By Jannette J. Witmyer, Special to the AFRO The real beauty of art is that its “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Since folks see things differently, it is meant to stimulate thought and initiate conversations, allowing for the discussion of subjective interpretations, objectively. The bottom line is that people either like a […]
Category: Opinion
Posted inOPINION
Volunteer income tax assistance programs bridge the financial equity gap in Maryland
By Rosie Allen-Herring Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC Awareness Day on Jan. 27, can be seen as the launch of tax season. EITC is a refundable tax credit available to qualifying lower-wage workers and their families. Childless workers younger than 25 are eligible for Maryland EITC (only childless workers aged between 25 and 64 […]
Posted inCommentary
Rev. Al Sharpton calls for stronger Congressional oversight over hospital pharmaceutical program
By Rev. Al Sharpton Over the past year, Democrats in Washington have begun to level the playing field between healthcare special interests like Big Pharma manufacturers and regular Americans, especially those most in need. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership and the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors will enjoy an annual cap on how […]
Posted inOPINION
It’s time to know the true history of Dr. King and Native Americans
By David Carr, Word in Black On Jan. 16, the United States celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday and paid homage to the civil rights leader who helped move the nation to live up to its potential. While much has been written about King’s community organizing, his guidance in the Southern Leadership Conference, and […]
Posted inCommentary
Pursuing Martin Luther King Jr.’s beloved community
By U.S. Rep James E. Clyburn Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Ghana in 1957 to participate in the celebration of the country’s independence from British colonialism. Upon returning home, he delivered a sermon called “The Birth of a New Nation,” and introduced his idea for a post-Jim Crow society in this country. He explained the […]
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Dear Black America: You Should Be Paying Attention to Africa
By Patrick Washington, Word in Black In the last month of 2022, The United States hosted the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. The goal of this summit was to expand relations between the U.S. and the continent of Africa. Well, really, it’s because China is kicking ass in diplomatic, economic, and virtually every other major area in Africa’s […]
Posted inCommentary
On Martin Luther King Jr.’s national holiday, the time is always right to do what is right
By Maxine Johnson Wood, Ed.D., Special to the AFRO Martin Luther King Jr.’s national holiday was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. It was first observed in 1985, and has remained significant in that only one other American–George Washington– has been honored in this way. The annual observance provides opportunities for diverse […]
Posted inEditorial
Editorial submission by Congresswoman Alma Adams
By Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District. Being the first is a solemn responsibility. I would know as the first Black woman elected to the Greensboro City School Board, and as the first Black woman to represent Charlotte and the Piedmont in Congress. When you’re the first woman, first African American, […]
Posted inOPINION
Letter to the editor: It’s more than just a Parade
By Michael Eugene Johnson The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American • 233 E. Redwood Street Suite 600G Baltimore, MD 21202 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family […]
Posted inCommentary
Removing barriers, reducing diabetes risk for African Americans in Baltimore
By John Hopkins Medicine and University of Maryland Medical Center According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes in the U.S. is more prevalent than ever, with Type 2 diabetes affecting 90-95 percent of Americans with diabetes. And in the African-American community, its impact is even more pronounced. In 2018, Black adults were […]
Posted inCommentary
A portrait to inspire: why symbols matter and how a portrait of a civil rights pioneer will serve as a source of hope
By Sen. William Smith The paramount strength of our state is our rich-growing diversity, and if we are to leverage that strength, we must act and think inclusively. The people we elect and the symbols we choose to surround ourselves with are critical to fostering such an inclusive environment. As Chair of the Judicial Proceedings […]
Posted inOPINION
Ready for our Earth shot
By Ben Jealous As we greet 2023, I’m feeling more than the typical seasonal optimism. America is primed once again for a historic achievement, call it our “Earth shot.” In the 1960s and early 1970s, the United States spent the current dollar equivalent of just under $300 billion on “landing a man on the moon […]