The Obama Foundation is hosting a historic Grand Opening Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center on June 18th, featuring performances from multiple GRAMMY, Oscar, and Emmy Award-winning artists, and will be livestreamed globally.
Author Archives: Special to the AFRO
Posted inOPINION
In Baltimore, accountability for thee but not for me
An opinion piece argues that Maryland and Baltimore apply political accountability unevenly, contending that Black elected officials have historically faced harsher media scrutiny and public condemnation than others accused of misconduct.
Posted inCommentary
US delegates witness Cuba’s struggles under blockade and sanctions
Twenty-three delegates from the United States, led by Dr. Ron Daniels and James Early, visited Cuba to witness the effects of the US blockade, sanctions and threats, and to meet with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, while also visiting hospitals, schools and other sites.
Posted inCommentary
The price of an enduring father
What aging taught me about movement, mobility, and the hidden cost of survival By Steven Ragsdale A few weeks ago, I sat waiting for a hip X-ray and found myself thinking about my father and quite a few of the older guys in my community, especially how their bodies grew physically older over the years […]
Posted inHealth
Closing the healthcare gap requires embracing innovation
By Ed Towns After decades in public service, I can say this with certainty: healthcare access remains one of the greatest moral failures in America. Baltimore tells a story that too many American cities share. In some neighborhoods just miles apart, life expectancy can differ by more than a decade, with predominantly Black communities on […]
Posted in!Front Page Arts and Entertainment
Upper Bay Juneteenth Festival and Freedom Weekend Celebration, June 12–14
By Hosanna School Museum This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Upper Bay Juneteenth Festival, a three-day Freedom Weekend Celebration taking place June 12–14, 2026. The event commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary while honoring the contributions of African Americans through the celebration of history, culture, achievement, and community in Harford County and throughout the region. […]
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Global Circle for Reparations and Healing congratulated for its historic vision to confront the Vatican on enslavement and reparations
by Global Circle for Reparations and Healing Global action produces global results as Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical acknowledges the Church’s relationship to enslavement and offers an apology Chicago, Il — May 26, 2026 — The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing is being recognized and congratulated for its historic vision, courage, and strategic leadership […]
Posted inCommentary
‘Under Babied’: Alarming new language and double standards around the politics of birth
By Crystal Coache Picture this: after hours of contractions, listening to the sound of multiple beeping heart monitors, the breathless he-he-whhhhooooo’s, and constant poking and prodding from nurses, you finally give birth and your doctor looks up at you and says, “Congratulations! You’ve just been babied!” Actually, you don’t need to use your imagination. Recently, […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to headline MMTH’s 30th anniversary event in Baltimore
(Baltimore, Maryland, May 26, 2026) — For three decades, Mentoring Male Teens in the “Hood” (MMTH) has stood in the gap for underserved youth in Baltimore—investing in boys and building strong men ages 8–18 through mentorship, enrichment, educational exposure and life preparation. The Baltimore-based mentoring organization will commemorate this milestone with their 30th Anniversary Celebration […]
Posted inOPINION
Rising hardship withdrawals signal financial stress among US workers
Hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts are increasing, with 6% of U.S. workers affected, and disproportionately impacting Black and Hispanic households due to the racial wealth divide.
Posted inObituaries
Crystal R. Emery, director, author and advocate dies at 65
Filmmaker, disability rights leader, and comedian celebrated for a life’s work championing equity, STEM, and the power of the human spirit By Cheryl Duncan & Company Crystal R. Emery, an award-winning producer, director, author and nationally recognized STEM and disability advocate whose work championed equity and inclusion across film, theater, publishing and education, died May […]
Posted inOPINION
Extraordinary power of Black America: What the evidence actually shows
Black Americans have demonstrated remarkable political power in recent American elections, shaping two Democratic presidential nominations and resulting presidencies, and this power can be further amplified by investing in educational achievement, family stability, and economic self-determination.
