The Walter P. Carter Institute of Leadership and Service has launched its first major initiative, the Community Leadership and Empowerment Program (CLEP), a free 10-week course designed to cultivate Baltimore’s next generation of grassroots leaders. Rooted in the legacy of civil rights icon Walter P. Carter, the program equips participants with tools in civic engagement, advocacy and public service to help them lead meaningful change in their communities
Author Archives: Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer
Megan Sayles is a business reporter for The Baltimore Afro-American paper. Before this, Sayles interned with Baltimore Magazine, where she wrote feature stories about the city’s residents, nonprofits and initiatives. Her love of music inspired her to be a writer. At a young age she realized it was not the melody that she was so infatuated with, but the lyrics that made up the song and connected with listeners. Sayles grew up in Pasadena, Maryland, and is a 2021 graduate of the University of Maryland, where for her senior capstone project she reported on how the coronavirus and inequality intersected in Baltimore. She also worked as a staff writer and copy editor for campus publications, including Stories Beneath the Shell and The Black Explosion. Sayles teamed up with a partner to report on how the pandemic had put many more responsibilities on the oldest child in families. The Associated Press and other news organizations picked up her story.
Posted inMaryland News
Marylanders can now apply for one-time utility grants as electricity costs spike
As electricity prices continue to rise, Maryland residents can now apply for the Customer Relief Fund, a one-time assistance grant funded by Exelon to support low- to moderate-income households. The $19 million initiative offers up to $750 in relief per eligible BGE customer and is being distributed through local nonprofit organizations.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Shawn Joseph shares first 100-day plan as Prince George’s County’s interim superintendent
Shawn Joseph, a former deputy superintendent for Prince George’s County Public Schools, has returned to lead the district as interim superintendent following Millard House II’s resignation. Joseph says his top priorities include improving academic outcomes, strengthening community engagement and ensuring the district’s operations run efficiently.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
UDC launches ‘Cybersecurity Tech Hub’ at Congress Heights campus
A new apprenticeship program at the University of the District of Columbia’s Congress Heights campus is helping District residents launch careers in the rapidly growing cybersecurity industry.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Turner Station residents speak out on flooding and infrastructure needs during ABC’s Community Convo
Residents of Turner Station are facing intensified flooding and longstanding neglect following the 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Community members expressed frustration over delayed county action and called for urgent investment to address the neighborhood’s critical infrastructure and environmental challenges.
Posted inFinancials
Detecting fraud before it’s too late: Clever Girl Finance founder talks red flags and warning signs
Credit card fraud is on the rise, with millions of Americans falling victim to unauthorized charges every year. Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, shares expert insights on how to spot and prevent fraud before it spirals out of control, offering practical advice to protect your financial information in an increasingly digital world.
Posted inBUSINESS
Baltimore City Small Business Advancement Conference highlights paths to capital for entrepreneurs
At Baltimore’s 2025 Small Business Advancement Conference, entrepreneurs gathered to explore solutions to one of their most persistent challenges: access to capital. The event highlighted both traditional lending and emerging models like grassroots investment crowdfunding, giving small, minority- and women-owned businesses new tools to grow and scale.
Posted inMusic
Death and hip-hop: The toll of drill rap and pushes for positive music
The rising deaths linked to drill rap have sparked urgent conversations about whether the music reflects harsh realities or fuels ongoing violence among youth. Community advocates like Sajda “Purple” Blackwell are working to promote positive rap as a powerful alternative that uplifts rather than harms.
Posted inFinancials
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network: Supporting older adults in the fight against scams
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network works to educate older adults about the risks of fraud, offering resources and emotional support to victims of scams. Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention programs for AARP, emphasized the importance of reframing the narrative around fraud, urging society to recognize that scams affect everyone, not just older adults.
Posted inENVIRONMENT
Virginia Environmental Action Network tackles toxic contaminants in local waterways
Lewis Ross Brown and Shamira A. Brown founded Virginia Environmental Action Network to address the growing environmental challenges in local communities, focusing on water pollution from toxic chemicals like PFAS and PCBs. Their efforts aim to hold government officials accountable and raise awareness about the dangers these contaminants pose to both human health and the environment.
Posted inBlack History
Houston’s Emancipation Park was born from freedom— here’s how it’s honored today
Just seven years after learning of their freedom, a group of formerly enslaved Black Texans purchased land in 1872 to establish Houston’s Emancipation Park—a space to celebrate Juneteenth and build community. Today, their descendants continue that legacy through events, education and advocacy that honor the park’s historic role in the fight for Black freedom and equality.
Posted inBUSINESS
Shoppers grapple with supporting retailers as they scale back equity, diversity and inclusion efforts
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff [email protected] As Juneteenth approaches, Black consumers are increasingly split on whether to support major retailers like Walmart and Target— companies that have faced growing scrutiny for scaling back their diversity, inclusion and equity efforts. Amid calls for store boycotts from leaders such as Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, of Georgia’s New Birth […]