The District of Columbia is outpacing the nation in the percentage of African-American students that take and pass Advanced Placement (AP) exams, according to data released by the College Board Feb. 11. Over 33 percent of Black students who take AP exams in the District achieve passing scores of 3 or higher, compared with 4.6 […]
Author Archives: Zenitha Prince
Special to the AFRO
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Stephanie Hill Named 2014 Black Engineer of the Year at STEM Conference
Stephanie C. Hill did not grow up aspiring to a career in engineering. She loved math and had set her eyes on becoming an accountant. “In fact, I call myself an accidental engineer,” the 49-year-old told the AFRO with a laugh. Hill’s recognition as the 2014 Black Engineer of the Year is no accident, however. […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Brown Supporters Criticize Opponent Gansler for Comments about Prince George’s
State Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler (D), a candidate for governor, is facing censure after questioning the level of development in Prince George’s County and his rival Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown’s commitment to the county. Gansler made the statements at the opening of his first campaign office in the county, where he lived as a […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C.’s Inclusionary Zoning Affordable Housing Program Finding Success
A District of Columbia program aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing for city residents is showing signs of success, a government spokesman said. The Inclusionary Zoning program, based on legislation enacted in March 2007, requires that a certain percentage of units in a new development or a substantial rehabilitation project that expands an […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Congressional Black Caucus Hosts National Day of Prayer to End Poverty
As interfaith and government leaders from across the United States gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 61st National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 6, members of the Congressional Black Caucus hosted the first National Day of Prayer to End Poverty and Income Inequality. “In my faith tradition, we are called to treat the least among us […]
Posted inNational News
Angelou’s Tribute to Mandela to be Soon Published as Book
Maya Angelou’s moving tribute to fallen South African leader Nelson Mandela, called “His Day Is Done,” will be preserved in book format just in time for Black History Month. “I’m delighted, honored, pleased and just over the moon,” Angelou told the AFRO of Random House’s decision to publish the slim tome. When news of Mandela’s […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Fearless Five Superheroes Leap Into Action to Help Black Youth
Five young African-American superheroes called the Fearless Five may be saving young Black minds–one picture adventure book and T-shirt at a time. The Fearless Five is the creation of Steve Johnson, 43, owner of HNK (Happy, Nurturing, Kind) Concepts, a product development company. The concept of the Fearless Five arose when, as an expectant father, […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
New Coalition Seeks Cleanup of Anacostia Watershed
Seven local environmental groups and businesses joined forces Feb. 3 in a new coalition, United for a Healthy Anacostia River, to advocate the cleanup of that polluted waterway and educate the public about its toxic content. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Anacostia estuary, a tributary of the Potomac River that drains an area […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Residents Voice Concerns over CSX Tunnel Expansion Plans
A coalition of Southeast Washington, D.C. residents said they were cautiously pleased following a Jan. 16 meeting with Mayor Vincent Gray to voice their concerns over plans by CSX Transportation to expand the Virginia Avenue Tunnel. “After hearing our concerns he said he would not allow a proposal that would endanger the health and safety […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Police Chief Faces Tough Questions Following Misconduct Allegations
The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia has been tainted with allegations of police misconduct following two highly-publicized cases in which officers were accused of sexual abuse charges involving minors. In the wake of that scandal, department Chief Cathy Lanier faced tough questions during a D.C. City Council hearing on Jan. 24. Three […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Ohio State’s First Black Prexy May Earn Half As Much As Predecessor
When Dr. Michael V. Drake becomes the 15th president of Ohio State University, beginning June 30, he will earn $1 million annually, according to the terms of his five-year contract. The salary and compensation of the university’s first African-American chief executive is significantly above the average for public university leaders. However, it is only half […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Abuse, Wrongful Death Lawsuits Filed Against Metropolitan Police Officers
Three lawsuits totaling $11 million were filed in D.C. Superior Court Jan. 24 against the District of Columbia and several Metropolitan Police Department officers, alleging wrongful death, police abuse and discrimination. “The bottom line here is this: The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia is violating the constitutional rights of citizens in the […]
