As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary of independence, legal scholar Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is leading an effort to establish July 5 as “Martyrs Day,” a national day to honor those who died fighting for justice, equality and civil rights. The initiative ties the nation’s founding ideals to its ongoing struggles, encouraging reflection, education and continued civic engagement.
Category: History
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District leaders, residents and visitors celebrate Emancipation Day
By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO More than 100 years ago, on April 16, 1862, the Compensated Emancipation Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. On that day, slaves in the District of Columbia gained their freedom. More than a century later, the residents of D.C. gather on an annual basis to honor and celebrate […]
Posted inBaltimore News
‘A Soldier’s Life’ writer and 6888 champion set to give author’s talk at Lewis Museum
Edna W. Cummings, retired army veteran, is set to host an author talk at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum on March 7 in honor of Women’s History Month.
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 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
USPS honors Phillis Wheatley, first published African-American poet, with 49th Black Heritage Stamp
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.
Posted inBlack History
Jordan Peele’s ‘High Horse: The Black Cowboy’ doc sheds light on an erased part of history
Jordan Peele’s docuseries “High Horse: The Black Cowboy” explores the often-erased history of Black cowboys, revealing their central role in shaping the American West and challenging long-held pop culture myths. Through archival footage and contemporary voices, the series reframes cowboy culture as a shared American story rather than a narrowly defined tradition.
Posted inWord In Black
What’s in a coin?
By Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ DraperWord in Black More than metal. More than money. More than nostalgia. A coin is a declaration — of who a nation chooses to honor, what it chooses to remember and what it is willing to erase. That is why what happened at the U.S. Mint should unsettle anyone who cares […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Cherry Hill celebrates Madeline Wheeler Murphy Day
Cherry Hill’s second annual “Madeline Wheeler Murphy Day” honored the late journalist, activist, and AFRO columnist whose fearless voice and community leadership continue to inspire new generations. Attendees, including her son attorney Billy Murphy and local youth leaders, celebrated her enduring legacy of Black empowerment, cultural pride, and social justice.
Posted inBaltimore News
Black cemetery citizenship: Fighting for the restoration of African-American burial spaces
Cultural historian Cory J. France was recently honored with the Rory Turner Prize for Cultural Sustainability at Goucher College. France is on the frontlines of advocating for “Black cemetery citizenship,” or a commitment to respect, remember, reclaim and fight for the spaces where Black bodies are laid to rest.
Posted inVeterans
Keeping history alive: Remembering the Montford Point Marines
The Montford Point Marines were trailblazers in the U.S. Marine Corps, but their stories have often gone untold. Mallorie Berger, granddaughter of Montford Point Marine Maurice L. Burns, is working to ensure the bravery of these men, including Charles Cargile Hall, is remembered
Posted inBaltimore News
Coppin State University celebrates 125 Years of legacy, leadership and service
Coppin State University celebrated its 125th anniversary with a black-tie gala, honoring its legacy of resilience and brilliance, and raising over $500,000 to support scholarships and student success.