The AFRO-American Newspapers, a 133-year-old Black-owned and family-owned business, continues to thrive under the leadership of Publisher and CEO Frances Murphy Draper, blending its historic legacy with modern innovation while fighting for truth and equity in the face of current crises.
Category: Black Press
Posted inBlack Press
NABJ set to host their annual convention – and celebrate 50th anniversary – in Cleveland
The National Association of Black Journalists will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its annual convention in Cleveland this August, honoring its legacy of advocating for Black media representation. The event will feature major industry partners, career opportunities, and a focus on uplifting young Black journalists.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Florida’s Raiford Prison bans AFRO edition from inmates; warden cites threat to security and rehabilitation initiatives
Florida’s Raiford Prison banned the AFRO’s special edition on George Floyd and racial justice, claiming it posed a security risk and threatened rehabilitation efforts. Critics argue the ban reflects a broader pattern of censorship that suppresses inmates’ access to reform-focused content and silences marginalized voices behind bars.
Posted inBlack Press
47th president’s personal fortune surges as critics point to historic monetization of presidency
Since his reelection, Trump has doubled his net worth, expanded his business empire, and used the presidency to capitalize on a level of influence and impunity that has redrawn the boundaries of acceptable conduct in Washington.
Posted inAfro Newspaper
AFRO wins over 20 awards in Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association contest
The AFRO earned top honors at the 2024 Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Press Association Awards, taking home over 20 awards across multiple categories and reinforcing its 133-year tradition of journalistic excellence. Amid growing political challenges for the press, these wins underscore the essential role of Black media in uplifting community voices and safeguarding the truth.
Posted inAfro Newspaper
Titans of Media: A conversation on the AFRO’s impact through storytelling
At the “Titans of Media” panel at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, leaders of the AFRO News and Afro Charities discussed their ongoing efforts to elevate Black voices, preserve historical narratives and innovate within the media landscape. The conversation highlighted the AFRO’s role as both a chronicler of history and a driving force for future generations, ensuring that Black stories remain visible and influential.
Posted inNational News
Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network launch boycott of PepsiCo
At the 2025 National Action Network Convention, Rev. Al Sharpton announced a national boycott of PepsiCo in response to the company’s rollback of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, urging Black Americans to wield their economic power as a form of protest. He also unveiled digital tools and plans for an Aug. 28 March on Wall Street to amplify economic justice efforts and hold corporations accountable.
Posted inBlack Press
Black Press and Black Church unify to put a bullseye on Target
The Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and BlackPressUSA. This week, he discusses the shared efforts of the Black Press and Black Church to leverage the weight of Black economic power to demand respect and an equitable business relationship with Target and corporate America.
Posted inBlack Press
Black Press Day 2025 highlights need for innovation and resilience in media
At the NNPA Fund’s 2025 Black Press Day event, NNPA President and CEO Benjamin Chavis reaffirmed the Black Press’s role in advocating for justice and equality. He emphasized adapting to digital platforms while preserving print’s impact and urged stronger collaboration between the Black Press and the Black church. Quoting Freedom’s Journal, he reflected on progress and ongoing challenges, stressing that Black media must continue to be the trusted voice of Black America.
