By Brandon Henry
AFRO Intern
On Nov. 13, AFRO News will host its annual “Salute to Our Veterans” event, honoring those who have served America in various branches of the U.S. military.
The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD.
Honorees include James A. Dula; Edward H. Ballard; Tywanda B. Morton; Jo Ann C. Jolivet and Sen. Benjamin T. Brooks (D-MD-District 10). Dr. Linda Singh, who is also a retired veteran, will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
“For the AFRO, honoring veterans is deeply personal,” said Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy Draper, CEO and publisher of AFRO News. “Our paper has always stood for service—to our community and our country. During World War II, the AFRO sent the largest group of Black war correspondents overseas, and one of our own family members, Vashti Murphy Matthews, served with the famed 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Service and sacrifice are part of our story.”
Dr. Draper said the event “started as a simple idea to highlight local heroes whose stories often go untold.” She soon realized that many of the AFRO’s readers and supporters were veterans or had family members who served.
“What began as a feature story quickly became an annual celebration,” said Dr. Draper. “My hope is that our ‘Salute to Our Veterans’ luncheon inspires gratitude and unity. Through it, the AFRO says to every veteran, ‘We see you, we honor you and your story matters.’”
Tickets are $100 a person. To purchase a ticket, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit AFROTIX.LIVE for more information.