By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

The 2024 Baltimore Running Festival returned on Oct.19 with over 12,000 participants taking to the streets of Charm City for the annual race. The event featured a variety of races, including a marathon, a half-marathon, a 10K and 5K, along with the challenging “BaltiMORON-a-Thon,” where participants ran both the 5K and half-marathon on the same day.

Runners participated with different goals as their motivation to finish the race. Some ran on behalf of non-profit organizations, with hopes of raising awareness for a greater cause. Meanwhile other races were running with personal fitness or health goals in mind.

“Black people, we are number one in those health disparity categories and because of this my motivation to keep moving is not wanting to become a statistic,” said Demetri Garner, a senior research associate for Medstar Health Research Institute. “I want to help educate someone else and let them know that it is possible to be Black and be active. As a Black man, the motivation is in any kind of movement.”

Garner ran in this year’s 5k portion of the race as a way of staying fit, but also on behalf of Helping Up Mission, a local nonprofit organization focused on providing hope to people experiencing homelessness, poverty or addiction. The organization works to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of those who seek help. The veteran runner noted that seeing fellow Black runners at the event is always encouraging and it helps break the stigma regarding Black people’s participation in these sorts of events.

“This is the opportunity to have representation and to break the stigma in our own community that we don’t participate in these events,” he said. “When we are represented in those spaces, we become further included in the benefits of being active. These societies can spill over into our community as well. Those connections, those partnerships with different nonprofits, the education for our communities– those barriers become less existent when we are represented in those spaces.”

The challenge of the race seemed to be another motivating factor for some of this year’s participants. Months of dietary changes, weight training and mental discipline helped runners like Dr. Karsonya “Dr.Kaye” Wise Whitehead, spoke with the AFRO about her intense training process leading up to the big race. 

“I have been working with my coach over this half year and we wanted to try it one more time. We wanted to see if we could be faster than we were two years ago, ” she said. “I’ve been weight training and working with a nutritionist for the last two years but I committed to training for this race since April of this year.”

Whitehead shared similar sentiments to Garner in regards to health being wealth. She noted that having Black representation at these events is vital, as it serves as an example of healthy living for Black youth and the community at large. Additionally, she explained that committing to a healthy lifestyle can be done in little steps.

“We need to be able to see ourselves in these spaces so we can see that these things are important and possible,” she said “We have to have an extra commitment to being healthy because of how we’re disproportionately affected by diabetes, high blood pressure, lund and cardiovascular diseases. Being committed to your health isn’t hitting a trainer or eating only organic food but simple choices like choosing to bake as opposed to frying.”

Runners from all across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area enjoyed a race course that put a spotlight on the City of Baltimore’s iconic spaces, including the Inner Harbor, historic Federal Hill, and Fells Point. The marathon route even went through the Maryland Zoo, adding a unique touch to the race. 

The full course offered a mix of flat terrain and steeper paths, which helped attract  both casual runners and those looking to compete in more notably intense races like the Boston Marathon. In addition to the in-person races, virtual race options allowed runners from other regions to participate, ensuring that the Baltimore Running Festival’s spirit could be felt beyond the city limits.

This year’s first place winner for the overall marathon was 30-year-old Willy Fink of Gaithersburg, Md. He finished the long-haul in two hours and 21 minutes. He was then followed by second and third place winners, 37-year-old Alexander Loper of Abingdon, Md., and 28-year-old, Louie Levine of Arlington, Va.

The post Baltimore Running Festival returns for 24th year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

The Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) recently received a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Family Services to expand anti-human trafficking efforts. The funding will enhance GBMC’s existing programming focused on identifying, supporting and rehabilitating victims of human trafficking.

One of GBMC’s dedicated team members who work directly in the company’s safe domestic violence and child protection program spoke with the AFRO about the work they do, their plans for expansion and what the Baltimore community can do to help combat human trafficking. 

