It is almost time for school to resume in Maryland. Locate events and resources to help youth begin the school year with a last opportunity to have fun, enjoy personal time, and obtain school supplies. The list provided below can give families a start to locate upcoming events. However, adults should confirm details and attendance requirements.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
6th Annual Back to School Bash hosted by Martin Mitchell and Community Partners
Free school supplies, sports physicals and health screenings, food and drinks, live music, and more will be hosted by Martin Mitchell in partnership with Whosoever Will Christian Church from noon to 4 p.m. at Whosoever Will Christian Church, 4514 Sellman Road, Beltsville, Maryland. Student attendance is required to receive school supplies. Distributed items are available until supplies last. For more information, search for “Calondra Young” on eventbrite.com.
$12 million investment marks the fourth major recreation facility to open this year through the City's Rec Rollout initiative
BALTIMORE, MD – Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (Rec & Parks), elected officials, community leaders and residents celebrated the grand reopening of the expanded Bocek Recreation Center, completing a $12 million investment that transforms the historic East Baltimore site into a modern, intergenerational recreation complex serving the Madison-Eastend community and surrounding neighborhoods.
The ribbon cutting marks another major milestone in the City's Rec Rollout initiative, which is transforming recreation across Baltimore by replacing aging infrastructure with modern, accessible facilities designed to meet the needs of today's communities. Bocek is the fourth recreation facility to open this year, following the reopening of the renovated James D. Gross Recreation Center and the debut of the brand-new Chick Webb Memorial Recreation Center and Parkview Recreation Center.
"The new and improved Bocek Rec Center is another example of our work to reverse decades of disinvestment and deliver the modern rec facilities our residents deserve," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "We want to make sure everyone can access resources like this near them, which is why we’re investing in parks, playgrounds, pools, and rec centers across our city—including the new Elijah Cummings and Gardenville Rec Centers, which are also set to open this year.”
"This ribbon cutting completes a vision that has been years in the making. We restored the historic field house in 2021, and now we've created a full recreation complex this community deserves. Bocek reflects the future of recreation in Baltimore -- modern, welcoming, accessible and designed for everyone, from toddlers to older adults staying active and connected," said Dr. Reginald Moore, Executive Director of Baltimore City Recreation & Parks. &n
Ask Michelle Petties who comes to mind when she thinks about Black business, and the answer is immediate: Carla Nelson Chambers.
Carla and I have known each other for nearly 30 years, since the days of literal Rolodexes and handwritten business cards. That history made Nelson Chambers the natural choice for this Black Business Month conversation.
As Managing Principal of The Nelson Ideation Group, LLC (TNIG), Nelson Chambers has spent more than three decades helping small, minority, and women-owned firms find their footing — and helping the larger companies and government agencies that hire them understand why that matters. Her Owings Mills-based consultancy provides management consulting to public- and private-sector clients, specializing in appraising and supporting diverse certified firms across construction, economic development, and public-private partnership projects. TNIG's businesses are certified as DBE, ACDBE, MBE, WBE, and SBE firms in more than a dozen states, including Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
A Lifetime Rooted in Connection
Nelson Chambers' path started long before she had a company name. “I talk for a living, and I love people,” she said, describing how she was networking people together long before networking had a name. In the early 1990s, a vivid dream convinced her she was meant to help build economic security in her community — she watched other cultures reinvest and circulate their dollars. At the same time, she noticed her own 10,000-member church wasn't doing business with itself. With that realization, she launched her first company, Visionary Network Consultants, to connect Black-owned businesses to resources and to each other.
A decade later, she moved into government work with Baltimore City, teaching minority-owned businesses how to navigate procurement and avoid the technical errors that sometimes disqualify bids — while also teaching majority firms why partnering with small, diverse businesses benefits everyone. That blend of corporate, entrepreneurial, and government experience became the foundation of Nelson Ideation Group, which today helps municipalities and prime contractors bring diverse firms into major contracts, and helps those same communities feel like development is happening for them rather than to them.
