Thursday, January 22, 2026 Sponsored by Ready to be part of AFRO News’ exciting future? Hi, just a reminder that you’re receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in AFRO American Newspapers. Don’t forget to add subs@afro.com to your contact list so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!
Category: Uncategorized
Posted inEducation
Black students are the fastest growing group of college applicants
Black students are the fastest-growing group of college applicants in the U.S., with applications rising 11 percent in fall 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the Common Application. This surge shows that, despite rising tuition and the Supreme Court ending affirmative action, Black students continue to pursue higher education at record rates, particularly in the Southwest and in states like Mississippi.
Posted inBaltimore News
Historic $50,000 down payment assistance initiative helps faculty and alumni put down roots in West Baltimore’s historic Black neighborhoods.
Coppin State University’s Live Near the Nest program is making Maryland history by offering $50,000 in down payment assistance—the largest initiative of its kind in the state—to help faculty, staff and alumni achieve homeownership in West Baltimore’s historic Black neighborhoods. The program is already transforming lives by closing equity gaps, stabilizing communities and enabling participants to build generational wealth while deepening their ties to the neighborhoods where they live and work.
Posted inUncategorized
Business leaders visit Annapolis for Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Day
Members of Maryland’s business community gathered in Annapolis to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day while urging lawmakers to consider how legislative decisions affect local businesses. Chamber of Commerce leaders and state officials emphasized advocacy, collaboration and participation during the 2026 session.
Posted inUncategorized
7 Things to Know: Torrential rains in southern Africa and more
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Ready to be part of AFRO News’ exciting future? Hi, just a reminder that you’re receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in AFRO American Newspapers. Don’t forget to add subs@afro.com to your contact list so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!
Posted inBlack History
Why Bernice King sees MLK Day as a ‘saving grace’ in today’s political climate
Bernice King says Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers a moral and emotional “saving grace” amid today’s political division, reminding the nation of hope, nonviolence and the ongoing fight against poverty, racism and militarism. She urges Americans to honor her father’s legacy not only through service, but through sustained personal reflection and action toward a more just, humane and peaceful society.
Posted inUncategorized
7 Things to Know: Questioning the District’s cooperation with ICE
Saturday, January 17, 2026 Ready to be part of AFRO News’ exciting future? Hi, just a reminder that you’re receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in AFRO American Newspapers. Don’t forget to add subs@afro.com to your contact list so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!
Posted inUncategorized
7 Things to Know: Happy Birthday MLK, Jr. and more
Thursday, January 15, 2026 Ready to be part of AFRO News’ exciting future? Hi, just a reminder that you’re receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in AFRO American Newspapers. Don’t forget to add subs@afro.com to your contact list so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!
Posted inObituaries
Richard Smallwood, gospel icon, to be honored at Jan. 24 celebration of life
The celebration of life for legendary gospel artist Richard Smallwood will take place Jan. 24 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden International in Upper Marlboro, Md. Smallwood, 77, died of complications from kidney failure on Dec. 30, 2025.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James removed by board
Dr. Kevin James was removed from his role as president of Morris Brown College after seven years, with the Board of Trustees citing gratitude for his service but providing no specific cause. Nzinga Shaw, a current trustee and co-chair of the Board’s Facilities Committee, will serve as interim president, while James criticized the timing and governance of the decision in a LinkedIn statement.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland General Assembly kicks off 2026 legislative session
The 2026 Maryland General Assembly session opened Jan. 14 with a focus on a $1.5 billion deficit. Lawmakers face tough decisions regarding budget cuts, redistricting and new leadership during the 90-day legislative term.
Posted inBUSINESS
BWI’s $520M upgrade brings modern gates and faster baggage system
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) joined BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport leaders to celebrate the $520 million Concourse A/B Connector and upgraded baggage system, enhancing passenger flow, expanding gates, and strengthening the airport’s role as a regional economic engine.