On Aug. 13, the AFRO will celebrate 129 years since its founding. This particular AFRO-themed birthday cake was made by Tiffany Connor. Happy birthday AFRO!
By AFRO Staff
Since August 13, 1892, the AFRO has been your source for news about your community. It has recounted the struggles of a people who refused to be subdued; it has chronicled the pinnacles of success and the “two steps back” instances. Through World Wars, the Korean and Vietnamese wars – through civil unrest and multitudinous protest, The AFRO has had writers and photographers, typesetters and graphic designers, sales people and marketers who made sure the world went forth with accuracy and integrity.
The paper was initially known as the Home Protector as far back as 1889, when it was edited by the Reverend William Alexander. With investment from other prominent Black Baltimoreans, the Home Protector became the Afro-American on August 13, 1892. By 1895, the Northwestern Family Supply Company had taken control of the paper, but within two years, the organization was failing, and was forced to put its printing press up for auction.
In 1897, with $200 from his wife Martha Elizabeth Howard Murphy, John Henry Murphy Sr. purchased the failing paper at auction. Since then, the organization has been owned and operated by John and Martha’s descendants.
In 2021, we are proud to say that the paper is thriving, and that we recently added a 6th generation Murphy family member to the team that includes 4th and 5th generation descendants, as well as many others. With your continued support and readership, we hope to be here for another 129 years, and invite you to join us August 13, 2022 at Martin’s Crosswinds for the 130th celebration. Follow us online at www.afro.com as well as on Instagram and Twitter @Afronews and Facebook @Afro-AmericanNewspapers.
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