The Baltimore Sun

Were you fired by the Trump Administration? Did DOGE cut your team? Did you retire early or take a buyout in order to avoid being fired? Are you applying for jobs with the state? The Baltimore Sun wants to hear from you. Tell us how the cuts to the federal workforce are affecting your work, your life, and your community. Share your story with us at suninvestigates@baltsun.com and be part of the conversation

The Baltimore Sun is acknowledging Marcus Harris during Black History Month as one of Maryland’s key changemakers. The first Black sheriff in Howard County history said, “It’s not just about locking bad people up, it’s about helping the community." Read more: https://bit.ly/3CzlvUD 📸: Barbara Haddock Taylor, The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun is acknowledging Jinji Fraser during Black History Month as one of Maryland’s key changemakers. As a Black entrepreneur in the white, male-dominated realm of chocolate-making, the owner of Jinji Chocolate uses imported cacao beans from family-owned farms in Trinidad and crafts her ethically sourced confections. She also shares her knowledge about starting a business and making chocolate with students. Read more: https://bit.ly/430TJLJ 📸: Barbara Haddock Taylor, The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun is celebrating Taofeek Kunle Owonikoko this Black History Month as an impactful figure in our state. As the Executive Director of the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Owonikoko's goal is to bring lab research to bear in clinical trials. Read more: https://bit.ly/4i8sQcZ 📸: Angela Roberts, The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun is highlighting Amanda and Joseph Burton this Black History Month as two of Maryland's influential leaders. As the owners of Rooted Rotisserie, the Burtons have made giving back a cornerstone of their business, from donating meals to the homeless to mentoring aspiring chefs. Through community workshops, partnerships with local organizations and hands-on staff training, they are using their culinary expertise to uplift and empower Baltimore. Read more: https://bit.ly/418prEj 📸: Barbara Haddock Taylor, The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun is honoring Jafar Taru as part of its Black History Month spotlight on influential Marylanders. As a Towson University Police Sergeant, Taru is pioneering a new approach to community policing with Bruno, the university’s first comfort dog. Read more: https://bit.ly/4i8gvFS

The Baltimore Sun is recognizing Chandra Smith as one of many outstanding Marylanders this Black History Month. She is an IT engineer for the federal government and an advocate for the disabled. Read more: https://bit.ly/4i3fq1Q 📸: Amy Davis, The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun is acknowledging Stevie Walker-Webb during Black History Month as one of Maryland’s key changemakers. As the artistic director of Baltimore Center Stage, Walker-Webb has landed two buzz-worthy and potentially Broadway-bound world premieres and the theater has announced an ambitious civic engagement program backed by a $1 million fundraising campaign. Read more: https://bit.ly/4b77SsN 📸: Kim Hairston, The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun is celebrating Dr. Troy this Black History Month as an impactful figure in our state. The chief of pediatrics at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center said, “Oftentimes, I’m the first African-American doctor that families have seen, and they’ll comment on that.” Read more: https://bit.ly/3QgedIE 📸: Kim Hariston, The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun is highlighting Sean Hull this Black History Month as one of Maryland's influential leaders. As a PNC Bank executive, a seasoned college basketball referee and president of the Life & Breath Foundation, Hull balances leadership, service, and passion. Read more: https://bit.ly/3WXbDLo 📸: Karl Merton Ferron, The Baltimore Sun