark America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

Create Baltimore, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, Pier Six Pavilion and Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore are collaborating to create a connected holiday experience downtown. On the opposite side of the water, the Youth Resiliency Institute will host the 10th annual Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival.

“Downtown Baltimore hosts one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the city,” said Shelonda Stokes, President and CEO of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. “This year’s celebration has something for everyone and highlights the power of collaboration while demonstrating how the city comes together to amplify Baltimore as a holiday destination.”

The day’s festivities will include free live entertainment at Pier Six Pavilion, family activities at Top of the World Observation Level, an evening Pratt Street Market at McKeldin Square, traditional fireworks over the Inner Harbor and a drone show at Middle Branch Park.

At Pier Six Pavilion, located at 731 Eastern Avenue, the public is invited to enjoy free entertainment from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The lineup includes DJ Supream, DJ Mr. Incredible, Baltimore favorite Jonathan Gilmore and legendary singer Stephanie Mills.

LaRian Finney, Managing Partner of The Pier Six Group, said the event reflects the venue’s commitment to serving as a community gathering place.

“Our team is dedicated to making Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore’s House,” Finney said. “The 4th Celebration is our continued mission to be great partners and amplify our city.”

Create Baltimore’s Top of the World Observation Level, located on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center at 401 East Pratt Street, will offer extended hours and family-friendly activities beginning at 11 a.m. Guests will be able to enjoy adult and kid-friendly “kocktails” throughout the day and take in a premier view of the fireworks at 9 p.m.

“Experiencing the spectacular views of Baltimore from Top of the World in the World Trade Center is always an extraordinary experience, but especially on the 4th of July,” said Robyn Murphy, CEO of Create Baltimore. “We’re planning creative family friendly activities all day, leading up to the evening’s fireworks.”

Downtown Partnership’s Pratt Street Market at Night will return to McKeldin Square from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., bringing food trucks, artisans and local vendors to the heart of downtown. Vendors are expected to include Auntie Anne’s, Smoke-N-Wheels, Taharka Brothers, Taco Loco, Milloh!, Frolic Lemonade, Porto Pizza, DMV Empanadas and others.

The traditional Inner Harbor fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. The fireworks barge will be positioned between Point Park and Domino Sugar, allowing for views from the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill and surrounding waterfront areas.

Across the water, Middle Branch Park will host the 10th annual Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. The free festival, located at 3301 Waterview Avenue, will feature arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities and historical reenactments. A drone show sponsored by Mayor Brandon M. Scott and developed in partnership with cultural arts youth organizers from the Youth Resiliency Institute will launch at 9 p.m.

Linzy Jackson, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, said the city’s goal is to provide safe and enjoyable holiday programming for residents and visitors.

“MOACE's goal is simple: create events that are safe, well-organized, and enjoyable for everyone,” Jackson said. “We encourage everyone to plan ahead, expect temporary traffic impacts, consider using public transportation or rideshare when possible, try to stay cool and hydrated, and most importantly, come out and enjoy the fireworks around the waterfront and the drone show in Cherry Hill.”

Another holiday event, the Red, White & Groove Silent Disco, presented by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Point Park, 1201 Point Street. The all-ages event costs $15 per person and will include wireless headphones, multiple DJ channels, food trucks and drinks by JC Mixology.

City officials are also urging attendees to prepare for possible extreme weather. Visitors are encouraged to drink plenty of water, avoid excessive alcohol or sugary and caffeinated drinks, wear loose and lightweight clothing, apply sunscreen, wear hats and take breaks in shaded areas or on designated cooling buses.

Dan Taylor, President of Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, said the celebration builds on the recent energy seen along the waterfront during Sail250.

“We were just reminded during Sail250 how electric the City feels when the waterfront is full of food, music and people,” Taylor said. “We are thrilled to collaborate on this 4th of July weekend to give everyone even more opportunities to experience our incredible waterfront.”

With fireworks over the harbor, a drone show in Cherry Hill, music at Pier Six and food and activities throughout downtown, Baltimore’s “Four on the Fourth” celebration is designed to bring residents, families and visitors together for a memorable Independence Day on the waterfront.

