by Jitahadi Imara One of the many attractive aspects of Kwanzaa, the African American holiday celebrated December 26th through January 1st, is its spiritual feature. Although Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, it nevertheless has a spiritual dimension. Spirituality, is defined here broadly speaking as the highest values which humans aspire to attain, is expressed […]
Category: Afro Briefs
Posted inAfro Briefs
Historic biodiversity pact inspires, but past failures loom
By Michael Casey and Christina Larson, The Associated Press A day after negotiators reached a landmark biodiversity agreement, the pressure was already growing on countries, business leaders and the environmental community to deliver on its ambitious promises to protect the planet — and not repeat the failures of past deals. Delegates expressed optimism in Montreal […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Domestic violence increases over the holidays
By Dawn Suggs,The St. Louis American The holidays offer joyful festivities and carefree abandonment for many. However, this time of year can also be a time of isolation and a pressure cooker of emotions and expectations for those who face a great deal of stress and duress already. Studies show that domestic abuse and violence […]
Posted inWord In Black
Why healthy relationships matter for people with breast cancer
By Alexa Spencer, Word In Black After breastfeeding all four of her children, finding out in 2020 that she had breast cancer was the biggest shock of 32-year-old Tulsa, Oklahoma resident Aisha Patterson’s life. She’d now become a part of the 9% of American women diagnosed with the disease before age 45. And, as a […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Gov.-Elect Wes Moore delivers Morgan State University’s commencement speech
By AFRO Staff Maryland’s first Black Gov-Elect, Wes Moore, delivered the 2022 Fall commencement speech at Morgan State University on Dec. 16. More than 400 students walked across the stage in their commencement robes, with members of the community, family, friends and the next governor of Maryland cheering them on. Moore was more than just […]
Posted inNational News
Federal spending bill directs states to reimburse food stamp fraud victims
By AFRO Staff States will be required to reimburse victims of food stamp hackers under provisions of the $1.7 trillion federal spending bill passed this week. The measure, added to the massive spending bill approved by Congress Dec. 22, will mean that state agencies will cover a fast-growing theft-of-benefits scheme. The AFRO reported on Baltimoreans […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra gives the gift of representation to 8 year-old classical music fan
By Lenora Howze, AFRO Executive Director If you think representation doesn’t matter, look no further than the scene that recently unfolded inside of the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Student conductor Bruce Perry, one of few Black conductors in the industry, was recently leading the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra orchestra in the Meyerhoff lobby when he […]
Posted inNational News
FEMA Administrator Criswell speaks on looming winter storm
By DaQuan Lawrence, Special to the AFRO FEMA Administrator Criswell spoke with the AFRO about winter weather and holiday travel in a one-on-one interview today. With more than 150 million people across the U.S. currently expecting some form of inclement weather this holiday weekend, Criswell discussed best practices for Americans to follow if they encounter […]
Posted inSponsored
Smart shopping and spending: 5 tips for setting a holiday budget you’ll actually stick to
By JPMorgan Chase Bank The holiday season is often a time of joy where gatherings, gifts and gratitude are plentiful. While decking the halls, shopping, and sending love to friends and family are big parts of the holidays, they also can place a strain on your personal finances. This is especially true in the current […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Fraudsters steal EBT cash benefits from Baltimore residents, officials say they won’t replace stolen funds
By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, Report for America Corps Member, msaylesafro.com A 26-year-old woman from Baltimore is the latest victim of fraudsters who hacked her electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cash benefits. While checking her balance on an app, she saw that someone had withdrawn $676 from her EBT account at a PNC Bank in […]
Posted inHealth
‘Black don’t crack’– or does it? Top ways to take care of your skin in the new year
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, Report for America Corps Member, tmcqueen@afro.com If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Black don’t crack,” you know it refers to the seemingly ageless skin that Black people have well into their senior citizenship. Black people often retain their youthful and vibrant look well into old age, but this is […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Improve your focus: eight concentration killers to cut today
All of us have trouble focusing sometimes. In a world of computer, television and phone screens, a 24-hour news cycle and the constant flow of social media and email notifications, the ability to focus is being split in every direction. This month, the AFRO partnered with Black Health Matters to present tips on retraining your […]