(BALTIMORE – June 21, 2025) – This week reminded us why Black media is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. The Baltimore Banner published a story that cast a dark cloud over one of Baltimore’s most committed public servants, State Senator Cory McCray. The headline alone — “A state senator aided a disgraced developer’s ‘affordable’ East Baltimore project” — was designed to provoke doubt, stir suspicion, and chip away at the integrity of a man who has spent his entire career fighting for East Baltimore. But this isn’t just about Cory McCray. It’s about narrative power. It’s about who gets to tell the story — and how. Let’s be clear: Sen. McCray has been on the ground since day one. From founding the BEST Democratic Club to mentoring young leaders, to knocking on doors with authenticity, he is not new to this. He’s true to this. And if the editors and writers of the Banner knew our city and its people the way we do, they would have understood that. But instead, they wrote about East Baltimore from the outside looking in — and it showed. As Sen. McCray aptly noted, we need incentives to attract quality development in neighborhoods that have long been disinvested in. That’s leadership, not corruption. That’s strategy, not scandal. It takes bold, unapologetic Black leadership to bring resources to our communities — and it takes a special kind of media myopia to mistake that leadership for wrongdoing. We’re not blind to Ronald Lipscomb’s past. We also know people change, partners shift, and projects evolve. And we certainly know that no development happens in Baltimore without politics, negotiation, and some hard-fought persuasion. If Sen. McCray pushed to get a neglected parcel activated in his district — then good. That’s what we elect leaders to do. But instead of acknowledging the blight that once dominated that area — or the people finally seeing change on their blocks — the Banner reached for clickbait. It questioned motive and character. It cast shadows on a man with a proven record of service to this city. That’s why BMORENews exists. Because far too often, our leaders are torn down by those who never built anything in the communities they cover. We stand with Senator Cory McCray — not because he’s perfect, but because he’s present. Because he’s accountable. Because he answers his phone. Because he still lives where he leads. Because he didn’t just inherit influence — he earned it. And when a media outlet attempts to tear down one of our own without cultural competency or context, we call it out. Because if we don’t, they’ll keep doing it. And the next generation of leaders won’t stand a chance. This is exactly why we produce Black media. To protect the truth. To amplify it. And to preserve it for those coming behind us. So when you say Cory McCray’s name — put some respect on it. – BMORENews.com Editorial Board“We cover Black history – one story at a…

THE NEFERTITI NETWORK

March Madness: The Game Off the Court for Black Student-Athletes

By Sharday Urtarte, Editor-in-Chief Nefertiti Network (WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 25, 2025) – March Madness is here—a time when college basketball dominates the sports world, showcasing the talent and resilience of student-athletes nationwide. But beyond the on-court spectacle, what does this moment mean for Black student-athletes in today’s evolving NCAA landscape? The Changing NCAA Landscape Recent legislative shifts—ranging from changes in NIL policies to the rollback of affirmative action and the dismantling of DEI programs—are reshaping the experience of Black athletes. These policies don’t just impact recruitment; they influence financial opportunities, mental health, and the overall culture of college sports. The…

Re-writing HERstory: A Letter to Black Women

By Lauren Dorvil, MPH, Chief Digital Strategist, Nefertiti Network (WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 4, 2025) – Dear Black Women …  It is evident that our voices are under attack. The past 40 days have been an intense cycle of uncertainty, fear, and emotion. America has found itself in a new but familiar chapter of history, with a political, social, and economic climate that is hostile to urban America—specifically to the overall health and wellness of Black women. Our physical, mental, and emotional health are at risk: from the cost of living, senseless attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and…

Rodericka Applewhaite Redefines Black Media Access at the White House

Written by Jacqueline Shaulis, White House Correspondent, The Nefertiti Network Edited by Sharday Urtarte, White House Corr/espondent, The Nefertiti Network (WASHINGTON, DC – February 12, 2025) – In the halls of the White House, Rodericka Applewhaite reshaped the narrative of Black media representation. In her time as White House Director of Black Media, the first-generation American of Panamanian and Guyanese descent didn’t just open doors—she reimagined the very structure of access, ensuring that Black voices are heard where they once were muted. “We trust outlets to understand the audiences they serve,” Applewhaite explained, her voice steady and assured. This belief…

Not ‘Hard to Read,’ Just Three Steps Ahead: Black Introverted Leaders Share Their Truth

By Jacqueline Shaulis, Chief Investigative Journalist, Nefertiti Network (WASHINGTON, DC – February 10, 2025) “When I walk into a new place of employment, you see my brown face first. When we aren’t saying much, when we have a low-key calm demeanor, we are immediately misunderstood,” reflects Dr. Jeri Bingham, host of the HushLoudly podcast and creator of Black Introvert Week. “They can’t figure us out.” But what others mistake for being “hard to read” is actually calculated observation in action. As Black Introvert Week (February 8-15) kicks off, research is revealing what successful Black introverts have always known: that the…

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MDOA Announces FY26 Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Grant Opportunity

The Maryland Department of Aging is pleased to announce a competitive funding opportunity for grant awards under the Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) program, funded through the approved state budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This initiative provides state-funded grants to community-based organizations offering programming, service coordination, and community support to concentrated areas where low-income older adults face challenges such as declining health, isolation, financial hardship, and language barriers. The NORC program encompasses three complementary projects, each designed to address the unique needs of older adults across Maryland: Elder SAFE – Provides critical supportive services to older adults at risk of elder…

Black Empowerment in Action: Forum & Awards Honoring Black Wall Street

You’re Invited: The Greater Baltimore Black Empowerment Forum Featuring the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 NoonThurgood Marshall Amenity Center1315 Division Street, Baltimore, MD RSVP to blackwallstreet104.eventbrite.com The public is invited to a powerful and timely gathering: The Greater Baltimore Black Empowerment Forum, taking place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center in West Baltimore. This event will convene local leaders, community members, and changemakers to discuss the State of Black Empowerment in the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan Area. The event will be…

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Have You Seen The Doni Glover TV Show on WMAR TV-2, Sundays at 5:30 am (BALTIMORE)?

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