Afro Charities is set to break ground on its $16-million redevelopment of the historic Upton Mansion in West Baltimore, which will serve as the headquarters for the AFRO and feature offices for Afro Charities, including a gallery space, recording studio, and green roof.
Category: ARCHIVES
From the AFRO Archives: A look at the work of A. Philip Randolph
Asa Philip Randolph, the first great Black union leader in America, founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and led the organization to secure better wages and working conditions for Black workers, including increasing the pay of Pullman Company porters from $14 to $22.50 per month.
From the AFRO Archives: Bridging the gap between Liberia and Baltimore
Bilphena Decontee Yahwon is a fellow at Afro Charities, where she is using her internship to explore the transatlantic dialogue between Liberia and Baltimore, and to highlight the global impact of the AFRO-American Newspaper.
Teaching against the grain: The Black Teacher Archive as a blueprint for educator organizing
Harvard University has launched the Black Teacher Archive, a digital collection of primary source materials created by members of the Colored Teachers’ Associations between 1861 and 1970, to provide access to these historical documents and revolutionize research in various fields.
Maryland to celebrate inaugural 6888th Battalion Day on March 9
Maryland has declared March 9 as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day to honor the legacy of the predominantly Black, all female sector of the Women Army Corp (WAC) who served during World War II.
A time to act: Celebrating the activists who impact the future by honoring the past
By Dr. Frances “Toni” DraperAFRO Publisher and CEO “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give […]
Portrait of a man: A look at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his continued impact on the community
By John RydellSpecial to the AFRO The year was 1954 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was hired as pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. Poised, but unafraid to make “good trouble,” King would soon be thrust into the national spotlight over a consequential fight for racial equality. Shortly after, Rosa Parks, […]
Top five ways to be an activist in 2024
By Sabreen DawudSpecial to the AFRO Activism is an evolving form of resistance. As technology, communication and communities continue to change, the methods activists use to champion social change have shifted. Still, the question remains, what are the most effective ways to show up for a cause in this new day and age? This week, […]
A place to call ‘home’: Renovating the historic Upton Mansion
by Deyane Moses The Upton Mansion is poised to embark on a remarkable transformation as it becomes the new headquarters for Afro Charities and the AFRO American Newspapers. Erected in 1838, this historic mansion holds a distinguished place on the National Registry of Historic Places and recognition as a Baltimore City Landmark. Once a residence, […]
Afro Charities seeks $350,000 in pledge donations before Dec. 31
More than $3.2 million in funding to be unlocked if goal is reached By Savannah WoodSpecial to the AFRO In August, Afro Charities launched its Make History With Us! campaign in an effort to raise $350,000 by December 31. The funds will be used towards securing a financial closing for their Upton Mansion redevelopment, which […]
Savannah city government to give $500,000 toward restoration of African American art museum
The Associated Press SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — The city of Savannah will contribute $500,000 to renovate a house that once hosted an African American art museum. The Savannah City Council voted Sept. 14 to give the money toward what’s projected to be a $1.2 million restoration of the Kiah House, WTOC-TV reports. The house, built […]
‘13’ Expect Nixon to React May 17
The Congressional Black Caucus is holding their annual conference in Washington, D.C. this week. The AFRO is reprinting this 1971 article about the founding members of the Black Caucus meeting with President Richard Nixon, one of the first actions the group took. By Ruth Jenkins April 3, 1971 Washington-A historic meeting and a historic date […]

