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.
Category: NEWS
Posted inNational News
Average household electricity bills in 2025 ran 9.6 percent higher than in 2024, rising faster than wages and overall inflation
A nationwide analysis shows U.S. households paid significantly more for electricity and natural gas in 2025, with average electricity bills rising 9.6 percent over 2024—outpacing wage growth and inflation. Driven by aging grid upgrades, climate-related weather stress, rising demand from AI data centers, higher fuel costs, and policy decisions slowing clean energy expansion, the increases are affecting more than 150 million utility customers nationwide.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Dozens missing after boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsized off the coast of Gambia
Dozens of migrants are missing after an overcrowded boat carrying more than 200 people capsized off the coast of Gambia on New Year’s Eve, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue operation involving emergency services and local fishermen. The tragedy underscores the deadly risks faced by African migrants attempting the perilous Atlantic route to Europe in search of better opportunities.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
U.S. strikes Venezuela, says its leader has been ‘captured’ and flown out of the country
Legal experts are examining military action taken by the United States in Venezuela on Jan. 3 to determine if the “capture” of the country’s president and first lady can be legally justified. The two are said to be in U.S. custody to face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons charges in New York.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Gospel giant Richard Smallwood, composer of timeless hits, has died at 77
Richard Smallwood, the eight-time Grammy-nominated, classically trained gospel composer and recording artist whose work reshaped contemporary gospel music, died Dec. 30 at age 77 from complications of kidney failure. Over a five-decade career, Smallwood blended classical, pop and gospel traditions, creating enduring songs like “Total Praise,” “I Love the Lord” and “Center of My Joy,” while influencing generations of artists across gospel, R&B and popular music.
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Structural inequality undermines Jamaica’s schools
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. This week he highlights that curriculum reform efforts falter without intentional, culturally grounded curriculum implementation leadership.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Meet Roxanne Brown, the 1st African American and 1st woman president of the United Steelworkers
By Black Press USA (NNPA Newswire) – In a significant moment for the labor movement, Roxanne Brown is set to become the first African-American woman elected as president of the United Steelworkers (USW), North America’s largest industrial union. With the official transition happening in March, Brown’s ascent is more than just a personal achievement; it […]
Posted inReligion
AME Zion Church hosts Christian Education Department Winter Meeting in Baltimore
By AFRO Staff Nearly 2,500 participants—most of them children and youth, alongside families and adults of all ages—convened in Baltimore Dec. 26–30, 2025 for Elevate 2025: Flourish and Thrive, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church’s Christian Education Department Winter Conference. The event took place at the Hilton in downtown Baltimore. Through outstanding worship […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Building, thriving, celebrating: Charm City Wins from 2025
2025 was a year of growth, creativity, and empowerment across Baltimore. From new Black-owned businesses and parks to wellness events and neighborhood projects, these highlights showcase the people and initiatives strengthening the city’s communities.
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
D.C. law changes in 2026 impact workers, youth and healthcare
As 2026 begins, Washington, D.C. residents face new laws, including Medicaid eligibility changes, an extended youth curfew, inflation‑linked minimum wage increases and automatic expungements for certain misdemeanor cases, with some exceptions for violent offenses.
Posted inBaltimore News
Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine to make Rose Bowl parade debut
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Members of Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine will start the year off strong, proudly representing the historically Black institution at the 137th Tournament of Roses (Rose Bowl) parade on Jan. 1, 2026. The marching band of the National Treasure, led by Dr. Jorim Reid, will bring the flavor and […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
The Steppin’ Out Bunch hosts 2025 toy drive
By AFRO Staff The Steppin’ Out Bunch held its annual toy drive on Dec. 1 at Colin’s Seafood & Grill, located on the 1700 block of East Northern Parkway in Baltimore. The group of retired Black women educators, who formed the “Bunch” in 2009, demonstrated their enduring love for children as they sought to make […]