Volume 134 No. 12
THE BLACK MEDIA AUTHORITY • AFRO.COM
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OCTOBER 18, 2025 - OCTOBER 24, 2025
AFRO Photo/ James Fields
Thousands of students and alumni return to Baltimore to celebrate Morgan State’s homecoming, which often begins with a parade featuring the university’s marching band and other representatives, residents of neighboring communities, youth groups and Baltimore area high schools. While homecoming events concluded without incident, other campuses haven’t been as fortunate.
Morgan State homecoming celebrates unity and tradition amid turbulence at HBCUs nationwide homecoming game against Virginia University of Lynchburg, with a final score of 44-6. In his annual “Day After Homecoming” walk, MSU president, Dr. David K. Wilson, sent thanks to those who were in attendance, noting that “no on-campus incidents have been reported.” In an official statement released by the university, Wilson said this year “marked a milestone in campus safety and coordination.” “For the first time, our MSU Police
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen @AFRO.com Thousands attended the Morgan State University (MSU) homecoming events this year, held both on and off of the Northeast Baltimore campus. The celebration gave alumni and current students the opportunity to nurture the space where the roots of lifelong friendships have been planted, along with unforgettable memories. MSU won their
Department hosted a unified command center within the Emergency Operations Center, bringing together city and state agencies under one roof,” said Wilson. “Their collaborative leadership ensured that public safety remained front and center while honoring the spirit and traditions of Homecoming.” Safety has been an area of focus for the university ever since a 2023 shooting incident that made national news, causing Morgan to tighten security. While Morgan’s homecoming remained safe
this year, other HBCUs were less fortunate. Two Mississippi HBCU homecomings – at Jackson State University and Alcorn State University – were disrupted on Oct. 11. Alcorn State students were told to shelter in place and the campus was shut down that evening. An all clear was later given on Oct. 12 around 10:30 a.m. The university reported that one person was killed and two were injured. The campus Continued on A3
AFRO News to honor DPW workers as Unsung Heroes of Baltimore Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
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This year’s Oct. 23 Unsung Heroes event is quickly approaching. The media organization will honor four of Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works (DPW) employees from the Solid Waste Division for their crucial roles in keeping the community clean and safe year after year. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at AFRO News Headquarters, located at 233 E Redwood Street,
3rd Floor, in Baltimore. Lunch, beverages and dessert will be served as attendees salute those who keep Baltimore clean and strong. “At the AFRO, we celebrate unsung heroes each year— people whose quiet service makes a real difference in our communities,” said Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO. “This year, we’re honoring employees of Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works, whose hard work often goes unnoticed but keeps the city running. We invite everyone to join us by purchasing a $30 ticket and helping us recognize these everyday heroes who make life better for all of us.” Among those that will be honored are DPW workers Karen Aiken, Victor Butts, Donald Comegys and Michael Lucas.
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Karen Aiken, an honoree, maintains Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, training new employees and ensuring the waterfront stays clean, safe and welcoming for visitors and the community.
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Michael Lucas, an honoree, oversees DPW’s Routine Services division, leading a safety-first culture while improving recycling, fleet reliability, and worker protections across the city.
Neo-soul icon D’Angelo dies at 51
Karen Aiken
Karen Aiken, a laborer, has served in DPW for more than 18 years, exemplifying dedication, teamwork and community pride in her stewardship of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. She knows the importance of maintaining a clean and welcoming waterfront, making sure the promenade is addressed daily from trash collection to high tide cleanup. Aiken is known for surpassing her routine duties, training new employees and staying late when needed to Continued on A5
AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber
Friends, family and fans of the Grammy-award winning crooner D’Angelo are mourning his death at 51. Shown here, the singer performing at the 2012 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO
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Victor Butts, an honoree, keeps Baltimore’s gateways and roadways in top condition, inspiring his team through dedication, leadership, and a strong work ethic.
Donald Comegys, an honoree at this year’s Unsung Heroes, keeps the Inner Harbor promenade clean year-round, removing litter and maintaining pathways with remarkable resilience and a positive attitude.
The music world was stunned Oct. 14 by the news that D’Angelo, the influential neo-soul artist born Michael Eugene Archer, died at the age of 51. According to statements from his family, he died after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. His career—marked by soulful intensity, stylistic daring and deep musical
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integrity—has left a void in modern music; the ripples of his death are already being felt across radio, streaming platforms and social media. A voice that changed soul music From his breakthrough debut album, “Brown Sugar” (1995) to the landmark “Voodoo” (2000) and later, his critically hailed “Black Messiah” (2014), D’Angelo defined Continued on A5