Grammy-nominated Smooth Soul/Jazz powerhouse Maysa will commemorate a remarkable year of milestones with the inaugural Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul & Jazz Weekender, taking place August 14–16, 2026. The celebration honors her 60th birthday, 35 years in music, the release of her highly anticipated new album Milestones, and the 10th anniversary of her beloved online community, Maysa’s Kitchen Karaoke Sundays (#MKKS). The three-day experience will culminate with “The Big Show: Maysa & Friends” at Baltimore’s iconic Pier Six Pavilion, bringing together fans, friends, and fellow artists for a weekend honoring one of contemporary soul and jazz music’s most beloved voices. 

The event also arrives alongside the release of Maysa’s highly anticipated new album, Milestones, a fitting title for an artist whose remarkable career has become woven into the fabric of contemporary soul and jazz. Special guests scheduled to join the celebration include Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Loni Love, Mike Phillips, Avery*Sunshine, Byron Miller, and additional surprise performers and friends from throughout Maysa’s illustrious career.

“This isn’t just a birthday celebration; it’s a celebration of purpose, perseverance, and the power of music to bring people together,” said Maysa. “Thirty-five years ago, I could never have imagined the journey that was ahead of me. To still be creating, performing, and connecting with audiences around the world at 60 is a gift I don’t take for granted. Baltimore raised me, soul music shaped me, and my fans have sustained me. I’m excited to celebrate this milestone with the people who have made it all possible and to share what’s next through my new album, Milestones.”

A Weekend of Music, Celebration, and Community

The inaugural Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul & Jazz Weekender will offer attendees an unforgettable three-day experience celebrating music, culture, friendship, and the city that helped shape Maysa’ extraordinary journey:

Friday, August 14, 2026
Private VIP Welcome Night
An exclusive evening welcoming special guests, supporters, and friends to kick off the historic weekend celebration.

Saturday, August 15, 2026
“Taste of Baltimore” Jazz Crab Feast & Maysa’s 60th Birthday Party
Hosted at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, this signature event will blend Baltimore’s rich culinary traditions with live music, fellowship, and celebration. Guests are encouraged to embrace the evening’s “Grown & Sexy Denim & Bling” theme as they join Maysa in commemorating her milestone birthday.

Sunday, August 16, 2026
“The Big Show: Maysa & Friends”
The weekend culminates at Baltimore’s renowned Pier Six Pavilion, where Maysa will be joined by special guests and longtime friends for an unforgettable evening of music, memories, and celebration.

Known for her signature honey-toned mezzo-soprano and captivating stage presence, Maysa has spent more than three decades building a legacy rooted in authenticity, artistry, and excellence. Her distinguished career includes collaborations with music legends including Stevie Wonder, Angela Bofill, Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, and a remarkable 35-year association with the acclaimed British jazz-funk collective Incognito, helping define the sound of contemporary soul and jazz for generations of listeners worldwide. 

Over the course of her career, Maysa has earned a Grammy Award nomination, seven SoulTracks Female Vocalist of the Year honors, and Soul Train’s inaugural Centric Award, among numerous other accolades. Yet beyond the awards and chart success, she has remained deeply connected to her audience through her warmth, transparency, and unwavering commitment to the music.

“Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul & Jazz Weekender represents more than a celebration of longevity,” said Troy Burton, Maysa’s manager. “It honors an artist whose influence extends far beyond the stage. Maysa has consistently evolved while remaining true to her roots, creating music that inspires, heals, and connects people across generations.”

In recent years, Maysa has expanded her impact beyond music through her independent imprint, Blue Velvet Soul Records, and her immensely popular Facebook Live series, Maysa’s Kitchen Karaoke Sundays (#MKKS). Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the weekly gathering has cultivated a devoted global community, offering fans an intimate space where music, conversation, and connection flourish.

A proud Baltimore native, Maysa’s upcoming Weekender serves as both a homecoming and a celebration of a career defined by resilience, reinvention, and artistic excellence. From international stages and award-winning recordings to entrepreneurial ventures and digital community-building, she continues to redefine what longevity looks like in today’s music industry. 

More than a concert announcement, Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul & Jazz Weekender is a celebration of legacy, innovation, hometown pride, and an artist who has spent decades elevating soul and jazz music on a global stage while continuing to find new ways to connect authentically with audiences.

Tickets are available at https://maysabluevelvetsoulandjazz.ticketspice.com/maysas-blue-velvet-soul-jazz-weekender.

