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.
Tag: Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper
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.
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.
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.
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.
Afro Charities team breaks ground on permanent home for the AFRO Archives
The Upton Mansion, which will house the AFRO Archives, was officially broken ground on Feb. 28, with Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, and AFRO Publisher and CEO, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, among others, in attendance.
Morgan State to convene inaugural conference addressing gun violence on college campuses
Morgan State University is hosting the inaugural National Conference on Gun Violence on U.S. College and University Campuses, aiming to tackle the impact of gun violence on campus safety and share lessons learned and changes made to enhance campus security.
Working Together: How members of the Black Press and Black labor movement changed the world
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO publisher and CEO, discusses the collaboration between Black press and the Black labor union movement in her book, “Prayer and Pen,” which includes prayers and commentaries on labor, education, and more.
AFRO High Tea returns to D.C.
The 2024 AFRO High Tea honored four distinguished women in political and community service, including Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Cora Masters Barry, Sharon Pratt, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, with awards and entertainment.
AFRO Publisher & CEO Frances “Toni” Draper Joins NPR to Discuss “Lady in the Lake”
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher and CEO of the AFRO, appeared on WYPR’s “On the Record” to discuss the cultural history and ongoing relevance of the story behind the Apple TV series “Lady in the Lake”, which is based on the disappearance of Shirley Parker in April of 1969.
AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper receives Featherstone Changemaker Award
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO American Newspapers, was awarded the Featherstone Changemaker Award by the William and Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation for her leadership and positive impact in the community.
Standing on 132 years of history: A look at the future of the AFRO
The AFRO-American Newspapers, founded by John H. Murphy Sr. in 1892, is still in operation today, with the board and stakeholders working to keep the newspaper’s archives accessible to the public and to determine who will serve as the next successor.

