By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor An attorney, a U.S. Army officer, a civil rights pioneer and a public health advocate are all honored in the 14th annual “Strong Men and Women in Virginia History” exhibit. Presented by Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia, the leaders were recognized this Black History Month alongside scholars who […]
Tag: Alexis Taylor
Posted inUncategorized
Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, civil, social and economic rights activist, dies at 71
Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, a civil and human rights activist, pastor emeritus of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, and a fixture in the D.C. community, passed away at 71 after a lifetime of fighting for justice and peace.
Posted inBaltimore News
On the line with Jesse Jackson: Lessons from a voice that changed history
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor I never imagined Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. would pick up the phone. It was 2012. On June 14 of that year, Adidas, the international shoe and sports apparel company, boldly unveiled a pair of sneakers that came complete with a pair of orange, plastic ankle bracelets. After public backlash to […]
Posted inHealth
Dr. Janell Green Smith, Black maternal health advocate, dies in childbirth
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.
Posted inBaltimore News
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.
Posted inVeterans
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.
Posted inCOMMUNITY
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.
Posted inCommentary
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.
Posted inBaltimore Community
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.
Posted inAfro Newspaper
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.
Posted inBaltimore News
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.
Posted inBlack History
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.