Thousands gathered at Chicago’s House of Hope on March 6 to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who died Feb. 17 at age 84. Former presidents, national leaders and activists paid tribute to his lifelong fight for justice, voting rights and equality, urging a new generation to carry forward his message to “keep hope alive.”
Author Archives: Ashleigh Fields
A fresh perspective has arrived at The AFRO-American Newspapers. Ashleigh Fields has been named the new assistant editor, bringing new ideas to the oldest Black-owned business in Maryland.
Fields’ passion for Black media is one she’s been pursuing throughout her entire college tenure. The North Carolina native is a graduating senior at Howard University, majoring in journalism with a minor in Afro-American studies. The young writer has served as the editor for “The Hilltop,” the nation’s oldest Black collegiate newspaper founded at Howard, and has previously been featured in Rolling Stone magazine.
“Knowing that there are people across the globe and across the nation that care about what happens to Black students is important to me and I was happy to be able to uplift that during my time at Howard,” Fields stated.
She is a second generation journalist, and noted that seeing her mother interact with the people in their community always inspired her. These interactions showed her that she can make a difference through journalism and that’s exactly what she plans to do at the AFRO.
“I’m hoping to bring a millennial audience to the AFRO and help grow our outreach in the D.C area. I really want to focus on telling human stories, featuring people who are living and working in all aspects of life,” exclaimed Fields when explaining some of the goals she’s looking to accomplish while working at the AFRO. “I also want to include more collegiate writers who are eager to get their work published and eager to learn more about journalism.They have a valuable voice to add to the many conversations we’re having in minority communities.”
Fields explained that she thinks Black media is currently under assault that people both inside and outside of the Black community are beginning to value the Black perspective less. Despite this, Fields noted that Black media and the influence it has is still very essential.
Giving recognition to journalism moguls such as Oprah Winfrey and Cathy Hughes, she’s eager to learn more from the many women who work at the AFRO.
“I’m really excited to learn from Black women in leadership within the media realm,” said Fields. “My goal is to combat the misinformation and disinformation targeted at the Black community via social media and elsewhere.”
Posted inBlack Press
NABJ turns 50, doubling down on equity, advocacy and the power of Black voices at annual convention
The National Association of Black Journalists marked its 50th convention in Cleveland by honoring its founders, celebrating Black media’s legacy, and electing Errin Haines as president to lead the fight for newsroom equity and press freedom. With diversity efforts under attack nationwide, Haines vowed to protect Black voices, strengthen the organization, and prepare the next generation of journalists.
Posted inBlack History
John Lewis’ spirit lives on in ‘Good Trouble’ rallies in D.C., other cities
Protestors across the country gathered on July 17 to honor the late Congressman John Lewis and to condemn the Trump administration’s attacks on civil and human rights, with demonstrations taking place in 1,600 communities across the US.
Posted inBlack History
Caulking the path to progress: Meet Isaac Myers, the man who sealed the gaps in opportunity for maritime workers
Issac Myers was a pioneering activist and maritime worker who advocated for union rights in the 1800s and founded the Colored Caulkers Trade Union Society and the Colored National Labor Union, fighting for better working conditions and fair wages for Black workers.
Posted inAfro, Afro Newspaper, Media
Ashleigh’s Farewell
Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, sends a farewell message to readers, thanking them for their support and faith in the AFRO, and highlighting the importance of faith and hope in documenting trying truths through storytelling and investigative journalism.
Posted inNational News, News, NEWS, Washington D.C. News
Melanie Campbell leads advocacy charge during annual Women of Power Summit
The Women of Power National Summit, created by Melanie L. Campbell, brought together leaders from various fields to discuss policy initiatives and celebrate the achievements of Black women.
Posted inCOMMUNITY, National News, POLITICS, U.S. Government
Marcia Fudge announces retirement as secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Marcia Fudge, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary, announced her departure from the White House cabinet on March 11 after four years of advocating for fair housing standards and progressive legislation.
Posted in!Front Page National News, Black History, Civil Rights, National News, U.S. Government, Washington D.C. News
Congress members commemorate “Bloody Sunday” and legacy of John Lewis
Members of Congress, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, Congressman Jim Clyburn, Steny Hoyer and Senator Laphonza Butler, gathered in Selma, Ala. to promote the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and commemorate “Bloody Sunday” 59 years after the violent attack on civil rights demonstrators.
Posted inBUSINESS
JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways program celebrates five years
By Ashleigh FieldsAFRO Assistant Editorafields@afro.com C-suite executives, students and leaders from around the country gathered at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on Feb. 22 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways program. The initiative was created in 2019, sparking corporate efforts to address racial economic injustices. “For […]
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
South African presidential nominee, Mmusi Maimane, visits U.S. to “build international solidarity”
By Ashleigh FieldsAFRO Assistant Editorafields@afro.com South African citizens are bracing for a new wave of change as a cluster of political parties emerge ahead of election day, set for 90 days after the country’s current Parliament session comes to a close in May. Presidential candidates hope to overturn the incumbent African National Congress (ANC) in […]
Posted in2024 Elections
Former President Donald Trump denied absolute immunity in criminal proceedings
By Ashleigh FieldsAFRO Assistant Editorafields@afro.com Former president Donald Trump can be held accountable and tried as a criminal for encouraging the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled against his petition for presidential immunity on Feb. 6, sparking an uproar from Trump’s […]
Posted inHealth
Arlington Links Chapter to host virtual heart health awareness event
By Ashleigh FieldsAFRO Assistant Editorafields@afro.com On National Go Red Day, Feb. 2, Links from D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) will host a virtual “Red Dress” event in hopes of raising awareness about heart conditions. Symone Sanders, Michelle Miller, Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths and many more have been handpicked to join a broader public health effort facilitated […]