Afro Lifestyle 04-26-2024

National Cannabis Festival returns to Washington, D.C.

By AFRO Staff

The National Cannabis

took place in Washington, D.C. on April 19 and April 20. The festival was held at RFK Stadium and included performances from celebrity artists such as the legendary hip-hop group, Wu-Tang Clan, which featured rapper Redman, and the

a

all things

to

Festival

Black Alley Band. The festival,

celebration of

related

cannabis, drew thousands of people to the nation’s capital, which coincided with the date of April 20, or “4/20” a day considered special to those who use the plant for recreational or medicinal purposes.

All Photos by A.J. Johnson

Morgy Ramine, of the group Korine, performs for the crowd.

Black Alley Band member Kacey Williams impresses with her high-energy performance and pristine vocals.

Wu-Tang Clan Member Ghostface Killah takes in the moment.

Trey Frey entertains those in attendance at the National Cannabis Festival.

Stephen Bruner “Thundercat” makes an appearance for those gathered to celebrate all things related to cannabis, which was legalized for use in the District of Columbia in early 2015 after voters made it possible in the 2014 election cycle.

Josh “Josh on Bass” Hartzog puts on a show.

Members of the Wu-Tang Clan perform at the National Cannabis Festival. Shown here, from left to right: Raekwon, U-God and Ghostface Killah.

Metropolitan Baltimore Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness honors leaders in the workplace

By AFRO Staff

On April 17 members of the Metropolitan Baltimore Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness celebrated the work of Angela Celestin, executive vice president and chief of human resources at CareFirst BlueCross Blueshield, and Robert Matthews, vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Exelon. The event was the third annual installation of Louder, an event aimed at honoring those who have shown “outstanding leadership and dedication to fostering workplaces that support their employees’ mental health,” according to information released by the organization. The event took place at The Winslow in Baltimore and was sponsored by a host of businesses including BGE; Brown Advisory; Carefirst; Bloomtopia; Bon

Associated Black Charities hosts Teen Financial Literacy Summit

NCBW’s Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter hosts ‘Pearls with a Purpose’ event

While there was plenty of fellowship and networking, the event was also a fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will help the NCBW’s Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter continue their advocacy work through community programming. The funds will be aimed specifically at “the areas of health, education and economic empowerment,” according to information released by the organization.

All Photos by Stephen Hopkins

By James Fields Special to the AFRO

Secours; Exelon; PWC; Pepco Holdings; Tracy and Patric Sutton; Sheppard Pratt and Whiting Turner.

Associated Black Charities (ABC) hosted a Free Teen Financial Literacy Summit for all ages at The Doubletree by Hilton in Pikesville, Md. on April 13. The event, sponsored by SECU, offered all teens in attendance a new account with a free $25 deposit. Guests enjoyed breakfast and lunch at the summit, which divided attendees into groups that focused on different finance subjects. Breakout sessions included time allocated to topics such as the job search and interviewing skills, entrepreneurship and investing and breaking generational mindsets. Chrissy M. Thornton, executive director of ABC, welcomed the teens and community stakeholders to the event, which included a keynote address by Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby.

Clarrissa Taylor-Jackson, director of programs and outreach for NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, addresses the crowd.

President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Central Maryland Franklyn Baker (left), with 2024 Louder honoree Angela Celestine, who serves as executive vice president and chief human resources officer at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Robert Matthews, vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Exelon, president of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Shelonda Stokes.

Kerry Graves, executive director of the Metropolitan Baltimore Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness speaks to those gathered for the event.

Tyleia Reed, West Baltimore Outreach Coordinator NAMI Baltimore

Chrissy Thornton, executive director of Associated Black Charities, comes together with Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, to encourage good money habits in youth during National Financial Literacy Month.

Members of the McDaniel family attend the Teen Financial Literacy Summit on April 13. Shown here, Kia (back, left), Rodney, Rylan (front, left) and Rylie.

Mason Neal shows up at the Teen Financial Literacy Summit, hosted by Associated Black Charities, to learn about topics like entrepreneurship, investing and generational wealth. Veronica Washington and Logan Myers Kerwyn Phillip, of KHUFU ENTERPRISES, speaks.

Christian Washington, founder of Cookies and Crust, stands as an example of what entrepreneurship can look like before the age of 21. Washington ventured into the cookie business while still in high school.

The ladies of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s (NCBW) Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter hosted “Pearls with a Purpose” on April 14. The event, which featured a deluxe bull roast, took place at Martin’s West in Baltimore. DJ KeeBee provided sounds for the evening, as attendees enjoyed a three-hour buffet and open bar.

By AFRO Staff

MC Larry Whaddup helps Virginia Barbalace celebrate her 97th birthday.

Michelle Emory, president of NCBW’s Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter, speaks with those gathered on April 14 for their “Pearls with a Purpose” fundraiser.

Keysha and Darryl Stephens attend the “Pearls with a Purpose” event, hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s (NCBW) Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter.

Hundreds show up to support the work of NCBW’s Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter, which includes advocacy in the community.

All photos by James Fields