Author Archives: Special to the AFRO
Uncovering the legacy of Maj. Charity Adams and her all-Black battalion
By Dante R. Brizill In 2024, many Americans were introduced to the legendary “Six Triple Eight” for the first time through Tyler Perry’s movie of the same name. The inspirational story of these amazing women who sorted the mail during World War II, captured the attention and imagination of millions. Within the story we met […]
Executive challenged the Sierra Club’s racial practices. Then he was fired.
Dr. Angelo A. WilliamsThe Observer EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in The OBSERVER’s series examining the departures of Black leaders from the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation. The first installment documented a pattern of exits from board and staff roles between 2023 and 2025. The second featured an interview with Aaron Mair, […]
Susan Young Browne, DSU’s oldest living graduate celebrates 108th birthday
By Delaware State University More than 130 people gathered on May 2 to celebrate Susan Young Browne’s 108th birthday with a special dinner at Whatcoat United Methodist Church of Dover, Del. Attendees included Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, and Levy Court Commissioners Joanne Masten and Terry Pepper. Those present expressed profound amazement and heartfelt admiration for […]
From revolution to distraction: What changed?
By Bill Curtis If, today, say, I was born, say, after the period of 1989 to 1995, then I would find it difficult to even think, believe or imagine that Black people lived such conviction like an Angela Davis in the quote where she says, “Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about […]
The unfinished business of Sonia Hayes and Mildred Frisby
Maryland Sen. Antonio Hayes reflects on the enduring influence of his mother, Sonia Hayes, and grandmother, Mildred Frisby, in a heartfelt Mother’s Day commentary about resilience, sacrifice and public service. Drawing from his upbringing in West Baltimore’s Penn North community, Hayes connects his legislative work to the struggles and hopes of the women who shaped his life and inspired his commitment to improving Baltimore neighborhoods.
Inside Sierra Club’s pattern of Black leadership departures
By Dr. Angelo A. WilliamsThe Observer EDITOR’S NOTE: Between 2023 and 2025, a cluster of departures across the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation — including routine board turnover, resignations, a discrimination lawsuit and the firing of former Executive Director Ben Jealous — fueled a debate over who holds power inside one of the […]
The blood that bought the ballot
Before the Voting Rights Act existed, before the Civil Rights Movement had a name, Black Americans were fighting — and dying — for the right to vote. The AFRO was there keeping the record. Here’s what it cost to get to 1965.
They cancelled the election
Portia Wood, an attorney and founder of Legacy Wealth Institute / Black Trust Fund Kids
Early detection of maternal sepsis is critical for survival
Maternal sepsis is the second leading cause of maternal mortality in the US, and early detection and treatment is critical to prevent deadly outcomes, especially in rural communities where maternity care deserts are increasing.
The emotional economy of social media
By Stacy Sneed How did we get here? And more importantly, where are we going? Will this fast-paced digital way of communicating continue to expand, or will we ever return to more meaningful connections like before? Modern technology has transformed how people think about themselves and one another. Social media platforms offer both opportunity and […]
Opinion: Tiger Woods didn’t just disappear–we just stopped looking at his pain
By Steven Ragsdale From Augusta to Baltimore, Tiger’s story reflects a familiar pattern—pain ignored, addiction misunderstood and lessons learned too late. Rory McIlroy’s Masters win gave golf the kind of storybook ending it has come to expect from its biggest stage. A boy who learned to play golf in the foothills of Ireland on a […]