By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) teamed up with veteran journalist Roland Martin, founder of Black Star Network, to host a two-hour, live-streamed event on Feb. 2 titled “Not On Our Watch: A National Town Hall on Press Freedom.” The session was prompted by the recent arrests of […]
Author Archives: Deborah Bailey Special to the AFRO
Posted inReligion
‘Total Praise’: Smallwood’s signature anthem embodies Jan. 24 celebration of life service
Thousands gathered at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Maryland to celebrate the life and legacy of gospel composer and singer Richard Smallwood, honoring the “Maestro” with music, testimony and tributes from faith leaders, artists and public officials. The Jan. 24 service highlighted Smallwood’s enduring impact as a theologically grounded musician whose compositions bridged church, campus and global stages.
Posted inObituaries - Washington D.C.
Funeral arrangements announced for veteran Black Press reporter James L. Wright Jr.
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.
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 journey
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 […]