By Farheen Qurashi “As a physician and mother, I am thrilled that Gov. Wes Moore is making investments in Maryland’s paid family and medical leave program a priority. This plan will help Marylanders of all incomes have the financial security to take time off work to care for sick family members, bond with a new […]
Category: OPINION
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: My governor is Black
By Sam McKenzie Back in September of last year, I interviewed for a position in state government under the Hogan administration. When I made my way to the waiting area, I looked up and saw a picture of the then-current Governor Larry Hogan, and Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford. As I stood there looking at his […]
Posted inNews
Commentary: Arts and culture: paint us as we are
By “Lady” Brion Gill, Special to the AFRO “The Black artist is dangerous. Black art controls the Negro’s’ reality, negates negative influences, and creates positive images.” – Sonia Sanchez Recently, the Washington Post ran a Jan. 6 article highlighting a painting of Thurgood Marshall by the renowned Baltimore artist, Ernest Shaw. The article prompted this […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: A call to action: can Baltimore’s responsible adults please stand up?
By Rev. Dr. Harold Carter Jr. I kind of recall hearing a report about a shooting in Edmondson Village involving several young persons recently. The news came after I returned home from our midweek worship service on Wednesday, Jan. 4, but it didn’t really register. When I woke up Thursday morning I heard, with greater […]
Posted inOPINION
MARYLAND’S ‘MOORE’ PERFECT UNION: Reflections on a Historic Inauguration, King’s Dream, Democracy, and Demographics in the Divided States in Americas
By Dr. Zekeh S. Gbotokuma The Juneteenth weekend 2022 coincided with the 45th annual AFRAM Festival at Baltimore City’s Druid Hill Park. My wife Madeleine and I joined the urban community in enjoying outdoor activities that we have missed for two years due to COVID-19 draconian measures. My wife heard about Wes Moore before via […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: On taking a second look at The Embrace
By Jannette J. Witmyer, Special to the AFRO The real beauty of art is that its “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Since folks see things differently, it is meant to stimulate thought and initiate conversations, allowing for the discussion of subjective interpretations, objectively. The bottom line is that people either like a […]
Posted inOPINION
Volunteer income tax assistance programs bridge the financial equity gap in Maryland
By Rosie Allen-Herring Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC Awareness Day on Jan. 27, can be seen as the launch of tax season. EITC is a refundable tax credit available to qualifying lower-wage workers and their families. Childless workers younger than 25 are eligible for Maryland EITC (only childless workers aged between 25 and 64 […]
Posted inCommentary
Rev. Al Sharpton calls for stronger Congressional oversight over hospital pharmaceutical program
By Rev. Al Sharpton Over the past year, Democrats in Washington have begun to level the playing field between healthcare special interests like Big Pharma manufacturers and regular Americans, especially those most in need. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership and the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors will enjoy an annual cap on how […]
Posted inOPINION
It’s time to know the true history of Dr. King and Native Americans
By David Carr, Word in Black On Jan. 16, the United States celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday and paid homage to the civil rights leader who helped move the nation to live up to its potential. While much has been written about King’s community organizing, his guidance in the Southern Leadership Conference, and […]
Posted inCommentary
Pursuing Martin Luther King Jr.’s beloved community
By U.S. Rep James E. Clyburn Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Ghana in 1957 to participate in the celebration of the country’s independence from British colonialism. Upon returning home, he delivered a sermon called “The Birth of a New Nation,” and introduced his idea for a post-Jim Crow society in this country. He explained the […]
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Dear Black America: You Should Be Paying Attention to Africa
By Patrick Washington, Word in Black In the last month of 2022, The United States hosted the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. The goal of this summit was to expand relations between the U.S. and the continent of Africa. Well, really, it’s because China is kicking ass in diplomatic, economic, and virtually every other major area in Africa’s […]
Posted inCommentary
On Martin Luther King Jr.’s national holiday, the time is always right to do what is right
By Maxine Johnson Wood, Ed.D., Special to the AFRO Martin Luther King Jr.’s national holiday was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. It was first observed in 1985, and has remained significant in that only one other American–George Washington– has been honored in this way. The annual observance provides opportunities for diverse […]