The Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. will lie in state at the South Carolina State House on March 2, following a decision by Governor Henry McMaster to honor the Greenville, S.C. native and civil rights leader. The state-level tribute follows a dispute in Washington after House Speaker Mike Johnson denied a request for Jackson’s casket to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol. A memorial caravan is currently traveling from Chicago to Columbia, South Carolina, where public and private services will be held to honor Jackson’s lifelong legacy of activism and political influence.
Category: Afro Briefs
Posted inBlack Press
Two legacy Black newspapers close, citing financial pressures
The Richmond Free Press and Portland Skanner have shut down as leaders warn of a broader funding crisis in Black media.
Posted inWord In Black
Anissa Durham, author of ‘On Borrowed Time’ series for Word in Black, wins NAACP Image Award
By Word in Black On the same night Michelle Obama and Kendrick Lamar were celebrated at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, a reporter for Word In Black quietly made history of her own. On Feb. 23, Anissa Durham won the inaugural Outstanding Literary Work – Journalism award for “On Borrowed Time,” her nine-part investigation into […]
Posted inNational News
Blizzard warnings cascade across East Coast with winter storm’s approach
A major winter storm began hitting the East Coast on Feb. 22, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions from Maryland to Massachusetts. Officials issued blizzard warnings, travel restrictions, and states of emergency as residents prepared for potentially historic snow accumulations and widespread disruptions.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Black Women’s Roundtable announces 15th Annual Women of Power National Summit
The Black Women’s Roundtable will host its 15th Annual Women of Power National Summit March 11–15, 2026, in Arlington, Va., and Washington, D.C. Hundreds of Black women leaders and allies will convene for five days of organizing, policy advocacy, strategy, healing, and collective action to build political, economic, and community power.
Posted inBlack History
Vernon AME Church absorbed the terror of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Now it will ‘teach truth.’
By Shaunicy MuhammadThe Oklahoma Eagle (NNPA Newswire) – More than a century after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, members of Greenwood’s Vernon AME Church are determined to tell their own stories. Archivists, archeologists and elected officials lined the pews of the church Feb. 12 for the unveiling of The Vernon Witness, a multi-year project to […]
Posted inBaltimore News
On the line with Jesse Jackson: Lessons from a voice that changed history
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor I never imagined Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. would pick up the phone. It was 2012. On June 14 of that year, Adidas, the international shoe and sports apparel company, boldly unveiled a pair of sneakers that came complete with a pair of orange, plastic ankle bracelets. After public backlash to […]
Posted inBooks
Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes, R. Gregory Christie win 2026 Coretta Scott King Book Awards
Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes and illustrator R. Gregory Christie are the 2026 winners of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, presented by the American Library Association to honor outstanding African American authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult literature. Arriel Vinson received the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, while additional Author and Illustrator Honor Books recognized works by Derrick Barnes, Calvin Alexander Ramsey, Marie Arnold, Lamont O’Neal and Alexis Franklin.
Posted inAfro Briefs
USPS says postmarks haven’t changed, but transportation changes could affect timing
Changes to USPS operations mean a mailpiece’s postmark may not reflect the day it’s collected, raising concerns for time-sensitive documents like ballots, tax returns and bills. Community leaders warn that Black, elderly and other underserved households could face penalties or missed deadlines if mail is delayed.
Posted inCongressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation kicks off 50th anniversary year
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has launched a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary under the theme “Rooted. Ready. Rising,” highlighting five decades of work advancing equity, leadership development and policy solutions for Black communities. The milestone will feature signature events, service initiatives in 50 cities, mini legislative conferences, and recognition of the AVOICE digital archive, all culminating in the Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., in September.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Islamic militants kill at least 162 people in attacks on 2 villages in Nigeria, lawmaker says
Armed extremists killed at least 162 people in coordinated attacks on the villages of Woro and Nuku in western Nigeria, according to a local lawmaker, with rights groups saying the toll may be higher. The massacre underscores Nigeria’s escalating security crisis, as multiple militant groups linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram continue deadly assaults across the country.
Posted inAfro Briefs
The Obama Foundation opens applications for the 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service
The Obama Foundation has opened applications for the 2026–2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, a program that supports 100 college students with financial aid, travel experiences, and leadership training. Backed by Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky, the scholarship offers up to $50,000 in tuition assistance, a funded summer work-travel “Voyage,” and long-term mentorship to help recipients pursue careers in public service.