By Nyame-Kye KondoSpecial to the AFRO The AFRO had the pleasure of catching up with some Washingtonians as they went about their daily lives. We asked five individuals to name their favorite Black-owned businesses in the area and their answers reflected both the shared culture and varied interests of the African-American community. Dezhane Moore – […]
Category: NEWS
Posted inD.C. Community
Bando Combat Aerobics: A rhythmic fusion of self-defense, combat and cardio
In Washington, D.C., sixth-degree bando black belt Lon Walls created Bando Combat Aerobics, blending Burmese martial arts with funk, hip-hop and R and B to boost fitness and self-defense skills. Aimed especially at empowering Black women, the program builds confidence, awareness and community while teaching practical ways to stay safe.
Posted inNational News
Supporters rally as Ben Jealous challenges ouster from Sierra Club’s top post
The Sierra Club fired Executive Director Ben Jealous on Aug. 11, citing conduct issues, but Jealous and supporters argue he was brought in to fix a major deficit and strengthen the organization. Civil rights leaders and former board members are calling for mediation, with some raising concerns about racial bias in his removal.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Women and girls face growing peril in Africa’s Sahel
Wayne Campbell, an educator and social commentator, warns that women and girls in Africa’s Sahel face escalating violence, poverty, and oppression fueled by conflict, climate change and political instability, with abductions, child marriage and exclusion from education becoming widespread. He urges the international community to increase aid, hold governments accountable, and challenge harmful cultural practices to protect their rights and futures.
Posted inPolitics
Senator Alsobrooks tests positive for Covid-19
By Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md. tested positive for Covid-19 on Aug. 14, according to her Washington Senate Office. Out of an abundance of caution, the first-term Maryland senator cancelled planned events at Chesapeake College as well as an appearance at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conference in Ocean City on […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
DC sues to halt White House’s unprecedented police takeover amid federal troop surge
Washington, D.C., sued Aug. 15 to block President Trump’s takeover of its police department, calling it illegal and dangerous. The move installs DEA chief Terry Cole as emergency head, displacing Police Chief Pamela Smith, and comes amid a surge of federal agents and National Guard troops in the city.
Posted inBaltimore News
​​Three key tips for newspapers to thrive for the next 100 years
AFRO leaders share three key tips for Black newspapers to thrive: balancing legacy, innovation, and engagement with younger generations amid industry challenges.
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Ink, identity, and influence: The AFRO’s ongoing legacy
The AFRO has long been a vital voice for the Black community, shining a light on issues often neglected by mainstream media. As it nears its 133rd anniversary, the newspaper continues its mission to confront injustice and amplify Black voices in a changing political landscape.
Posted in!Front Page Arts and Entertainment
Black history museum leaders embrace innovation to safeguard historical narratives
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com As political debates rage and historical narratives face increasing scrutiny, leaders at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia say this is a pivotal moment for institutions dedicated to African- American heritage. Shakia Gullette Warren, the museum’s executive director and newly appointed vice chair of the […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Tuskegee University mourns sudden death of student-athlete
Tuskegee University is grieving the death of junior mechanical engineering student and Golden Tiger baseball player Macahri Washington-Parker, remembered by peers and faculty as a dedicated leader and mentor. His passing, amid broader concerns about suicide among Black youth, has prompted an outpouring of support from the campus community and his family, who celebrate his lasting impact on those he touched.
Posted inHealth
Thousands to lose in-network access to Johns Hopkins Medicine if UnitedHealthcare contract expires Aug. 24
Johns Hopkins Medicine and UnitedHealthcare are in a dispute over a new contract, which could result in 60,000 patients in the mid-Atlantic region losing in-network coverage if an agreement is not reached by August 24.
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Breaking down barriers to give justice-involved Marylanders a fair shot
Cory V. McCray represents Maryland’s 45th Legislative District in the State Senate and is the author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life. He focuses on equitable policymaking, public safety and expanding economic opportunity.