“We do lots of training throughout the community. We trained almost 10,000 people last year alone. We’re really involved in community outreach,” said Ashley McAree, the trafficking liaison at GBMC. “All of our trainings are provided completely free of charge and we’re focused on building that awareness so we can try to prevent trafficking before it even occurs.”

“When a trafficking victim enters the hospital, we want to make sure they’re not falling through the cracks,” she continued. “We want to make sure that they’re receiving the appropriate care every single time.”

McAree went on to discuss the resources they provide victims and how important it is that these survivors receive total care when recovering from this kind of experience.

“We were able to build our program up to meet the needs of the survivors in our community,” she said. “Whether that be the medical forensic exams we offer, or birth control, HIV protection or prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infection prophylaxis. Additional resources include emergency shelter, referrals for mental health services, referrals for other services that we are not able to offer. We offer pretty comprehensive services within the hospital.”

Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Maryland and across the nation, with victims often hidden in plain sight. The grant will enable GBMC to expand its outreach efforts, provide their patients with more resources and better understand the needs of survivors.

McAree noted that GBMC is focused on finding and providing more proactive care to people who come from high risk backgrounds. Explaining that children in foster care, from minority backgrounds and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to fall victim to human trafficking. 

“There’s a ton of risk factors for human trafficking. Some of the main risks are young age, underserved populations, which would include racial disparities, those in foster care systems, those that live in poverty and people with mental health issues or substance abuse issues. There’s lots of different risk factors,” McAree said. 

Korin Arkin, of the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH), echoed similar sentiments to McAree. Arkin noted that people who oftentimes fall victims to systemic issues are the same people to be affected by human trafficking. 

“Things that make people vulnerable to exploitation are things like systemic racism, economic inequality. Anything that would make somebody vulnerable to any type of oppression or violence or harm is also going to make them vulnerable to human trafficking,” said Arkin. “While human trafficking is something that can happen to anyone, it most often is affecting communities where people are already vulnerable and already at high risk. Vulnerabilities like youth who are in the foster care system and  not every person of color, not every kid in the foster care system is trafficked, but they are at higher risk for exploitation because they have a need that’s not being met by the systems in our country or by the people around them.”

Arkin explained that human trafficking is a highly underreported and prosecuted crime meaning  that the hotline is only able to account for the amount of human trafficking crimes that are reported but that never truly includes all of the instances of human trafficking that are happening

Despite not being able to account for every victim of sex trafficking, McAree was able to provide us with some statistics to help conceptualize how many people in Maryland this issue is touching  

“In Maryland, females make up about 80 percent of the reports of human sex trafficking, and in Maryland, 32 percent of all reports of human sex trafficking are of children under the age of 18,” she said. 

According to a 2021 report from the Polaris Project, 21 percent of sex trafficking and sex labor victims were Black. Additionally, a 2024 report from Rights 4 Girls regarding child sex trafficking and Black girls noted “Of the more than 10,000 cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, nearly 40 percent were Black women and girls— the highest of any racial group.”

As GBMC rolls out these initiatives over the coming months, the organization aims to position itself as a leader in the fight against human trafficking, demonstrating that healthcare institutions can play a pivotal role in addressing social issues and providing holistic care to vulnerable populations.

McAree explained that the community at large can get involved in this fight against human trafficking by educating themselves and making themselves aware as to what they signs of human trafficking look like. 

“The number one thing is awareness and knowing what sex trafficking is and what it is not. Because that’s a huge problem right now. A lot of community members think sex trafficking is this glorified and kind of glamorized thing that you see on the movies and on TV,” she said. “Because of this you’re going to miss actual victims and miss those red flags. The most important thing is to be aware of what it is and  what it looks like.”

The post Greater Baltimore Medical Center receives grant to continue fight against human trafficking appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Deyane Moses is a woman of many passions, one of the most notable being art. For nearly a decade, she’s been dedicated to researching, displaying and honoring Baltimore’s Black history and culture. 

