The NAACP and environmental advocates plan to sue xAI over pollution from its Memphis data center, citing concerns about air quality and the impact on the predominantly Black communities surrounding the facility.
Category: NEWS
Posted inAfro Briefs
Florida’s Raiford Prison bans AFRO edition from inmates; warden cites threat to security and rehabilitation initiatives
Florida’s Raiford Prison banned the AFRO’s special edition on George Floyd and racial justice, claiming it posed a security risk and threatened rehabilitation efforts. Critics argue the ban reflects a broader pattern of censorship that suppresses inmates’ access to reform-focused content and silences marginalized voices behind bars.
Posted inU.S. Government
GOP Bill Is a Win for Some—But a Crisis for Black People
Senate Republicans passed a spending bill that would provide tax breaks to the wealthy while cutting Medicaid, food assistance, and other social programs, endangering the health and well-being of Black Americans and other vulnerable communities.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Free Independence Day Lyft rides offered throughout Greater Washington to prevent drunk driving
To reduce drunk driving during one of the deadliest holidays for traffic fatalities, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) will offer free Lyft rides on July 4 from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. on July 5 across the D.C. metro area. The SoberRideⓇ initiative, which covers up to $15 of a Lyft fare, aims to prevent impaired driving and save lives during Independence Day celebrations.
Posted inWord In Black
Chronically absent: Why Black kids are still missing from classrooms
Chronic absenteeism in public schools has surged post-pandemic, with nearly 40% of Black students missing 10% or more of the school year—far above the national average. Experts cite systemic barriers like housing insecurity, school disinvestment, and political attacks on education, calling for community-driven solutions that reengage students and support families.
Posted inAfro Briefs
This school banned cellphones six years ago. Teachers — and many kids — couldn’t be happier.
San Mateo High School banned cellphones in 2019 using magnetically locked Yondr pouches, aiming to curb distractions, cyberbullying, and mental health issues tied to excessive phone use. Six years later, teachers and many students report improved focus, stronger peer relationships, and a more connected school culture—making San Mateo a national model as more schools adopt similar bans.
Posted inEducation
DCPS rolls out districtwide phone ban to cut distractions
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee gives information on the districtwide ban on personal cell phones and electronic devices for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
Posted inBaltimore News
Charm City glows with Pride
Baltimore celebrated 50 years of LGBTQIA+ Pride with its 2025 “50 Shades of Pride” festival, featuring a week of vibrant events and a heartfelt parade that highlighted Black joy, love, and advocacy. From multigenerational families to strong allyship, the celebration reflected both the progress made and the urgent need for continued support and representation.
Posted inBaltimore News
State of the People wraps three-day national tour in Baltimore
The State of the People National Assembly concluded its three-day gathering in Baltimore, bringing together Black leaders, activists, and organizations to build a national agenda rooted in empowerment, community healing, and political action. Key discussions—such as the “Black Women Leading Change” panel—centered on the importance of rest and wellness as vital tools of resistance, especially for Black women bearing the weight of communal responsibility and systemic stress.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore City Council president demands action after multiple police-involved deaths
Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen has called for a hearing to examine the city’s mental health crisis response systems after recent deaths involving law enforcement.
Posted inUncategorized
Marilyn Mosby completes her year-long home detention
As of June 20, former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has completed her one-year home detention sentence. Convicted of two counts of perjury and one count of mortgage fraud, Mosby was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service and three years of supervised release. A court filing now indicates that U.S. Probation may seek early termination of her remaining supervision. Speaking at the State of the People’s National Assembly on the day her sentence ended, Mosby declared her intent to continue advocating for change and rebuilding her life for the sake of her two daughters.
Posted inHealth
Medical school graduates share their journey to residency
Recent medical school graduates share their inspiring journeys into residency, overcoming barriers in a field where African Americans remain vastly underrepresented. Their stories reflect resilience, purpose and community impact.