Nearly a year after Pastor Jamal Bryant’s Lenten fast against Target evolved into a nationwide boycott, the retailer is still feeling the financial fallout. Experts say the losses reflect years of weakening performance and a deeper erosion of consumer trust following Target’s rollback of its equity, diversity and inclusion commitments.
Category: Civil Rights
Posted inBlack History
Protect the day, protect the truth
By Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher As the nation marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the real question is not how loudly we celebrate — but whether we are willing to live by the values Dr. King demanded. Each January, the nation knows how to celebrate. We mark the day. We replay […]
Posted inBUSINESS
AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: How Kaci Patterson advances Dr. King’s legacy through equity-driven change
Communities nationwide continue to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service, faith and advocacy. Today’s leaders and organizations are expanding his vision through action, equity and community-building.
Posted inBlack History
Why Bernice King sees MLK Day as a ‘saving grace’ in today’s political climate
Bernice King says Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers a moral and emotional “saving grace” amid today’s political division, reminding the nation of hope, nonviolence and the ongoing fight against poverty, racism and militarism. She urges Americans to honor her father’s legacy not only through service, but through sustained personal reflection and action toward a more just, humane and peaceful society.
Posted inBlack Press
From the AFRO Archives: A look at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Press
The Black Press stood shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the frontlines of the Civil Rights Movement, serving as both a chronicler and catalyst for change. From exposing racial terror to amplifying boycotts and voter education, Black newspapers helped shape the movement from within.
Posted inCivil Rights
A look at the state of civil rights in America
More than 50 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the fight for civil rights continues, as advocates and lawmakers work to address persistent inequities and new challenges, including discrimination in emerging AI technologies.
Posted inWord In Black
Amid backsliding, a Michigan group keeps MLK’s fire burning
As the nation marks 40 years of the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, the King Commission of Mid-Michigan—one of the oldest organizations devoted to King’s legacy—continues to adapt amid civil rights backsliding. With fewer living veterans of the movement, the Commission is shifting its focus toward educating and empowering younger generations, using its nationally prominent King Luncheon and year-round programming to keep Dr. King’s vision of justice and collective action alive.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Rev. Sharpton issues statement after claims to the New York Times that White people were ‘very badly treated’ from Civil Rights Era actions
By National Action Network Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), on Jan. 12 condemned recent claims from President Trump that White people were “very badly treated” as a result of laws and policies adopted during the Civil Rights Movement. Trump’s alarming statements to the New York Times come as […]
Posted inNational News
Remembering Black leaders and icons who died in 2025
As 2025 ends, the AFRO honors the Black leaders, artists, and trailblazers who passed away this year. Their legacies shaped culture, politics and society, leaving a lasting impact on communities worldwide.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland to consider slavery reparations after Gov. Wes Moore’s veto is overridden
Maryland lawmakers overrode Gov. Wes Moore’s veto to create a commission that will study potential reparations for slavery, despite his argument that the state should focus on direct action rather than further study. Supporters say a formal commission is necessary to ensure reparations efforts are credible, constitutional and effective.
Posted inMaryland News
Anne Arundel County hosts local event apologizing for role in slavery
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Anne Arundel County released an official apology for their role in slavery, and the impact it has had on the community.
Posted inCivil Rights
Legally Written: The missing voice in America’s access to justice PART 3
Access to justice for Black people: Kisha A. Brown explores the barriers, injustices, and the importance of justice as a birthright.