Septima Poinsette Clark, daughter of a former slave, teacher and civil rights worker, is pictured holding an award in 1974. (AP Photo) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor Later deemed “the mother of the movement,” Septima Poinsette Clark was born in Charleston, S.C. to a laundry woman and former slave. Clark dedicated her life to […]
Author Archives: Jessica Dortch
Posted inNEWS
Audre Lorde: ‘Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet’
Audre Lorde was a self proclaimed “Black, lesbain, mother, warrior, poet,” and she embodied just that. She brought awareness to topics like identity, race, sex, where they intersect and how they seep into everyday life. (Photo by Elsa Dorfman) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor The LGBQTIA+ community has advanced by leaps and bounds within […]
Posted in!Front Page
Lunch Counter Crew: ‘Greensboro Four’ triggers a national movement
On Feb. 1, 1960, four students of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, walked into Woolworth’s in Greensboro, N.C. and triggered a movement that spread across the nation. The “Greensboro Four,” Joseph McNeil, left, Franklin McCain, Bill Smith and Clarence Henderson are seated at that lunch counter. (AFRO archive photo) By Jessica Dortch AFRO […]
Posted inNEWS
How I won in 2020
AFRO News Editor Jessica Dortch poses with her fluffy friend Sadie. (Courtesy Photo) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor It is rare that I share the details of my personal life. Unfortunately, certain experiences have taught me to quietly celebrate my victories and move on. This year, however, I joined the millions of Americans who […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Rockefeller Foundation to invest in Baltimore businesses, nonprofits
By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor The Rockefeller Foundation recently added the City of Baltimore to its list of hotspots for economic empowerment. The foundation conducted a deep analysis of the racial wealth gap, environment and local leadership throughout the country and out of hundreds of cities, Baltimore was selected. The foundation launched its equity […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Christmas gifts and memories
By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was an Amazon Kindle tablet. Now, this may not seem like a major gift, but for an avid reader like myself, it was perfect. Although I love the touch and feel of a hardback book, I wanted to go digital and […]
Posted inBUSINESS
REIT owner dives into Black consumerism, the wealth gap
Anthony Woods, co-founder of Sunshine REIT. (Courtesy photo) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor 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. Woods spoke with the […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Baltimore Mayor-elect exposed to COVID-19, tests negative
Mayor-Elect Brandon Scott will be sworn into office on Dec. 8.(Courtesy of Facebook) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor In a statement released on Dec. 3, Mayor-Elect Brandon Scott notified the public of his possible exposure to COVID-19 over the weekend. Since becoming aware of the risk of contracting the virus, the mayor-elect has followed […]
Posted inHBCU
Macy’s revises tweet after backlash
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is the first Black greek-letter organization to participate in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Macy’s faced backlash on social media for calling the sorority a “diverse dance group.” (Courtesy of Instagram/@officialzeta1920) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade persevered, abiding by coronavirus restrictions, to bring us […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Loyola Karson Institute Honors Professor’s Father
AFRO Columnist and Loyola University Professor Dr. Kaye Whitehead, right, pictured with her father Karson Wise Sr. Dr. Whitehead named the recently launched Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice in his honor. (Photo by Dr. Kaye Whitehead) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor Loyola University launched the Karson Institute for Race, Peace & […]
Posted inBaltimore News, HBCU, NEWS
Baltimore Votes!
Morgan State University’s Hurt Auditorium is one of eight early voting centers in Baltimore City that opened its doors to hundreds of voters on Oct. 26. By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor This year’s election has already broken records for its enormous turnout, with over 58 million ballots cast as of Oct. 25. According to […]
Posted inNEWS
West Baltimore Mural Dedicated to Elijah Cummings
Rev. Dr. Alvin Hathaway, pastor of Union Baptist Church, poses for a picture in front of the Elijah Cummings mural. (Courtesy of Rev. Dr. Alvin Hathaway) By Jessica Dortch AFRO News Editor Members of West Baltimore’s Union Baptist Church and the community gathered at the church to unveil the community mural project dedicated to our […]
