By Frances Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher My husband and I recently visited First Watch in Towson expecting a relaxing breakfast. Instead, we left feeling disrespected and dismissed. When we arrived we were in line, in front of two White patrons. The Black host asked how many were in our party. “Two,” we replied. He […]
Author Archives: Frances Toni Draper AFRO Publisher
Posted inEditorial
The Black women who built the AFRO: A legacy of truth and trailblazing journalism
The AFRO-American Newspapers has a rich history of journalistic excellence, thanks to the contributions of many Black women, including Frances L. Murphy II, Elizabeth “Bettye” Murphy Moss, Ida Murphy Peters, Vashti Murphy Matthews, Carlita Murphy Jones, Elizabeth Murphy Oliver, and many others.
Posted inOPINION
Love, marriage and the evolution of dating: Lessons from the past
Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and Publisher of the AFRO, revisits the cultural view of relationships in the Black community and explores the courtship and marriage of her grandparents, Carl Murphy and Lula Vashti Turley, highlighting the importance of real love and commitment.
Posted inNational News
Working Together: How members of the Black Press and Black labor movement changed the world
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO publisher and CEO, discusses the collaboration between Black press and the Black labor union movement in her book, “Prayer and Pen,” which includes prayers and commentaries on labor, education, and more.
Posted inCommentary
AFRO Publisher Carl J. Murphy (1922-1967): Fighting for freedom with ‘Prayer and Pen’
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and Publisher of the AFRO-American Newspapers, has released a new book that includes prayers and proverbs from Carl Murphy, the publisher of the AFRO from 1922 to 1967, as well as photos, articles, and other information from the AFRO Archives.
Posted inOPINION
Why I’m proud to be a Marylander in spite of the election results
Vice President Kamala Harris received over 60% of the votes in Maryland, reflecting the state’s commitment to unity, compassion, and progress, and Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO-American Newspapers, reflects on her Maryland roots and the state’s legacy of freedom fighters.
Posted inWord In Black
On Nov. 5, we must ‘be about’ voting – especially young people
Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO American Newspapers, emphasizes the importance of having an Election Day plan and the importance of the youth voice as we move closer to Nov. 5.
Posted inCommentary
A good marriage equals good mental health: It works if you work it!
Andre and Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper celebrate 50 years of marriage and offer ten tips for maintaining a healthy marriage, including putting God first, not using sex as a weapon, and not discussing disagreements with anyone other than your spouse.
Posted inBUSINESS
From the publisher’s desk: Never despise small beginnings
Frances Murphy “Toni” Draper, CEO and Publisher of the AFRO-American Newspaper, reflects on her early experiences as an entrepreneur and the importance of entrepreneurship for Black-owned businesses.
Posted inNational News
A time to reflect: Why Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a national holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in Confederate states, acknowledges the pain of slavery and the joy of freedom, and enriches the cultural fabric of the nation.
Posted inEducation
If you can read this, thank a teacher today
By Frances Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher In my family, like so many of yours, good grades were expected–no, required. Failing a class, talking back to teachers, disrupting class or any other behavior that caused a teacher to even think about calling your parents was enough to make you do as Nat King Cole sang, […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Investing is key to financial freedom–but why do so few know how?
Frances “Toni” Draper discusses the financial disparity between Black and White families, which can be addressed through education, financial literacy, and policies to ensure equal access to investment opportunities.
