Discover Black Heritage

August is National Black Business Month, and Baltimore native Donae Burston is trying to diversify the wine industry with his company. He talked to News4’s Molette Green.

Benjamin Banneker was born a free Black man in Baltimore County in the 1700s. Banneker accomplished many achievements and is described as an American Renaissance man. News4’s Jummy Olabanji visited his farm in Catonsville, Maryland, and discovered why his work traveled across continents.

As the national debate over Black history continues, one aspect of the legacy of race in America is undergoing something of a rebirth: Black cemeteries that were established in the era of segregation.

Kelley Robinson is the first black, queer woman to lead one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ advocacy groups, the Human Rights Campaign, but this is not her first taste of steering the progressive movement. She says now is the time for her leadership – her goal is freedom for all, without exceptions.

YMCA Anthony Bowen is named after a man who helped shape D.C. before the Civil War. News4’s Tommy McFly takes a trip through history and how Bowen’s strategy in the 1800s help young men and boys of color today.

When it comes to pop culture, women in the DMV turn to Demetria Lucas first. The Maryland native, author, and journalist muses online to her huge following about everything from relationships to women’s empowerment. She’s made her mark on DC, New York, and LA, and now she’s invited readers to #seesomeworld.

Hanifa CEO Anifa Mvuemba is a groundbreaking fashion star who has dressed celebrities like Laverne Cox, Danielle Brooks, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jennifer Hudson for red carpets. News4’s Jummy Olabanji spoke to Mvuemba about her journey to becoming a designer.

Since 2020, every elected member of the Dumfries, Virginia, town council has been African American. Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey reports on the message they send and the plans they have for Dumfries’ future.  

A group of Maryland middle school students are using their artistic talents to celebrate Black History Month. News4’s Walter Morris reports they have been working on their pieces for weeks to showcase Saturday at a special art show.

When you think of a college education, you might focus on academics and career preparation. But for more than three decades, a special center at the University of Mary Washington has worked to help students become agents of social change and engaged citizens.  Growing up in Fairfax County, Owen Chong graduated from Mount Vernon High School, where he was...

A multicultural center at the University of Mary Washington thrives in diversity, equity and inclusion helping students become agents of social change. Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey reports.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin met with players and coaches of the Rising Stars Academy, part of the team’s celebration of Black History Month that includes a special jersey that has style and purpose. News4’s JP Finlay reports.

“Tempestuous Elements” shares how Anna Julia Cooper was born into slavery and became a D.C. educator at the turn of the 20th century. News4’s Jummy Olabanji spoke to the playwright and director about her historical impact.

Shariah Harris made history in February when she played in the U.S. Women’s Polo Championship. NBC10’s Karen Hua shares her story.

For most people, retirement is a time to slide into some hobbies, take a trip here and there, and maybe spend some quality time in the armchair. When Carolyn Doelling retired at age 70, she became a fashion model. 

American University is addressing the need for diversity in education in D.C. and across the country through a pipeline program. News4’s Dominique Moody reports the initiative targets students in high school, granting them the opportunity to pick up college credit before they enter college.

The Prince George’s County library system never had a Black CEO until Mark Winston took over late last month. News4’s Darcy Spencer spoke with him about his history making appointment.

Inequality in education dates back from before the birth of our nation, from anti-literacy laws in the 1700s and 1800s to the Supreme Court’s 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision that said education could be “separate but equal.” Still, though, “there was no equality in the schools,” said Dr. Karsonya Whitehead, founding executive director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace…

Black veterans are being honored in Montgomery County. One Vietnam War veteran says he shares the stories of current and former service members to “pass the baton of history.” News4’s Dominique Moody has the details. 

The Library of Congress is celebrating the life of Frederick Douglass by calling on volunteers to transcribe 8,731 pages of letters written by Douglass. Douglass Day 2024 co-director Denise Burgher explains.