As Myrtle Beach, S.C. kicks off its annual Black Bike Week this Memorial Day weekend, the NAACP announced that they would continue to watch for discrimination at the massive motorcycle rally. The NAACP and local officials are bracing themselves for the nation’s largest gathering of Black motorcyclists that draws an estimated crowd of 350,000 to […]
Author Archives: Gregory Dale
AFRO News Editor
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Ezemdi, Nigerian-Born Entertainer, Seeks to Inspire Others With Differences
Growing up, Ezemdi always knew he was different from other kids his age. While most children were playing outside, he was forced to stay indoors because his skin was sensitive to the sun. He, unlike his peers, had albinism. “I…was looked at differently by not even just kids, but adults ,” Ezemedi told the AFRO in […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Popular Radio Personality Turned Filmmaker Dishes on New Movie ’35 & Ticking’
He’s conquered the airwaves and he’s tackled book writing, but now radio personality Russ Parr can add filmmaker to his sprawling résumé. After breaking out on to radio in the late 1980s, Parr later went on to host his own show on the District’s WKYS. Now, the nationally syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show reaches 3.2 […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Stephanie Mills Rekindles ‘the Fire’ With Tour and New Album
Her string of memorable hits have been embedded in R&B fans’ hearts for decades, and now, soul singer Stephanie Mills is setting out to rekindle this magic once more. Mills first captured audiences’ attention when she was just a youth, appearing in many Broadway hits including the classic musical The Wiz in 1975. Shortly thereafter, […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Veteran Performer Ben Vereen Continues to Shine
With his bubbling personality and his undeniable talent, Ben Vereen has undoubtedly captured the hearts of many throughout his 35-year career. He wowed audiences with his Broadway performances in Jesus Christ Superstar, Jelly’s Last Jam and Hair, and won a prestigious Tony Award for his role in Pippin. Additionally, he’s appeared in a string of […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Artist V. Rich Shakes Up the Music Industry with Multifaceted Style
In an industry where talentless artists come a dime a dozen, R&B vocalist V. Rich is definitely in the minority. After being exposed to music at a young age, the Michigan native fashioned himself into a full-fledged singer, songwriter, arranger and producer. Originally trained under a classical music curriculum, V. Rich used his innate musical […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
NAACP Veteran Maxine Atkins Smith to Receive Honorary Doctorate From Middlebury College
NAACP veteran and civil rights advocate Maxine Atkins Smith will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from her alma mater, Middlebury College, on May 22. Smith, who served as executive secretary of the Memphis chapter of the NAACP, has been affiliated with the group for nearly 50 years. Throughout her career, she has […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Electronic Hip Hop Producer Brings Unique Sounds to the District
While the District is mostly known for its go-go rhythms and bounce beats, hip hop electronica beat maker and recent transplant Jerztheproducer is aiming to put his own stamp on the city. “D.C. is a city that is known for embracing change,” JTP told the AFRO during a recent interview. “When a lot of people […]
Posted inBaltimore Community, Baltimore News
K&G Superstore to Help Local African-American Men Dress for Success
K&G Fashion Superstore wants to help local African-American men reach their career goals by ensuring they are dressed for the part. So the company launched a three-month series of seminars – “Suit Up to Win: Mind, Body & Soul” – celebrating and supporting Baltimore’s Black men. The initiative was announced during a luncheon March 31 […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
At 92, District Craftsman Aims to Inspire Others Through Art
At 92 years old, District resident Ira Blount has surely experienced his share of tribulations and triumph. Along the way, he’s utilized a unique pastime to help him make it through. Blount, just a few years shy of being a centenarian, is a multitalented artist and craftsman. His remarkable collection of handmade works that span […]
Posted inD.C. Community, Washington D.C. News
City Officials Name 14th St. N.W. After Late U.S. Secretary Ronald H. Brown
D.C. Councilmember Michael A. Brown (I-at Large), stands with a portrait of his father, late U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown, at the ceremonial naming of 14th St. N.W. to “Ron Brown Way” on March 25. The event, which featured guests including Mayor Vincent Gray, White House Chief of Staff Bill Daily and current […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
John Cashin, Alabama Civil Rights Activist Dies at 82
John Cashin, dentist and revered Alabama civil rights advocate, died from kidney failure at a Washington D.C. hospital on March 21, according to the Associated Press. The 82-year-old was widely known for his establishment of the Alabama National Democratic Party and his run, against George C. Wallace in 1970, for Alabama governor. Cashin’s death was confirmed […]