Tyler Duckett-Oliver, a Labor & Employment Attorney at Miles & Stockbridge, is the recipient of The Arc Baltimore’s prestigious President’s Cup.

Presented during The Arc’s recent Catalyst for Change Awards Ceremony, the President’s Cup is presented to that Board member who has distinguished himself or herself by providing exemplary service to the organization. The recipient is selected at the sole discretion of the President of The Arc Baltimore’s Board of Directors.

“Tyler Duckett-Oliver joined The Arc Baltimore Board of Directors in 2024 and quickly distinguished herself as an engaged, thoughtful, and highly effective member,” says Kathleen McNally Durkin, The Arc Baltimore’s Chief Executive Officer. “She immediately committed to understanding the organization’s mission and governance structure, becoming a valued contributor from the start.”

Within three months of joining the Board, Duckett-Oliver was appointed to the Governance Committee, where her expertise in regulatory compliance and risk awareness as an attorney at Miles & Stockbridge strengthened decision-making. “She consistently elevates discussions by asking insightful questions that ensure key considerations, including potential legal and operational risks, are fully explored,” notes Durkin.

Duckett-Oliver also serves on the Board’s Finance, Audit, and Compliance Committee, bringing a strong analytical lens and thoughtful inquiry. While not a formal member of the Quality Enhancement Committee, she reviews all reports and actively follows progress, demonstrating diligence beyond expectations.

Professionally, Duckett-Oliver counsels employers of various sizes and industries, helping them navigate complex and evolving employment and labor laws and regulations. She defends clients in employment discrimination, wage and hour, and traditional labor matters, and assists in all aspects of employment compliance. She has also conducted numerous complex internal investigations in the private sector and in higher education involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Duckett-Oliver has extensive experience advising and representing colleges, universities, and independent schools throughout the DMV region. She has defended higher education institutions and private K–12 schools in a range of disputes involving faculty employment and student discipline issues. She also acts as a subject matter expert supporting Miles & Stockbridge’s Corporate, Securities and Tax Practice Group on various M&A transactions.

Through its Catalyst for Change Awards program, The Arc Baltimore recognizes those individuals who have gone that extra mile in their commitment and service to the organization and those people with developmental disabilities who are recipients of The Arc’s programs and services.

The awards ceremony was preceded by The Arc Baltimore’s Annual Meeting, which included election of Board officers and directors.

Since 1949, The Arc Baltimore has supported people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. The Arc’s vision is a world where all people are valued, their voices are heard, and their impact is felt. With more than 700 full- and part-time employees, The Arc Baltimore provides employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, assistive technology services, respite care, and public policy advocacy.

For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org, email contactus@thearcbaltimore.org, or call 410-296-2272.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced a major expansion of the funding database on the Maryland Community Business Compass, the state's free online tool that helps entrepreneurs start and grow essential-service businesses in the communities that need them most. The enhanced database now connects users to nearly 2,500 funding and support programs such as business grants and loans from across Maryland — a tenfold increase that builds on the first-of-its-kind directory the Compass pioneered at launch, which featured roughly 250 state and local programs. The expanded database now stands as one of the most comprehensive directories of assistance ever assembled in the state.

"Maryland's residents and entrepreneurs shouldn't need an insider's network or a team of consultants to find the resources available to them," said Gov. Moore. "By bringing nearly 2,500 funding and assistance programs into one place, we're closing the information gap that has held too many small business owners back — and making sure every Marylander with a good idea has a fair shot to build, grow, and create jobs in their community."

Developed by the Maryland State Innovation Team in the Office of Governor Wes Moore, the Compass helps small business owners identify neighborhood demand for goods and services, connect to expert support, and find funding — starting with the child care and fresh food businesses that families depend on. 

The newly enhanced funding database goes well beyond grants and loans, adding training programs, rebates, tax credits, and technical assistance. For the first time, it also reaches beyond government to include private sector resources. The database now draws from over 100 sources statewide including Maryland counties, municipalities, and private sector sources such as foundations, community development financial institutions, and universities.

Built in partnership with Anthropic, the Compass uses Claude to read more than 72,000 web pages — identifying assistance programs, gathering details such as eligibility, deadlines, and contacts, and translating complex requirements into plain-English summaries. Results are manually reviewed for consistency before any update goes live to the public.

