Friday, January 29
Cicely Tyson, iconic and influential actress, dies at 96
Cicely Tyson, an award-winning icon of the stage and screen who broke barriers for Black actresses with surpassing dignity, died Thursday, her longtime manager Larry Thompson confirmed to CNN.
“Racially Discriminatory Legislation & Policies Must Be Stopped” The Unintended Consequences of a Ban on Menthols to Black Adult Citizens — January 25, 2021 — Message to the Black America
From tear gassing peaceful Black and Brown protesters vs. opening gates to White rioters, to countless fatal arrests of unarmed Black men vs. polite requests to put down the Congressional gavel, American history is clear: the color of your skin CAN determine your fate when faced with armed and unarmed law enforcers.
Three ways to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions
Ok, you are almost a month into 2021! Are you still sticking to those New Year’s resolutions that you’ve set for yourself?
Coach Allison Releases New Book to Inspire Baltimore Youth
Famous boxing coach Mack Allison, III has never considered abandoning his Baltimore roots to find greener pastures elsewhere.
Hank Aaron rose to the top of baseball while facing pervasive racism— leaves behind a powerful legacy
Baseball legend Hank Aaron is remembered today as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Crucial to his legacy is that unlike his White counterparts, he pulled off his most significant achievements while enduring pervasive racism.
Baltimore Native supports U.S. Navy shipyard surge as part of COVID-19 response
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii— A 2004 Dunbar High School graduate and native of Baltimore is serving at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility as part of the largest mobilization of reservists in Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) history. The mobilization is tied directly to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rambling Rose Gone, but will never be forgotten!
Hello my dear friends, I am so sorry my “Rambling Rose” column has turned into more of an obituary column instead of an entertainment column, but what can I say, that is what Baltimore has come to.
Ravens look to Senior Bowl for new players
It’s that time of the year again. The third week of January is when the NFL shifts its focus to Mobile, Alabama the home of the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
How the pandemic has affected the human trafficking crisis in Maryland
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted every sector of society, including the human trafficking crisis in Maryland.
Democracy survived an insurrection and America now needs unity
“This is the role and responsibility of the president to resolve insurmountable issues, with a vision that brings about change, and success. America almost lost Democracy on January 6, 2021, with the storming of the Federal Capitol building. After the election in 2020, President Donald Trump continued to promote one huge lie. Essentially, he told the country and the world, that he had really won the election.”
Black physician’s call to people of color: Trust the vaccine and get your shot
As a physician of color, I am well aware of the history of scientific experimentation in the African American community.
Thursday, January 28
CICELY TYSON, ICONIC AND INFLUENTIAL ACTRESS, DIES AT 96
Cicely Tyson, an award-winning icon of the stage and screen who broke barriers for Black actresses with surpassing dignity, died Thursday, her manager Larry Thompson confirmed to CNN.
Friday, January 22
Hank Aaron, baseball legend and former home run king, dies at 86
Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron, the Baseball Hall of Famer who broke Babe Ruth's all-time home run record in the face of racism and went on to become a revered ambassador to the game, has died. He was 86.
Mark Ingram’s impact on Ravens should not go unnoticed
The Baltimore Ravens announced on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, that veteran running back Mark Ingram was released.
Amanda Gorman calls on Americans to 'leave behind a country better than the one we were left' in powerful inauguration poem
Amanda Gorman, the na- tion's first-ever youth poet laureate, challenged Americans Wednesday to "leave behind a country better than the one we were left" and unify together as she delivered a stirring inauguration poem.
Biden administration must commit to a national pandemic preparedness strategy
“More than 40 percent of Americans deferred any kind of medical care earlier this year due to fears of contracting the virus. Patients with chronic conditions were also more likely to forego urgent or emergency care during those early months, which was also the case for too many Black and Latino Americans.”
Maryland preps for celebrations for “Maryland School Choice Week”
Baltimore— For the sixth year in a row, the last week of January is being officially, recognized as Maryland School Choice Week by the state’s governor.
Free art kits from the Walters Art Museum distributed to Baltimore City and County residents
Baltimore— The Walters Art Museum has once again distributed free art kits to supplement arts education for students learning from home. Designed for ages six to 11 and offered in both English and Spanish, the art kits explore themes of art and identity with the goal of encouraging parents and children to learn about and create art together.
Nine-year-old Tyler Stallings: Young humanitarian has some famous ‘roots’
This is Part II of a two-part series about Tyler Stallings, 9, who has a project called Give Back to Veterans.
Boston Red Sox hire first Black woman coach in baseball history
Bianca Smith, an African American woman, has made baseball history. Smith, who most recently served as an assistant baseball coach and hitting coordinator at Wisconsin’s Carroll University, was named a coach in the Boston Red Sox minor league system.
