By Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher As the nation marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the real question is not how loudly we celebrate — but whether we are willing to live by the values Dr. King demanded. Each January, the nation knows how to celebrate. We mark the day. We replay […]
Category: Afro Newspaper
From the AFRO Archives: A look at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Press
The Black Press stood shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the frontlines of the Civil Rights Movement, serving as both a chronicler and catalyst for change. From exposing racial terror to amplifying boycotts and voter education, Black newspapers helped shape the movement from within.
Behind the byline: AFRO reporters talk top stories, lessons learned in 2025
An amazing group of tenacious reporters empowered the AFRO to cover everything from health and education to politics, public safety, business and more. Click the link to learn a bit about the reporters and the work done in 2025.
Mrs. Santa returns with Christmas joy and cheer
Mrs. Santa returned to West Baltimore with gifts, games, and bikes for all ages, partnering with Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy, and raising $5,000 to help 40 families in need this holiday season.
AFRO News honors veterans in third annual salute to servicemen and servicewomen
AFRO News hosted their third annual “Salute to Our Veterans” event on Nov. 13, honoring Black veterans for their service to the nation and their communities.
AFRO Newspaper to honor U.S. veterans for their service
AFRO News will host their annual “Salute to Our Veterans” event on Nov. 13 at Martin’s West, located on 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD.
AFRO News honors ‘Unsung Heroes’ Department of Public Works in Baltimore
The AFRO celebrated their 3rd annual “Unsung Heroes” luncheon on Oct. 23, celebrating people from the Department of Public Works that have done so much for the Baltimore community.
AFRO News to honor DPW workers as Unsung Heroes of Baltimore
The AFRO will honor four Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works employees on Oct. 23 for their dedication in keeping the city clean and safe, celebrating their often-overlooked service.
The AFRO Named Among the Nation’s Top Black News Outlets on Two Feedspot Lists
The AFRO-American Newspapers, the nation’s oldest continuously published Black-owned newspaper still owned by its founding family, has been named to Feedspot’s list of the “45 Best Black News Websites of 2025.” The recognition honors The AFRO’s legacy of trusted journalism and its continued innovation in digital media, storytelling, and community engagement.
AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper draws crowd at Enoch Pratt Free Library with latest book, ‘Prayer and Pen’
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper presented her book “Prayer and Pen” at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, which is a collection of her grandfather Carl J. Murphy’s prayers, paired with period photographs and archival headlines, to provide a devotional and historical record of the AFRO-American Newspapers’ legacy.
From the classroom to the newsroom: Meet the AFRO Interns of Summer 2025
By AFRO Staff This week, the AFRO would like to take the opportunity to highlight the interns who worked hard in the AFRO Editorial Department this summer. These young people are the future of not only the Black Press, but the news media field at large. From health and education to crime and politics, the […]
Three key tips for newspapers to thrive for the next 100 years
AFRO leaders share three key tips for Black newspapers to thrive: balancing legacy, innovation, and engagement with younger generations amid industry challenges.

