Hundreds gathered on Capitol Hill as the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion received the Congressional Gold Medal for their heroic WWII service. The unit, made of Black and Brown women, cleared a massive mail backlog, boosting morale on the front lines and rewriting history.
Category: Black History
Posted inNational News
When Doves Fly: Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas honors fallen members of 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
By Black Texans, Inc. On the solemn afternoon of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, in partnership with The Texas 6888th Project, will host a commemorative ceremony at the MLK Stone of Hope Memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor the 80th anniversary of the tragic loss of three brave members of […]
Posted inPOLITICS
First African-American Labor Secretary Alexis Herman dies at 77
Alexis Herman, pioneering civil servant and the first African American U.S. Secretary of Labor, died on April 25 at age 77, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for workers’ rights, civil rights, women’s rights and diversity in both government and corporate America. Throughout her groundbreaking career under Presidents Carter and Clinton, and in her work with the Democratic Party and major nonprofits, Herman championed economic empowerment, equal opportunity and leadership development for underserved communities.
Posted inBlack History
Steeped in community: A look at tea gatherings over the years
By AFRO Staff Over the years the AFRO has had the privilege of capturing a range of tea events in Black society. Whether to honor mothers in the community or simply fellowship and reassure social bonds, gathering for tea has long been a favorite Spring pastime. Take a look below to see how the AFRO […]
Posted inPOLITICS
The Smithsonian PURGE: 47th president’s team removes artifacts of Black resistance
White House officials are reportedly dismantling key Smithsonian exhibits on African-American history—beginning with the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in—sparking outrage from civil rights leaders. Critics, including Rep. Alma Adams and Rev. Dr. Amos Brown, denounce the move as an attempt to erase painful truths of America’s past under the guise of eliminating “improper ideology.”
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Parade, celebrated entertainers and fireworks cap off DC Emancipation Day 2025
Thousands gathered at Freedom Plaza on April 13 to celebrate DC Emancipation Day with a vibrant parade, live entertainment and fireworks, marking the 20th anniversary of its official designation as a public holiday. The event honored the abolition of slavery in D.C. in 1862 and served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for racial equality, community unity, and D.C. statehood.
Posted inBlack History
Uncovering the legacy of Thomas Frazier
Once a cornerstone of Washington, D.C.’s Black community, the former Frazier Funeral Home has been transformed into modern apartments, yet its walls still whisper stories of civic leadership and service. Though time has reshaped its purpose, the legacy of Thomas and Willie Frazier endures, a testament to their profound impact on the city’s history.
Posted inOpinion
A letter to the editor: Cherishing history and legacy
I enjoy AFRO for many, many reasons; mainly because I grew up with the AFRO-American Newspaper, which was sold in my grandparents newsstand in Georgetown, S.C. At age 79, I’m blessed to see history continue! Steve MyersCivil Rights Trail ToursMontgomery, Ala.
Posted inAfro Briefs
One of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen remembers struggle for recognition amid 47th president’s diversity purge
By Mead Gruver and Thomas PeipertThe Associated Press AURORA, Colo. (AP) — With members of a trailblazing Black Air Force unit passing away at advanced ages, efforts to remain true to their memory carry on despite sometimes confusing orders from President Donald Trump as he purges federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Col. James H. […]
Posted inBlack History
Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission prepares for final public hearing in Baltimore
The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission (MLTRC) will host a two-day public hearing in Baltimore on April 4 and 5 to address institutional accountability and explore reparations for the state’s legacy of racial terror lynchings. This final hearing will focus on reconciliation, with expert panels examining criminal justice reform, media coverage of lynching’s history, and the lasting trauma caused by these racial injustices.
Posted inBlack History
George E. Johnson speaks on his journey from ‘Afro Sheen’ to ‘Soul Train’ and more
George E. Johnson, founder of Johnson Products Co. and creator of Afro Sheen, revolutionized Black hair care and became the first African American to have a company listed on the American Stock Exchange. In his memoir “Afro Sheen,” he details his journey from humble beginnings to business success, crediting his mentor S.B. Fuller, his faith in God, and the guiding principle of the Golden Rule.
Posted inEducation
Reviving Freedom Schools: ASALH’s fight to counter book bans and censored history
In response to growing efforts to restrict Black history education, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has revived the concept of Freedom Schools, originally developed in the 1960s. These schools, designed to teach African-American history and empower future generations, will expand across the country.