The U.S. Postal Service will honor Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet, with the 49th stamp in its Black Heritage series, celebrating her enduring literary legacy and impact on American history. Issued Jan. 29, the Forever stamp recognizes Wheatley’s groundbreaking achievements as an enslaved woman whose poetry helped shape African American literature and inspired generations.
Category: Books
Posted inBaltimore News
Enoch Pratt Free Library debuts DeWayne Wickham Room of Maryland Journalism
The Enoch Pratt Free Library recently debuted the DeWayne Wickham Room of Maryland Journalism in honor of the cofounder of the National Association of Black Journalists and founding dean emeritus of Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication.
Posted inWord In Black
When ‘life is life-ing,’ this newsletter helps Black women be free
By Aaron FoleyWord in Black Every Friday, Joanne Griffith tries to get the world a little more unstuck. Her newsletter, “The Get Free Guide,” implores its readers — who are increasingly becoming evangelists, but more on that shortly — to do just that. The methods, like the one she dropped in the September newsletter, can […]
Posted inBooks
Mother of 5 turned author transforms negative labels into lessons of self-love for children
Alicia McKenzie, a mother of five from McLean, Va., has written a children’s book, “These ABCs Belong to Me!,” to help kids reclaim negative labels and turn them into positive traits. Drawing from her own multicultural upbringing and parenting experiences, McKenzie aims to show how words can shape children’s confidence and self-identity.
Posted inWord In Black
Inside Gucci Mane’s battle for mental health
Rapper Gucci Mane (Radric Davis) is using his memoir and public platform to speak openly about his diagnoses—bipolar disorder, paranoid schizophrenia—and his recovery journey, highlighting the role of family caregiving and destigmatizing mental health in Black communities. With his wife Keyshia Ka’Oir deeply involved in his care, the couple emphasizes early intervention, accountability, and reshaping masculine norms around seeking help.
Posted inBaltimore News
“House of Melo” exhibit shines spotlight on Baltimore resilience
By Chianti MarksAFRO Intern On Oct. 25, 2025, Baltimore native and 10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony celebrated the opening of the “House of Melo” exhibit at the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Branch. The event followed Anthony’s recent induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The exhibit, open through Dec. 20, 2025, highlights […]
Posted inBooks
When innocence isn’t enough: The long road home after a wrongful conviction
Adrian Muldrow, a father and community activist, spent seven years in prison for a murder he did not commit, and is now fighting to reclaim his identity and rebuild his life while facing the stigma of incarceration and the lack of resources to navigate the digital era.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Speak Sell Shine spotlights 2025 top speakers, mentors and rising voices
By Speakers Magazine The spotlight was bright, the applause thunderous and the excellence undeniable on Oct. 7 as Speakers Magazine and Speak Sell Shine hosted the 2025 Top Speakers Awards at the legendary Howard Theatre. Founded by Speakers Magazine publisher and publicity strategist Pam Perry, the annual event recognizes professional speakers who inform, inspire and […]
Posted inBooks
Deacon turned author, Wesley W. Hunter, releases ‘How to Keep Your Wife on Your Team’
Wesley W. Hunter has released a book, “How to Keep Your Wife on Your Team,” based on his 30+ years of experience as a marriage counselor, providing guidance to men on how to keep their marriage strong.
Posted inBooks
Kamala Harris draws sold-out D.C. crowds on book tour, urges Democrats to stay in the fight
Former Vice President Kamala Harris drew sold-out crowds at Washington, D.C.’s Warner Theatre on Oct. 9 to discuss her new book, “107 Days,” reflecting on her 2024 presidential campaign and America’s political challenges. In candid remarks, she urged Democrats to stay engaged and united as the fight for democracy continues.
Posted inBooks
Maurice Carroll, Reiki master, speaks on ‘Starting Your Sound Healing Journey’
“Starting Your Sound Healing Journey: The Beginner’s Path” by Maurice Carroll is a short 34-paged book that educates readers on sound healing and its benefits to the mind, body and spirit.
Posted inWord In Black
Tanisha Tate champions care for caregivers
Tanisha Tate has been a full-time caregiver for her mother for 12 years and has written a book, “Who Cares for the Caregiver,” to help others navigate the challenges of caregiving and to remind them that self-care is essential for survival.