President Obama recognized a handful of participants who were involved in a landmark event in American civil rights and labor rights history during a recent White House event. The 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike, an iconic campaign in which public workers united for dignity, respect and better lives, was spotlighted by Obama on April 29 as […]
Author Archives: AFRO Staff
Posted inNational News
Obama Takes Dramatic Move to Squelch ‘Birthers’ Accusations
In efforts to quell rumors about the location of President Barack Obama’s birth, the White House on April 27 released the commander in chief’s long form birth certificate. Obama said he was troubled by the excessive media attention given to the “birthers” movement during a Wednesday morning press conference. “The President believed the distraction over […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Gov. William Donald Schaefer’s Final Rest
All across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region massive public support has been expressed for the life and work of former Baltimore mayor, Maryland governor, and comptroller William Donald Schaefer, who died April 18, at age 89. Thousands of citizens turned out on April 25 and April 26 in Annapolis and Baltimore for a chance to […]
Posted inSports
Redskins’ Albert Haynesworth Indicted on Sexual Abuse Charge
Washington Redskins’ Albert Haynesworth was federally charged on April 26 on a misdemeanor count of sexual abuse, according to reports. The Associated Press reports that a grand jury indicted Haynesworth, 29, for allegedly fondling the breast of his server in a hotel restaurant located in downtown Washington, D.C. during early morning hours on Feb. 13. […]
Posted inD.C. Community, Washington D.C. News
Local Seniors Enjoy ‘America I AM’ Exhibit on Older Americans Day
Walmart and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) joined together to bring older adults in the District metro area to the “America I AM: The African American Imprint” exhibit free of charge. On April 21, Walmart hosted Seniors Day at the National Geographic Museum, where 1,000 mature adults will receive special access to the exhibition. […]
Posted inD.C. Community, Washington D.C. News
Morgan Grad, Gen. Kip Ward, 1st Commander of U.S. Africa Command, Retires
Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, 37th chief of staff of the United States Army, hosted a retirement ceremony April 26 in honor of the former commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. William E. “Kip” Ward at Summerall Field, Fort Myer, Va. Gen. Ward served in Stuttgart, Germany, as the first commander of AFRICOM from Oct. […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
NABJ Awards ‘Newsday’s’ Kimberley Martin, Emerging Journalist of the Year
Kimberley A. Martin, a reporter at Newsday, was recently conferred 2011’s Emerging Journalist Award at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) spring board of directors meeting. On Aug. 6, Martin and other honorees will attend the organization’s Salute to Excellence Gala in Philadelphia during NABJ’s 36th Annual Convention and Career Fair. Martin has been with […]
Posted inObituaries - Washington D.C.
Jessie S. Thomas, 100
Jessie Shorter Thomas was a proud and witty fourth- generation Washingtonian. On Sept. 16, 2010, she was blessed to celebrate her 100th birthday. Jessie’s life journey began Sept. 16, 1910. She was the fourth of five children born to Charles and Jessie Freeman Shorter. She was educated in the District of Columbia public schools. After […]
Posted inD.C. Community, Washington D.C. News
D.C. Mayor Names May 2011 Cultural Awareness Month
District Mayor Vincent Gray has declared May 2011 Cultural Awareness Month in honor of Cultural Tourism DC’s Passport DC initiative, a month-long celebration of international culture. In May 2010, former District Mayor Adrian Fenty instituted the first Cultural Awareness Month in D.C. Passport DC is a series of street festivals, open houses, embassy program, special […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
‘Poetry Man’ Singer Phoebe Snow Dies at 60
Blues singer Phoebe Snow, who made her mark in the music industry with the 1974 hit “Poetry Man,” died from complications of a brain haemorrhage in Edison, N.J. on April 26, her public relations representative told the Associated Press. She was 60. The singer suffered a stroke last year and faced blood clots, congestive heart […]
Posted inSports
Chris Paul’s Triple Double Leads Hornets to 2-2 Tied Series with Lakers
The New Orleans Hornets tied the series, 2-2, with the Los Angeles Lakers after a 93-88 win in Game 4 of the Western Conference Playoff First Round on April 24. Hornets guard Chris Paul was a problem for the Lakers, scoring a triple-double of 27 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds leading towards a second […]
Posted inMovie Reviews
Tyler Perry Back in Drag for More Tomfoolery as Madea
Hold onto your wigs and fat suits, folks, because Tyler Perry is back in drag as America’s sassiest granny. But don’t make the mistake of attributing the Madea franchise’s enduring appeal to the loudmouthed hussy’s bodaciousness alone, since she’s as much beloved for her timely sermonizing as for all that trademark tomfoolery. While undeniably upping […]
