Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other minorities were well represented on the committee that drafted the Democratic Party’s platform, a groundbreaking document that will be presented at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, which will be held July 25-28 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, a Democratic leader told the AFRO. Rep. Elijah […]
Category: NEWS
Posted inBaltimore News
One Hour of Silence in W. Balto. Following Violence
By Deborah BaileySpecial to the AFRO “One hour of silence; one hour of no violence,” chanted participants who gathered at a school playground in the heart of Sandtown-Winchester July 14. Approximately 100 parents, families, youth, teachers, community activists, and residents came braving the near 100-degree heat to stand together in the wake of a rash […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Suspect Who Allegedly Took Hostages at W. Balto. Burger King Identified
The man accused of taking four hostages, including a 7-year-old girl, in a West Baltimore Burger King on July 17 was identified by police as George Johnson, 26, of the 1500 block of Penrose Avenue in West Baltimore. Johnson is facing numerous charges including different counts of handgun violations, illegal detention of the hostages, reckless […]
Posted inNational News
Black French Endure Random Stop and Searches Following Nice Attack
As the French coastal city Nice mourns the loss of life left in the wake of a Bastille Day terror attack, growing anxiety has surfaced among many African Muslim immigrants fearing retaliatory violence. While the Bastille Day attack brought a single immigrant, the Tunisian-born Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, to the attention of French citizens, according to […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Kids Support AFRO Clean/Green Block
Children from the “We Care A Lot 2,” part of the Greenmount West Community Association, took part in cleaning their blocks and keeping them green as part of the AFRO Clean/Green Block initiative. Kisha Webster (not pictured) is the coordinator and overall block captain in the area.
Posted inBaltimore News
The Whole World Is Watching
Sean Yoes Earlier this week, Lt. Brian Rice became the fourth police officer to escape a guilty verdict in the trials of the six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray. By the evening of day one of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, speakers were acknowledging Rice’s acquittal on all charges. During his […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Activists Target Toy Guns
Dominic Nell knew he had to do something. He was shaken by the shooting death of Tamir Rice in 2014. Dominic Nell (left) and Juan Nance (right) stand in the aisle of a Dollar General in West Baltimore, where they are working to have every toy gun and replica firearm removed from shelves. (Photo by […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Moms, Youth Advocate for Cleaner Air
Raising the alarm about asthma attacks, infectious diseases, premature deaths, and other health impacts of climate change, more than 700 moms and kids gathered to hold a “Play-In” protest. The event took place on July 15 in a park on Capitol Hill and was organized by Moms Clean Air Force. The families called for action […]
Posted inNational News
New Protest Aims to Help Black Banks
A Black-owned Atlanta bank saw a phenomenal surge of deposits, powered by a campaign aimed at bolstering Black-owned financial institutions. The movement is in response to several high-profile police killings across the nation and is an attempt to raise awareness of institutional inequality. Citizens Trust Bank – with branches in metro Atlanta, Columbus, Ga., Birmingham, […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Black Officers Promote Training, Persistence
In the wake of officer-involved shootings that have left several, on both sides of the law, dead, Black officers from several law enforcement agencies around the United States recently gathered to focus on new training tactics. The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE) celebrated 40 years from July 16 to July 20 with their […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
District Heights Selects Jack Sims To Replace Deceased James Walls As Mayor
Jack Sims is in the saddle again. The venerable former mayor of District Heights will be returning to office to replace his old friend James Walls. He was sworn in at a ceremony attended by his family in the District Heights Municipal Building on July 11. Jack Sims being sworn in by Sydney Harrison, Prince […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Residents Demand Share of MGM Local Impact Funds
Local residents crowded into a small conference room at Harmony Hall Regional Center in Fort Washington, Maryland on June 30. They came to demand equity in the distribution of funds coming from the new MGM Casino into nearby neighborhoods that are expected to be impacted by its presence. The Prince George’s County Local Development Council, […]