Arts and Culture

BALTIMORE – On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Baltimore stood still at 2401 Belair Road. Community members, descendants, elected officials, clergy, and scholars gathered to lift up a truth that bulldozers and backroom deals tried to bury. Laurel Cemetery — once the sacred resting place for tens of thousands of Black Baltimoreans — was given its rightful due with the unveiling of a new commemorative sign, now visible from Belair Road. “We are here so that Laurel is not forgotten — so that the names of those buried here are not lost forever.” — Dr. Elgin Klugh, Coppin State University Laurel…

THE FINN: Curating Baltimore Culture, Champion of Black Business

(BALTIMORE – May 3, 2025) – More than 25 years ago, LaRian Finney launched his entrepreneurial journey—and never looked back. A proud son of Cherry Hill and graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Finney has become one of Baltimore’s most influential entertainment curators. He’s a master at drawing crowds for unforgettable musical experiences that span generations and genres. From the steps of City Hall to Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore Peninsula, and now full circle, back again to Hopkins Plaza, his signature event, Jazzy Summer Nights, has remained a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. Over the years, he’s brought icons like Fertile…

Guest Editorial: The Awe of Africa

(ACCRAH, GHANA – April 1, 2025) – I had the incredible honor of visiting the continent of Africa for the very first time. As someone who’s traveled extensively—exploring countries and cultures across the globe—I realized that the opportunity, and quite honestly, the responsibility, to walk the lands of the Motherland could no longer be delayed. Africa, the ancestral home of people of African descent—and the cradle of civilization itself—was calling. I landed in Ghana, a vibrant nation in West Africa, with a heart full of excitement and curiosity. I was in a true “Chocolate City,” surrounded by a cultural, historical,…

Baltimore Met Gala Unveils 2025 Theme in Spectacular Celebration

(BALTIMORE – March 18, 2025) – In a dazzling evening of fashion, art, and culinary brilliance, held on Monday, March 17, 2025, the 2025 Baltimore Met Gala (BMG) Theme Reveal captivated hundreds of attendees at the newly completed 4 MLK Building in the city’s Biomed Park. The theme reveal, hosted by WBAL TV news anchor Megan Rivers, marked an electrifying milestone for Baltimore’s creative scene, with designers, models, photographers, chefs, artists, entrepreneurs, and fashionistas eagerly anticipating the grand announcement. The venue, a collaboration between The Finn Group and MOI, provided the perfect backdrop for the evening. This partnership was responsible for designing,…

The CIAA Mourns the Loss of Neo-Soul Icon Angie Stone; VSU 2025 Men’s Champs; Fayetteville State Broncos secured second straight title

(BALTIMORE – March 2, 2025) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of legendary neo-soul singer and artist Angie Stone, who lost her life in a car accident on her way to perform at the tournament. Ms. Stone was scheduled to perform at the halftime show of the CIAA Men’s Championship Basketball Game at 4:00 PM. In honor of her legacy, CIAA Chaplain Pastor Jerome Barber led a moment of silence and prayer before a somber stadium filled with fans. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker released the following statement: “We are heartbroken over the untimely…

Kyana & 4West, Brian Lenair, and “A Taste of Luther” tribute by Tamba Giles.  Saturday, April 19, 2025.  7:00 PM.  Murphy Fine Arts Center.

It’s “A Night of Intimate R&B” featuring soulful songs by the sensational Kyana & 4West, sultry saxophonist Brian Lenair, and a special guest performing “A Taste of Luther” on the eve of Luther Vandross’ 74th birthday, Tamba Giles. Saturday, April 19, 2025, 7:00 PM Murphy Fine Arts Center 2201 Argonne Drive Baltimore, MD 21218 Tickets:  $49 Orchestra and Mezzanine / $35 Balcony Early Bird through March 1:  $39 Orchestra and Mezzanine / $25 Balcony Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.com or Murphy Fine Arts Center.  Call 443-885-4440 for info.  Concert to benefit EuniPearl Scholarship Fund. That’s Kyana & 4West, Brian Lenair, and “A Taste of Luther” tribute…

A Conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates II Event by Morgan State University, Feb. 11

Morgan’s Dr. Sara Rahnama and the Program for the Study of the Middle East & North Africa is hosting a special conversation with noted author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Don’t miss out on this important discussion! Tues., Feb 11, 2025, 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM  Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2201 Argonne Dr, Baltimore, Maryland, US, 21218 Event link https://events.morgan.edu/event/a-conversation-with-ta-nehisi-coates

Fine Art Shoe Muralist | Creative Director | Director | Film Producer

(BALTIMORE – February 4, 2025) – Unless one has been under a rock, then the artistic creativity of Akio Evans (https://www.byakioevans.com/) – straight out of East Baltimore – ought to be a no-brainer! A Baltimore native, Akio is a renowned shoe muralist whose artistic vision has adorned the feet of celebrities like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Dr. Dre. Each piece of his wearable art is signed and numbered, making them highly collectible. His work has been sought after by esteemed writer-directors such as Angel Williams, Ava DuVernay, Courtney Kemp, David Simon, Donnell Rawlings, D. Watkins, Pharrell Williams, Reinaldo Greene,…

Unleash the Power of Your DNA & Uncover Your Ancestry! (Feb. 8th)

(BALTIMORE – January 22, 2025) – Unlock the secrets of your heritage! 🌿 Join us at the Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures for an exciting event series designed to help you explore your DNA and ancestry in a whole new way! 🧬 Event Highlights: The Kickoff 📅 Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 2:00 PM Hear from Dr. Gina Paige, Co-founder of African Ancestry Inc., and get a special discount on your DNA Kit! Upcoming Events: March 15, 2025 | 2:00 PM – Panel Discussion: The Legacy Museum of Alabama March 29, 2025 | 2:00 PM – All-Women’s Panel: Women Impacting Lives April 12, 2025 – Poetry Party: Children’s & Adult Sessions May 3, 2025…