“This platform expansion started with listening — and what we heard from entrepreneurs and residents was that support existed, but a clear path to it didn’t," said Francesca Ioffreda, Maryland's Chief Innovation Officer. "New technology has allowed us to change that, making the full suite of resources and programs visible in one place. This initiative is a model for how innovative, cross-sector partnerships can accelerate and scale our work to build the infrastructure of economic mobility Maryland needs to thrive."

Launched in 2024, the Maryland State Innovation Team is charged with designing and implementing bold new solutions to the state's most challenging issues, particularly child poverty and economic mobility. As part of that work, the team partners across state agencies to increase data capacity and develop AI-powered tools to support families, businesses, and community economic growth. The Innovation Team’s partnership with Anthropic is part of the State’s broader efforts to increase deployment of responsible AI — integrating the technology to drive positive outcomes and improve services for Marylanders. 

This builds on a strong foundation of responsible, applied AI across state government, anchored in Maryland's 2025 Responsible AI Policy and the governor's recent launch of the Maryland AI Innovation Lab. Housed within the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT), the Lab provides state agencies with the tools, infrastructure, and expert consultation needed to scale AI adoption and experimentation. It supports key strategic initiatives — including the state's partnership with Anthropic — to harness artificial intelligence to address child poverty and modernize Maryland's government.

The Compass is part of the Moore-Miller administration's broader agenda to strengthen Maryland's economic competitiveness and expand access to capital and opportunity for entrepreneurs and residents in every community. It is the latest in a series of strategies toward that goal: Last month, Governor Moore announced $3 million in financial assistance to support small and minority-owned business growth to help make Maryland more competitive.

The enhanced funding database is available now at https://compass.maryland.gov/incentives/.

Father's Day has come and gone, but I find myself still sitting with it. As a Black woman, I have spent a good part of my life learning the importance of speaking up — loudly and often — about the value of Black men in our community. We are quick, sometimes too quick, to talk about what's missing. June, as Men's Health Month and the month that holds Father's Day, gives us a moment to talk instead about what's present: the men who show up, who father in every sense of the word, whether or not they have biological children of their own. Wesley Hawkins, M.Ed., is one of those men. And his story deserves more than a single day of recognition. It deserves all year.

Hawkins does not traffic in theories. Everything he knows about what Baltimore's most vulnerable young people need, he knows because he once was one of them.

Growing up with two parents battling drug addiction, spending time in foster care, falling four grade levels behind in school — not because his mind didn't work, but because the instability around him made learning impossible — Hawkins lived what so many of the children he now serves are living. His mother passed away from a drug overdose in 2014. His father was a functional addict. There were stretches without running water, without heat, without enough food to keep a child's mind focused on anything other than survival.

"What I lacked was stability," he told me plainly. "I didn't have a stable household, a stable living environment. Once I got those things, I realized nothing was wrong with me."

What turned things around was a God-fearing aunt who took him in, got him tutoring, mentoring, and therapy — and, just as importantly, believed in him. "I needed love. I needed nourishment. I needed somebody to care. I needed just a hug sometimes. I needed somebody to just believe in me." Today, Hawkins holds three degrees and is working on his fourth. He is a homeowner. And he has built an organization — the Nolita Project — dedicated to giving other young people exactly what he once needed. In many ways, Wesley Hawkins has become the father figure he needed as a child to hundreds of children who need one now.

A Father to a Community

Founded in 2012 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2016, the Nolita Project just celebrated ten years of official status this past January. Operating across East and West Baltimore, the organization currently serves more than 300 youth and families — and it does so the way a good father does: showing up consistently, holding people accountable with love, and refusing to give up on anyone.

The Nolita Project operates on three main pillars: education-based work in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools; youth diversion, supporting high-risk youth and those returning from juvenile detention; and reentry services for adults coming back to the community after incarceration. School visits and home visits. Tutoring and mentoring. Help finding housing and employment. Food, clothing, and hygiene items when needed. Resume building. Life goal planning. "We work as a case manager," Hawkins explained. "But we also show up as someone who loves them."

This is what fatherhood looks like when it is offered as a community resource rather than reserved for biological children alone. Hawkins is particularly clear-eyed about who the Nolita Project serves: the young people that schools label as behavior problems, learning disabilities, or worse. He knows those labels. He wore them himself. "People were demonizing, labeling, judging — and not asking why or what's wrong," he said. "Trauma built on top of trauma, with a lack of resources, leads to a ton of health issues and a mental health crisis going on in neighborhoods and communities."

