By AFRO Staff This week, the AFRO would like to take the opportunity to highlight the interns who worked hard in the AFRO Editorial Department this summer. These young people are the future of not only the Black Press, but the news media field at large. From health and education to crime and politics, the […]
Tag: Elijah Qualls
Posted inBUSINESS
Enduring legacy: Black funeral homes reflect on a century of service and resilience
Black-owned funeral homes like Bynes-Royall in Georgia and McGuire Funeral Service in D.C. have served Black communities for over a century, offering stability during major historical events like the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement. Leaders from both institutions shared their legacy of service and offered advice for today’s Black entrepreneurs navigating a changing economic landscape.
Posted inDMV News
UniverSoul Circus brings culture, creativity and high-flying thrills to the D.C. area
The UniverSoul Circus, currently performing at National Harbor until Aug. 10 before heading to Baltimore, offers a high-energy, multicultural experience filled with breathtaking acts and audience participation. More than just entertainment, the show celebrates Black culture and creativity, honoring its legacy and impact on generations of families.
Posted inEducation
Exploring ways to prepare your child for kindergarten
Various principals and program directors spoke with the AFRO about not only how to best prepare your child for kindergarten through reading and development of soft skills, but also some of the struggles families and schools alike are facing in regard to funding.
Posted inHealth
From stigma to power: Empowering those with invisible disabilities in the Black community
Invisible disabilities come in many different forms but they are always without visual indicators of a disability. The AFRO spoke with experienced people in this field and they offered their insight and advice on how to tackle the stigma around this topic. Black people are afraid to disclose and talk about their invisible disabilities for fear of losing job opportunities, being scorned in school or being socially ostracized. The time for stigma is over, and the time for community and Black empowerment is now.
Posted inNEWS
Handheld fans banned on indoor dance floors in new Carnival Cruise policy
Carnival Cruise Line has reportedly begun enforcing stricter onboard rules as of June 2025, including a new ban on handheld “clack” fans on indoor dance floors, as detailed in a circulating “Have Fun. Be Safe” letter. While most rules outlined are longstanding, the fan ban—often associated with 803Fresh’s song “Boots on the Ground”—has sparked mixed reactions, especially across social media and within the Black community.
Posted inHBCU
How Tee J Mercer turns compassion into action for college-bound youth leaving foster care
Tee J Mercer, a Howard University alumna, founded Move-In Day Mafia to support college-bound foster youth attending HBCUs by providing move-in assistance, monthly care packages, and lasting mentorship. Since its founding, the initiative has helped 84 students across 21 HBCUs and continues to grow, with Mercer calling on more “miracle makers” to join the mission.
Posted inBlack Press
NABJ set to host their annual convention – and celebrate 50th anniversary – in Cleveland
The National Association of Black Journalists will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its annual convention in Cleveland this August, honoring its legacy of advocating for Black media representation. The event will feature major industry partners, career opportunities, and a focus on uplifting young Black journalists.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
DC public libraries to provide summer activities for youth
To keep kids engaged during the summer heat, the D.C. Public Library has launched “Discover Summer: Adventure Begins at Your Library!”—a citywide series of events, programs, and challenges for youth of all ages. From summer bingo and LEGO socials to virtual reality game time and cultural events like Yoruba drumming, the initiative offers a wide variety of enriching and entertaining activities through Aug. 31.
Posted inPOLITICS
Congressional Black Caucus members slam “Big, Ugly Bill”
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was passed by the House of Representatives with 218 votes for and 214 against, despite the Congressional Black Caucus’ protests and warnings of devastating impacts on Black communities nationwide.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland governor announces hiring freeze to mitigate budget cuts
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced a statewide hiring freeze starting July 1 to address a $121 million budget cut imposed by the General Assembly, drawing criticism from citizens and Republican lawmakers. The move, seen as conflicting with Moore’s recent efforts to support unemployed federal workers, includes additional cost-saving measures like voluntary separations and eliminating vacant positions.
Posted inU.S. Government
Mass deportation plan targets immigrant-heavy U.S. cities under Democratic control
The 47th president of the United States has vowed to redirect deportation efforts to the largest cities in the country, targeting immigrants in Democratic cities with his deportation agenda.