By Mekhi AbbottSpecial to the AFROmabbott@afro.com The National Hip-Hop Museum is tapping into the cannabis industry, opening three new dispensary locations in Washington, D.C., with an eye toward fundraising. The Orbit Shop, the Lifted Shop and the Lifted Lounge do not serve solely as cannabis venues. Each store has a unique customer experience, including unique […]
Category: Arts & Culture
The Jiles: What’s the secret to love longevity– even in the golden years?
Jodie and Sonny Jiles, a power couple in Black Houston, have been married for decades and have learned to balance love, commitment, resilience, and unity while prioritizing work, family, and faith, and they share their advice on how to keep Black love growing.
Letters, love and legacy: The AFRO’s historic column comes to life again
Afro Charities hosted a mixer and networking session centered around their “Re-Reading the News” series, inspired by the AFRO Archives’ “Lonesome Hearts” column, where attendees exchanged letters and formed connections.
A topsy-turvy Oscar season concludes today. Here’s what to look for at the show
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien hosting for the first time. The ceremony will feature performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, with Queen Latifah.
Celebrating Women’s History Month: The legacy of sister Rosetta Tharpe, a pioneer in gospel and rock
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” was a pioneer in the development of rock and roll, gospel, and blues music, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
‘We Need Joy’: Black community sounds the alarm after MSNBC leadership cancels ‘The ReidOut’
Members of the Black community gathered in support of political commentator Joy Reid, whose award-winning MSNBC show, “The ReidOut,” was recently cancelled, and was the first Black woman to anchor a primetime cable news show.
Kamala Harris receives prestigious Chairman’s prize at NAACP Image Awards
Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a message of resilience and unity during her acceptance of the NAACP Chairman’s Award, urging people to hold onto their faith during the tenure of President Donald Trump.
Racial Healing: What we can learn from Octavia Butler in times of chaos
Octavia Butler’s novels, including “Parable of the Sower,” seem to be chillingly prescient in the current social landscape, with her works serving as a roadmap for survival and a way to imagine alternate realities through a Black cultural lens.
Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning ‘Killing Me Softly’ singer with an intimate style, dies at 88
Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist, died at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of music and activism.
Barbie partnering with Black in Fashion Council to empower the next generation of Black female fashion designers in celebration of Black History Month
Mattel’s Barbie is partnering with the Black in Fashion Council to celebrate Black designers and encourage young girls to pursue fashion design careers.
The Wayans family to be inducted into the NAACP Awards’ Hall of Fame
The Wayans family will be honored at the 56th NAACP Image Awards for their contributions to entertainment and employment in Hollywood.
Baltimore holds its first Black History Month Parade
The inaugural Black History Month Parade in Baltimore City, held on Feb. 17, celebrated the rich history of Black trailblazers and Black achievements in Charm City, and highlighted the importance of Black history being taught in schools.

