As D.C. Public Schools students return to class on Aug. 25, Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee outlines new initiatives to boost academic success, address chronic absenteeism, and modernize school facilities. In an interview with the AFRO, Ferebee highlighted gains since the pandemic, strategies to strengthen attendance, and DCPS’s approach to AI in classrooms, while reaffirming Mayor Muriel Bowser’s $180 million commitment to school modernization.
Category: Washington D.C. News
Posted inHBCU
Howard University president announces departureÂ
By Ashleigh Fields Special to the AFRO Dr. Ben Vinson III will soon depart from his role as president of Howard University, just two years after being selected to lead the historically Black institution. Howard University officials announced that Vinson would step down from the role on Aug. 31 with former President Wayne A.I. Frederick […]
Posted inEducation
How Black educators have experienced and managed burnout
Teachers across the nation are dealing with burnout, with symptoms ranging from fatigue to apathy about work and irritability in their time off.
Posted inCommentary
ASALH leads resistance to attacks on Smithsonian and U.S. history
ASALH is standing in opposition to the President’s directive to review archival materials and remove any exhibit or artifact that does not align with his definition of American exceptionalism, and is calling for daily acts of resistance to preserve and protect Black history.
Posted inCommentary
Defending the African American Museum of History and Culture is defending America’s truth
By Dr. Frances Murphy DraperAFRO Publisher and CEO America cannot afford to whitewash its past. Yet that is exactly what is at stake in the current review of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. To question whether slavery and racism belong in the story of this nation is not only dangerous—it is […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
DC unemployment rate is the highest in the US for the third straight month
Washington, D.C.’s unemployment rate climbed to 6 percent in July — the highest in the nation for the third consecutive month — fueled by mass federal worker layoffs under President Trump’s workforce cuts and a sharp decline in international tourism. Economists warn the trend could worsen racial disparities in employment and strain the city’s economy.
Posted inNational Sports
John Wall, five-time All-Star, retires after 11 NBA seasons
John Wall, a five-time All-Star point guard, has announced his retirement from the NBA after 11 seasons.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Gladys William celebrates 100 years of life
Gladys William, a Washington, D.C., resident and retired nurse, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. A native of North Carolina, she was raised by her father after losing her mother as an infant. William spent 65 years in the nursing profession, working in hospitals, nursing homes and private care. Surrounded by her daughter and adopted son, she continues to be celebrated for a life of service and resilience.
Posted inBUSINESS
From vision to venture: Founders building with heart and hustle
Black business ownership is on the rise, with entrepreneurs like Anissa Truitt, Christina Sledge and Ceal Starks transforming personal missions into purpose-driven, community-centered ventures.
Posted inBUSINESS
Innovation with intention: The power and diversity of Black-owned ventures
Black entrepreneurs across industries are redefining success by centering community, innovation and purpose. From holistic health to tech accelerators to campus digital transformation, these leaders are proving that entrepreneurship in the Black community is as diverse as it is resilient.
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
 D.C. Council advances Commanders’ stadium deal in first vote
The D.C. Council voted 9-3 to approve the Washington Commanders stadium deal, which is expected to create 2,000 permanent jobs, 14,000 construction positions, and generate $26.6 billion in redevelopment tax revenue, with a second and final vote expected on September 17.
Posted inDMV News
5 Washingtonians spotlight beloved Black-owned businesses
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 – […]