In a place like Charm City, where rich Black history is preserved and shared by many organizations, it takes individuals like Moses to push the city forward by honoring its storied past.

The AFRO recently caught up with the artistic activist about the work she’s doing beyond Afro Charities, her experience as an archivist and what’s next for her as an exhibit curator.

AFRO: How did you get your start as an art and exhibit curator ?

DM: ​​I came into this field unknowingly.  I used to be in the military as a broadcast journalist and when I got out of the military, I came back home to the D.C., Maryland and Virginia  (DMV) area. I attended school at MICA the Maryland Institute College of Art to pursue photography. However, while I was there, I noticed that the demographic of the school did not look anything like the city. I started looking into their history and I ended up utilizing the AFRO archives to uncover history that talked a lot about the racism at the school from the early 1800’s until 1954, when schools were desegregated. I started an archive database for that,  along with making an exhibition and having a demonstration talking about that history, and it kind of blew up. I didn’t know I was curating– I was simply moving intuitively. 

When I was  working on the Maryland Institute Black archives, which is the project I started while I was at MICA in undergrad, I also ended up starting my own company called Blackives to assist with research and making exhibitions with the community at large surrounding Black history. So a lot of work that I did there was creating programs mostly thinking about preserving the legacy of Black artists in Baltimore. Once I found out what curation actually was, I went on to pursue my master’s degree at MICA and I got my Master of Fine Arts in curatorial practice. I continued to work on exhibitions and learn more about the craft and also more about archives. And then that’s when I ended up connecting with Savannah Wood, the executive director of Afro Charities, and we’ve just started working from there.

AFRO: What has been the most challenging part of being an exhibit curator ? 

DM: I would say it always comes down to funding. In Baltimore, I’ve made so many connections. We have so many friends and we get a lot of donations, but at times you do need real funding and people should be paid. Artists should be paid. We want to be able to pay people and put on great programs and exhibitions. 

Funding is important for my archival work, but it has been really tough as an independent curator. I think that’s one of the toughest things– finding financing and the other thing is time. 

As an independent curator I’m working on my projects and working at my full time job. I also have my passion projects that I want to work on. Finding that balance between time and funding is always going to be difficult.

AFRO: This year a series of museums across the city worked with MICA students to curate exhibits dedicated to textile artists Elizabeth Talford Scott.Can you talk to me about the work you did with the Elizabeth Talford Scott initiative? 

DM: It was a life changing experience, I can tell you that for sure. It was life changing to come back to be a teacher. I now have mad respect for teachers, even more than I did before. The effort that they have to put in to work with so many students– while also having to collaborate with so many outside organizations, it’s a lot of work! 

The class I taught was not normal by any means. Usually it’s a group of students collaborating with one organization, but this had multiple venues, multiple directors, multiple students, different personalities and this teaching experience really taught me a lot about myself. It was definitely a switch from being a teacher to being a student. 

As for honoring Elizabeth Talford Scott, I learned more about her. I thought I knew about her work, but I can say that when you start to curate and you’re storytelling. While you’re pulling together objects to talk about that story, those objects– they start to really speak to you.I feel like a lot of people in the class were starting to have connections with Elizabeth and her pieces. To honor her was amazing. To be a part of that and to see her legacy grow, and to be a part of that, that’s one of the things that pushes me every day. I didn’t always see Black people depicted as artists, so to see the work that she was doing and to see her tribe, to learn more about her life– I see a lot of herself within me. 

AFRO: What does your dream exhibit look like ?

DM: How much do I want to say? I’m still dreaming!  I have big dreams! Let’s see, how can I phrase it without giving all of it away? I’m very much interested in spaces, but I’m also very interested in extended spaces– extended reality. To be specific, I see the future with technology and I see where we’re going and I want to be a part of that. I’ll be honest, I’m really not sure what it’s going to look like in the future in terms of curating in these digital spaces but my dream space is a digital space that’s accessible to all and accessible on a variety of different devices. My dream exhibition would take place in a digital space, involve Black folks, involve Black history and definitely involve Baltimore– that would be my dream exhibition.

