By Aaron FoleyWord in Black Every Friday, Joanne Griffith tries to get the world a little more unstuck. Her newsletter, “The Get Free Guide,” implores its readers — who are increasingly becoming evangelists, but more on that shortly — to do just that. The methods, like the one she dropped in the September newsletter, can […]
Tag: Black women
A journey through faith, strength and breast cancer survival
Lisa Settles, the only Black female partner at a regional law firm, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and used her faith and community to cope with the treatment, keeping a photojournal of her journey and prioritizing her routine.
Auntie Mo’Nique wasn’t wrong: Leave the bonnets and pajamas at home
AFRO CEO and Publisher Frances Murphy Draper argues that while comfort and convenience explain why many women—especially Black women—wear pajamas and bonnets in public, the practice undermines self-respect and opportunities. Citing Mo’Nique’s earlier critique, Draper stresses that presentation still matters, particularly in a world that already unfairly judges Black women, and urges sisters to show up polished, confident, and prepared.
The president’s last tax cuts failed Americans like me– let’s not repeat the mistake
Brakeyshia Samms is a senior analyst at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. This week, she discusses why Black women often don’t see the benefits gained from tax cuts put in place by political leaders.
No. 47’s economic promises to Black voters fall woefully short
Black unemployment, income, and homeownership have all declined since Donald Trump’s return to office, leaving many Black voters disillusioned with his economic promises. Critics argue his policies disproportionately hurt Black Americans while benefiting wealthier households, even as Trump tries to frame himself as a champion for working families.
Bipartisan resolution aims to protect Black mothers through expanded prenatal screening
U.S. Reps. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.-03) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37) have proposed a bipartisan resolution to make screening for Antiphospholipid Syndrome a standard part of prenatal care. The measure seeks to reduce preventable pregnancy complications and tackle the higher risks faced by Black women during pregnancy.
Licensed but locked out: Why Vilissa Thompson built her own path in disability advocacy
Vilissa Thompson was on track to become a therapist, but after realizing the social work field wasn’t built for wheelchair users like herself, she took a different route. Now, as founder of Ramp Your Voice, she’s creating space for Black disabled women and femmes to be heard, supported and politically empowered.
The Black Press, public media, and press freedom: We must restore these cornerstones of a functioning democracy
By Shavon Arline-Bradley and Ja’Lia Taylor There is no democracy without a free press. That truth is especially urgent for Black women and our families, who have long relied on trusted media not only for information, but also for protection, representation and empowerment. In an era of disinformation, misinformation, political polarization and eroding trust in […]
Beyond the bleeding: Experts urge holistic care for Black women battling uterine fibroids
Black women are disproportionately affected by uterine fibroids, and experts stress that treatment must include long-term lifestyle changes such as stress management, diet adjustments, and regular medical care. Doctors Nekia Barrow and Ashley Davis emphasize the roles of inflammation, endocrine disruptors, and systemic stress in fibroid growth, urging patients to remain proactive and find providers who truly listen.
Sen. Blunt Rochester pushes for action on Black women’s pay gap
Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester has introduced a Senate resolution recognizing Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to call attention to the stark wage gap that leaves Black women earning just 66 cents for every dollar a White man makes. Citing systemic racism and sexism, the resolution aims to drive intersectional policy reforms that address long-standing economic inequities.
“We Can’t Wait”: Lessons from the New Abortion Landscape
Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosely is a practicing OBGYN and abortion provider. This week, she discusses the new abortion landscape.
Twanna Carter fought imposter syndrome— now she coaches others to overcome it
U.S. Army veteran Twanna Carter became a career coach to help Black women overcome imposter syndrome and workplace pressures that are often ignored. Drawing from her own battles with social anxiety and self-doubt, she now guides others toward confidence, clarity and career advancement.

