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Black History Month Spotlight: Joy Bramble

Updated: Feb 15, 2023


Joy Bramble, the founder of The Baltimore Times, is a true trailblazer in journalism. With a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to positive reporting, she has dedicated her life to shining a light on the untold stories of the African-American community in Baltimore.

The Baltimore Times was founded in November 1986 by Joy and her husband, Peter Bramble, right in their Baltimore home. At a time when the media was often focused on negative stories about the African-American community, the Brambles saw an opportunity to create a newspaper that would celebrate the positive things happening in their community. Their mission was simple: to only publish stories about successful young people, working families, and the numerous other positive events and accomplishments in the African-American community.


As the newspaper grew in popularity and gained a loyal following, the Brambles decided to expand its reach. With time, the couple published The Annapolis Times, The Shore Times, The Prince George's County Times, and The Baltimore County Times. Today, readers across Maryland love and respect these newspapers for their truthful reporting, positive stories, and community-focused events.


In addition to publishing these newspapers, Joy Bramble has made it her mission to empower her community in other ways. She has established Times Community Services, a 501(c) (3) organization that supports the philanthropic work of The Baltimore Times and partners with other organizations and corporations to promote health, education, and self-sufficiency in the African-American community. This organization sponsors events like Health Expos, educational forums, workshops, and seminars, all aimed at helping communities most affected by disparities in healthcare, business, finance, and other essential aspects of life.

Joy Bramble's dedication to positive journalism and community building has earned her recognition and admiration from people across the country. In 2019, she was honored with a wax figure placed in the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum and a proclamation from the Maryland House and Senate before the unveiling. These honors are a testament to her life's work and her impact on the African-American community in Baltimore.


The Baltimore Times is a unique newspaper that stands apart from other media outlets with its unwavering commitment to positive reporting and its focus on uplifting stories. It provides a source of inspiration and hope for people who may not see a positive representation of their community in other media. Through Joy Bramble's leadership, the newspaper has become a powerful voice for the African-American community, shining a light on the good and the positive in a world that often only focuses on the negative.


Bramble is a true visionary who saw an opportunity to create a positive change in her community and took the reins to make it happen. Her unwavering dedication to her mission has inspired countless others and has helped create a better world for the African-American community in Baltimore. The Baltimore Times is a true gem, and its impact on the community will be felt for years to come.

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