As American democracy faces unprecedented challenges, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is leading a movement to resist and rebuild. Through its Magna Carta, ASALH outlines actionable steps for civic engagement, accountability, and grassroots activism to safeguard democracy and empower communities.
Category: OPINION
Posted inCommentary
Maryland suspends driver’s licenses for child support – but is it working?
Dwan Burton, is the deputy director of Out for Justice. This week, she highlights the devastating impact of automatic driver’s license suspensions on low-income parents. With two key bills stalled in the Senate, the organization pushes for legislative action to ensure due process and protect parents’ ability to work and support their families.
Posted inOPINION
Commentary: Whistling while you work: A tribute to retiring Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr.
Bishop Walter Scott Thomas’ retirement marks the end of an era for Baltimore, where he built a nationally recognized ministry from a small congregation and profoundly influenced the city’s faith-based community. A visionary leader, preacher and mentor, his legacy continues through his children, his congregation, and the countless lives he touched, ensuring that his impact will endure beyond his final sermon.
Posted inOPINION
Op-ed: Unconscious bias doesn’t need a color line
By Frances Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher My husband and I recently visited First Watch in Towson expecting a relaxing breakfast. Instead, we left feeling disrespected and dismissed. When we arrived we were in line, in front of two White patrons. The Black host asked how many were in our party. “Two,” we replied. He […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Affordable housing won’t save Baltimore—but economic justice might
Chrissy M. Thornton serves as president and CEO of Associated Black Charities. This week, she critiques the choice of former President Biden to not pardon Marilyn Mosby.
Posted inBlack Press
Black Press and Black Church unify to put a bullseye on Target
The Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and BlackPressUSA. This week, he discusses the shared efforts of the Black Press and Black Church to leverage the weight of Black economic power to demand respect and an equitable business relationship with Target and corporate America.
Posted inCommentary
Addressing the healthcare gap for working women
By Candrese Jones Cervical Cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if detected early. No one should die from this disease, however, an estimated 4,360 women in the United States died from cervical cancer in 2024. In Mississippi, Black women are almost one and a half times more likely to die of the disease […]
Posted inOpinion
A letter to the editor: Cherishing history and legacy
I enjoy AFRO for many, many reasons; mainly because I grew up with the AFRO-American Newspaper, which was sold in my grandparents newsstand in Georgetown, S.C. At age 79, I’m blessed to see history continue! Steve MyersCivil Rights Trail ToursMontgomery, Ala.
Posted inCommentary
DEI isn’t just an acronym — and saving it is our moral obligation
By Reverend Adam Russell-Taylor President Trump and much of the Grand Old Party’s (GOP) growing fixation on diversity, equity and inclusion programs — often referred to as “DEI” — has become a flashpoint in the nation’s politics that threatens to derail the essential project of becoming a more just and inclusive multiracial democracy. On his […]
Posted inCommentary
Black love in the modern era: Prioritizing healing, communication and growth
Black love is a testament to strength, resilience and joy. It thrives when nurtured with intention, understanding and mutual respect. Today, Black couples are redefining relationships by prioritizing emotional wellness, therapy and self-awareness. They are breaking generational cycles, fostering open communication and building partnerships that focus on growth, healing, and lasting connection.
Posted inCommentary
Beyond the diversity, equity and inclusion backlash: Addressing root causes to advance equity in every industry
As legal and political challenges dismantle race-conscious diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, institutions are pivoting to strategies that address economic and systemic barriers, achieving similar equity goals without triggering legal scrutiny. By focusing on income-based policies, mentorship programs, and access to education and healthcare, organizations can continue promoting diversity and opportunity while adapting to the evolving landscape of equity efforts.
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Maryland Democratic Party’s cold war
Dayvon Love is director of public policy for the Baltimore-based think tank, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. This week he speaks on infighting within the Democratic Party.