By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor Africa is called the motherland for a reason: it is said to be the birthplace of humanity. The year 2019, deemed “The Year of Return” in Ghana, marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores. Now, a year into a global pandemic amid social and […]
Author Archives: Jessica Dortch
Posted inBooks
Commentary: I can’t imagine life without literacy
Let’s face it: words are everywhere. Traffic signs, street names, store receipts, contracts and even the apps on your cell phone all involve reading. By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor There’s a saying that goes “if you want to hide something from a Black person, put it in a book.” That statement always bothered me […]
Posted in!Front Page
Safe Alternative promotes representation, leadership among Baltimore youth
After suffering a life-altering injury as a teenager, Van Brooks, center, created the Safe Alternative Foundation for Education to equip youth with the skills they need to prosper, regardless of where life takes them. (Courtesy of Safe Alternative Foundation for Education) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor Some things just don’t go as planned and […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
‘Hip hop heads’ react to Fugees tour announcement, recall impact on the industry
The Fugees (Wyclef Jean, Ms. Lauryn Hill and Pras Michael, (AP Photo) By Jessica Dortch Special to the AFRO The legendary hip-hop group, Fugees, is credited with being a major part of the cultural shift in the 90s rap game. The trio, composed of Pras Michael, Wyclef Jean and Ms. Lauryn Hill announced on Sept. […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Emmys still so White; Black actors snubbed again
Michael K. Williams (AP Photos) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor The much-anticipated 73rd annual Emmy Awards was held Sept. 19. The night was hosted by Cedric The Entertainer and filled with fun and fashion, but when the thrill was gone some viewers noticed that only one person of color actually took home an award. […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
TODAY surprises Digital Harbor principal with free laptops for students
(Photo courtesy of Twitter/@RealDHHS) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor The students of Digital Harbor High School saw first-hand that hard work pays off when their principal Dr. Taiisha Swinton-Buck received a special surprise on NBC’s morning show TODAY. The network’s latest series, called “Once in a Lifetime,” celebrates change-makers who are doing remarkable work […]
Posted in!Front Page
Celebrities, fans remember actor Michael K. Williams
Actor Michael K. Williams (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor The entertainment industry took a hit after learning of award winning actor Michael K. Williams’ death on Labor Day, Sept. 6. The 54-year old was discovered unresponsive in his Brooklyn penthouse with what appeared to be heroin on a table […]
Posted in!Front Page
AFRO Exclusive: Mayor Brandon Scott unveils new plan to combat violence crime
Mayor Brandon M. Scott (Courtesy Photo/https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor The City of Baltimore is an ensemble of neighborhoods whose residents take pride in their communities but are no strangers to the devastation caused by violent crime. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique set of challenges for cities across the country, […]
Posted in!Front Page
AFRO Exclusive!!!: Councilman and activist Will Jawando endorses Wes Moore for Governor
Wes Moore (Courtesy Photo) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor Attorney, activist and Montgomery County Councilman Will Jawando endorsed Wes Moore for Governor of Maryland at Loyalty Book Store in Silver Spring today. Jawando, the first African American elected countywide to the Montgomery County Council in 30 years, is a well respected public servant and […]
Posted inNEWS
In loving memory of Martha Trulester Dortch Wagstaff
Martha Trulester Dortch Wagstaff transitioned on May 3. She was 87. (Photo courtesy the family) By The Dortch Family Martha Trulester Dortch Wagstaff was born on April 14 ,1935 to the late David Ellis and Lucy John Dortch in Wilson County, North Carolina. On May 3, 2021 the sun would set for Martha as she […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
REIT owner dives into Black consumerism, the wealth gap
Anthony Woods, co-founder of Sunshine REIT. (Courtesy photo) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor From the AFRO archives The wealth gap, among other disparities, is an issue gaining more attention due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, Anthony Woods and his team at Sunshine REIT are determined to give the Black community a financial education. […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
White resistance to thriving Black Wall Street
In this 1921 file image provided by the Greenwood Cultural Center via Tulsa World, Mt. Zion Baptist Church burns after being torched by White mobs during the 1921 Tulsa massacre (Greenwood Cultural Center via Tulsa World via AP) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor Black Americans are one of the most resilient groups of people […]