By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO Brutal cases of domestic violence in the Black community have rocked the nation in recent weeks, highlighting a need to understand the root cause of intimate partner violence and how to prevent it. On April 1, Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, of Coral Springs, Fla.was found dead in […]
Category: National News
DC gala shooting suspect aired grievances against 47th president in writings to family
Authorities say Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old California man, is accused of attempting a politically motivated attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25, after sending writings to family expressing grievances against the 47th president’s administration. Investigators believe Allen acted alone, legally acquired multiple weapons, and intended to target administration officials before being subdued by security, prompting a chaotic scene and the evacuation of the president, who was unharmed.
Board of Trustees selects Dr. Denise Jones Gregory as president of Jackson State University
Denise Jones Gregory has been selected as the 14th president of Jackson State University following an eight-month national search. A longtime academic leader at the university who served as interim president since May 2025, Gregory brings experience as provost and vice president of academic affairs, along with a strong background in chemistry and higher education leadership.
Ex-officer planned to kill Black people in mass shooting at a New Orleans festival, authorities say
Authorities say a former North Carolina law enforcement officer, Christopher Gillum, was arrested in Florida after allegedly planning a racially motivated mass shooting targeting Black people at a major New Orleans festival, believed to be the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Law enforcement recovered a handgun and ammunition, and the FBI is coordinating a multi-state investigation as Gillum faces extradition to Louisiana.
From sharecropper to scholar: Andrew Billingsley at 100
At 100, Andrew Billingsley is celebrated for a lifetime of groundbreaking scholarship and leadership that reshaped understanding of Black families and strengthened higher education, particularly at Morgan State University. Honored at Hampton University with a new endowed scholarship, his legacy reflects a journey from the son of sharecroppers to a nationally influential sociologist and educator.
Dr. Faith Gibson Hubbard appointed interim president and CEO of Greater Washington Urban League
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO The Board of Directors of the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) recently appointed Dr. Faith Gibson Hubbard as interim president and CEO. Hubbard replaces George Lambert, who retired earlier this year after 10 years of stellar service to the organization. Under Lambert’s tenure, GWUL expanded education and empowerment […]
Lawmakers move to oust Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick for alleged ethics violations
The House is moving toward a bipartisan vote to expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.-20) after a committee investigation proved 25 ethics violations. While a federal judge has delayed the Florida Democrat’s criminal trial for the alleged theft of $5 million in FEMA funds until 2027, congressional leaders indicated that the chamber is prepared to act as early as next week.
8 children between the ages of 1 and 14 are dead after a mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Eight children, ages 1 to 14, were killed in a domestic violence mass shooting across two homes in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 19, police said. The suspect, an adult male believed to be related to the victims, died after a police pursuit. Authorities are still investigating what led to the attack, which is the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in more than two years.
Police say former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax killed wife, then turned gun on himself
Friends and family are mourning the deaths of former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife, Cerina. Police say Justin Fairfax killed his wife before turning the weapon on himself.
Judge orders individuals associated with Patriot Front to pay punitive damages in civil rights case for destroying mural of Arthur Ashe in Richmond
A federal court ordered members of Patriot Front to pay over $470,000 for vandalizing a mural honoring Arthur Ashe in Richmond, finding the act was driven by racial animus. The lawsuit, brought by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, underscores the harm to the local Black community and marks a significant victory for civil rights accountability.
Supreme Court weighs future of 14th Amendment in historic citizenship case
The Supreme Court is preparing to rule on an executive challenge to the 14th Amendment that could replace the long-standing principle of birthright citizenship with a system requiring proof of parental status. Legal experts and advocates warn that this shift could create profound administrative hurdles for marginalized communities and potentially leave millions of American-born children without access to essential services.
Levi Henry Jr., founder of the Westside Gazette, dies — a legacy rooted in truth, community, and unshakable purpose
Levi Henry Jr., founder of the Westside Gazette, has died, leaving behind a decades-long legacy of championing Black voices, advancing community empowerment and preserving local history through journalism rooted in truth and purpose.

