David Scott, a longtime member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died April 22 at age 80 after more than two decades in Congress, where he became the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Known for championing rural communities, disadvantaged farmers and economic equity, the Georgia Democrat leaves behind a legacy of advocacy spanning both state and federal government.
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 inHBCU
Howard University celebrates 102nd Charter Day dinner with fashion, flare
Howard University held its 102nd Charter Day dinner on March 7, honoring four distinguished alumni and raising over $1.1 million in ticket sales to uplift students.
Posted inHealth
Black women in rural areas grapple with stark decline in obstetric care
Black women in rural communities are increasingly at risk as obstetric services decline due to hospital closures and reduced Medicaid funding. Limited access to specialists, long travel distances and policy changes are worsening maternal health outcomes, with Black mothers already facing disproportionately high mortality rates. Lawmakers are proposing legislation to expand Medicaid support, while doulas and community-based care providers are stepping in to help fill critical gaps.
Posted inNational News
Thousands honor Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life and legacy at Chicago homegoing
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.”
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 […]