By Alice T. Crowe Crews equipped with crowbars dismantled an exhibit at Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia on Jan. 22. The panels removed honored the lives of nine people enslaved by George Washington. Under a Federal directive, staff were to take down information that “disparages” American icons and fosters national shame. The take-down of […]
Tag: Black history
Protect the day, protect the truth
By Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher As the nation marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the real question is not how loudly we celebrate — but whether we are willing to live by the values Dr. King demanded. Each January, the nation knows how to celebrate. We mark the day. We replay […]
Black history museum leaders embrace innovation to safeguard historical narratives
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com As political debates rage and historical narratives face increasing scrutiny, leaders at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia say this is a pivotal moment for institutions dedicated to African- American heritage. Shakia Gullette Warren, the museum’s executive director and newly appointed vice chair of the […]
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum Brings Black History Exhibit to the Miller Senate Building in Annapolis
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is hosting an exhibition, “Shaping Maryland’s Legacy: A Black History Month Salute,” featuring five life-sized wax figures of African American leaders and change-makers, at the Miller Senate Building in Annapolis, Maryland, from February 4 to the end of February 2025.
A trusted voice: Preserving the future of the Black press
The National Newspaper Publishers Association is adapting to changing consumption patterns and technology to expand its business model and maintain its position as the trusted voice of the Black community.
Celebrating Black History Month
By Dr. John E. Warren This year, perhaps more than ever, we need to be especially mindful of Black history. This is a time of banning books from local libraries–especially those that tell of the history and struggle of Black Americans against slavery and racism; creating a threat to both our presence and our future. […]
Setting the record straight on an important piece of Black history
By Ben Jealous With the start of Black History Month, I brace myself for the mis-telling of Black History yet again. In schoolhouses and everywhere the stories are told, a persistent myth shows its ugly head: the ridiculous notion that great Black leaders are not just exceptional but exceptions. It is an idea rooted in […]
Celebrating Black History Month
By Dr. John E. Warren This year, perhaps more than ever, we need to be especially mindful of Black history. This is a time of banning books from local libraries–especially those that tell of the history and struggle of Black Americans against slavery and racism; creating a threat to both our presence and our future. […]
AFRO inside look at Wally Amos: Founder of Famous Amos, the first ever cookie-only retail store
By Helen Bezuneh, Special to the AFRO At the age of 12, Wally Amos moved to Harlem, N.Y. to live with his Aunt Della, who never failed to fill their home with the sweet aroma of her special chocolate chip cookie recipe –– a recipe that would eventually drive Amos to make his own cookies, […]
A time to act: Celebrating the activists who impact the future by honoring the past
By Dr. Frances “Toni” DraperAFRO Publisher and CEO “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give […]
At Florida’s only public HBCU, students are wary of political influence on race education
By Sharon JohnsonThe Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A core mission of Florida A&M University from its founding over a century ago has been to educate African Americans. It was written into the law that established the school along with another college, in Gainesville, reserved for White students. At Florida’s only public historically Black […]
Remembering our past, redefining our present, reaffirming our future: Teaching our own history
By Reverend Dr. RB Holmes Jr. “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” – Malcolm X A statewide task force has been launched, […]

