By Megan Sayles and Tashi McQueen, AFRO Staff Writers, msayles@afro.com, tmcqueen@afro.com Despite a 23 percent decrease in Baltimore City carjackings from 2022 to 2023, the city is currently confronting a 227 percent increase in auto thefts. This trend is not exclusive to Baltimore. Cities across the United States have been facing a rise in auto […]
Category: !Front Page
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative holds forum on eliminating mass incarceration
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com The Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative (MEJC) held a forum on Nov. 6 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore to address how Maryland can approach incarceration differently. The MEJC called on community leaders and members to discuss a way forward to ensure Black and Brown people are […]
Posted inBaltimore News
A time to honor: AFRO friends and family discuss the veterans that inspire them
This year, the AFRO asked readers and supporters to submit information about the veterans in their lives and why they choose to honor them. Black veterans and their experiences are vital pieces of our nation’s history and we’re honored to highlight their stories. We thank our veterans for their bravery, their sacrifice and most importantly, […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
An AFRO salute: Black veterans and their arch of progress in America
By Alexis Taylor, AFRO Managing Editor Allen Taylor Jr. always knew he belonged in the ranks of the U.S. military. His commitment to serve was made long before he had to worry about benefits or had a family to provide for– after all, he was only six when he wrote to a U.S. Navy recruitment […]
Posted inNational News
A time to remember: ‘This is Our War’
By Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO CEO and Publisher When my grandfather, Carl J. Murphy, Ph. D., wrote of World War II as “our war,” it was an acknowledgement of how near the global conflict was to the Black community. This book was originally published in 1945, just months after the Allied victory, when the ripple […]
Posted inNews
AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: Maryland Maj. Gen. Janeen Birckhead and her legacy of service
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com Along the beaten path that lays on the stretch of land between two exits off Route 113 lives one family’s long-lasting legacy of service. The road measures at two miles and carries the namesake of Fannie Birckhead. A local leader who cultivated the side plot of greenery that […]
Posted inBaltimore News
An AFRO salute: Honoring Black veterans by telling their stories
AFRO reprints book ‘This is Our War’ By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com On Nov. 7, members of the community came out to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore to honor generations of Black veterans and recognize three veterans who truly embody what it means to answer the call to service. Maj.Gen. Janeen […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Former top prosecutor for Baltimore convicted in perjury case tied to purchase of Florida homes
By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, Associated Press GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A former top prosecutor for the city of Baltimore was convicted on Thursday of charges that she lied about the finances of a side business to improperly access retirement funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the money to buy two Florida homes. A federal jury convicted […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore’s Chief Equity Officer shares all you need to know about the Office of Equity and Civil Rights
By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com Director of the Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights Dana P. Moore is leader of a small office with a huge impact on Charm City. On Oct. 30, the office held their 30th Civil Rights Brunch where several individuals and local organizations–including the AFRO– were given […]
Posted inMusic
Lyrics can be used as evidence during rapper Young Thug’s trial on gang and racketeering charges
By KATE BRUMBACK, Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — When rapper Young Thug goes to trial later this month on gang and racketeering charges, prosecutors will be allowed to use rap lyrics as evidence against him, a judge ruled Thursday. Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville said in court he would allow prosecutors to introduce 17 sets […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
DC Council confirms Police Chief Pamela A. Smith
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com The AFRO sends congratulations to Pamela A. Smith for being selected as the permanent Police Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. Smith is the first Black female police chief in the organization’s 162 year history. She was unanimously confirmed by the DC Council on Nov. 7. “Our community […]
Posted in!Front Page
Ethiopia’s Tola sets NYC Marathon record to win men’s race; Hellen Obiri of Kenya takes women’s title
By Doug Feinberg AP Sports Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia set a course record to win the New York City Marathon men’s race on Nov. 5 while Hellen Obiri of Kenya pulled away in the final 400 meters to take the women’s title. Tola finished in 2 hours, 4 minutes and […]