For Men's Health Month, this matters in a particular way. We often measure men's health in narrow terms — blood pressure, prostate screenings, the things we can put on a chart. Hawkins's life and work insist on a wider lens. Health, for him, includes whether a man had someone to believe in him as a boy. It includes whether he had stability, nourishment, and a hand to hold when the world told him he was broken. Healing that, for himself and now for hundreds of others, is its own form of men's health work.

Why Sexual Health Cannot Be Left Out

Hawkins's understanding of health is holistic, and that includes sexual health — an area where he serves as an ambassador with RnD Associates. He connected with Executive Director Rebkha Atnafou first through the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Bunting Leadership Program, and later through years of crossing paths on panels and in community work. He recognized a natural alignment. Both were doing work rooted in relationship, trust, and reaching the people everyone else tends to overlook.

"Sexual health matters," he said without hesitation. "If a lot of these children, students, and families don't know and don't understand how to protect themselves — how to make sure that if they are having sex, they are being safe — then we're leaving out a critical piece of their overall wellness."

He is candid about what he sees on the ground. Young people are sexually active at rates that adults either don't know about or have convinced themselves aren't happening. "These children are having sex, at a high rate, and a lot of them are learning about it from the world — from videos, from magazines, from trial and error — instead of from trusted adults in their lives." For young men especially, Hawkins believes, this is where present, trustworthy male role models become essential. Boys need men in their lives who can speak honestly with them about protecting their bodies, respecting their partners, and understanding the long-term weight of their choices — conversations that too often go unmodeled.

The consequences of that gap are real and lasting. Hawkins has seen young people contract STDs that left them not just physically affected, but mentally and emotionally traumatized. "Some STDs cause long-term harm. Some you can't get rid of at all," he said. "That messes with your physical health and your mental health."

The Nolita Project After-School Program – Reach Partnership High School. Students participated in a powerful class discussion focused on gun violence and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Through open dialogue, critical thinking, and shared experiences, youth explored solutions, prevention strategies, and the importance of making positive choices while developing the skills to become leaders and advocates for change.

Trust Is the Curriculum

What makes the Nolita Project's approach work is the same thing that makes a good father effective: relationship. Hawkins and his team build trust long before they introduce difficult conversations. They speak the language of the communities they serve and create spaces free of judgment, condescension, and shame.

"Once you have a relationship and trust, there aren't too many things you can't discuss," he said. "We want to make sure it's a safe space, a non-judgmental space, a space where they know they can speak freely."

This is the version of Black manhood I want this community to see and celebrate — not just in June, not just around a single Sunday in the calendar, but all year long. Wesley Hawkins took the absence in his own childhood and turned it into presence for hundreds of others. He is proof that fatherhood, at its best, is not only about whose blood runs in a child's veins. It is about who shows up, who stays, and who believes in a young person long enough for that young person to believe in themselves.

Father's Day may be behind us. The need for men like Wesley Hawkins is not seasonal. It is constant. And so is our gratitude.

Michelle Petties is a TEDx speaker, Food Story coach, and the award-winning author of the memoir Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict. After gaining and losing 700 pounds, Michelle discovered the secret to overcoming stress and emotional overeating. Her free workbook, Mind Over Meals, reveals her core principles for losing weight and keeping it off.

Community College of Baltimore County is opening its campus pools to the public this summer, offering free community swim hours at its Catonsville, Dundalk and Essex campuses from June 22 through Aug. 20.

The initiative is designed to give Baltimore County residents more access to safe, welcoming spaces to swim, stay active and cool off during the summer months. The expanded program follows a successful pilot at CCBC Essex last summer and now includes all three campus pools.

“We are pleased to offer this opportunity to our communities,” said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis. “Following a successful pilot at CCBC Essex last summer, we are expanding access to include our three campuses to better serve our neighbors and strengthen community connections.”

Free swim hours will be available on select days at each campus. CCBC Catonsville will offer community swim from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. CCBC Dundalk will offer two swim periods on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and again from 4 to 6 p.m. CCBC Essex will offer access from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Although there is no cost to swim, participants must complete an online waiver and obtain a CCBC OneCard before entering the pool. Community members are encouraged to complete the waiver in advance so there is enough time for processing before their visit.

