Traditional Black American cuisine, often dubbed “soul food,” was birthed during an era when enslaved African Americans relied on high-fat, high-calorie foods for sustenance and survival. While soul food is not inherently unhealthy, foods like collard greens, turnips and okra are often stewed in lard, bacon fat and other greasy products. But Tracye McQuirter, a […]
Author Archives: Kristin Gray
AFRO Managing Editor
Posted inNational News
Lena Horne Moves Beyond ‘Stormy Weather’
Lena Horne harbored a tempestuous relationship with her own striking beauty. Her appearance provided a gilded pathway to prominence, but also constructed the glass ceiling that stymied her career during the early 20th century. Yet, Horne’s beauty did not eclipse her talents and innate showmanship, although she was initially a reluctant entertainer. “I didn’t want […]
Posted inNational News
‘Drum Major for Justice’ Remains Powerful in Death
Dr. Dorothy Height, the legendary civil rights icon who championed social justice, was one of the crowning trailblazers from an era that revolutionized Black Americans’ leverage in politics, economics and employment. On April 29, Height’s funeral amassed a diverse cross-section of humanity – feminists, political titans, entertainers, the general public – a testament to her […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Local Entrepreneurs Turn Part-Time Jobs into Full-time Profit
As part of a three-part series, the AFRO is profiling up-and-coming entrepreneurs who are growing popular businesses while juggling traditional nine-to-five careers, spouses and children. This month, Baltimore-based shoe designer Cash Hollis shares how she turned her flair for fashion into profit. Cash Hollis Arena S. Shoe Collection Cash Hollis is immersed in all things […]
Posted inNational News
Benjamin L. Hooks: Country Mourns Lion of Law, Faith and Civil Justice
As news of Benjamin L. Hooks’ death riveted the American public, mourning turned to reflective celebration of a man who helped revolutionize the struggle for minority equality in economics, media and politics. This week, Hooks’ family, friends and colleagues honored his life and legacy at Greater Middle Baptist Church and Temple of Deliverance COGIC, both […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Local Entrepreneurs Turn Part-Time Jobs into Full-time Earnings
African Americans have historically been a resilient, industrious people, particularly during times when disparities in compensation and promotion relegated people of color to low-wage service positions. While there has always been an exceptional cadre of Black business icons like hair styling guru Madame C.J. Walker, shipbuilder Paul Cuffe and peanut aficionado George Washington Carver, many […]
Posted inBooks
Nina Simone’s Complexities, Beauty Captured in Striking Tome
“When I was a child, no one was ever proud of me, and my people were never proud of themselves or anything they had ever done,” she declared. “Well, that’s different now. I’m proud of myself, and I’m proud of my music…” – Excerpt from Princess Noire- The Tumultuous Reign of Nina Simone Nina Simone […]
Posted inNational News
Haitians Respond to Media Portrayal of Homeland
As many Haitians live in peril amid indescribable destruction and death, their American relatives are vexed by the media’s depiction of their native country as an uninhabitable, poverty-stricken no man’s land. While Haiti’s history of widespread human suffering is irrefutable—something most Haitians recognize—some believe the Caribbean nation has been particularly demonized by international media following […]