Watch: Ranking Member Markey Opposes Senator Loeffler’s Nomination to Lead the SBA (WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 13, 2025) – Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today delivered remarks on the floor of the Senate, objecting to the confirmation of Senator Kelly Loeffler to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Below is an excerpt from his remarks. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk have sent a clear message – they are here to illegally cut off funding for critical government agencies and services. They’re here to make government work for billionaires but at the expense…

(BALTIMORE – February 10, 2025) – The 41st District State Central Committee convened virtually on January 21st to select a replacement for former state Senator Jill P. Carter. Carter had previously succeeded Lisa Gladden, who had unseated Barbara Hoffman. Gladden, a Black woman, reclaimed the seat in a majority-Black district, restoring a sense of pride within the African American community both within the district and citywide. Carter’s appointment by Gov. Wes Moore to the state Board of Contract Appeals created a vacancy, prompting the committee to choose her successor. The final vote saw four committee members—Lakesha Brown Wright-El, Alex Friedman,…

By Crystal Joseph, a licensed mental health therapist in Maryland & Virginia and Chief Media Liaison for Nefertiti Network (WASHINGTON, DC – February 3, 2025) The first week of a new administration can usher in significant change, especially some when policies disproportionately affect Black communities. As we navigate these shifts, it’s essential to prioritize mental health while remaining engaged in the fight for justice. Below are tips to protect your psychological safety and foster resilience in cities like Baltimore, Newark, Detroit, Miami, and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Understand the Stakes: Know Your Rights and the Legacy of the 14th Amendment…

(BALTIMORE – February 3, 2025) – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued a strong statement denouncing President Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s unfortunate decision to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “As a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am calling on President Trump and his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to cease this foolishness and obey the law. President Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless actions to close the doors at USAID are shameful, puzzling, and a continuation of this administration’s arbitrary purge of longstanding government efforts that empower some of the world’s most…

(ANNAPOLIS – January 31, 2025) – Join us for MBE Night in Annapolis. This is the largest conference for minority businesses in Maryland. This event offers an unparalleled networking opportunity, connecting entrepreneurs, business leaders, legislators, and state officials to promote diversity, inclusion, and economic empowerment. Maryland has one of the highest percentages of minority-owned businesses in the United States. These entrepreneurs and pioneers contribute significantly to the national economy generating approximately 2 trillion in annual revenue. We will also recognize the efforts of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland for their ongoing commitment to advocating and advancing economic opportunities for…

(ANNAPOLIS, MD – January 30, 2025)—Governor Wes Moore today announced a top-to-bottom operational review of the Maryland Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors. The governor’s directive will help ensure that the critical licensing and oversight board is responsible for upholding integrity, promoting trust, and safeguarding all Marylanders’ health and safety. “There is no higher responsibility for any administration than protecting the health and safety of Marylanders. Today, we further honor our commitment to that pledge,” said Gov. Moore. “I thank Charles Scheeler for raising his hand to serve as we work together to ensure consistent operations and exemplary service of the…

(PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY – January 27, 2025) — Former United States Senator Ben Cardin, who served as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is supporting Ryan Middleton in the race for the Prince George’s County Council, District 5 seat. “I am proud to endorse Ryan Middleton for Prince George’s County Council, District 5,” Cardin said. “Ryan served as my official representative in Prince George’s County for nearly five years, during which he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the residents and their needs.” From 2014 to 2018, Ryan worked for Senator Cardin, liaising with County officials, addressing constituent needs, and advocating…

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 25, 2025) – Once again, Voices in the Public Square shines a spotlight on the breadth of talent and experience within the Black conservative community, proving that the right side of the aisle is rich with dynamic voices and impactful leaders. This week, BPALiveWire celebrates Lynne Patton, whose leadership and wise counsel within Trump’s first administration was invaluable. The White House announced that Patton will serve as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Minority Outreach, where she will be charged with ensuring that President Trump continues to build upon his historic Election Day support from Blacks,…

(ANNAPOLIS, MD – January 24, 2025) — Today, Delegate Ashanti Martinez (D-New Carrollton) introduced a House Joint Resolution reaffirming Maryland’s unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a cornerstone to access to the American Dream. Co-sponsored by 25 members of the Maryland House of Delegates, Delegates Acevero, Addison, Alston, Fair, Fennell, Guzzone, Hill, Kaiser, Kaufman, R. Lewis, McCaskill, Pasteur, Phillips, Roberts, Ruff, Ruth, Simpson, Solomon, Taveras, Taylor, Turner, Vogel, Wilkins, Woods, and Young—the resolution emphasizes the importance of DEI in promoting opportunity, prosperity, and shared success for all Marylanders. “For generations, the American Dream has been a beacon of…

 Written by Sharday Urtarte, White House Correspondent, BMORENews  The Nefertiti Network (NEW YORK – January 22, 2025) – As National Human Trafficking Prevention Month unfolds, the focus shifts to the millions of people around the world—thousands of whom are right here in the United States—who fall victim to the horrors of human trafficking. This crime, which thrives on exploitation and secrecy, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, especially Black and marginalized individuals, making it a critical issue to address with urgency and dedication. Human trafficking takes many forms, from forced labor to sex trafficking, and often targets those already struggling with systemic…