Conference Room Conversations: A Space to Be Real
Beyond contracts and certifications, Nelson Chambers has built something more personal: Conference Room Conversations, a gathering space for women business owners — and, inc
Seven-Year Vision Led by Orthopedic Innovator Dr. Lew Schon Expands Mercy's Leadership in Foot and Ankle Care featuring cutting-edge Orthobiologic Lab
Baltimore, MD – Mercy Medical Center's Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction (IFAR), one of the nation's premier centers for foot and ankle care, features The Center for Orthopedic Innovation, a state-of-the-art research and education facility designed to accelerate orthopedic innovation, advance research, enhance physician education and support the development of next-generation foot and ankle implants and biologic therapies.
The Center for Orthopedic Innovation is the culmination of a seven-year effort led by internationally renowned foot and ankle surgeon Lew C. Schon, M.D., FAAOS, Director of Orthopedic Innovation at IFAR. Located on the second floor of Mercy's McAuley Plaza, the 3,728-square-foot center includes three specialized laboratory suites and dedicated office space that provide an integrated environment where surgeons, researchers, fellows, residents and industry partners collaborate to improve treatments for patients with foot and ankle disorders.
Deborah and John Anderson pose for a photograph with Dr. Lew Schon, the director of orthopedic innovation at Mercy. The Andersons credit Dr. Schon with enabling Deborah to walk again after he performed surgery on her left foot 15 years ago.
"The opening of the Center for Orthopedic Innovation marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our Institute," said Dr. Schon. "For seven years, we have envisioned a space where ideas can move more quickly from concept to investigation and, ultimately, to patient care. This facility provides the resources and infrastructure needed to develop and evaluate new technologies, advance biologic therapies and create implant solutions designed specifically for foot and ankle conditions."
"The Center for Orthopedic Innovation represents an extraordinary i
Gift launches new campaign as LMCJ enters its second decade
BALTIMORE, Md. — Before much of Baltimore settles into the rhythm of a new school year, students at The Lillie May Carroll Jackson School (LMCJ) returned today for the start of the 2026–2027 school year. This year, the school entered its second decade with its Passing of the Lilly ceremony, a transformative $2.8 million philanthropic gift, and the launch of a new fundraising campaign.
The gift to Girls Charter School, Inc., the nonprofit organization that operates LMCJ, allowed the organization to substantially reduce the mortgage on the school’s historic home, the former Laurence G. Paquin School, strengthening LMCJ’s financial foundation as it plans for its next decade.
“This gift is a powerful expression of belief in our community, staff, scholars and in the enduring importance of this institution,” said Dr. Kristina Kyles-Smith, CEO of Girls Charter School, Inc. “It allows us to care for a historic home where generations of Baltimore’s young women have been seen, supported, and encouraged to shape their own futures.”
The $2.8 million gift also serves as the catalyst for a broader fundraising campaign focused on strengthening LMCJ for its next chapter and expanding what is possible for the girls it serves.
“As we welcome our scholars back for a new school year, Lillie May is also entering its second decade,” said Monica E. Mitchell, Board Chair of Girls Charter School, Inc. “After ten years of demonstrating what is possible when Baltimore’s girls are surrounded by high expectations, deep support and a community committed to their success, this extraordinary $2.8 million gift marks a defining moment for our school. It is both an affirmation of what we have built and a catalyst for what comes next.”
LMCJ opened the school year this morning with its signature Passing of the Lilly ceremony, during which returning scholars welcomed new students into a sisterhood grounded in history, leadership and responsibility. The tradition honors the legacy of Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson, the Baltimore educator and civil rights leader for whom the school is named.
A candid conversation between two trailblazing leaders will explore leadership, legacy, and expanding opportunity through sport and storytelling.
BALTIMORE, Md. — The Driving the Narrative Charity Golf Event is proud to announce an exclusive fireside chat featuring Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, CEO of Root Branch Media Group and founder of the Root Branch Arts & Outreach Institute, and PGA Professional Maulana Dotch. The conversation will be one of the signature moments of this inaugural event, offering attendees an opportunity to hear firsthand from two women whose leadership has reshaped expectations in business, media, and golf.
Dr. Pettigrew, the first Black woman to purchase an entire city block on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, and Dotch, one of the nation's pioneering Black women leaders in the golf industry, will discuss being a torchbearer, building lasting legacies, and creating pathways for future generations. Their conversation will highlight the power of perseverance, authentic leadership, and using influence to create meaningful media and opportunities for others.
