On April 27, at the headquarters of the AFRO American Newspapers, local organizations and community leaders will join forces with the newspaper to announce that the AFRO Clean/Green Block campaign is returning stronger than ever for 2017. The announcement will take place at 10:30 a.m. at 2519 North Charles Street in Baltimore Md.
The AFRO Clean Block program began in 1934 as a way to beautify Baltimore and ran continuously for several decades. As the AFRO wrote in 1968 about the kickoff of the 34th season of Clean Block, “The AFRO sponsors the campaign in the hopes that Clean Blockers will learn the value of respect for property, for one another and for the community.” Frances L. Murphy I, the late daughter of the founder of the AFRO, John H. Murphy Sr., created and ran the project.
Communities can commence cleanup efforts on May 4 and the organizers only ask that each community recruit at least four blocks to represent their neighborhood. All neighborhoods, businesses and city and state agencies are extended an invitation to participate and/or contribute. The theme for this year has remained the same, “AFRO Clean/Green Block Campaign – Our Community – Our Responsibility.”
To sign-up your community, business, agency or organization contact Diane W. Hocker, Director, Community & Public Relations for the AFRO at 410-554-8243.
The Clean Block Campaign is one of the oldest environmental programs in the country. In 2007, the program began collaborating with the city of Baltimore for a cleaner, greener Baltimore. Following the success of last year’s campaign, this year’s initiative will be a full-fledged program in honor of the AFRO American Newspapers, the nations’ #1 African American Newspaper, turning 125 years-old.
The AFRO Clean/Green Block Campaign is just one of many events this year to mark the celebration of the newspaper’s 125 years. Other events include the AFRO High Tea: Saluting Women of the AFRO on April 23 at Sharon Baptist Church in Baltimore, Md. (tickets are sold out) and the 125th Anniversary Gala on Aug. 12 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Md. Ticket and sponsorship packages are still available for the gala, if interested contact Diane W. Hocker at 410-554-8243 or by email at dhocker@afro.com.