By S.A. Miller, Special to the AFRO The term ”unapologetically Black” has been used by a lot of people for a lot of years. The meaning is often based on the context in which it is being used. For some, it connotes boldness and a “take no prisoners” attitude. For others, the term suggests that, […]
Category: OPINION
Posted inCommentary
Setting the record straight on an important piece of Black history
By Ben Jealous With the start of Black History Month, I brace myself for the mis-telling of Black History yet again. In schoolhouses and everywhere the stories are told, a persistent myth shows its ugly head: the ridiculous notion that great Black leaders are not just exceptional but exceptions. It is an idea rooted in […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Vitamin D, prostate cancer and racism
By Leeland A. M. Jones, MD The prostate gland is making big headlines. This month O.J. Simpson received a prostate cancer diagnosis, while Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s struggle with the disease led to a second hospitalization. King Charles III, in England, recently disclosed information about his enlarged prostate. And with the Jan. 22 death […]
Posted inEditorial
Celebrating Black History Month
By Dr. John E. Warren This year, perhaps more than ever, we need to be especially mindful of Black history. This is a time of banning books from local libraries–especially those that tell of the history and struggle of Black Americans against slavery and racism; creating a threat to both our presence and our future. […]
Posted inCommentary
This Black History Month fight for the freedom to learn
By Svante Myrick A little over a year ago, the College Board unveiled its long-awaited draft AP African American Studies curriculum. What happened next was sad — and all too predictable. Florida officials, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), howled. They claimed the course “lacks educational value” and violated state laws against teaching about race […]
Posted inCommentary
Biden-Harris Administration’s liquified natural gas decision gives hope to younger generations
By Ben Jealous James Hiatt lives in an area along the Mississippi River in Louisiana that has been dubbed “Cancer Alley.” Teeming with chemical plants and oil and gas refineries, the air the residents of this area breathe contains more carcinogens than anywhere else in the country. One of those oil and gas facilities is […]
Posted inCommentary
Mahomes or Jackson? Black America rooted for a Black QB
By John CelestandWord In Black It’s not breaking news that there was a time when the greatest Black athletes were steered away from playing the quarterback position in the NFL. With quick feet, the ability to cut back on a dime, solid hands, and blistering speed to blow past defenders, you would undoubtedly be led […]
Posted inCommentary
It’s not time for Ravens fans to leave Baltimore
By Edward G. Robinson IIIAFRO Contributing Editor, Sports For those of you considering abandoning the Baltimore Ravens, please be reminded that fair weather fans are not allowed to celebrate future championships. To be clear, I am not a Ravens fan– but if you’re dumping the Ravens (13-4) after their 17-10 loss to the Kansas City […]
Posted inCommentary
A glimpse at the new American economy…if we can seize the moment
By Ben Jealous What if the answer to undoing the harm wrought by the demise of America’s manufacturing sector was right in front of us? An economic boom waiting to happen, to rebuild communities and revitalize our beaten-down working class…and, this time, without the rampant industrial pollution that fuels climate change and sickens our people… […]
Posted inCommentary
After Claudine Gay’s resignation, who and what will colleges defend?
By José Luis Vilson Claudine Gay was the first Black president in Harvard University’s history and, as such, stewarded the work of the world’s most prestigious university over a six-month tenure. I’ve read dozens of opinions, and no one has any illusions about the nature of working for a university like Harvard. Creating a space […]
Posted inCommentary
We must work together to support the sustainability of HBCUs in America
By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Education sent all colleges and universities across the nation a notice, reminding them that they need to comply with the newly updated cybersecurity regulations published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The regulations – which include specifications such as implementing critical controls […]
Posted inCommentary
Tips for love and finance in 2024
By Teri Williams The new year brings new beginnings, which is a great time to focus on love and finances. Whether it’s self-love, romantic love or the love of our children, love has an impact on our money. Better to be intentional about the mixture of the two, rather than put our head in the […]