The number of Maryland fourth graders who were not proficient in reading increased to 65% in 2019, according to a new report. (Adobe stock) By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection BALTIMORE — Advocates said Maryland lawmakers need to focus more than ever on helping children, as a new report shows the state dropped from 21st […]
Category: NEWS
Posted inAfro Briefs
Black Oklahoma mother named Mom of the Year
Mautra Staley Jones has been named 2021 National Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. (Courtesy Photo) By AFRO Staff HBCU vice president and mother of three Mautra Staley Jones has been named the 2021 National Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. during their 86th National Convention held virtually this year. Jones […]
Posted inNational News
Justice Department suing Georgia over state’s new voting law
Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks during a news conference on voting rights at the Department of Justice in Washington, Friday, June 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) By Michael Balsamo and Christina Cassidy The Associated Press The Justice Department is suing Georgia over the state’s new election law, alleging Republican state lawmakers rushed through a sweeping […]
Posted inNEWS
6 months after Georgia Senate races, hopes dashed for quick change in Congress
Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) speaks in front of the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C., on June 19. (Photo by Hamil Harris) By Hamil Harris Zenger News (ZengerNews.com) – When Georgia surprised many by choosing both Democratic Party candidates in the dual run-off elections for its two Senate seats on Jan. 5, many of […]
Posted in!Front Page
The Good Deacon
(Photo by J.J. McQueen) By J.J. McQueen On the weekend of his 100th birthday, Deacon Willis C. Williams Sr. was celebrated by his family and friends with a drive-by parade. A native of Wallace-Rose Hill, North Carolina, Deacon Williams migrated to Baltimore with his late wife and family following his military career. With just an […]
Posted inNEWS
MSR exclusive: an interview with Jerry Blackwell
Jerry Blackwell (Photo by Ben Garvin) By Nikki Love, MN Spokesman-Recorder Answering the call of justice Who is Jerry Blackwell? That question was on the minds of many viewers while watching the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd. Blackwell, a corporate defense attorney, served as a key […]
Posted inOPINION
TBE#25 – The Goals Of Our Civil Rights Movement Will Not Be Realized Until D.C. Statehood Is Achieved
National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) To Be Equal #25 June 25, 2021 The Goals Of Our Civil Rights Movement Will Not Be Realized Until D.C. Statehood Is Achieved By Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League “Congress has both the moral obligation and the constitutional authority to […]
Posted inD.C. Community
D.C. Green Bank, Flywheel Development partner to provide solar capacity for dozens of Washingtonians
Fairfax Village in Southeast, D.C. is one of the locations in Wards 7 and 8 that will host solar installations as part of a collaborative effort with DC Green and Flywheel Development. (Courtesy Photo) By Demetrius Dillard Special to the AFRO Two Washington, D.C.-based organizations have announced their contribution in facilitating a green economy as […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Gun violence activists work diligently to make difference in city
Applications for mini grants to prevent gun violence in the District are now open for D.C. residents. (Courtesy Photo) By Sharece Crawford Special to the AFRO Will $59Million be enough to reduce the rampant crime and gun violence in Washington, DC? As of Monday June 14, mini grant applications are open for individuals and organizations […]
Posted inNEWS
Commentary: Foreign drug pricing puts America’s most vulnerable patients last
Guy Anthony expressed concerns that the Lower Drug Costs Now Act puts patients last. (Courtesy Photo) By Guy Anthony Special to the AFRO It’s no coincidence that American companies led the charge to develop COVID-19 vaccines. Numerous policies — from strong patent protections to a welcoming immigration system — help ensure that the world’s smartest […]
Posted inNEWS
New partnership opens the door for Maryland students to attend Morgan State
(Photos Courtesy of Office of Morgan State University) MODERN STATES AND MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ENTER PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND COLLEGE ACCESS TO MARYLAND STUDENTS Fast Start Program at Morgan Marks the Philanthropy’s Newly Launched Commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities BALTIMORE — Modern States, a philanthropy dedicated to making a college degree more affordable and accessible […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Tierra A. Dorsey, Central Scholarship’s first African-American president
Tierra A. Dorsey By Jannette J. Witmyer Special to the AFRO A little over two years ago, Tierra A. Dorsey found herself seated beside then president of Central Scholarship, Jan Wagner, while attending a scholarship kickoff event. Dorsey, an experienced higher education fund raiser and Goucher College’s executive director of development at the time, was […]