Pools will operate under established safety guidelines. Certified lifeguards will be on duty, and staff will be available to assist visitors with check-in and access requirements.

Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier praised CCBC for expanding access to the facilities, noting that free swim opportunities can support families, children and older adults during the summer.

“Access to safe places to stay active and cool off during the summer is important for our families and communities,” said Klausmeier. “By offering free access to these pools, CCBC is giving more children, families and seniors the opportunity to swim, exercise and spend time together close to home. I want to thank CCBC for making these facilities available and expanding access to resources that help keep our communities healthy, connected and active through the summer.”

The free pool access program reflects CCBC’s broader commitment to serving as a community resource beyond the classroom. By opening its facilities to residents, the college is helping provide more recreational options at a time when families are looking for affordable summer activities.

For more information, including registration details, waiver access and pool guidelines, visit www.ccbcmd.edu/community-swim.

Baltimore’s creative community continues to grow through collaboration, connection and intentional spaces designed to bring visionaries together. That spirit was on full display as iMC Creates! and HeidnSeek Entertainment hosted the VIP Creator’s Social, an exclusive networking experience created to connect influential creators, entrepreneurs, artists, media professionals and innovators from across industries.

The event marked a landmark collaboration between April Watts, founder of iMC Creates!, and Heidi Klotzman, founder of HeidnSeek Entertainment. Together, the two Baltimore-based leaders joined forces around a shared mission: to strengthen the city’s creator economy, introduce more people to the work of iMC Creates!, and create a space where relationships could turn into new opportunities.

Held in an intimate and engaging setting, the VIP Creator’s Social gave attendees the chance to meet, network, exchange ideas and explore future partnerships. Guests represented a wide range of creative disciplines and professional backgrounds, reflecting the diversity and energy of Baltimore’s creative landscape.

For Watts, the event was rooted in her own experience as a creator and media professional. She said the right connection can often change the course of a person’s work, career or business.

“As a creator myself, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right connection can be. So many opportunities come from being in the right room with the right people, yet a lot of talented creators are building in isolation,” said Watts, media veteran and founder of iMC Creates!. “The VIP Creator’s Social was created to bring together individuals from different industries, backgrounds and experiences who may not have otherwise crossed paths.”

Watts said the purpose of the gathering was not only to highlight iMC Creates!, but also to build a stronger sense of community among creatives who are often working independently.

“Our goal was not only to introduce more people to the work we’re doing at iMC Creates!, but to create a space where meaningful relationships, collaboration and new opportunities could grow,” Watts said. “Building community has always been at the heart of what we do, and this event was a reflection of that mission.”

For Klotzman, the partnership aligned naturally with the mission of HeidnSeek Entertainment, which specializes in curated events, experiential marketing and entertainment programming. She said private socials can serve as powerful tools for bringing together people with the ability to influence, support and invest in the community.

“The purpose of HeidnSeek’s private socials is to intentionally bring together people who have the ability to influence, support and invest in their communities,” said Klotzman. “When local businesses, creators, entrepreneurs and community leaders share the same space, visibility turns into opportunity.”

The event also represented an important milestone for iMC Creates!, a Baltimore-based creative marketing agency, brand development company and content studio. The company supports creators, entrepreneurs and organizations through storytelling, marketing strategy, content production and community-driven experiences.

Located in Downtown Baltimore, iMC Creates! also operates a professional content creation studio available for rental. The space supports photography, video production, podcasts, workshops, networking events and other forms of creative collaboration. Through its combination of marketing services and accessible creative resources, iMC Creates! aims to help brands expand their reach and amplify their impact.

HeidnSeek Entertainment, led by Klotzman, also plays a unique role in Baltimore’s business and entertainment ecosystem. The company connects businesses, creators and communities through tastemaker events, promotional campaigns and live entertainment experiences designed to build visibility and deepen community engagement.

As the creator economy continues to evolve, both iMC Creates! and HeidnSeek Entertainment say they remain committed to developing experiences that empower creatives, encourage collaboration and inspire future opportunities.

The success of the VIP Creator’s Social underscored the importance of intentional networking in a city filled with creative talent. By bringing together artists, entrepreneurs, media leaders and innovators under one roof, Watts and Klotzman helped create more than an event. They helped create a room where Baltimore’s next collaborations could begin.