Florida’s Raiford Prison banned the AFRO’s special edition on George Floyd and racial justice, claiming it posed a security risk and threatened rehabilitation efforts. Critics argue the ban reflects a broader pattern of censorship that suppresses inmates’ access to reform-focused content and silences marginalized voices behind bars.
Category: Afro Briefs
Posted inWord In Black
Chronically absent: Why Black kids are still missing from classrooms
Chronic absenteeism in public schools has surged post-pandemic, with nearly 40% of Black students missing 10% or more of the school year—far above the national average. Experts cite systemic barriers like housing insecurity, school disinvestment, and political attacks on education, calling for community-driven solutions that reengage students and support families.
Posted inAfro Briefs
This school banned cellphones six years ago. Teachers — and many kids — couldn’t be happier.
San Mateo High School banned cellphones in 2019 using magnetically locked Yondr pouches, aiming to curb distractions, cyberbullying, and mental health issues tied to excessive phone use. Six years later, teachers and many students report improved focus, stronger peer relationships, and a more connected school culture—making San Mateo a national model as more schools adopt similar bans.
Posted inBaltimore News
2 shootings in 1 night leave 8 people wounded in Baltimore
By Tavon N. ThomassonAFRO Intern Within the span of a few hours on June 23, two separate mass shootings erupted in Baltimore, leaving multiple people wounded. The first incident occurred about 7 p.m., after the sound of gunfire echoed from the 1900 block of McHenry St., alerting officers nearby. At the scene, police found three […]
Posted inMusic
Death and hip-hop: The toll of drill rap and pushes for positive music
The rising deaths linked to drill rap have sparked urgent conversations about whether the music reflects harsh realities or fuels ongoing violence among youth. Community advocates like Sajda “Purple” Blackwell are working to promote positive rap as a powerful alternative that uplifts rather than harms.
Posted inU.S. Government
Mass deportation plan targets immigrant-heavy U.S. cities under Democratic control
The 47th president of the United States has vowed to redirect deportation efforts to the largest cities in the country, targeting immigrants in Democratic cities with his deportation agenda.
Posted inReligion
Rebuilding one of the nation’s oldest Black churches begins at Juneteenth ceremony
On Juneteenth, a ceremonial groundbreaking marked the reconstruction of First Baptist Church of Williamsburg—one of the oldest Black churches in the U.S.—on its original site, where enslaved and free Black worshippers once defied laws to gather in faith. The effort by Colonial Williamsburg aims to restore not only a historic structure but also the long-suppressed legacy of Black Americans who shaped the nation’s spiritual and cultural foundations.
Posted inNational News
Black Americans face unequal burden as US inches closer to war
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — As the U.S. edges toward potential war with Iran, Black Americans face a familiar pattern of disproportionate sacrifice—overrepresented in combat, underrepresented in leadership, and underserved upon returning home. Experts warn that systemic inequalities in military service, veteran care and community investment continue to deepen the burden on Black individuals and families.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Baby delivered from brain-dead woman on life support in Georgia
A baby boy was delivered via emergency C-section from Adriana Smith, a Georgia woman declared brain dead and kept on life support since February. The case has raised legal and ethical questions about pregnancy and end-of-life care under Georgia’s abortion laws.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Food rations are halved in one of Africa’s largest refugee camps after US aid cuts
Food rations in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp have been halved after the Trump administration suspended U.S. aid to the U.N. World Food Program, putting 300,000 refugees at greater risk of hunger and malnutrition. Refugees now receive only a third of the recommended food supply, with cash transfers and nutritional support programs also cut. Aid workers warn of worsening conditions by August if funding doesn’t resume.
Posted inNAACP
NAACP previews 116th national convention, aiming to empower community amidst adversity
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson was joined by local and national NAACP leaders and key Charlotte stakeholders for a press conference to preview the upcoming 116th National Convention in Charlotte.
Posted inNational News
10 years after Charleston church massacre, faith leaders lament that the country hasn’t changed
On the 10th anniversary of the Charleston church massacre, faith leaders and survivors gathered at Mother Emanuel AME to honor the Emanuel Nine and reflect on a nation still plagued by racism, gun violence, and hate. Despite calls for justice and reform, many lamented that little has changed, though moments of unity and forgiveness offered hope.