March is Women’s History Month, and although we didn’t plan it this way, this issue ends the month with nods to some pretty powerful Baltimore women.
As part of a partnership with nonprofit, solutions-focused news outlet Next City, we have a piece on The Cube, a Black women-owned coworking space that puts the needs of entrepreneurial moms at the forefront. My own children are old enough to go to school and find their own activities to keep themselves entertained while I’m working, but I remember keenly the struggle to report and write with two little ones to look after. Women, especially Black women, face an uphill battle when it comes to starting their own businesses. Sisters Tammira Lucas and TeKesha Jamison are meeting a need by making it a little easier.
“We saw a need to focus on mom entrepreneurs and helping them to start businesses in low-income areas like Baltimore City,” Lucas told journalist Oscar Perry Abello. “Most families in these low-income areas in Baltimore, the head of households are moms that are living below the poverty level.”
Also in this issue is a guide to this year’s CityLit Festival. The free literary arts festival happens on March 25 and is organized by CityLit Project, a group aimed at helping to nurture and grow Baltimore’s rich literary culture. Their executive director, Carla Du Pree, is not only a gifted writer herself but a woman with a unique skill for pulling together all types of writers and artists across the city in a way that expands communities and makes everyone better.
Arts and Culture Editor Teri Henderson has a profile of Baltimore-based punk rock group Hormone. The four-member band features two Black women.
“I threw the name Hormone into the name pot because I think one word is a strong and bold choice when naming projects,” lead singer Pangelica told Henderson. “Hormones drive everyone’s behavior more than we like to think, but it’s true.”
Last but not least, Baltimore Courtwatch examines bail review numbers for 2021 and 2022, and, as always, we have a poem from a gifted participant from the organization Writers in Baltimore Schools.
I also have a small programming note: We are taking a short spring break after this issue! We’ll see you when we return on April 19.