The fireside chat will explore topics including:
● Purpose-driven leadership
● Building legacy
● The intersection of media, business, and sports
● Mentorship, representation, and creating opportunities for future leaders
● Building organizations that leave lasting community impact
"This event is about much more than golf," said Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew. "Driving the Narrative is about bringing together leaders who are committed to opening doors, changing perceptions, and investing in the next generation. I'm honored to share the stage with Maulana Dotch for what I know will be an inspiring and impactful conversation."
"I'm excited to join Dr. Pettigrew for this important discussion," said Maulana Dotch. "When leaders share their journeys openly, they inspire others to believe what's possible. Together, we hope to encourage
people to pursue excellence, embrace resilience, and create opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course."
The Driving the Narrative Charity Golf Event convenes industry titans, athletic pioneers, and visionary changemakers to leverage sport and media as a catalyst for community connection and philanthropic investment. Event contributions empower the Root Branch Arts & Outreach Institute, fueling initiatives that provide vital pathways into media production and creative workforce excellence.
BALTIMORE, MD — History, service, fellowship and remembrance came together as the National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. (NMPMA) held its 61st Annual National Convention, July 8–12, 2026, at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.
With support from NMPMA Baltimore Chapter 17, the convention welcomed members, veterans, families and supporters from across the country under the theme, “Pride of Belonging: Preserving Our Legacy, Honoring Every Voice.”
The five-day gathering celebrated the extraordinary legacy of the Montford Point Marines while emphasizing the Association’s continued responsibility to preserve their history, identify Montford Point Marines, locate their descendants and ensure eligible families have an opportunity to receive the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their loved one’s service.
Honoring the Montford Point Marines
One of the convention’s most significant events was the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on July 10, where 10 Congressional Gold Medals were presented in honor of Montford Point Marines.
Lieutenant General Melvin “Jerry” Carter served as guest speaker for the ceremony and participated in the presentation of the medals.
Adding even greater significance to the gathering was the presence of Original Montford Point Marines Carroll Braxton, Eugene Groves, George McIvory and Ambassador Theodore Britton Jr. Their attendance provided guests with a powerful connection to living history and served as a reminder that the Montford Point legacy continues through the Marines, their families and those dedicated to preserving their stories.
From 1942 to 1949, approximately 20,000 African American men trained at the segregated Montford Point Camp near Jacksonville, North Carolina, after the Marine Corps began accepting Black recruits during World War II. Despite racism, segregation and unequal treatment, these Marines served their country with distinction and helped pave the way for the integration of the Marine Corps.
Montford Point Marine's celebrating MPM Carroll Braxton turning 102
ABERDEEN, Md. – Powell Entertainment proudly presents the 5th Annual Caribbean & Soul Music Festival, taking place Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Aberdeen Festival Park, 60 N. Parke Street, Aberdeen, MD 21001.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Alphonse and Cherylette Powell, the festival has become a signature summer celebration that brings together the rich sounds of Caribbean and soul music with food, culture, and community. As the event marks its fifth year, attendees can once again enjoy two days of live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, a cash bar, and family-friendly fun.
The festival will feature performances by DJ Samson Di Great, MSE Band, Shawn Allen Choice Band, Eclipse International Band, Strykers Posse Band, Image Band, DJ Black Poet, and additional entertainment throughout the weekend. MC Neil Mattei will serve as host.
In addition to celebrating music and culture, a portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Kurt Lee Foundation, supporting the festival's commitment to giving back to the community.
Admission is $10, and tickets are available through Eventbrite by scanning the QR code on the official event flyer or by visiting the event link online. Guests are reminded that outside food and coolers are not permitted. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-caribbean-soul-music-festival-tickets-1988941974988
Event Details
Caribbean & Soul Music Festival
August 29–30, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Aberdeen Festival Park
60 N. Parke Street
Aberdeen, MD 21001
About Powell Entertainment
Powell Entertainment produces community-centered events that celebrate music, culture, and unity. Through the annual Caribbean & Soul Music Festival, founders Alphonse and Cherylette Powell continue to create memorable experiences that showcase talented performers, support local businesses, and strengthen the community.
