By Alexis Taylor Special to the AFRO As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to unfold, enrollment data is painting a clear picture of how the pandemic has impacted grade school classrooms statewide. In Maryland, thousands of students threw off enrollment projections for the 2020-2021 school year as fewer families chose to enroll their […]
Category: Coronavirus
Posted inCoronavirus
#WordinBlack: First-year teachers brave the pandemic with purpose
The global pandemic challenged every aspect of life as we knew it. For first year teachers, their years of training could not have prepared them for the daunting task of navigating virtual learning. (Courtesy of unsplash) By Alexis Taylor Special to the AFRO The training Titia Dunn received when she entered the teaching profession at […]
Posted in!Front Page
Some parents take a raincheck on COVID vaccine for their children
At least 70% of the United States population needs to be vaccinated in order to attain herd immunity. The Pfizer vaccine was the first to be deemed safe for young people ages 12-15, but many parents are skeptical about allowing their young people to take the shot. (Photo courtesy of unsplash) By Marnita Coleman Special […]
Posted inLIFE & STYLE
COVID-19 disparities inspire more Blacks to eat healthy
Thierry Lamour is a Baltimore resident and committed vegan of 21 years who encourages others to start eating healthier. (courtesy photo) By Marnita Coleman Special to the AFRO The pandemic has awakened sleeping Americans to the disparities and inequalities that exist in minority communities. In a nation where African Americans make up about 13% of […]
Posted inNEWS
Black and minority-owned businesses: The road to recovery
BRIEFING Black and Minority-Owned Businesses: The Road to Recovery Wednesday, May 26 | 1:30 p.m. Eastern Black and Minority-Owned Businesses In this National Press Foundation briefing, Major L. Clark III, the Small Business Administration’s expert on minority-owned businesses, will share the agency’s latest research into the challenges facing minority entrepreneurs, including access to credit, the […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
This time, it must be different: Public health crisis messaging, using a credible messenger approach
By DeJuan Patterson, MPA Who Am I & Who I Represent I, DeJuan Patterson, am a Baltimore-based advocate and credible messenger. Credible messengers are trusted neighborhood leaders, experienced community advocates, and individuals with relevant life experiences whose role is to help community members transform attitudes and behaviors around a public issue. I leverage my unique […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Fauci says pandemic exposed ‘undeniable effects of racism’
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing to examine an update from Federal officials on efforts to combat COVID-19, May 11, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool via AP) By The Associated Press The immunologist who […]
Posted inCoronavirus
From rotten teeth to advanced cancer, patients feel the effects of treatment delays
Dr. Despina Markogiannakis examines a patient at her dental practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Markogiannakis says she has noticed an increase in patients grinding or clenching their teeth, conditions likely caused by pandemic-related stress. (Photo/Ronald Flores Photography via khn.org) By Bruce Albert Contributing Writer Kaiser Health News (khn.org) — With medical visits picking up again among […]
Posted inCoronavirus
CareFirst awards grants to D.C.-based healthcare providers to combat COVID-19 vaccine adoption
CareFirst Blue Cross BlueShield will contribute $200,000 to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) around the District of Columbia to support current efforts and provide resources surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. (Courtesy Photo) By Demetrius Dillard Special to the AFRO As statistics, data and research has shown, the coronavirus pandemic has uncovered alarming racial health disparities. In […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Maryland renters population climbs, thousands still face eviction
By J. K. Schmid Special to the AFRO The AFRO reported on a number of bills that passed both houses, overrode vetoes and were sure to help a broad swath of Marylanders. But now, with no sign of Maryland’s legislative body returning to session, despite ongoing sickness, mounting deaths and a strained economy as a […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Weather warms up, Baltimore residents plan COVID-safe vacations
(By Phuttharak_Shutterstock) By Marnita Coleman Special to the AFRO It is starting to feel a bit normal in the city again. As temperatures warm up, the excitement of rebounding is spreading like wildfire. Early morning risers are spotted running, walking, strolling and cycling their way to fitness. Hunkering down is a thing of the past […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Pfizer COVID-19 shot expanded to US children as young as 12
U.S. regulators on May 10 expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) By Lauran Neergaard and Candice Choi Associated Press U.S. regulators expanded the use of Pfizer’s […]