Letter from the editor – Issue 76
In this issue, Jaisal Noor writes about the work organizers are doing in Baltimore as United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (also known as ICE) continue their assault on residents here and elsewhere in the country. “In neighborhoods like Ednor Gardens, activists have been going door-to-door since last year to share Know Your Rights materials and build an ICE watch group focused on training, mutual support, and community connection,” he writes. “This ain’t new to me,” one activist says. “It’s new to you. Now it’s coming down to where you’ve been living. The only power they really…
News
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has cleared cops of wrongdoing in 95% of police-involved death cases his office is responsible for investigating
Anthony Brown’s office declined to bring charges against any of the 10 officers who stood around as Dontae Melton died in June 2025, the 37th out of 39 cases evaluated by the office which cleared cops of wrongdoing.
How Baltimore organizers are preparing to fight back against ICE
For months, anticipating a heightened ICE presence in the city, Baltimore activists and immigrant rights groups have been quietly building local capacity to respond.
The women upholding Baltimore’s tradition as a quilt city
The African American Quilters of Baltimore, a vibrant guild of artists and craftspeople, is a crossroads for master quilters, fine artists, hobbyists, textile collectors, and beginners to gather and exchange knowledge that keeps these traditions alive and evolving.
Khloe Ison is the future of Baltimore basketball
A peek inside the world of a young hoops phenom and a family’s sacrifice.
From campus to City Hall: A fellowship program hopes to keep HBCU students in Baltimore after graduation
The fellowship is designed to close employment gaps within the city while preparing the next generation of HBCU leaders to fill critical vacancies across city government.
Arts & Culture
Ivan “TVs Biddy” Baker is carrying on a legacy of Black entrepreneurship
Biddy built his base from years of selling TVs, but that was just the start. Today, he uses his charisma, authentic Baltimore sense of humor, and every part of his network to expand and grow other businesses.
Poetry, radicalism, and economic development rest together uneasily in Mark Anthony Thomas’ beautifully shot short film
Mark Anthony Thomas, CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, highlights his poetry career outside of the boardroom in the second of a planned trilogy of short films.
Best Beats Issue #076
Best Beats highlights some of the best local music that has caught the attention of Baltimore Beat’s staff.
‘On Becoming a Guinea Fowl’ intrigues, enrages, haunts
The promising filmmaker behind 2017’s “I Am Not a Witch” returns with a sophomore effort that exceeds expectations.
Night Lights
By Sam Levin
February 2026 Tarotscopes
Find out what’s in store for you this February with Iya Osundara’s Tarotscope forecast. Take what resonates and leave the rest.
Black Crossword Puzzle: January 28, 2026
Black Crossword is a free mini crossword puzzle that places emphasis on terms and clues from across the Black diaspora.
Baltimore Government and Community Events 1/28/26 – 2/11/26
Here’s our list of government and community events around the city.
Baltimore Arts and Culture Events 1/28/26 – 2/11/26
Here’s our list of arts and culture events around the city.
my midnight sun
Baltimore Beat publishes poems from participants in the group Writers in Baltimore Schools, which offers programming that builds skills in literacy and communication while creating a community of support for young writers.
Community Resources
This Baltimore Beat section aims to help the community with resources and support they may not know are…
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