By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com Go-Go Awareness Week kicked off Nov. 17 with a press conference held at the Go-Go Museum & Café in Southeast Washington, D.C. And while legends, including Rare Essence, E.U., Trouble Funk and “the godfather of go-go,” Chuck Brown, were essential in the evolution of the regional music style into […]
Author Archives: D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the NNPA from The Miami Times
Local Black actors transcend racial barriers in stellar performances as Ebenezer Scrooge in holiday classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com For those who are diehard fans of the stage and anxiously await the holiday season every December, enjoying a production of the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol”: counts as a family tradition. Over the past decade, two Black actors, Gregory Burgess and Craig Wallace, portraying Ebenezer Scrooge […]
Mother of 5 turned author transforms negative labels into lessons of self-love for children
Alicia McKenzie, a mother of five from McLean, Va., has written a children’s book, “These ABCs Belong to Me!,” to help kids reclaim negative labels and turn them into positive traits. Drawing from her own multicultural upbringing and parenting experiences, McKenzie aims to show how words can shape children’s confidence and self-identity.
‘Dr. Ohhh’ explores the benefits of juicing with thriving online business
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com Oluwatosin Oluokun, a first-generation Nigerian, wife, and mother of two young children, remembers the day when she first learned she had high blood pressure and accelerated cholesterol levels and would need to go on medication. Her response, however, changed her life and set her on a path toward […]
Jimmie C. Gardner, exonerated after 27 years in prison, forms foundation for social justice
After spending 27 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, former Chicago Cubs Minor League player Jimmie C. Gardner has turned his pain into purpose. Through his new nonprofit, Gardner House LLC, he’s working to support others wrongfully convicted and to challenge systemic injustices in the U.S. legal system.
From Cam Newton to James Brown, honorees at 10th Annual MMCA Gala assert commitment to diversity, inclusivity in media
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com Emmy Award-winning comedian, author and activist Loni Love delivered a perfect blend of humor and serious insights as the host for the 10th Annual Multicultural Media Correspondents Dinner (MMCD™) Gala Extravaganza, on Oct. 27, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. “Media diversity starts at the top, and it’s […]
Nonprofits struggle to fill in the gaps as more federal workers, SNAP recipients seek food assistance
While the 47th president of the United States promised that food prices would go down under his watch, the opposite has occurred. Now, with a prolonged federal government shutdown, more families are facing food insecurity after either losing their jobs or being furloughed.
Annual Masked Ball returns to Charm City
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com With the assistance of individuals like Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) remains committed to transforming the historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across Baltimore City On Saturday, Nov. 1, beginning with a 7 p.m. reception, UNCF will return its fundraising event, the […]
Malcolm X meets Shakespeare in revisioning of ‘The Tragedy of Julius Caesar’ at D.C.’s Folger Theatre
“Julius X: A Revisioning of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare” is a powerful and emotionally charged play that merges the lyrical brilliance of spoken word artist Al Letson with the time-revered speeches and scenes of William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” featuring renowned Shakespearean actor Brandon Carter as Malcolm X.
As savings accounts dwindle, federal workers say they’re holding on with ‘hopes and prayers’
Thousands of Americans rallied nationwide on Oct. 18 to protest federal policies that have led to job losses, program cuts, divided families and a prolonged government shutdown. Struggling federal workers say they’re surviving on dwindling savings and faith as they call for accountability and renewed civic engagement.
Kamala Harris draws sold-out D.C. crowds on book tour, urges Democrats to stay in the fight
Former Vice President Kamala Harris drew sold-out crowds at Washington, D.C.’s Warner Theatre on Oct. 9 to discuss her new book, “107 Days,” reflecting on her 2024 presidential campaign and America’s political challenges. In candid remarks, she urged Democrats to stay engaged and united as the fight for democracy continues.
LaRuby May and team of attorneys file suit against Pfizer, claim negligence in premature release of sickle cell drug therapy
LaRuby May and her legal team are representing clients who were harmed by the withdrawn Pfizer drug, Oxbryta, and are advocating for research and treatments for sickle cell disease.

