Kwanzaa, a week-long, non-religious celebration observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, honors African heritage through the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba, encouraging reflection, creativity and community engagement. Celebrants say the holiday remains vital today as a way for Black Americans to reconnect with culture, strengthen community values and affirm identity amid ongoing challenges to Black history.
Tag: AFRO
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Maryland must end the harmful practice of automatically charging youth as adults
Attorney Kisha Brown previously served as director of both the Maryland Attorney General’s Legislative Affairs division and the Civil Rights department. She was the first woman to lead the Baltimore City Office of Civil Rights. In this piece she argues Maryland’s criminal justice system continues to disproportionately harm Black communities, especially through its outdated practice of automatically charging some youth as adults, a policy critics argue urgently needs to end.
Posted inBUSINESS
How to protect — and improve — your credit score in 2026
As credit scoring models continue to evolve, on-time payments and low credit utilization will play an even larger role in shaping scores in 2026. Financial experts warn that common misconceptions, such as opening multiple new credit cards to boost credit, can significantly damage a person’s overall profile.
Posted inBUSINESS
Black Wealth Summit returns to Washington D.C. with focus on financial empowerment
The Black Wealth Summit returns to Washington D.C. on Dec. 5-6 with two days of programming focused on financial empowerment, entrepreneurship and long term wealth strategies in the Black community. This year’s event expands on its mission with new sessions, networking opportunities and a strengthened commitment to accessible financial education, highlighted by an official statement from founder Cedric Nash that underscores the summit’s focus on innovation, resilience and the evolving meaning of wealth.
Posted inOPINION
Teach your kids backyard and urban farming to promote nutrition and neighborhood health
Community gardens in urban areas provide inter-generational learning, promote social cohesion, provide nutrition education, reduce crime, lower grocery bills, create jobs, reduce carbon footprint, and improve air and soil quality.Community and backyard gardens teach children about nutrition, provide fresh produce, lower grocery costs, and strengthen neighborhood ties. Urban farming also promotes intergenerational learning, community cohesion, economic opportunities, and environmental benefits, while requiring organized efforts to overcome space, soil, resource, and regulatory challenges.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Baltimore County Public Schools agrees to retrain staff after AI surveillance mistakes student’s chip bag for weapon
By Andrea StevensAFRO Staff Writerastevens@afro.com Baltimore County Public Schools says it will retrain staff, following the Oct. 20 incident involving an artificial intelligence surveillance system that misidentified a Doritos bag as a gun. Though the alert was ultimately called off, the school’s principal alerted a resource officer, who called the Baltimore County Police Department, leading […]
Posted inHealth
Breast cancer and double mastectomies: Survivors tell their stories
Battling breast cancer is challenging, and deciding on a double mastectomy adds complexity. Survivors Shay Sharpe, Dr. Katrina L. Shaw, and Donita M. Stowe share personal journeys of surgery, recovery and courage in making life-altering choices.
Posted inHealth
Advocates, experts push for quality care to address breast cancer disparities
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Every October, the world turns pink for breast cancer awareness month to encourage screening, educate about risk factors and symptoms and show support to those affected by the disease. For some, it is a symbol of hope and encouragement, and for others it is a reminder of how their lives […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Navigating breast cancer: A mother and daughter’s journey of strength
Dr. Michelle Taylor and her mother, Rita Works, shared their breast cancer journeys, emphasizing early detection, family medical history and the power of support. They hope to inspire vigilance and informed care.
Posted inEducation
Students at Digital Pioneers Academy earn as they learn about financial literacy
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor This Fall, Digital Pioneers Academy Charter School in S.E. Washington will initiate the city’s first no strings attached, school-based direct financial support program for students, paying high school seniors 50 dollars cash per week. The public charter middle and high school opened in Southeast in Fall 2023 to support […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Pastor Jamal Bryant launches digital protest of Dollar General
Pastor Jamal Bryant has launched an electronic protest of Dollar General, calling attention to the company’s practices in Black communities. Bryant says the chain contributes to health disparities and food insecurity. Rather than call for a full boycott, he is urging a digital protest to demand change without harming those who rely on the store.
Posted inBlack History
Beyond the myths: Exploring Hoodoo with Mama Koko
Hoodoo is often misunderstood as dark magic, but it is actually a spiritual tradition rooted in African practices, developed by enslaved people to maintain connection, healing and empowerment. Dr. Kokahvah “Mama Koko” Zaditu-Selassie explains how Hoodoo continues to guide Black spirituality and everyday life, alongside organized religions like Christianity.