Rebecca Snyder, executive director of the MDDC Press Association, argues that Gov. Wes Moore’s veto of SB 459 undermines Maryland’s local news ecosystem by overlooking the reach, sophistication and community impact of local media outlets. The commentary is accompanied by a statement from AFRO leadership noting that the publication has served as a trusted paper of record for many in the African American community for 134 years and continues to reach audiences through a modern, multi-platform media operation.
Tag: Frances Murphy Draper
Posted inHBCU
Coppin State Women’s History Month forum explores leadership, student loans and AI
Coppin State University celebrated Women’s History Month with a forum focused on leadership, resilience and shaping a sustainable future. Speakers highlighted the importance of documenting personal stories, making strategic financial choices and using technology like AI responsibly, while emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human judgment and impact.
Posted inOpinion
Firing the best and the brightest
The dismissals of trailblazing Black women leaders like Lisa Cook (left) and Carla Hayden (right), along with attacks on Black-led cities and officials, is revealing a deliberate effort to undermine excellence, representation and equity, sending a dangerous message that no achievement by Black Americans is safe.
Posted inAfro Newspaper
133 Years—and we’re still telling the truth
The AFRO-American Newspapers, a 133-year-old Black-owned and family-owned business, continues to thrive under the leadership of Publisher and CEO Frances Murphy Draper, blending its historic legacy with modern innovation while fighting for truth and equity in the face of current crises.
Posted inBooks
Memoir: “A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise From Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion”
Retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings, author of A Soldier’s Life, fulfilled her dream on April 29, 2025, as the Six Triple Eight—the only all-Black, all-women U.S. Army unit of WWII—received the Congressional Gold Medal, a tribute made possible by her tireless advocacy to honor their overlooked legacy.
Posted inOPINION
Op-ed: Unconscious bias doesn’t need a color line
By Frances Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher My husband and I recently visited First Watch in Towson expecting a relaxing breakfast. Instead, we left feeling disrespected and dismissed. When we arrived we were in line, in front of two White patrons. The Black host asked how many were in our party. “Two,” we replied. He […]
Posted inBlack History
Families salute Maryland women of the ‘Six Triple Eight’
The 6888th Battalion, a predominantly Black postal unit that served during World War II, is finally being recognized for their accomplishments, thanks to the release of the blockbuster film “The Six Triple Eight”.