AFRO: What’s next for you as an exhibit curator, as a creative director and an artist?

DM: ​This is a new role for me as the director of partnership and programs for Afro Charities, but I’ve always represented the AFRO and Afro Charities, no matter where I go. People can expect to see a lot of programming from Afro Charities in 2025. Next year we have some great innovative partnerships coming from Afro Charities. 

As for my independent practice as a curator, Blackives is going to make a comeback. I’m revamping Blackives to go back and research for different organizations and different community groups to help them uncover their history. Also, Tom Miller week is going to be bigger and better. I’m hoping to partner with some other organizations who have him in this collection. I’m also currently working in the technical field. I’ve purchased a new custom computer  that I’ve been really working on getting into this extended reality world. Whether it’s virtual, mixed reality or augmented reality– I’m really trying to learn and get into this new field. 

I want to work with other like minded individuals. The year 2025 is going to be popping for me. I’m really excited for my role at Afro Charities, but also for my personal passion projects and my side consulting business. 

*This article has been edited for clarity.

The post AFRO Spotlight: Meet Deyane Moses– exhibit curator, artistic director, archives extraordinaire appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

In a continued effort to promote inclusivity, fairness and justice for all residents, the Baltimore Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) is hosting Civil Rights Week. Taking place from Oct. 4-12, the event serves as a platform for education, advocacy and reflection on the ongoing struggles for equality and justice and other pressing civil rights issues in the city.

OECR, alongside local leaders, activists and community members, has curated a dynamic lineup of events that engages the community in meaningful discussions and actions around the intersections of race, gender, disability and socio-economic status within the framework of civil rights.

“Civil rights can’t be forgotten. I could go on and on about the things that are currently being discussed across the nation in 2024, and so many of them show that these conversations have to continue,” said Caron Watkins, interim director for OECR. “Although we’re delivering this message in a very concentrated way for this week, this is also the work our office is doing year round.”

Watkins continued, “We can look at history. We can look at the current dimension and we can plan for the future by bringing people together that are interested in protecting civil rights and advancing equity.” 

The theme for this year is “From Protest to Progress,” and the week was kicked off on Oct. 4 with “Prayers for the City.” As part of this event, faith leaders representing different denominations across the city were asked to pray for the city during their respective services.

Following that will be the 31st Baltimore City Civil Rights Breakfast on Oct. 7, during which selected community leaders and changemakers will be honored, including Anthony Jenkins, president of Coppin State University; Taylor Branch, author and historian who wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning trilogy on the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Jamye Wooten, founder of CLLCTIVLY, a Black philanthropy network; Larry Gibson, famed law professor, activist and author; and Wanda Best, executive director of the Upton Planning Committee.

Throughout the week, a series of workshops, panel discussions, trainings and interactive sessions will be held in-person and online centering on civil rights issues, such as racial justice, housing equity and voters rights. Special attention will be given to the current challenges Baltimore faces, including police reform, affordable housing and educational disparities. 

On Oct. 8, a full day of events will be held between two locations: National Federation of the Blind (NFB), located at 200 East Wells St. in Baltimore, and the Morgan State University Student Center, located on the Northeast Baltimore campus at 1700 E. Coldspring Lane. 

At 10 a.m. on Oct. 8, information released by OECR states that NFB programming will engage “Baltimore City children with disabilities and their families or caregivers for a day of enriching programming co-hosted by the OECR and Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS).” Later, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., NFB will also offer “an opportunity to Baltimore City residents, particularly those who are themselves living with disabilities, to make their concerns known” and get answers from city officials. 

