In a few days, many Americans who haven’t already voted will head to the polls to elect the next president of the United States. But some will not. There are still many, including legions of Blacks, who have no plans to vote. The reasons vary—no time, their choice won’t matter, they don’t care who wins […]
Category: OPINION
Posted inEditorial
Return Donna Edwards to the House
U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D) is in a three-way contest against Faith Loudon of Pasadena, who has been active in the Republican Central Committee in Anne Arundel County, and Libertarian Scott Soffen of Ellicott City, in her bid for reelection in the Fourth Congressional District. Based on her grasp of the issues, her commitment to […]
Posted inCommentary
My Take
One of the fundamental building blocks of a vibrant democracy is the freedom for men and women to cast their vote and elect their leaders. On the eve of one of the most divisive and important elections of my lifetime, I can think of no better time to point out the fact that 5.6 million […]
Posted inEditorial
The AFRO Endorses: Rep. Elijah Cummings
U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D) is set for a rematch against Republican challenger Frank Mirabile on Nov. 6. The last time the pair faced off in 2010, Mirabile lost to Cummings with 23 percent of the vote. Mirabile, a landscape designer and small business owner for more than 20 years, is running on a typical […]
Posted inCommentary
Are Some Black Ministers Risking Their Church’s Tax-Exempt Status?
The Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, senior pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va, recently informed the press that some pastors in the Washington region have advised their members to refrain from voting in the upcoming presidential election because of President Obama’s support of same-sex marriage. In fact, articles about similar stances by African-American […]
Posted inEditorial
The AFRO Endorses Barack Obama for President of the United States
President Barack Obama is running for a second term on the strength of his health care reform, his foreign policy initiatives, job creation, the auto industry bailout, banking industry reform and passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Among many African Americans, his healthcare reform was the signature accomplishment of his administration—providing […]
Posted inCommentary
Protecting our right to vote
The fires that burn inside of me to protect our vote are personal, as well as social. My great, great grandfather, Mr. Scipio Rhame, was born a slave. Yet, during Reconstruction — just 3 years after his slavery ended — he had the determination to be among the first of our people to register and […]
Posted inEditorial
Proposition 4: The Maryland DREAM Act Equal Access
When voters in Maryland go to the polls, they’ll have the opportunity to decide by their vote on Proposition 4 as to whether or not children of illegal immigrants should be extended the privilege to pursue college degrees at in-state tuition rates, if they qualify under certain conditions. The Maryland DREAM Act was passed by […]
Posted inEditorial
Proposition 7: Gaming Expansion A Great Opportunity
For years, Marylanders have argued over gaming. In years before, much of the contention seemed to center on the moral and social considerations of gambling—whether it leads to addiction, personal bankruptcies and increased crime and becomes a scourge on already-suffering communities. This election, the referendum on gaming elicited more politically- and economically-influenced arguments. Question 7 […]
Posted inEditorial
Failing to Vote Dishonors Those Who Fought and Died for the Right
Vernon Dahmer would want you to vote on Nov. 6 and in every election day for the rest of your life. He would want you to teach your children to vote. He would want you to urge your friends, neighbors and co-workers to vote. So would Rev. George Lee, Lamar Smith, Herbert Lee, Medgar Evers […]
Posted inCommentary
NAACP National Board: John McNeil Case is a National Issue
(Washington, DC) – Today, the NAACP held a press conference to discuss the latest decision in the John McNeil case and next steps to secure his freedom. On Wednesday, Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens chose to appeal the court ruling that granted John McNeil’s habeas corpus petition. “Some people say that this is about a […]
Posted inCommentary
AFRO My Take
There is an abundance of panhandlers in the nation’s capital—all shapes, shades and sizes. On a recent day, Jessie was at 14th & G talking to himself until he saw someone who had once given him money. “Hey how you doin’?” he asked, making a mad dash to the person. The “Groper” walked the street […]