Whitney Houston’s last will and testament was validated in a Fulton County, Ga. courthouse the week of March 5, and left her entire estate to her only child, daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, in the form of a trust. According to the Houston’s will, the 19-year-old will receive the money in three increments at ages 21, […]
Author Archives: Alexis Taylor
AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inAfro Briefs
Dr. Juliette Bell Named New UMES President
The University of Maryland’s Eastern Shore (UMES) campus has ended its national search for a president, officially naming Dr. Juliette Bell to the position this week. Bell joins UMES from Wilberforce, Ohio, where she is currently serving as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at Central State University. “It’s a wonderful opportunity and one […]
Posted inHealth
Cigarette Companies Continuing to Target Minors
Despite the detrimental effects of cigarettes on America’s youth, tobacco companies remain intent on growing the next crop of addicted users, according to a new report from the U.S. Surgeon General. The report, “Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults,” presents an in-depth look at the large number of children and teens turning to […]
Posted inNational News
Marchers Commemorate “Bloody Sunday,” Condemn New Voter Laws
Sweeping the nation like an out-of-control brushfire, voting law reforms are affecting 31 states to date and endangering the privilege to vote for nearly five million Americans. The new laws vary from state to state, some requiring photo IDs of registered voters, a few eliminating or stunting early voting periods and others discontinuing same day […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Community Deals with Shooting Death of 13-year-old
Questions still surround the death of 13-year-old Monae Turnage, who was found, March 4, in an alley near her family’s home by her 16 year-old brother and friends. Turnage appears to have suffered a .22 caliber gunshot wound while visiting friends at a house in the 1600 block of Darley Avenue on Saturday night around […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Rawlings-Blake Gives Executive Order for Tougher Immigration Anti-Discrimination Laws
Baltimore City recently tightened its laws to protect the rights of immigrants taking residence within city limits, garnering much praise from social justice, civil rights, and work unions across the nation. The executive order issued by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake last week expounds upon Baltimore City’s standing anti-discrimination laws with the goal of increasing the safety […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
National Black Church Initiative Initiating Voter Turnout Efforts for Next Election
The National Black Church Initiative is ramping up to lead 34,000 churches and their congregations to the voting booth this year. Ramping up a new initiative to combat new and strengthened restrictive voting laws, the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) has set out to make sure every minority voter gets to the polls and has […]
Posted inHealth
New Workshop Focuses on Cancer in African American Community
There is no hiding the fact that the African American community suffers disproportionately from diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. There’s no surprise either when it comes to the high rate at which cancer affects America’s Black population every year. Working to reverse the devastating numbers, the Cancer Outreach Workshop: Prevention, Detection, Intervention provides information […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Program Assists Teen Girls’ Preparation for International Travel
Noted entrepreneur and travel blogger Tracey Friley recently finalized a major deal with Expedia.com to help fund her new initiative, The Passport Party Project. Friley’s Project will host small parties for girls ages 11 to 15 geared toward completing all the steps necessary to venture beyond America’s Borders. The program began in 2011, after Friley […]
Posted inNational News
Report Shows Roughly 20 Percent of Americans Faced Food Shortage in 2011
“Before the recession, hit the pantry was, for the most part, elderly with fixed income or families that needed a little extra to make it to the end of the month,” said an organizer of the Ark Church food pantry, Kellie James. “After the recession we’ve had just about everyone represented. It can be a […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland Submits Application for No Child Left Behind Waiver
Maryland joined the second round of applicants for a No Child Left Behind Act waiver, Feb. 28, adding to the list of states seeking to opt out of strictly following the law. The decision to apply for a waiver comes after state officials held over 40 meetings to discuss every detail of what Maryland […]
Posted inHealth
Va. Lawmakers Debate Law Requiring Women to Have Ultrasound Before Abortion
Virginia legislators are debating a bill that will require women to have an ultrasound prior to receiving an abortion. Senate Bill 484 was revised by the state House of Delegates during the week of Feb. 20 after concerns were raised about its invasive nature. Originally, the legislation sought to have women undergo a transvaginal ultrasound. […]