That afternoon, in-person events will be held at Morgan State University. At 4 p.m., the ties between Prince Hall Freemasonry and historically Black colleges and universities will be discussed. That will be followed by a 6 p.m. panel session with Marco K. Merrick, founding director of the Community Concert Choir of Baltimore, titled, “Music of Change: Protest, Uplift and Hope.”

The “Future Paths Expo: Beyond College Doors” session will take place at Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center, located at 201 Reedbird Ave., on Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The same day, Coppin State University will host two panels: “From Protest to Progress: How the Birthplace of Redlining Turned into the Black Butterfly,” will take place from 4-5:30 p.m., with a focus on redlining in Charm City; and from 6-9:30 p.m., the panel session “Women of Courage: Baltimore’s Civil Rights Trailblazers.” Both events will be located in the Tawes Center Ballroom.

Oct. 10 will feature a conversation on “Immigration and Inclusion: A History of Struggle and Progress” at the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, located in the 1300 block of Division St. The Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Branch Library will host the Civil Rights Week reception at 400 Cathedral St. from 7- 9 p.m. on Oct. 11. And the week closes out on Oct. 12 with the Historic Upton Neighborhood Walk and Resource Fair at St. Peter Claver Church, which is located at 1526 N Fremont Ave. 

The OECR has partnered with various community organizations, advocacy groups and local businesses to ensure the week reflects the diverse needs and interests of Charm City residents. This collaborative approach aims to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose as the city works toward a more equitable future.

Through this programming, along with several others, the Baltimore OECR hopes to inspire tangible changes both within local government and across communities. Civil Rights Week will spotlight the voices and efforts that have long sought to dismantle inequality and encourage every Baltimorean to be an active participant in the continued fight for justice.

For a full list of Civil Rights Week activities, visit this link. 

The post Baltimore Office of Equity and Civil Rights hosts annual Civil Rights Week appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com 

Vice President Kamala Harris announced that she and running mate, Tim Walz will be making their way to several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) this homecoming season as they focus on securing the votes of young Black students. HBCUs in battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania will be visited during the eight stop tour. Harris’ alma mater, Howard University (HU), is on the list of schools that will receive a visit in the coming weeks. 

Known as “The Mecca” throughout the HBCU community, Howard’s homecoming is highly acclaimed and often attended by students, alumni and people from other universities too. However, this year is their centennial anniversary and they’ll be celebrating 100 years of camaraderie, community and HBCU pride. The annual event is something that many alumni look forward to attending each year, however Harris’ scheduled appearance seems to be serving as an additional incentive for people to return to the yard. 

“I’m super excited for her to be at homecoming. I think Howard’s homecoming is the perfect place for her campaign,” said Jamel Wright, a 2017 graduate of HU. “This is a great opportunity for her to engage with the community and for us to hold her accountable for some of the concerns we have.”

Wright noted that an event centered around reuniting people is the perfect occasion for Harris’ presidential campaign. He explained that it provides an opportunity for her to take a grassroots approach to interacting with her supporters and hearing their needs and wants. 

“In the Black community, voting rates can be low and this is a great occasion for her to speak to members of the Black community and hear our demands,” he said. “The Black community usually seems to be last when it comes to presidential campaigns so her going on this homecoming tour is very strategic.”

Other HU alumni who spoke to the AFRO shared similar sentiments, noting her tour to be smart and innovative.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before. I think it’s a smart way of trying to appeal to a different generation of voters,” said Mekhi Abbott, a 2023 graduate of HU. “Her being an HBCU graduate makes her relatable. And I wouldn’t be surprised if candidates in the future decide to do the same thing.”

Although Madame VP is the first to go on an HBCU homecoming tour, many of the institutions she’s visiting are no stranger to being the breeding grounds for political and social change. 

“HBCU homecomings are more than just celebrations of culture and school pride; they are pivotal moments for political and civic engagement. Historically, HBCUs have been at the forefront of voter education and registration initiatives, making homecoming an ideal space for political campaigns,” said Yolanda Stewart, Ph.D, a 1994 graduate of HU. “These events offer a unique opportunity for political campaigns to connect with an educated, civically engaged community that has been instrumental in shaping social and political movements.”

