Disgruntled New York City resident Jimmy McMillan stole the show at a debate for the state’s gubernatorial candidates on Oct. 18 as he introduced himself and his self-created political “Rent is Too Damn High” party to the public. “This is politics as usual. Playing the silly game is not going to happen,” McMillan said during […]
Author Archives: AFRO Staff
Posted inAfro Briefs
Neo-Nazi Conservatives Quietly Seeking Obscure Offices in California
Jeff Hall, by all accounts, has been running a low-key campaign for the Western Municipal Water District in Riverside County, California. However, there is nothing low-key about Hall’s involvement with the National Socialist Movement, reportedly America’s largest neo-Nazi group. “I want a white nation,” Hall, a 31-year-old plumber, told the Los Angeles Times. “I don’t […]
Posted inNational News
Va. Textbook Criticized for Black Confederate Soldier Claims
A fourth-grade textbook given to students in Virginia is causing controversy for its claim that thousands of African-Americans fought for the South in the Civil War, The Washington Post reported. The book, entitled “Our Virginia: Past and Present,” has been criticized for a passage about Blacks fighting for the South by individuals who argue that […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Beyonc’s Mom: My Daughter’s Not Pregnant
After rumors swirled this week that megastar Beyoncé Knowles and her husband rapper Jay-Z were expecting their first child, the singer’s mom, Tina Knowles, disappointed legions of fans hoping for the family’s new addition. “No, no. It’s not true,” Tina Knowles told Ellen DeGeneres during a show taping. “Not right now. I’m looking forward to […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Baltimore’s Jonathan Nelson Welcomes New Life in Florida
Jonathan Nelson is enjoying better days in this season of his life. His radio single, “Expect the Great,” has been well received on radio stations nationwide and his new CD, Better Days, is a top 10 hit. The composer and his family recently relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where he’s joined the staff of The […]
Posted inCollege
Bowie State Dominates Long Distance Challenge During Homecoming
The Bulldogs football team wasn’t the only team that kicked butt during Bowie State’s homecoming this past weekend. The long distance runners of BSU’s track and field squad also celebrated homecoming in victorious fashion, as both the men’s and women’s team earned first place honors during their hosted challenge last week. The Lady Bulldogs finished […]
Posted inMovie Reviews
Filmmaker Shares Father’s Inspiring Story with World
Even as a child, music was a critical part of Matthew Kennedy’s life. At 4 he played his first piano piece and starred in his own radio program by 12 in Macon, Ga. His exceptional musical gifts brought Kennedy from the deeply segregated South to New York City, where he studied at the Julliard School […]
Posted inMusic Reviews
Music Stars Geri Allen, Patrice Rushen Team for One-Night Concert
Playing on two facing Steinway Grand pianos, Kennedy Center favorite Geri Allen shares the stage with R&B hitmaker Patrice Rushen (“Forget Me Nots”), and they are joined by in-demand drummer Terri Lyne Carrington for a unique evening of music. A jazz pianist, composer and arranger, Allen was a recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship Award for […]
Posted inBooks
Reader’s Corner
The Truth Inside Africa Thoughts of Africa draw images as diverse as the people residing on the massive continent. But according to Noah G. Kumi, author of The Truth Inside Africa, much of those thoughts are inaccurate and marred by the aftermath of colonial invasion. The book is an educational guide that explores Africa’s rich […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Reports: Beyonc and Jay-Z to Welcome First Baby
According to U.S. Weekly, famed pop singer Beyoncé, 29, and award-winning rap mogul Jay-Z, 40, are expecting their first child. The Texas-born singer is allegedly in the first trimester of pregnancy. U.S. Weekly cites unnamed sources close to the entertainers, who confirm the new family addition. “ was shocked. She loves kids, but she wasn’t […]
Posted inD.C. Community, Washington D.C. News
‘The Tassel is Worth the Hassle’
The laundry list of needs for new college students is dizzying. Money, clothes and door room needs are plenty, but when a teen’s caregivers are incarcerated, the list of necessities grows. ScholarCHIPS, a District-based nonprofit, hopes to make college life easier for children whose parents are in jail. The group will host their kick-off event […]
Posted inD.C. Community, Washington D.C. News
Regional Glove Drive Prepares Needy Families for Winter Season
Greater Chesapeake Hand Specialists and the students of Ridgely Middle School in Lutherville, Md., have formed a partnership aimed at collecting thousands of pairs of gloves and mittens to benefit needy families and individuals throughout the central Maryland region. The “Warm Hearts = Warm Hands” campaign is now underway and is searching for new or […]