Kenneth “Ken” Stanciel Sr., a trailblazing African American broadcast sales executive at CBS Radio (WBBM) and longtime media professional, has passed away at 90. A respected figure in both general market and African American media, Stanciel was known for his business acumen, charismatic presence, and contributions to corporate investment in diverse audiences, leaving a lasting impact on Chicago’s media landscape.
Category: Afro Briefs
Posted inBaltimore News
STEM City Metaverse opens brick-and-mortar location in Baltimore
The STEM City USA Baltimore Innovation Center has officially opened at the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, marking a milestone in technology, workforce development, and community empowerment. With cutting-edge tools, national workforce pipelines, and digital-first learning initiatives, the center aims to transform local opportunities while serving as a scalable model for cities nationwide.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Color of Change urges caution for Black taxpayers this season
As the April 15 tax deadline nears, Color of Change Executive Director Portia Allen-Kyle is warning Black taxpayers about systemic inequities in the tax system and urging them to take advantage of the free IRS Direct File program. She highlights how tax policies disproportionately burden Black communities while benefiting the wealthy, calling for action to challenge exploitative tax practices and structural injustices.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Education Department employees cheered as they leave, warn of impacts of cuts
Recently fired Department of Education employees received emotional send-offs as they packed up their belongings amid mass layoffs that cut the workforce by 50 percent. Supporters and advocates rallied in solidarity, warning that the cuts could weaken essential education programs and signaling broader concerns about the future of public education.
Posted inNational News
Critics see Oval Office attacks on the ‘Black Smithsonian’ as an effort to sanitize racism in US history
President Trump’s executive order targeting the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of African American History and Culture has drawn sharp criticism from historians and civil rights advocates, who argue it seeks to downplay racism’s role in American history. Critics view the move as part of a broader effort to suppress discussions of race, diversity, and Black contributions to the nation while promoting a revisionist historical narrative.
Posted inHealth
Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, offering a time to bring attention and support to an issue often overlooked in the Black community.
Posted inEducation
Educators weigh in on student cell phone use in the classroom
As state lawmakers consider restricting phone use in classrooms, educators are divided on the impact of technology in schools. While some argue phones are a major distraction that fuel conflicts and disrupt learning, others believe teachers must adapt and find ways to integrate digital literacy into education.
Posted inWord In Black
California’s student crisis is everyone’s problem
Despite progressive policies, Califorina’s Black students lag decades behind in achievement.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Women firefighters with reproductive cancers are now eligible for federal help
Women firefighters diagnosed with reproductive cancers are now eligible for federal compensation, addressing a long-standing gap in coverage. This policy change acknowledges their occupational risks and ensures they receive the support they deserve.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Woman who killed Tejano music icon Selena in 1995 has been denied parole
Yolanda Saldívar, convicted of murdering Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in 1995, has been denied parole and will continue serving her life sentence in Texas, with her next review set for 2030. Selena, a rising star in both Tejano and mainstream music, was fatally shot at age 23, and her legacy continues to influence music and culture decades after her tragic death.
Posted inAfro Briefs
In Massachusetts and elsewhere, youngsters find healing through art
Art therapy, as exemplified by Raw Art Works (RAW) in Lynn, Massachusetts, helps young people express and process emotions through creative activities in a supportive community. RAW’s approach fosters resilience and healing by using group-led art projects rather than focusing on individual diagnoses, reflecting the broader impact of art therapy seen in various institutions and community programs nationwide.
Posted inBaltimore News
State of Maryland announces grant funding for economic development projects for Baltimore’s most-disinvested residential and commercial corridor in West Baltimore
The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) has awarded over $6.5 million in its second round of grant funding to 19 recipients, including minority-, women-, veteran-, and returning citizen-led businesses, as part of its 15-year revitalization strategy for West Baltimore. With a total investment of $21.2 million over the past two years, WNADA continues to drive economic growth, support local businesses, and improve community services along the West North Avenue corridor.