Homeless shelters in the nation’s capital stand to operate a little easier this year after being awarded critical funding from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding, in excess of $18.5 million, is in accordance with the Obama administration’s comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness, and will help to keep […]
Author Archives: DorothyRowley
AFROStaffWriter
Posted inAfro Briefs
Pregnancy Rate Soars at Memphis High School
The pregnancy rate among students at a Memphis high school has reached alarming proportions, as more than 90 girls at Frayser High School in predominantly Black Shelby County, Tenn. have already given birth this year or are pregnant, according to reports. One of the girls, mother of a two-month old daughter, told WMC-TV in Memphis […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Brown Quickly Asserts Presence as Council Chair
Newly-elected DC City Council Chairman Kwame Brown has moved quickly to put his brand on the District’s governing body—and to emerge from under his predecessor’s shadow. Case in point: Just days prior to officially taking over as chairman, Brown had already wielded his brand of administration by comfortably settling into a larger suite of offices […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Fenty Signs Up as Education Reform Speaker
Former District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty appears to be following in the footsteps of the chancellor that played a prominent role in the loss of his job in last year’s primary election. Fenty has signed on with a talent agency as an education advocate, meaning he will be promoting and advising school districts across […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Smiley Convenes Dialogue on America’s Future
Public Broadcasting Service personality Tavis Smiley is on a mission to help America hold on to its legacy as a global leader. After suffering through two costly wars, a faltering economy, failing public education and continued job losses, Americans are worried over the country’s ability to hold on to its greatness, according to Smiley. To […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Southern Sudanese Poised for Historic Vote
The outcome of South Sudan’s self-determination election, which will decide if the strategically-important region will secede from Sudan and create Africa’s newest independent state, could be announced as early next month. The lengthy voting process, which got underway Jan. 9, has already generated a large turnout. A 60 percent turnout is required for the vote […]
Posted inNational News
‘AFRO’ Launches iPhone Application
For many businesses, the ever-increasing pressures of keeping pace with the latest advances in technology often makes them feel like they’re falling behind. But officials at the AFRO American Newspapers and its bureaus in Washington and Baltimore are keenly aware they must keep up in order to remain on the cutting edge of their profession. […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Board of Education Member William Lockridge Dies
Veteran District of Columbia education and community activist William Lockridge has died. Lockridge, 63, who at the time of his death, represented Ward 8 on the State Board of Education, suffered a stroke at his Southeast Washington home over the weekend and had been treated at George Washington University Hospital where he passed on Jan. […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Dunbar High School at Center of Inappropriate Conduct Investigation
District of Columbia police are investigating a report by a Dunbar High School student alleging that the student and a staff member engaged last fall in inappropriate conduct. According to a statement issued by District of Columbia Public Schools spokesman Frederick Lewis, DCPS, which was recently notified of the report, informed parents of the allegations by way of […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District Prepares forEffects of Wintry Mix
Hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s paralyzing snow storms, District officials deployed a snow team Jan. 11 to help ward off a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow that could possibly result in a 3-inch accumulation in the city. “For the second time this season, it looks like we will be spared a […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Catania Introduces Health Care Legislation
At-large District of Columbia Councilman David Catania has introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at extending Mayor Vincent Gray’s cabinet and forming a health care exchange. In a measure that would elevate the city’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and Tuberculosis Administration, Catania, who chairs the Council’s Health Committee, proposed that the agency’s senior deputy director report […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Republicans Strip D.C.’s Voice and Vote in House Action
One of the first orders of business for the Republican-controlled House was to strip D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton of her limited voice on the floor of the House. Shortly after the chamber convened Jan. 5, Republican leaders of the 112th Congress withdrew Norton’s right to vote when the House is convened in what is […]