Wednesday, January 20
Biden Sworn in as 46th President
Kamala Harris First Black, First South Asian, First Female Sworn in as Vice President
President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States Wednesday, ushering in a new era of calm and comity to Washington after four divisive and tumultuous years under former President Donald Trump.
An inauguration like no other: Notable moments of a momentous day
President Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday looked a bit different from past ceremonies ushering in a new administration.
Biden targets Trump's legacy with first-day executive actions
President Joe Biden is finalizing 17 executive moves just hours after his inauguration Wednesday, moving faster and more aggressively to dismantle his predecessor's legacy than any other modern president.
Sunday, January 17
UMMS to Hold Virtual Town Hall on MLK Day on Jan. 18 th COVID-19 Vaccines To Be Discussed
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) will hold “Finding Hope on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – A Town Hall on Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccine” on Monday, January 18, 2021.
Saturday, January 16
Governor Larry Hogan Declares State of Emergency For Presidential Inauguration, Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration
State Seeks Federal Assistance for Security, Other Resources Related to D.C. Riots, Presidential Inauguration
Baltimore County Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Form
In preparation of beginning Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccinations next week, Baltimore County has released a COVID-19 vaccine registration form that allows County residents to sign up to receive notification when they become eligible to receive a vaccine and when there are available appointments.
STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT BILL FERGUSON ON THE PASSING OF SENATE PRESIDENT EMERITUS THOMAS V. MIKE MILLER, JR.
Today, I join all Marylanders in mourning the passing of a champion of the Senate of Maryland, Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
Howard County Health Department Expands Staffing for Large-scale Vaccination Efforts
In response to the need for large-scale community COVID-19 vaccinations, the Howard County Health Department is working with Howard County Government, partner agencies, volunteers and students to expand its vaccination workforce. Ongoing staff recruitment, hiring and training efforts will ensure the County can meet capacity needs as significant vaccination efforts begin.
Friday, January 15
The Art of Activism: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This weekend: Four days of virtual events feature arts and activism programming in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Black owned burger joint ‘Noisy Burger’ brings sauce to Remington permanently
Noisy Burger first made its debut at R House, a trendy food hall in the Remington neighborhood in 2017.
Biden 2021 should look to Biden 1980 for bipartisan inspiration
President-elect Joe Biden has promised to govern as a president for all Americans, not just those who voted for him.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ warnings to U.S. Capitol Police Chief ignored and she says Trump should be impeached, charged
“They got overrun, and these terrorists got inside and were calling out for [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi and looking for her. Even the woman who was shot and killed— when they searched her belongings, they found a video in which she said she was planning to ‘put Kamala Harris and Maxine Waters’ on notice. These people were out to kill. For the president, impeachment is a certainty, but criminal charges? Absolutely.”
Local student developing unique project connecting African culture to America
Through the United by Purpose Scholarship established by the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), more and more students in higher education are being inspired to pursue their dreams and impact their communities.
Feature: The Baltimore Legacy Builders Collective ‘Baltimore Uprisings: Have Things Changed or Remained the Same?’
Three nonprofits join forces to encourage and empower city youth
Nine-Year-Old ‘Little Big Shot” Tyler Stalling Serving Those Who Have Served Our Country
This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Series on nine- year-old Tyler Stallings. Part 2 of this series will be published next week.
Martin Luther King Jr Day: Nine things you might not know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Well respected, honored and appreci- ated for his civil rights activism, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. rightfully earned his place as one of the most influential figures in American and world history. Through his religious teachings and so- cial activism, Dr. King played a key role in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
Black engineer launches simple cleaning product
Houston— Engineer and entrepreneur Devon Fanfair has proudly launched his sanitizing product, Just Wipes to help consumers “Live Life Clean.” A serial entrepreneur, Fanfair is also the co- founder of the Venture Capital & Private Equity firm, Devland and has a decade’s worth of experience in technology and startups.
Rambling Rose Positive Things about Positive People
Hello everyone, I pray that you are healthy and safe. These days are so hard to write about positive things with so much negativity going on. I do not write about politics or crimes as you know and with the COVID-19 going on, I am try- ing very hard to put a smile on your face by talking about positive things.
Weathered Ravens ready for playoff push
The old saying, “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” applies perfectly to this year’s Baltimore Ravens.
Five leadership traits of the founding fathers that can unify America
News & Experts— With the COVID-19 pandemic worsening, the economy faltering, and protests against racial injustice continuing, millions of Americans face difficult times and worry about the nation’s future.
