Dr. Janell Green Smith, a respected midwife and maternal health expert, tragically died in childbirth at the age of 31, highlighting the issue of America’s maternal mortality crisis and the need for accountability in the healthcare system.
Tag: Alexis Taylor
Behind the byline: AFRO reporters talk top stories, lessons learned in 2025
An amazing group of tenacious reporters empowered the AFRO to cover everything from health and education to politics, public safety, business and more. Click the link to learn a bit about the reporters and the work done in 2025.
Pride and Sacrifice: The family side of duty
Military families experience both pride and sacrifice when a loved one enlists, and it is important to honor and support them during National Veterans and Military Families Month.
Mississippi memories: A survivor recalls the day Hurricane Katrina came ashore
Chancellor Mason, now 32, recalls surviving Hurricane Katrina as a 12-year-old boy in Gulfport, Miss., an experience that continues to shape his life today, as he and his family sought shelter at a local school and witnessed the devastation of the storm.
The fight for equal pay: In 2025, women are still working to catch up
Alexis Taylor serves as managing editor of the AFRO American Newspapers. This week, she discusses the importance of closing the pay gap between men and women.
Baltimore City scholars receive full scholarships to McDaniel College
Earning a full-ride scholarship is more than a student achievement — it reflects the dedication of families who nurtured and guided them. For Baltimore City seniors Skye Hammond and Zoe Saunders, awarded full-tuition scholarships to McDaniel College, success came through hard work, family support and strong academic focus.
Titans of Media: A conversation on the AFRO’s impact through storytelling
At the “Titans of Media” panel at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, leaders of the AFRO News and Afro Charities discussed their ongoing efforts to elevate Black voices, preserve historical narratives and innovate within the media landscape. The conversation highlighted the AFRO’s role as both a chronicler of history and a driving force for future generations, ensuring that Black stories remain visible and influential.
Honoring Black women in media and the impact of mentorship
Black women journalists, such as Kristin Gray, Rev. Dorothy Boulware, Krishana Davis, Micha Green, Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier, and Toni Draper, have been instrumental in shaping the Black Press and continue to inspire and lead conversations shaping the nation.
Matters of the heart: Remembering the life and legacy of Johnnie Mae Quince Gay
Johnnie Mae Quince Gay, a member of the Women’s Army Corps during the Korean War, died in 1972 due to a massive brain haemorrhage and hypertension after a long-term rehabilitation clinic and a fight with her husband.
United we stand: Lessons from the 2024 ILA strike
Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike on Oct. 1, demanding a fair contract and significant wage increases, highlighting the importance of job security in a world dominated by AI.
Chad Helton joins Enoch Pratt Free Library as CEO and president
Chad Helton has been appointed as the new CEO and President of the Enoch Pratt Free Library system, with plans to continue the library’s work and expand its capacity to deliver programming and resources to the communities of Baltimore.
The duty of self-care
Alexis Taylor, AFRO Managing Editor, reflects on her mother’s work ethic and how she prioritized self-care, inspiring her to do the same.

