The NAACP Legal and Educational Defense Fund is challenging a change in Florida’s rules which would require non-violent felons to wait five years after completing their sentences before they can apply to vote again. A letter protesting the state’s recent proposal to prolong the removal of convicted non-violent felons’ right to vote was sent March […]
Author Archives: AFRO Staff
Posted inAfro Briefs
Wisconsin Judge Prevents Application of Law Weakening Unions for At Least 2 Months
A Wisconsin judge has halted enforcement of the state’s new law curtailing the bargaining power of its public employee unions, the first defeat for the new Republican majority controlling the legislature and governor’s mansion. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi on March 30 ruled that the law was not published according to state statues, […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Revered Black Journalist, Civil Rights Activist Almena Lomax Expires at 95
Almena Lomax, founder of the Los Angeles Tribune and highly regarded civil rights advocate, died in Pasadena on March 25. She was 95. According to The Los Angeles Times, Lomax’s death was confirmed by her son, Michael, who serves as president and chief executive of the United Negro College Fund. Lomax was born Hallie Almena […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Census: Black Population Moving to Southern Cities
Increasingly, African-Americans are migrating to Southern cities to search for better opportunities, according to an analysis of Census Bureau data. Atlanta, Ga., Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, N.C. and Dallas, Tex. are among the destinations of choice for Blacks, according to census officials. As a result of population shifting now underway, 67 percent of Black Americans now […]
Posted inNational News
Farrakhan Blasts U.S. Military Action in Libya, Defends Gaddhafi
Further denouncing U.S. military action against Libya, Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam spoke out against the country’s involvement in Libya and to defend his longtime friend, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. “It’s a terrible thing for me to hear my brother being called all these terrible and filthy names, when I cannot […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
County Officials Continue Fight for Reform
On the heels of the indictments of former Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson and his wife, Councilwoman Leslie Johnson, D-Dist. 6, county officials continue to work towards reforming the government through several methods. Earlier this month, the county council announced measures, called ‘good government reforms,’ it hopes will create government Prince George’s residents can […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Push to get Tubman Statue in the U.S. Capitol in Jeopardy
A heavily amended bill to place a statue of Harriet Tubman in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol was passed unanimously on March 28 by the Maryland Senate. “Maryland had a unique opportunity to replace a slaveholder with a slave, a white man with a Black woman, a colonial figure with a Civil War […]
Posted inBooks
The House by the Side of the Road: The Selma Civil Rights Movement
While many stories have depicted the turbulent tale of the Selma, Ala. Voting Rights Campaign during the African-American Civil Rights Movement, very few have offered firsthand, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the activities of its major players. The House by the Side of the Road delves deep into the famous period in American history and provides readers […]
Posted inSports
Fab Five’s Jalen Rose to Appear in Court for Alleged DUI
Former pro and college basketball star Jalen Rose is expected to appear in court in April. He was charged in March on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, according to reports. Police told the Associated Press that Rose – a former member of Michigan University’s legendary “Fab Five” lineup and now serving as […]
Posted inBooks
‘Navigating the Seven Seas’
Father and son, Melvin G. Williams Sr. and Melvin G. Williams Jr., come together to share their experiences in leadership from over 60 years of service as high-achieving members in the United States Navy. In Navigating the Seven Seas, the duo explains how they implemented what they refer to as the “Seven C’s” of leadership […]
Posted inD.C. Community, Washington D.C. News
Councilman Sekou Biddle Named Education Reformer of the Month
WASHINGTON, DC – At-Large Councilmember Sekou Biddle was named “Education Reformer of the Month” by Democrats for Education Reform for the month of March. In a statement, representatives from Democrats for Education Reform said “The newest member of the D.C. Council, Sekou has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing an excellent education for every […]
Posted inD.C. Community, Washington D.C. News
Local Zeta Chapter Announces 17th Debutante Cotillion
The Eta Pi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is announcing its 17th Debutante Cotillion to be held at the Gaithersburg Hilton Hotel on April 2, beginning at 5 p.m. Stephanie Stewart, the cotillion co-chairwoman, said members of the chapter and the debutants are eager to participate in the program. “The excitement is […]