Baltimore AFRO News celebrates 134th anniversary at expo

August 14, 2026 - 09:49

AFRO News is turning 134 this year, and the milestone celebration is all about lifting up Black-owned enterprises. The anniversary event, held as part of a larger expo, put the spotlight squarely on entrepreneurs who are building wealth and community in Baltimore and beyond.

The gathering was not just a birthday party. It was a working session for economic empowerment. Organizers brought together business owners, aspiring founders, and local leaders to talk about real challenges: access to capital, marketing on a budget, and navigating contracts. The message was clear: the next generation of Black business success depends on shared knowledge and visible role models.

For over a century, AFRO News has documented the wins and struggles of Black communities when mainstream outlets often ignored them. That legacy matters now more than ever, especially as small businesses face rising costs and shifting consumer habits. By using its anniversary as a platform, the publication is pushing beyond nostalgia. It is asking a direct question: what does the next 134 years look like?

Vendors at the expo ranged from food startups to tech services, each with a story of persistence. Several attendees noted that seeing so many Black owners in one room was itself a form of inspiration. The event also included workshops on digital tools and financial planning, practical help for people who are tired of just hearing motivational speeches.

AFRO News has always been more than a newspaper. It is a record of a people's journey. This anniversary celebration honored that past while keeping eyes firmly on the future. For the entrepreneurs in the room, the message was simple: your business matters, and there is a community ready to support it.