(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 […]
Category: Black History
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Leave No Veteran Behind celebrates 75 years of military desegregation
By Ashleigh FieldsAFRO Assistant Editorafields@afro.com Approximately 75 years ago, President Harry S. Truman desegregated the United States military, forever changing the landscape of defense by blurring racial lines and unblocking life changing opportunities for service members of color. This year, local non-profit Leave No Veteran Behind, invited everyone from soldiers from the front lines to […]
Black stars shine on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List 2024
By AFRO Staff Every year, the much-anticipated Forbes 30 Under 30 List features rising stars in several industries. The magazine receives more than 20,000 nominations, collectively, for the North America, Europe and Asia lists. Then, that list is refined – researched, analyzed and vetted – until 600 candidates emerge for the U.S. list. Among those […]

