The American Women Quarters Program, launched by the U.S. Mint in 2022, honors diverse women—including four African-American trailblazers—whose contributions to American history span civil rights, aviation, literature and law.
Category: Black History
Posted inBaltimore News
Student research at Mount Auburn Cemetery reveals local buried history
By Gabrielle Dean, PhDSpecial to the AFRO Who is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery? The historic Black cemetery in Westport, Baltimore, which is owned and operated by the Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church, was founded in 1872. That’s a lot of local history. “Looking at cemetery records, death certificates and tombstone data, we’ve documented […]
Posted inBlack History
The Schomburg Center turns 100
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture celebrated its 100th anniversary with a festive event and new exhibition showcasing highlights from its vast collection of over 10 million objects documenting Black history, culture, and achievement.
Posted inBlack History
100 years on, Malcolm X remembered as an icon, not outcast
As the 100th year of Malcolm X’s birth is recognized, journalist Mark Whitaker’s new book explores how the once-feared activist evolved into a revered cultural icon.
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: It’s time to rediscover Malcolm X
As the 100th anniversary of Malcolm X’s birth is celebrated, his legacy continues to resonate through generations as both a symbol of Black pride and a global voice for justice. Honoring his life means not only remembering his bold stance against racism, capitalism and imperialism, but also continuing his mission to unify and uplift Black communities worldwide.
Posted inBlack History
From the AFRO Archives: A look at the Preakness Stakes through the years
By AFRO Staff For more than a century, Black spectators, numbers men, stable hands and jockeys have left a lasting mark on the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico and the equestrian industry at large. Bringing their elegant fashions and countless behind-the-scenes contributions, the archived moments shown here tell a fuller story of Black presence at Maryland’s […]
Posted inBlack History
Celebrate National Preservation Month: Honoring Prathertown’s past, enriching its future
Founders of the Prathertown Community Development Corporation Carl and Sandra Prather invite you to celebrate National Preservation Month with an online auction and webinar spotlighting the rich heritage of the 141-year-old African American-founded community of Prathertown in Gaithersburg, Md., rallying support to protect historic homes, artifacts and the legacy of generations past.
Posted inBlack History
Rereading the News: Afro Charities honors legacy of Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson
Afro Charities, in partnership with the Lillie May Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum, is honoring the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson this month. The spring edition of the “ReReading the News” series focused on Jackson’s historical activism, the role of Black motherhood, civic leadership and archival storytelling.
Posted inMaryland News
Larry Gibson’s opposition to Maryland reparations study bill provides cover for critics
Davyon Love, policy director for the Baltimore-based Black think tank, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, says prominent Baltimore lawyer Larry Gibsons’ criticism of a Maryland bill to study reparations, reflects a mainstream political approach that distances itself from the Black radical tradition. Love contends that his position may give cover to Gov. Wes Moore to veto the bill, undermining efforts to address systemic harm through transformative policy rooted in reparative justice.
Posted inBlack History
Letter to the editor: The truth must be told about Black history
Local resident, Alecia Jackson, voices concern over the recent executive order targeting the National Museum of African American History and Culture, calling for “truth, inclusion and integrity” in the telling of Black history.
Posted inBlack History
Black Americans respond to president’s order to remove museum exhibits that promote ‘improper ideology’
Black Americans express deep concern over a recent executive order to overhaul the National Museum of African American History and Culture, fearing it threatens the truthful preservation and inclusive representation of Black history in America.
Posted inBlack History
May Day and the intersection of civil and workers’ rights
On this May Day, union and civil rights leaders highlight the historic and ongoing intersection between labor rights and civil rights, emphasizing a legacy of shared struggle for dignity, fair wages and justice. From exclusionary practices to powerful alliances like those between the NAACP and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, today’s rallies honor a united fight that continues to demand equity and opportunity for all.