James L. Wright Jr., a dedicated member of the Black Press, community leader, historian and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will be memorialized at the Hemingway Memorial AME Church in District Heights, Md. on Dec. 19, 2025.
Author Archives: Deborah Bailey Special to the AFRO
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Creating the next generation of change makers: A look at D.C.’s Social Justice Charter School
By Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor At Washington D.C.’s Social Justice Charter School, social justice is a concept that extends beyond a classroom or a unit studied in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Social justice is the theme that permeates the entire school, influencing every aspect of classroom and school activities. Since 2020, […]
Posted inHealth
Postscript for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Just keep that mammogram appointment
After skipping mammograms for four years, healthcare professional Laurene Scott finally got screened—just as her cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Doctors say anxiety, busy lives, and fear often delay screenings, especially among Black women, who remain 38 percent more likely to die from the disease.
Posted inEducation
Students at Digital Pioneers Academy earn as they learn about financial literacy
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor This Fall, Digital Pioneers Academy Charter School in S.E. Washington will initiate the city’s first no strings attached, school-based direct financial support program for students, paying high school seniors 50 dollars cash per week. The public charter middle and high school opened in Southeast in Fall 2023 to support […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Prince George’s County Council passes emergency support legislation for furloughed federal workers
Council Chair Edward P. Burroughs III (D- Prince George’s County- 08) and Councilwoman Wala Blegay (D-Prince George’s County-06) are working hard on behalf of Prince George’s County residents currently experiencing the sting of yet another federal shutdown.
Posted inHealth
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: A Black family’s journeyÂ
Jesse Bennett, a two-time prostate cancer survivor and Morgan State University health education graduate, uses his journey to inspire other men to take charge of their health by learning their PSA numbers and speaking up when something feels wrong.
Posted inTravel
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park: A powerful destination for your travel list
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park in Church Creek, Maryland is a popular destination for visitors from around the world to pay homage to Tubman’s legacy and learn about her life and work, with the site hosting national events, exhibits, and activities throughout the year.
Posted inMaryland Government
Jawando’s campaign for Montgomery County executive picks up steam and new endorsements
Montgomery County Council Vice President Will Jawando’s bid for county executive is gaining momentum with endorsements from Progressive Maryland, the Working Families Party, and several local leaders. He joins a five-person Democratic field to replace outgoing Executive Marc Erlich, with no Republican candidates yet filed ahead of the February 2026 deadline.
Posted inNational News
Supporters rally as Ben Jealous challenges ouster from Sierra Club’s top post
The Sierra Club fired Executive Director Ben Jealous on Aug. 11, citing conduct issues, but Jealous and supporters argue he was brought in to fix a major deficit and strengthen the organization. Civil rights leaders and former board members are calling for mediation, with some raising concerns about racial bias in his removal.
Posted inPolitics
Senator Alsobrooks tests positive for Covid-19
By Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md. tested positive for Covid-19 on Aug. 14, according to her Washington Senate Office. Out of an abundance of caution, the first-term Maryland senator cancelled planned events at Chesapeake College as well as an appearance at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conference in Ocean City on […]
Posted inHBCU
Displaced federal workers start journey toward new careers in Maryland’s K-12 classroomsÂ
Dozens of displaced federal workers in Maryland are beginning new careers in K-12 education through alternative teacher certification programs at area colleges and universities. Funded by a $1 million state grant, these initiatives aim to address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage while offering former government employees a meaningful new path in the classroom.
Posted inMaryland News
Six Flags to close Maryland park at end of 2025 season
Six Flags theme park is closing in Prince George’s County at the end of the 2025 season. The news hits hard at a time when many county residents are being laid off from federal employment and the Washington Commanders football team just announced a move to Washington, D.C.