Friday, January 8
Baltimore social worker pens book to draw attention to pandemic of child sex abuse
“Body Safety Zones Activity and Coloring Book” is a publication that Baltimore-based social worker and therapeutic consultant Terri Johnson has long wanted to publish.
Best Friends Animal Society offers top five ways pets can make our 2021 New Year’s resolutions stick
It’s that time of year again when many of us start making New Year’s resolutions. After a tumultuous 2020, it may be more imperative than ever to strive for physical, mental, and emotional balance.
Ravens aren’t looking to ‘Remember the Titans’
Making the playoffs was the first goal for the Baltimore Ravens. It took a five- game winning streak, but here they are after finishing with an 11-5 record.
Local Baltimore organizations provide handicap accessible van to police Sgt. Isaac Carrington
Baltimore— Following a shooting out- side his home in August 2019, Sgt. Isaac Carrington, then a 22-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department, spent weeks at Shock Trauma recovering.
Thirteen Local Civil and Human Rights Activists to be Honored First Virtual MLK Jr. Awards Program Friday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m.
Annapolis— The 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Awards Program will air virtually on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 6 p.m. The program will conclude with a viewing of the award-winning short film, “The Dream Revisited: Civil Rights In Perspective,” followed by a virtual discussion of local leaders and activists, “Is Dr. King’s dream being nurtured in Anne Arundel County today?” The largest celebration of Dr. King’s birthday in Anne Arundel, this will be the first year the event will be held virtually via cable and social media. The U.S. Naval Academy Gospel Choir will perform during the program.
At-risk populations need to be priority beyond vaccine
“If ICER’s valuation methods continue to gain clout, vulnerable groups may find that the medication upon which they once relied is no longer covered by insurance. Meanwhile, the prospect of advancing innovative new treatments that benefit Americans with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and mental illness will become bleaker.”
Governor Hogan and Maryland Health Benefit Exchange announce new special enrollment period
Baltimore— Gov. Larry Hogan announced a new special enrollment period in which all uninsured Maryland residents have the opportunity to enroll in health coverage now due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rise in the positivity rate throughout the state. The enrollment period begins immediately and will run until March 15, 2021.
Warnock, Ossoff win Georgia Senate runoffs
Just ahead of the Senate Runoff Election, President-elect Joe Biden went to Georgia and rallied voters by demanding, “Send me these two men!”
Georgia farmers create 40 acre portrait of John Lewis in last minute call to vote
Atlanta— In a stunning poetic short, John Lewis’s words about our planet united with the imagery of his crop art portrait drawn into 40 acres of Georgia farmland.
Monday, January 4
Former NBA Star Junior Bridgeman Purchases EBONY Magazine
According to the Michigan Chronicle, Bridgeman, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers, was once featured on a 2016 Forbes top-paid athletes list. He is the CEO of a Coca-Cola bottling company and part-owner of Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited. The former athlete attempted to purchase Sports Illustrated in 2018 but eventually withdrew his bid a year later.
Boston Red Sox Hire Bianca Smith as First Black Woman Coach in Baseball History
Bianca Smith, 29, becomes the first Black woman to coach in professional baseball. She will work with the team’s infielders at the Red Sox minor league facility in Fort Meyers, Fla.
Georgia Senate Races Will Decide the Fate of Biden’s Presidency
Voter turnout is reportedly lagging in the more rural and conservative areas of Georgia and is higher in more traditionally Democratic areas of the state. Spending on both sides has been high with both Warnock and Ossoff raising over $100 million each for the runoff race which ends on January 5
Friday, January 1
Death of Black doctor of COVID-19 sets off alarms
“He made me feel like a drug addict,” Dr. Susan Moore, 52, said on a video days before her death on December 22, 2020 due to coronavirus. The Black Indiana doctor states on a Facebook video that she had received poor treatment from White caregivers because she was African American. Her message reached over a million people on social media as of December 24, 2020.
Ravens RB Gus Edwards unsung hero on offense
While more flashy names such as Mark Ingram or J.K. Dobbins come to mind when thinking about the Baltimore Ravens running back group, Gus Edwards just keeps working and adding a pound element to the offense.
‘Baltimore Uprising: Have Things Changed or Remained the Same?’
In 2020, community members and others reflected on the fifth anniversary of the Baltimore uprising that resulted from Freddie Gray’s death.
Black voters should see themselves in congressional staff
People of color account for nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population yet, Joint Center research found that people of color account for just 11 percent of Washington, D.C.-based senior staff in Senate personal offices. These include positions like chief of staff, legislative director, and communications director— the most influential staff positions in Congress.
2020 Hindsight
I saw a tweet the other day that said, “With all that went down this year, God has to put us in the next bible
