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, […]
Category: Black History
Posted in!Front Page National News
War in Gaza and US election factor into some of the many events planned for MLK holiday
By Terry Tang and Noreen NasirThe Associated Press As communities nationwide celebrate the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday this weekend with events ranging from parades to prayer services, some people are taking a cue from the slain civil rights icon’s history of protest to demonstrate against the war in Gaza and draw attention to […]
Posted inBlack History
PRESS ROOM: USPS celebrates judiciary trailblazer Constance Baker Motley with 47th Black Heritage Stamp
(Black PR Wire) — What: The 47th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Constance Baker Motley (1921-2005), civil rights pioneer and the first African American woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court and the first to serve as a federal judge. The dedication ceremony for this Forever stamp is free and […]
Posted inAFRO CHARITIES
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, […]
Posted inCommentary
The indisputable importance of Black fathers
By Walter Fields Beginning in 1954, America’s conception of a “good father” was through the lens of White patriarchy. Actor Robert Young’s portrayal of the fictional Jim Anderson in “Father Knows Best” established the defining qualities of an American father – White, middle class, white collar and hardworking, dominant and all-knowing. This typology was reinforced […]
Posted inHBCU
At Florida’s only public HBCU, students are wary of political influence on race education
By Sharon JohnsonThe Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A core mission of Florida A&M University from its founding over a century ago has been to educate African Americans. It was written into the law that established the school along with another college, in Gainesville, reserved for White students. At Florida’s only public historically Black […]
Posted inAfro Newspaper
Retired Col. Edna Cummings named AFRO Person of the Year
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Political Writertmcqueen@afro.com As 2024 kicks off, the AFRO takes a look back at the person who truly stood out in 2023, making a difference in the lives of others and affecting actual change in the communities they serve. This year’s honoree, U.S. Army Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings, has contributed much to […]
Posted inReligion
Remembering our past, redefining our present, reaffirming our future: Teaching our own history
By Reverend Dr. RB Holmes Jr. “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” – Malcolm X A statewide task force has been launched, […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Byron Allen makes a $3.5 billion bid to acquire BET Media Group, cementing legacy in Black media ownership
By Ebony JJ CurrySenior ReporterNew Pittsburgh Courier Making a bold move that underscores the importance of Black ownership in media, Byron Allen, the founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, has placed a substantial $3.5 billion bid to acquire BET Media Group. This marks Allen’s second attempt to secure the media properties that have […]
Posted inWord In Black
Why Black Christmas means resistance
Since the 1800s, Black folks have used Christmas to resist racial violence and oppression. Here are some social justice organizations to support this holiday season. By Nadira JamersonWord in Black For many of us, Christmas is a time to exchange gifts, indulge in slices of sweet potato pie, and binge-watch movies like “This Christmas” and […]
Posted inNational News
Missouri school board that previously rescinded anti-racism resolution drops Black history classes
By Jim SalterThe Associated Press O’FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A conservative-led Missouri school board has voted to drop elective courses on Black history and literature, five months after the same board rescinded an anti-discrimination policy adopted in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd. The Francis Howell School Board voted 5-2 Dec. 21 to […]
Posted inReligion
Oratorio “Messiah” highlights Black singers while bringing restitution to local Black church
By: Amber D. Dodd Special to the AFRO adodd@afro.com The National Philharmonic (NatPhil) has hosted two of the three performances of George Friderick Handel’s Messiah’s epic oratorio, Messiah. The first two performances took place Dec. 16 and 17 featuring the he Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church Mass Choir at The Music Center at Strathmore while […]