By Dr. Frances Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher As Americans worry whether they’ll get their next paycheck, keep the lights on, or afford dinner tonight, an internal email dated October 31, 2025, from the halls of the U.S. Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense) lands — addressed to “Policy Colleagues,” wishing them a […]
Author Archives: Frances Toni Draper AFRO Publisher
Posted in!Front Page Maryland New
AI, fear and a bag of chips: How a Maryland teen became the latest victim of a broken system
by Frances Toni Draper, CEO and Publisher of the AFRO I keep thinking about a teenager—Black, 16, a student-athlete—who did what kids do after practice: he ate snacks with friends and waited for a ride. Minutes later, eight police cars rolled up to Kenwood High School in Baltimore County. Officers drew their guns, ordered him […]
Posted inWord In Black
Editorial: The right to vote is on trial… again
AFRO CEO and Publisher Frances “Toni” Draper warns that the right to vote is once again under threat as the Supreme Court reviews a case that could weaken the Voting Rights Act. She calls on all Americans to stay vigilant, reminding readers that protecting democracy demands courage, participation, and collective responsibility.
Posted inOpinion
Rediscovering Elsbeth
By Dr. Frances “Toni” DraperAFRO Publisher and CEO When my sixth-grade teacher, Pauline Paysour, mailed me an envelope in July 1994, I nearly dismissed it as a kind gesture from the past. Inside were two treasures: her beautifully handwritten letter and a single story I’d written years earlier, titled “Elsbeth, An English Peasant Girl – […]
Posted inOpinion
Once a fan, always a fan
Despite a disappointing 44-10 loss to the Texans, Ravens fans remain devoted to their team and are determined to show up and support them through the tough times.
Posted inEditorial
Auntie Mo’Nique wasn’t wrong: Leave the bonnets and pajamas at home
AFRO CEO and Publisher Frances Murphy Draper argues that while comfort and convenience explain why many women—especially Black women—wear pajamas and bonnets in public, the practice undermines self-respect and opportunities. Citing Mo’Nique’s earlier critique, Draper stresses that presentation still matters, particularly in a world that already unfairly judges Black women, and urges sisters to show up polished, confident, and prepared.
Posted inOpinion
Another blood-stained sanctuary: America cannot look away
Violence in sacred spaces is an American epidemic that must be addressed with laws, leadership, and a return to civil speech, as well as preparation and vigilance in faith institutions, schools, and civic organizations.
Posted inEditorial
From Baltimore to D.C.: Building the next century of Black business
By Dr. Frances Murphy DraperAFRO Publisher and CEO Black-owned businesses have always been a cornerstone of our communities—anchoring neighborhoods, creating jobs and proving that vision can thrive even in the face of economic headwinds. Last week, we celebrated companies across the country that have endured for a century or more, surviving depressions, recessions, and sweeping […]
Posted inOpinion
What were they thinking: A betrayal of leadership?
Black Americans across the nation are questioning why Black leaders such as Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) voted for a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, the conservative commentator who often made disparaging comments about the Black community. This week, AFRO News Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances Murphy Draper speaks on the legislators who voted to honor Kirk, and praises those like Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) (center) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) (right), who stood against the resolution put before them.
Posted inOpinion
It’s hard to admit it, but I was wrong about democracy
AFRO Publisher and CEO, Dr. Frances Murphy Draper, speaks on how democracy’s promise of protecting every voice has fallen short in her latest reflection and call to action. This week, she urges unity among the Black Press, the Black Church and the community to defend free speech and fight for a democracy that truly values every voice.
Posted inOpinion
What Charlie Kirk’s death reveals about America
Dr. Frances Murphy Draper serves the AFRO as CEO and publisher and is a fourth-generation member of the publication’s founding family. This week, in her call to conscience, she speaks on the brutal death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his record and the culture of contempt that has become the norm in America.
Posted inNational Sports
Purple in a sea of blue: A Ravens fan’s wild Buffalo ride
By Dr. Frances DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher From hotel surprises to tailgate mayhem, Baltimore fans made their mark — even in the NFL’s first-ever 41–40 thriller. Primetime excitement My first ever away trip as a Ravens fan is one I will never forget — for both the highs and the heartbreak. This wasn’t just any […]