Top strategists in the recent Maryland gubernatorial race carefully orchestrated plans to suppress the Black vote, court documents in the indictment of two of those involved in the plot show. Paul E. Schurick, senior campaign official for former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, and a Republican and political consultant, Julius Henson, allegedly contrived detailed strategies to […]
Author Archives: AFRO Staff
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Clarence Clemons Dies at 69, E Street Band Suffers “immeasurable loss”
Clarence “Big Man” Clemons, famed saxophonist of singer Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, died June 18, a week after suffering a stroke at his home in Florida. He was 69. “His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly 40 […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Carl Gardner, Original Coasters Front Man, Dies at 83
Carl Gardner, founder and original lead singer of the 1950s R&B group The Coasters, died of congestive heart failure in Florida. The last surviving member of the group, he was 83. According to the Associated Press, Gardner’s wife Veta confirmed her husband’s death on June 12 in Port St. Lucie hospice and said he was […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Cop Accused of Stealing More Than $43,000 from 85-Year-Old Woman
A District of Columbia policewoman who assisted an 85-year-old woman in recovering from a lottery scam was arrested June 14 for stealing money from the same elderly resident, The Washington Examiner reported. Sgt. Aisha Hackley, 35, helped a Northwest district woman set up a bank account and secure reimbursement for a lottery scam she suffered […]
Posted inNational News
Black Republican Candidate Cain Resists Being Labeled “African American”
One presidential candidate’s perspective on race has ignited commentary and discussion about racial identity and its importance in the 2012 race. When Bloomberg News interviewed Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, the conservative said he did not like to be labeled as “African-American”—instead, he said he preferred “American.” “I don’t like people trying to label me. […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Inmate Confesses to ’94 Robbery, Shooting of Tupac Shakur
A Brooklyn inmate has confessed his involvement in the 1994 robbery and shooting of rapper Tupac Shakur, an assault commonly credited with inciting the deadly East Coast-West Coast rap feud that ultimately led to the deaths of Shakur and popular rapper Notorious B.I.G. Dexter Issac, who is serving life in prison on unrelated murder and […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Mandela Charity Ex-Chief Innocent in “Blood Diamond” Case
The former head of Nelson Mandela’s charity has been found not guilty of possessing uncut “blood diamonds” in a case that involves supermodel Naomi Campbell and former Liberian president Charles Taylor. Jeremy Ractliffe, a South African businessman and the ex-chief executive of Mandela’s Children’s Fund, was charged with possessing the conflict diamonds after Campbell testified […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
New York Gay Marriage Bill Moves Closer to Passage
The state of New York is one step closer to allowing same-sex marriages after a bill supporting their legalization recently passed the state’s assembly. According to CNN, the Marriage Equality Act passed the Assembly in a 80 to 63 vote June 15. The bill now moves to the Senate for further action. Democrats and Republicans […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Calif. Campaign Ad Denounced As The Most Sexist/Racist Ad Ever
A Congressional race in California is ground zero for one of the most controversial political ads in recent years after a conservative group made a video mocking an anti-gang initiative of the Democratic candidate. A program backed by Rep. Janice Hahn paid reformed gang-members to help work to stop the violence that plagues her Los […]
Posted inSports
Shaq Denies Rumors of Role in 2008 Gang Beating
Recently retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has denied rumors that he was involved in the 2008 beating of a man, who also alleged that he had copies of a sex tape involving the likely future Hall of Fame player. During a trial for the seven gang members accused of beating him, Robert Ross testified in […]
Posted inSports
Former NBA Star Robert Horry’s Daughter Dies from Rare Disease
Former NBA star Robert Horry’s daughter, Ashlyn Horry, died June 14 of complications from a rare disease, according to several reports. She was 17. Blacksportsonline.com reported that Ashlyn suffered from “severe respiratory issues” her entire life. According to AOL News, she underwent several tests and surgeries before she was eventually diagnosed with 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, […]
Posted inCollege
Former Connecticut Star Enters Drug Program to Avoid Prison
Former University of Connecticut forward Jamal Coombs-McDaniel entered a drug education program administered by that state June 15, according to reports. According to the Associated Press, Superior Court Judge Laura F. Baldini approved Coombs-McDaniel’s application for a drug program offered to first-time offenders. Should Coombs-McDaniel complete all 10 assigned drug education classes, along with 75 […]