By AFRO Staff Homecoming Day arrived at Morgan State University on Oct. 8, bringing thousands of alumni, friends and family back to the grounds where they first formed the ties that bind them still to this day. Hillen Road was lined with food trucks and vendors offering Morgan State University merchandise. Fraternities and sororities were […]
Category: News
Posted inBaltimore News
Tracing ancestors: unique personal journeys shared by AFRO staff
By Fatiha Belfakir, Special to the AFRO The AFRO American Newspapers recently hosted a Chicken Boxx livestream titled, “Speak Your Truth,” where the Executive Director Lenora Howze and Managing Editor Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware, shared stories of finding their biological families. Knowing your ancestors and your roots is a gift. Unfortunately, this gift is not bestowed […]
Posted inTV and Film
New documentary by Henry Louis Gates Jr. debuts ahead of ninth season of ‘Finding Your Roots’
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report for America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com The multi-talented Henry Louis Gates Jr. continues to put forth notable work for the Black community. The popular documentary series “Finding Your Roots,” hosted by Gates, will kick off its ninth season in January 2023. Ahead of the new season, a new documentary, […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Five podcasts about tracing to check out this fall
By Bianca CrowleySpecial to the AFRO Podcasts are all the rage these days. As members of the African Diaspora increase their numbers in the podcast industry, Black history and lineage have been in the spotlight. Below are five podcasts related to African-American history, genealogy and roots. The African Roots Podcast This direct and engaging podcast […]
Posted inBooks
Five books about Black traditions and tracing your roots
By Bianca Crawley, Special to the AFRO Keeping with our theme of discovering our roots and honoring the past from which we’ve come, the AFRO has compiled a short list of recommended books that address traditions of old, people who have contributed to the culture, and tracing family lineage. Take a look at the list […]
Posted inWord In Black
Here’s how we recruit and retain more Black teachers
By Maya Pottiger, Word in Black One of the recurring education headlines over the last year has been America’s unprecedented teacher shortage — especially as Black teachers quit at previously unseen rates. Plenty of experts have ideas about how to end the mass exodus of educators from the classroom, but Eric Duncan, the assistant director […]
Posted inWord In Black
Meet the experts making college admissions easier for Black kids
By Maya Pottiger, Word in Black No matter who you are or where you live, navigating the college admissions process can be stressful and overwhelming. Most high school seniors are just trying to enjoy homecoming and football games on top of their other after school responsibilities — they may have a part-time job or help […]
Posted inWord In Black
Black students with disabilities deserve better school experiences
By Maya Pottiger, Word in Black From the lack of proper diagnosis and support for students with dyslexia and ADHD to the stigmatization of disorders like autism and Down syndrome, students with disabilities are not treated equally in our education system. And Black students with disabilities often have extremely different — and more difficult — […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Local chef set to open new restaurant in Southwest Baltimore
By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, Report for America Corps Member, msayles@afro.com Chef Steven Leonard has run his catering business, Cast Iron Chef, for nearly a decade. From hosting private dinners to preparing and delivering to-go orders, he’s built a name for himself in Baltimore’s culinary world through word of mouth. Now, he’s preparing to […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Coalition seeks voting access for Marylanders awaiting trial
By SHANNON CLARK, Capital News Service LARGO, Md. – Thousands of Maryland residents will not cast a ballot in this year’s election because they are behind bars. They have not had their voting rights taken from them. In fact, they have not been convicted of a crime. But because they are in jail prior to […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Wes Moore and Dan Cox debate the topics: abortion, Jan 6, the racial wealth gap and education
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report For America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com Maryland Public Television held the only scheduled one-on-one gubernatorial debate between Democratic nominee Wes Moore and Republican nominee Rep. Dan Cox (R-MD-04) on Oct. 12. The debate allowed them to prove their credibility and showcase their agendas and aspirations for Maryland just ahead […]
Posted inBaltimore News
President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Baltimore Alumnae Chapter dies just months into term
By Catherine Pugh, Special to the AFRO The Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority lost 52nd President, Joanne S. Mack, on Oct. 15. Mack succeeded President Arlene Wongus, who served as the 51st president of the chapter, which began on March 22, 1922. It was announced that she would lead the chapter on […]
