D4 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024
Washington Wizards concert highlights impact of hip-hop By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor Afields@afro.com
ashington Wizards fans united W in Capital One Arena on Feb. 2 to celebrate the special occasion of “202
Day,” which serves as a time to recognize the city’s area code. Many gathered to cheer on the basketball team as they challenged the Miami Heat. Though the team lost by eight points to the Miami Heat, 110 - 102, the audience enjoyed the show, which included an installment of the Friday Night Concert Series. The Feb. 2 edition of the event paid homage to 50 years of hip-hop. Sponsored by Sprite, attendees welcomed performers from across the globe, ranging from local artists like Nonchalant, Experience Unlimited and Lady of Rage to KRS-One and Chubb Rock.
Richard Anthony “Chubb Rock” Simpson hypes the crowd with his familiar rhymes.
Virginia native, Robin Yvette Allen, creatively known as “Lady of Rage,” performs in tribute to 50 years of hip hop.
The Washington Wizards showcase new shoes, created in honor of the District. Photos courtesy of the Washington Wizards
South Bronx native Lawrence “KRS-One” Parker ignites the audience with his freestyle flow.
Tyus Jones practices in a special Black History Month Wizards t-shirt.
Graphic designer Chris Pyrate receives a basketball with an intricate design.
Jordan Poole strolls into Capital One Arena for the highly anticipated game.
The recently retired radio and tv show host, DJ Russ Parr (left), takes a moment to speak with live gameday host, Britt Waters.
Patrick Baldwin warms up ahead of the game against the Miami Heat.
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B4 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024
Best of Black Baltimore Awards take place at Inner Harbor By AFRO Staff On Feb. 1 leaders of Black Baltimore came together for the inaugural Best of Black Awards, hosted by the Baltimore Times. The event highlighted Black businesses of every genre– from best breakfast to best auto repair and service. More than 60 businesses were awarded
WEAA radio personality, Robert Shahid, is honored with the award for Best Black radio station.
for their excellent service. Capital Lounge, located in the 1500 block of Baltimore’s famed Pennsylvania Avenue, took home the award for best bar and grill, while Our Time Kitchen was named the best lunch spot. Innovation Dental Center was named as the top dental practice, and Sacred House took home the title for being the best place to receive a massage. Publisher Joy Bramble told the AFRO that all the categories in the competition, as well as all of the winners, were selected by votes from dedicated members of the community. Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott made an appearance, along with city council members and representatives of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office. The event took place inside of the Light Street Pavilion in downtown Baltimore, which is owned in part by Bramble’s son, P. David Bramble, a co-owner of MCB Realty. The company took over redevelopment of the twin pavilions last year, making
Executive producer of the Baltimore Met Gala, Derrick Chase, with Albert P. Wylie, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Brandon M. Wylie enjoy the 2024 Best of Black Baltimore awards.
Terence Dickson is all smiles after his restaurant, Terra Cafe, is identified as the best spot in Charm City to buy fried fish.
it possible for the Best of Black Baltimore to come together against the beautiful backdrop of the Baltimore Inner Harbor.
All photos by Edoghogho Joy Ugiagbe
Baltimore City Councilman Robert Stokes (D-District 12) shows his support for the Black businesses of Charm City.
Founder of the Baltimore Times, Joy Bramble takes a moment to enjoy the inaugural Best of Black Baltimore ceremony with Associate Publisher Paris M. Brown.
Shown here, from left to right: Chris Simon, owner of the popular restaurant, Black Swan; Saon Brice and Chris McCray take home the award for being the best restaurant in Baltimore.
Local artists come together for Charm City Live Music Honors By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO The second annual Charm City Live Music Honors unfolded on Feb. 3 inside of the Orion at Fillmore, transcending expectations and delivering a spectacular celebration of local talent that resonated far beyond city limits. Curated by the visionary, LuzCelenia, the event aimed not only to showcase the vibrant music scene of Baltimore, but also to reshape the city’s narrative through the lens of its thriving live music community. At the heart of the celebration were the 2024 honorees: Musicians Craig Alston, Cory Baker, Rodney Kelley II and Brian “Spyda” Wheatley, of the Craig Alston Syndicate, and the soulful Karen Linette. These remarkable artists, deeply ingrained in Baltimore’s music scene, took center stage as LuzCelenia expressed her vision for the event. Emmitt (left) and Vanessa Burns enjoy the 2024 Charm “With Charm City Live Music Honors, my goal is Singer Karen Linette receives her City Live Music Honors with Joi Carter. to inspire musicians to continue creating flowers as a staple on the Baltimore beautiful art and provide audiences with a music scene. magical night of music, fostering ongoing support for the talented individuals that keep the city’s live music scene alive and well,” she said. The Orion At Fillmore buzzed with anticipation as each honoree took their turn, delivering an eclectic mix of musical genres that showcased the diversity of Baltimore’s music scene. From jazz to rhythm and blues, the night unfolded like a musical tapestry, weaving together the rich Shown here, from left to right: Keyboardist Rodney Kelley, drummer cultural heritage of the city. Brian “Spyda” Wheatley, vocalist Joi Carter, event curator Luz Arce, Jasmine Forman, Trennell White and Sherrell White bass player Cory Baker and saxophonist Craig Alston. enjoy the show. All photos by Ericka Alston Buck
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