By Shernay WilliamsWord in Black From food deserts to chronic, diet-related disease, Black communities face some of the nation’s most persistent food inequities. During this live virtual event, the first in a two-part series, Word In Black will examine how policies and corporate practices shape what foods Black Americans can access, afford, and eat. We […]
Tag: Word in Black
Posted inWord In Black
EVENT: The action plan to get Black women back to work
By Shernay WilliamsWord In Black It’s been a year since economic reports started to reveal that as many as 600,000 Black women – many of them highly educated professionals – are out of work. So what now? Join a virtual planning session produced by Word In Black featuring entrepreneurs, community organizers and economic strategists who […]
Posted inWord In Black
This pastor is flipping Black Church tradition with poetry
With “Sacred Slam,” Rev. Dr. Wanda Bynum Duckett uses poetry and hip-hop to revive Black church traditions and connect with Gen Z and millennials. By Rev. Dorothy S. BoulwareWord In Black Overview: As younger generations seek meaning beyond traditional pews, the Black church is experimenting with new forms of worship. One pastor’s spoken word approach […]
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Education is repair: Black history and America at 250
By Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter This summer, the United States will celebrate 250 years of independence. However, this is not the only anniversary to commemorate. February marks the 50th anniversary of Black History Month as it exists now, and 100 years of this recognition in some form. As we reflect on these milestones, the struggle […]
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What is Lent? A guide to fasting, prayer and sacrifice
Lent is the 40-day Christian season of prayer, fasting and sacrifice leading up to Easter, commemorating Christ’s suffering and resurrection. While many believers give up favorite foods or habits, others practice various forms of fasting or add meaningful spiritual disciplines to deepen faith and prepare for renewal.
Posted inNAACP
Word In Black’s Anissa Durham nominated for inaugural NAACP Image Award in journalism
Word In Black, a national newsroom and research lab, has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award for its reporting series, “On Borrowed Time,” which highlights the impact of providers, policies and the medical system on Black people in need of organ transplants.
Posted inWord In Black
Changing the story data tells about Black health
Word In Black has launched an Insights and Research Division to center the lived experiences of Black Americans and use community-driven data to reshape narratives about persistent health disparities. Its first study on organ donation reveals strong theoretical support but deep mistrust of the healthcare system, and the team is now turning to breast cancer to examine how bias, access and culture affect Black women’s outcomes.
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Editorial: The right to vote is on trial… again
AFRO CEO and Publisher Frances “Toni” Draper warns that the right to vote is once again under threat as the Supreme Court reviews a case that could weaken the Voting Rights Act. She calls on all Americans to stay vigilant, reminding readers that protecting democracy demands courage, participation, and collective responsibility.
Posted inHealth
Community views sought on organ donation and transplantation survey
Community members are encouraged to share their perspectives on organ donation and transplantation through a new Word In Black survey, which seeks to address disparities affecting Black patients and families.
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7 Things to Know: Mental Health Awareness Month and more
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Ready to be part of AFRO News’ exciting future? Hi, just a reminder that you’re receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in AFRO American Newspapers. Don’t forget to add subs@afro.com to your contact list so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!
Posted inWord In Black
Chronically absent: Why Black kids are still missing from classrooms
Chronic absenteeism in public schools has surged post-pandemic, with nearly 40% of Black students missing 10% or more of the school year—far above the national average. Experts cite systemic barriers like housing insecurity, school disinvestment, and political attacks on education, calling for community-driven solutions that reengage students and support families.
Posted inOpinion
Why do schools keep failing Black kids?
Despite dire statistics, advocates say there is hope — and progress — in American cities, where investments in youth programs are beginning to improve outcomes for Black students.