By Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III I often look to our ancestors to guide my service to the Black community today. They connect me to the movement that has been and is ongoing. Recently, I have been reflecting on two such inspiring ancestors: Malcolm X and Queen Mother Audley Moore. These two leaders at the […]
Category: OPINION
Why should African Americans celebrate America 250?
AFRO CEO and Publisher Frances “Toni” Draper argues that America’s 250th anniversary should be marked with an honest examination of the nation’s history, acknowledging both its democratic ideals and its legacy of enslavement, racism and inequality. She contends that African Americans have every reason to celebrate their resilience and contributions, but only if the full American story—including its injustices—is recognized and preserved.
Data centers are a threat to our community
The battle over data centers reveals the next iteration of global domination by white monopoly capital. Tech billionaires seek unprecedented wealth.
In Baltimore, talent is everywhere – opportunity is not
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not enough, and that we must focus on removing barriers to opportunity in order to unlock the potential of Baltimore’s workforce.
Juneteenth, justice and America’s double standard
Juneteenth, a reminder of delayed justice, exposes America’s double standard in responding to injustice. Conversations on reparations and racial justice continue.
In Baltimore, accountability for thee but not for me
An opinion piece argues that Maryland and Baltimore apply political accountability unevenly, contending that Black elected officials have historically faced harsher media scrutiny and public condemnation than others accused of misconduct.
US delegates witness Cuba’s struggles under blockade and sanctions
Twenty-three delegates from the United States, led by Dr. Ron Daniels and James Early, visited Cuba to witness the effects of the US blockade, sanctions and threats, and to meet with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, while also visiting hospitals, schools and other sites.
The price of an enduring father
What aging taught me about movement, mobility, and the hidden cost of survival By Steven Ragsdale A few weeks ago, I sat waiting for a hip X-ray and found myself thinking about my father and quite a few of the older guys in my community, especially how their bodies grew physically older over the years […]
‘Under Babied’: Alarming new language and double standards around the politics of birth
By Crystal Coache Picture this: after hours of contractions, listening to the sound of multiple beeping heart monitors, the breathless he-he-whhhhooooo’s, and constant poking and prodding from nurses, you finally give birth and your doctor looks up at you and says, “Congratulations! You’ve just been babied!” Actually, you don’t need to use your imagination. Recently, […]
Gov. Moore’s veto of SB 459 misses the reality of modern local media
Rebecca Snyder, executive director of the MDDC Press Association, argues that Gov. Wes Moore’s veto of SB 459 undermines Maryland’s local news ecosystem by overlooking the reach, sophistication and community impact of local media outlets. The commentary is accompanied by a statement from AFRO leadership noting that the publication has served as a trusted paper of record for many in the African American community for 134 years and continues to reach audiences through a modern, multi-platform media operation.
Shame about being abused silenced me–now, I’m speaking up
Survivor of intimate partner violence shares her story to break the shame and silence surrounding IPV. Black women are disproportionately affected.
Rising hardship withdrawals signal financial stress among US workers
Hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts are increasing, with 6% of U.S. workers affected, and disproportionately impacting Black and Hispanic households due to the racial wealth divide.

