“What’s the quickest route from Africa to Israel?” one Baltimorean asked another.“Park Heights!” the other replied. (BALTIMORE – August 26, 2025) – In that one exchange, you capture the 41st District in a nutshell — two communities, two cultures, and two visions for the future. Delegate Malcolm Ruff and his “Ruff Riders” made a strong showing last week as he officially announced his candidacy for state Senate in the 41st Legislative District. The launch had all the political fixings: former Sen. Jill P. Carter, City Council VP Sharon Green Middleton, Delegate Scott Phillips, City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter, Chezia Cager, Dayvon Love…

(BALTIMORE – August 21, 2025) – My, my, my. I can say this with complete certainty: the 41st District state Senate and House of Delegates race is as interesting as it gets. For me, it goes back to my high school principal, Dr. Elzee Gladden of Paul Laurence Dunbar Community High School. He wasn’t just my principal — he was my friend. We even shared a birthday with Dunbar himself. Dr. Gladden gave me advice I’ve carried my whole life: “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” In other words, treat people the way you want to…

Greetings Guilders, Partners, and Friends! Upcoming Virtual EventThe Legislative and Policy Reform Committee of the GBUL Guild invites you to an important information session on Baltimore County Redistricting Efforts. Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM EST Location: Virtual (registration required) Speakers:• The Honorable Charles E. Sydnor III, Maryland State Senator – 44th District• Sharonda Dillard-Huffman, President of the Blue and Gold Democratic Club Scan the QR code to register and join the conversation, or register in advance at the link below:https://us06web.zoom.us/…/reg…/WN_Y0-6kj01T3OT1PVOel5q0w What’s Redistricting About?Following a 2024 ballot initiative, Baltimore County is expanding its Council from 7 to 9 districts. The proposed map aims to:• Reflect…

(BALTIMORE – August 2, 2025) – Greetings. 你好. Namaste. Hola. Bonjour. Salaam alaikum. Nomoshkar. Olá. Shalom. Здравствуйте. I write to you today with humility and respect — and with deep concern. Because despite what you may see on your screens, most of the people I know are nothing like President Donald Trump. I imagine the world watches with disbelief as this man — and those who follow him — dismantle civil rights, slash programs like Medicaid, and insult allies without a second thought. It’s disturbing. It’s disgraceful. And it’s dangerous. And yet… here we are. Despite years of warnings, despite his…

(BALTIMORE – July 31, 2025) – Last week, Walter P. Carter Institute for Leadership & Service announced the official launch of the Community Leadership and Empowerment Program (CLEP) , a free, nonpartisan initiative designed to grow civic understanding, build local leadership, and connect Baltimore residents to the tools of power. Baltimore has long been home to powerful civic movements and neighborhood-based leadership. From tenant unions to cultural institutions, the city has always produced people who organize, resist, and reimagine. What sets CLEP apart, aside from its nonpartisan, no-cost structure, is its founding team: Kristerfer Burnett, former Baltimore City Councilman and longtime…

BlackUSA.News’ POLITICS ’26, Wednesdays at 6pmStreaming LIVE on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube (RANDALLSTOWN – July 31, 2025) – Now that Johnny Olszewski is a Congressman, Baltimore County braces for what may be one of the most consequential County Executive elections in recent memory. The June 2026 Democratic Primary is shaping up to be even more competitive than 2018, when Olszewski eked out a 17-vote win over political heavyweights Sen. Jim Brochin and Councilwoman Vicki Almond. I was there for the recount, watching as the results came back exactly the same. Unbelievable. Especially coming off the 2016 Baltimore City mayoral race, where…

(BALTIMORE – July 23, 2025) – Last week, Walter P. Carter Institute for Leadership & Service announced the official launch of the Community Leadership and Empowerment Program (CLEP) , a free, nonpartisan initiative designed to grow civic understanding, build local leadership, and connect Baltimore residents to the tools of power. Baltimore has long been home to powerful civic movements and neighborhood-based leadership. From tenant unions to cultural institutions, the city has always produced people who organize, resist, and reimagine. What sets CLEP apart, aside from its nonpartisan, no-cost structure, is its founding team: Kristerfer Burnett, former Baltimore City Councilman and longtime…

BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Executive Director Cleveland L. Horton II and Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announce the publication of Know Your Rights: A Guide to Understanding and Protecting Your Rights (available in both English and Spanish). This 37-page resource is designed to give Marylanders critical information about how Maryland law protects their civil rights in a number of different areas: Protections against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, health services, and education; The rights of persons with disabilities, immigrants, persons with limited English proficiency, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community; and Freedom from hate crimes, and other acts of hate…

(BALTIMORE – July 23, 2025) – If we’re serious about building a New Baltimore—one that is just, sustainable, and genuinely inclusive—we must commit to a vision that marries economic development with grassroots political power. That means understanding a critical truth: business innovation and community activism are not opposites—they are allies. We often praise the developers, CEOs, and institutional leaders who are shaping the skyline and economy of our city. Names like Otis Rolley, Mark Anthony Thomas, Shelonda Stokes, and David Bramble are rightly applauded for their leadership and bold business moves. They are the dealmakers ushering in the future. But there’s…

 Politics ’26 – Where the Campaign Trail Meets the Community Wednesdays at 6PM | Only on BlackUSA.News Join host Doni Glover and guest co-host John Rydell, veteran political journalist, for Politics ’26 — your front-row seat to the people shaping our future. From city hall to the statehouse, we spotlight both seasoned elected officials and rising candidates who are changing the political landscape.  This week’s lineup features: Sharonda Huffman, candidate for Baltimore County Council Braxton Street, running for the House of Delegates in Maryland’s 40th District Special guest Doug Blacksher reporting in from Oakland with a crucial update on Mayor Barbara Lee and other West Coast developments. Don’t miss the conversations that matter. Politics ‘26 –…