Volume 134 No. 23
THE BLACK MEDIA AUTHORITY • AFRO.COM
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JANUARY 3, 2026 - JANUARY 9, 2026
Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen
The AFRO is proud to announce Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott as the publication’s 2025 Person of the Year. The recognition celebrates Scott’s strides in public safety, education, economic development and affordable housing.
AFRO Person of Year Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
afro.com
For Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, 2025 unfolded as a year of pressure and progress. There was public criticism from a new White House administration, racist attacks online and naysayers at every turn. Still, he persevered to achieve notable advances in public safety, workforce development and youth development. In fact,
2025 will be remembered as the year Scott tackled many of the city’s long-standing challenges. At the center of it all was a milestone Scott called his biggest win: Baltimore recorded its lowest year on record for homicides and violent crime. When Scott first announced his comprehensive violence prevention strategy, which treats gun violence as a public health issue, some were skeptical. Now, the results are speaking for themselves. “Gun violence is the reason I decided that I wanted to be mayor before I was 10 years old. It’s what I ran on when I ran for city council. Even before I ran for mayor, I said that we needed to
have a comprehensive public health-based approach that balances all the things necessary to reduce violence in the city— with policing, community violence intervention and investments into youth education and job training,” Scott told the AFRO. “What we saw in 2025 is the culmination of that plan and everyone involved with that plan coming to true and full fruition.” As of Dec. 29, 2025, Baltimore experienced 134 homicides and there were 311 non-fatal shootings, down from 411 non-fatal shootings in 2024. The homicide declines build on a multi-year downward trend in violent crime: the city reported more than 300 homicides in 2022, 262 in
2023 and 201 in 2024. Scott stressed that the decline in homicides reflect a collective, citywide effort, crediting community violence intervention workers, police, prosecutors, federal partners and community organizations for sustaining the work. “This is Baltimore’s win together. When I unveiled Baltimore’s first-ever comprehensive violence prevention plan and said we were going to reduce homicides by 15 percent from one year to the next, people literally laughed,” said Scott. “Now we have done something that folks said we couldn’t do.” On a more personal note, the mayor says his proudest accomplishment in 2025
was the birth of his daughter, Camden Lee Scott, who became the newest member of Baltimore’s first family on March 8. Scott married his wife, Hana Augins Scott on Aug. 11, 2024. At the time of their nuptials, the couple had already been blessed with Charm Jamie Scott in December 2023 and Ceron, Hana Scott’s son from a previous relationship. Now, with his personal and professional life flourishing, Scott’s momentum shows no signs of slowing in the new year. He plans not to depart from the strategies that have proven effective, but to build on them. Reducing violent crime in the city remains a major focus, but Scott also highlighted
progress and plans in other areas. When he took office in December 2020, Baltimore had roughly 16,000 vacant houses. Today, that number stands at roughly 12,257— the lowest in decades. In collaboration with the Greater Baltimore Committee, Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development, key city agencies and state partners, he aims to continue reducing that number through his $3-billion Vacancy Reduction Initiative. Investments in youth and recreation are also a priority. Scott said the city currently has five recreation centers under construction and expects to open three brand-new Continued on A3
Richard Smallwood, gospel icon, dies at 77 By AFRO Staff Richard Smallwood, the gospel legend, died on Dec. 30 at age 77. The death was announced the same day by members of the Smallwood family. “We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter and musician, Richard Smallwood,” read a statement, posted to Richard Smallwood’s official Meta (Facebook) account. “The family asks that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, while helping to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and
the gifts he unselfishly shared with the world.” Colleagues, fans and musicians around the globe were shocked to learn that the mastermind behind “The Center of My Joy” and “Total Praise” had died. “The nation has suffered a loss that will never be forgotten,” said Dorinda Clark-Cole, of the critically acclaimed group, The Clark Sisters. “My heart aches, just as so many of you do, at the news of Richard Smallwood’s passing.” Clark- Cole called Smallwood “a true friend and brother,” who was “compassionate, caring and genuine in every way.”
Meta (Facebook)/ Richard Smallwood
Richard Smallwood is remembered as the man behind gospel hits such as “The Center of My Joy” and “Total Praise.” The musician and vocalist died on Dec. 30 at age 77.
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