B4 The Afro-American January 6, 2024 - January 12, 2024
Baltimore City brings in New Year with Soul Cannon concert and drone light show By James Fields Special to the AFRO
housands lined the Baltimore Inner Harbor for the T New Year’s Eve Spectacular, produced each year by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts. Many came to
see the fireworks, but first they were treated to music by DJ Curtis, who kicked off the evening’s festivities at 8 p.m. Ice skaters circled the ice rink in front of the Baltimore Inner Harbor Amphitheatre as the crowd grew larger. Soul Cannon took the stage with lead artist Eze Jackson, performing original pieces and covers by other legendary groups, such as the Wu-Tang Clan, at 10 p.m. Shortly before midnight, Baltimore City Chief Administrative Officer Faith P. Leach took to the stage to help residents and visitors usher in 2024. This year’s show included something new– a drone show, in addition to the traditional fireworks. Drones lit up the sky at midnight, creating images such as a dove, representing peace, and of course, the name of the beloved city of Baltimore. Keryl and Martha Liburd head into 2024 with a baby on the way.
All photos by James Fields
The 2023 New Year’s Eve Spectacular included the debut of a drone light show. Shown here, drones in the shape of a dove, representing the peace many hope will come in the new year.
Eze Jackson leads Soul Cannon in their performance for the 2023 New Year’s Eve Spectacular, held each year by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.
Protestors use the occasion to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.
Baltimore City Chief Administrative Officer Faith P. Leach speaks to those gathered for the new year.
DJ Curtis gets the night started.
Drones spell out the word “Baltimore” in the sky.
Yeshu Sesenaya skates into the new year.
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D4 The Afro-American January 6, 2024 - January 12, 2024
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser holds annual FIT D.C. Fresh Start 5K run By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO
O
n Jan. 1 Mayor Muriel Bowser held her 10th annual FIT D.C. Fresh Start 5K Run event. Thousands of D.C. residents joined in the festivities that started at Freedom Plaza with music, exercise, giveaways, food and more. The runners were cheered on as they made their way along the streets passing the U.S. Capital, Smithsonian Museums and more. Photos Courtesy of Patricia McDougall
Above: Participants take their places at the start of the race. Right: Mayor Muriel Bowser welcomes attendees, giving words of encouragement ahead of the 5K.
Avril Knott (left), Dianna Waters and Maria Talo, of the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA), walk together towards the finish line.
District of Columbia Miss America Teen, Tiarah Williams, participates in the 2024 annual FIT D.C. Fresh Start 5K Run.
Jan Adams celebrates the start of a new year with local officials and residents.
Friends Tonya Striplin (left), Latonya Kyler and Lisa Baxter support each other in their New Year’s resolution to be more healthy and fit.
The annual FIT D.C. Fresh Start 5K run celebrates its 10th year in existence. This year, the program added a new component with a kids dash for children under the age of 12 years old.
Malayah (left), Jamel Johnson and Jamel Johnson Jr., complete the full 5k together as a family.
To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com