By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor An attorney, a U.S. Army officer, a civil rights pioneer and a public health advocate are all honored in the 14th annual “Strong Men and Women in Virginia History” exhibit. Presented by Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia, the leaders were recognized this Black History Month alongside scholars who […]
Author Archives: Alexis Taylor
AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inBaltimore News
On the line with Jesse Jackson: Lessons from a voice that changed history
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor I never imagined Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. would pick up the phone. It was 2012. On June 14 of that year, Adidas, the international shoe and sports apparel company, boldly unveiled a pair of sneakers that came complete with a pair of orange, plastic ankle bracelets. After public backlash to […]
Posted inNAACP
NAACP condemns racist social media post shared by president
The 47th president of the United States shared a video on social media depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys, which was met with widespread criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.
Posted inNational News
Federal agents arrest journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort for reporting on Minnesota church protest
Federal agents have arrested veteran journalist Don Lemon and Minnesota-based reporter Georgia Fort in connection with their coverage of a Jan. 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators challenged a pastor who also serves as a senior ICE official. The arrests have sparked widespread outrage from press freedom advocates and civil rights groups, who argue the charges represent a dangerous escalation in the federal government’s efforts to criminalize journalism amid heightened national tensions over immigration enforcement and protest.
Posted inHealth
Dr. Janell Green Smith, Black maternal health advocate, dies in childbirth
Dr. Janell Green Smith, a respected midwife and maternal health expert, tragically died in childbirth at the age of 31, highlighting the issue of America’s maternal mortality crisis and the need for accountability in the healthcare system.
Posted inBaltimore News
Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine to make Rose Bowl parade debut
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Members of Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine will start the year off strong, proudly representing the historically Black institution at the 137th Tournament of Roses (Rose Bowl) parade on Jan. 1, 2026. The marching band of the National Treasure, led by Dr. Jorim Reid, will bring the flavor and […]
Posted inBlack Press
Charles F. Robinson III, award-winning journalist and news director, dies at 69
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Veteran journalist and news director Charles F. Robinson III died Dec. 15. Robinson was a giant of the Black Press and a vital member of the Maryland Public Television (MPT) team. Travis Mitchell, senior vice president and chief content officer at MPT, described Robinson as “one of the rare individuals […]
Posted inVeterans
Pride and Sacrifice: The family side of duty
Military families experience both pride and sacrifice when a loved one enlists, and it is important to honor and support them during National Veterans and Military Families Month.
Posted inNational News
Two viral videos, one national crisis: How hospitals continue to fail Black moms
Millions around the world are rallying behind Black women who say they experienced neglect and mistreatment while trying to give birth in American hospitals. This week, AFRO Managing Editor Alexis Taylor speaks on how the Black maternal health crisis continues at the hands of biased medical professionals.
Posted inMaryland Government
Federal freeze, local response: Gov. Wes Moore declares emergency, mobilizes $10 million to fight food insecurity
SNAP benefits are expected to run out on Nov. 1 due to an extended shutdown of the federal government. Aiming to mediate the impact, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has now declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order which will send $10 million to food banks across the state. Moore hopes the money will help organizations that assist families already facing furloughs, layoffs – and now – the looming threat of not having Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in the month of November.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore commissioner suspends ‘police powers’ of officer seen attempting to hit man with squad car
Screenshots from a video uploaded to Tik Tok show an officer of the Baltimore Police Department running down a man in his squad car, ultimately crashing into private property.
Posted inBaltimore News
Inmates share medical records to prove alleged BCDC H.pylori outbreak
Multiple men have alleged they contracted H. pylori while jailed at the Baltimore County Detention Center, though county officials have insisted there was only one case. Inmates have now shared medical records with the AFRO and complaint forms to prove what they say was a blatant disregard for their health.