The 42nd Annual Helen Hayes Awards celebrated the creativity, diversity and impact of the Washington, D.C.-area theater community, honoring standout productions, performers and behind-the-scenes talent from across the region. Hosted at The Anthem, the ceremony highlighted theater’s enduring role as a platform for empathy, cultural expression and social reflection.
Author Archives: D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the NNPA from The Miami Times
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C.’s faith community voice concerns during WIN candidate forum
The pews at Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast Washington, D.C., were filled to capacity on Sunday afternoon, May 17 as the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) provided an opportunity for voters to learn about mayoral, congressional and D.C. Council candidates.
Posted inCOMMUNITY
Black Mothers March calls out racial disparities in child welfare system
More than 200 mostly Black mothers, fathers and children gathered in Washington, D.C., on Mother’s Day for the fifth annual Black Mothers March on the White House, calling attention to what organizers describe as racial and economic inequities within Child Protective Services. Advocates and former foster youth said CPS disproportionately targets Black families experiencing poverty, criminalizes parents instead of addressing systemic hardships and contributes to family separation and long-term trauma within Black communities.
Posted inHBCU
HBCU pride on display at new Union Station concept store
The HBCU News Store has opened in Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, offering apparel, books, and memorabilia celebrating historically Black colleges and universities. Owned and founded by entrepreneur Sandra Long, the Black-owned concept shop has quickly gained attention for highlighting HBCU culture, attracting alumni, students, and families who see it as a space of pride, identity, and community connection.
Posted in!Front Page National News
51 years later, Black veterans still wrestle with the vestiges of battle during the Vietnam War
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO Second in a two-part series More than half a century has passed since Saigon was captured by North Vietnamese communist forces, signaling the end of the Vietnam War on April 30, 1975. And while the significance of this date in history failed to make headline news, Black veterans […]
Posted in!Front Page National News
Black vets lean on one another to cope with traumatic effects from the Vietnam War, 51 years after its official end
By D. Kevin McNeir Special to The AFRO First in a two-part series Since our nation’s first war, the American Revolution, African Americans have fought in all of the United States’ major military conflicts, whether they enlisted voluntarily, or were drafted. Despite this historical fact, there are many today who callously refuse to acknowledge the service […]
Posted inHBCU
Bowser faces cheers and protests while addressing Howard, UDC graduates
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s commencement addresses to both Howard University (HU) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) on May 9 seemed like a page out of a Charles Dickens classic: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” That’s because […]
Posted inPolitics
Legal professionals gather on steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to defend rule of law and judicial independence
Legal professionals and concerned Americans gathered on May 1 to reaffirm the importance of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the independence of the legal profession, and to protect democracy and justice for all.
Posted inDMV News
Ben’s Chili Bowl reopens after lengthy renovation
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO Whether you are a go-go aficionado, a radio icon, a Hollywood superstar, or just someone from the D.C. area longing for a half smoke, Ben’s Chili Bowl is once again the place to go. The long-awaited grand reopening of the flagship location of Ben’s Chili Bowl took place […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District to freeze Child Care Subsidy Program for new enrollees on May 12
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO In early March, parents and childcare advocates met on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building, which serves as the seat of the District of Columbia housing, hoping to convince the mayor and city council to reconsider their decision to implement a freeze on the DC Child […]
Posted inMaryland News
Moore kicks off 2026 reelection bid with high-energy rallies and promises to ‘finish the job’
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore officially launched his 2026 reelection campaign with energetic rallies in Baltimore and Prince George’s County, drawing strong support from community members and local leaders. Joined by Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and their families, Moore highlighted his administration’s achievements and pledged continued focus on public safety, education and economic growth.
Posted inMental Health
A deadly pattern: Violence against Black women raises alarm nationwide
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO Brutal cases of domestic violence in the Black community have rocked the nation in recent weeks, highlighting a need to understand the root cause of intimate partner violence and how to prevent it. On April 1, Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, of Coral Springs, Fla.was found dead in […]
