Effort to support independent Black journalism By AFRO Staff The AFRO-American Newspapers (AFRO News), the nation’s longest-running Black-owned family newspaper, has launched a new community fundraising effort titled “133 Years. 133 Days. 133K Strong” to strengthen and expand its work as an independent voice for Black communities locally and nationwide. The initiative invites readers, partners, […]
Tag: Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper
Posted inBaltimore News
AFRO News to honor DPW workers as Unsung Heroes of Baltimore
The AFRO will honor four Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works employees on Oct. 23 for their dedication in keeping the city clean and safe, celebrating their often-overlooked service.
Posted inBaltimore News
The AFRO Named Among the Nation’s Top Black News Outlets on Two Feedspot Lists
The AFRO-American Newspapers, the nation’s oldest continuously published Black-owned newspaper still owned by its founding family, has been named to Feedspot’s list of the “45 Best Black News Websites of 2025.” The recognition honors The AFRO’s legacy of trusted journalism and its continued innovation in digital media, storytelling, and community engagement.
Posted inOpinion
Once a fan, always a fan
Despite a disappointing 44-10 loss to the Texans, Ravens fans remain devoted to their team and are determined to show up and support them through the tough times.
Posted inAfro Newspaper
AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper draws crowd at Enoch Pratt Free Library with latest book, ‘Prayer and Pen’
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper presented her book “Prayer and Pen” at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, which is a collection of her grandfather Carl J. Murphy’s prayers, paired with period photographs and archival headlines, to provide a devotional and historical record of the AFRO-American Newspapers’ legacy.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority returns to D.C. for 57th National Convention
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. hosted its 57th National Convention in Washington, D.C., drawing more than 20,000 members to the city where it was founded in 1913. The five-day event celebrated over 111 years of sisterhood, scholarship and service, and featured public meetings, civic engagement and educational forums focused on issues impacting the Black community.
Posted inBaltimore News
‘Trailblazer:’ Carol Moseley Braun reflects on legacy, loss and leadership during Enoch Pratt event
Former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun reflected on her historic career, personal struggles, and lasting legacy during a June 30 conversation at Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library, where she discussed her new memoir “Trailblazer.” Sharing lessons on resilience, faith, and public service, Moseley Braun offered an unfiltered look at the triumphs and pain behind her groundbreaking journey as the first Black woman in the U.S. Senate.
Posted inSports
Black women in sports: A personal and collective journey
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper is publisher and CEO of the AFRO-American Newspapers. This week, she speaks to the contribution of Black women in the world of sports.
Posted inAfro Newspaper
AFRO wins over 20 awards in Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association contest
The AFRO earned top honors at the 2024 Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Press Association Awards, taking home over 20 awards across multiple categories and reinforcing its 133-year tradition of journalistic excellence. Amid growing political challenges for the press, these wins underscore the essential role of Black media in uplifting community voices and safeguarding the truth.
Posted inLIFE & STYLE
From ‘Purple Rain’ to home design: Claudia Steer creates spaces that resonate
Claudia Steer, founder of NW10 Interiors and a 2025 Inc. Female Founders 500 honoree, joined the AFRO’s Chicken Boxx to discuss the power of interior design. Steer emphasized that interior design is a powerful form of self-expression—affirming identity and weaving personal stories through the thoughtful use of color, texture and layout to create spaces that truly feel like home.
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 inEditorial
The Black women who built the AFRO: A legacy of truth and trailblazing journalism
The AFRO-American Newspapers has a rich history of journalistic excellence, thanks to the contributions of many Black women, including Frances L. Murphy II, Elizabeth “Bettye” Murphy Moss, Ida Murphy Peters, Vashti Murphy Matthews, Carlita Murphy Jones, Elizabeth Murphy Oliver, and many others.