Stewart currently serves as the president of the Columbus, Ohio chapter of the Howard University Alumni Association and she’s excited to see Harris return to campus for such a monumental celebration. She noted Harris’ journey of hardwork and high achievement to be well understood by many in the HBCU community– making her return a full circle moment. 

“I’m incredibly excited to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris back to the yard for such a historic moment. Howard University has a rich tradition of producing leaders and to see one of our own not only succeed but also return to campus during a pivotal time is inspiring,” she said.  “It reflects the journey of many HBCU graduates who have worked tirelessly for progress and justice. Homecoming is not just a celebration of the past, but a moment to look toward the future and having Kamala Harris on campus reinforces the powerful legacy that HBCUs like Howard continue to uphold.”

Harris is returning to her old stomping grounds on Oct.19. However, she won’t be there long because she’s scheduled to attend homecoming events for Clark-Atlanta University (CAU) and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) on that same day. 

The homecoming tour started on Sept.28 at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, next the tour will stop in Pennsylvania and Virginia to visit Lincoln University and Virginia State University, respectively, on Oct.12. That following weekend the duo will be at HU, CAU and NCAT and on Oct. 26, the tour will conclude in Atlanta when the Harris-Walz campaign attends the combined Spelman and Morehouse College homecoming.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by Yolanda Stewart, Ph.D are her personal opinions and do not reflect the views of any organizations with which she is affiliated.

The post Howard students and alum eagerly await VP Harris’ upcoming homecoming appearance appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The disappearance of 24-year-old Tamika Huston opened the eyes of people across the nation when she first went missing in 2004–particularly, the meager news coverage of the South Carolina native’s  case compared to the full court press given to missing White women. 

Most recently, Huston’s disappearance and death was used to highlight how little publicity is given to cases of missing Black women in an ABC 20/20 special, “The Girl Who Looked Like Me.” However in 2008, it served as the inspiration for the founding of the Black and Missing Foundation (BAMFI), a Maryland-based organization focused on bringing awareness to missing Black people nationwide.  

BAMFI co-founder and CEO Natalie Wilson spoke with the AFRO about the organization’s origins, the epidemic of missing Black Americans, the importance of publicity and other means to combat this ongoing issue. 

AFRO: How and when did the Black and Missing Foundation get started?

NW: The Black and Missing Foundation started in May of 2008 and the inspiration behind it is a young lady by the name of Tamika Huston who went missing from my sister-in-law’s hometown of Spartanburg, S.C. We read about how Tamika’s aunt, Rebkah Howard, really struggled to get national media coverage around her beautiful niece who was missing. And the striking part for us is that Rebkah was a publicist and she had access to the media, and they weren’t telling her niece’s story. Some weeks after Tamika went missing, Lori Hacking disappeared and she dominated the news cycle. A year later, Natalie Holloway dominated the news cycle, and we were disheartened to learn that Rebkah reached out to those same reporters, same networks, same programs and she was met with silence. Following this we decided to do some research and my sister-in-law and I found that at that time, 30 percent of all persons missing were of color–primarily Black males. And  we said, let’s do something about it, let’s use our expertise–mine is in media relations, Dericca’s is in law enforcement, and those are the two critical professions needed to find and bring our missing home. And if you fast forward 16 years later, what keeps us going and what’s motivating us is that so many families are struggling and they’re desperately searching for their missing loved ones. They’re being turned away by the very institutions, media and law enforcement hat are sworn to help them. We want to even the playing field and we want our missing to be household names too, because it’s so critical to help find and bring them home.

AFRO: What is the mission of the organization?

NW: The mission of the organization is threefold. One is to bring awareness to missing people of color across the country. Two, is to educate our community on personal safety. And three, again, to bring awareness to this issue because it’s a human rights issue at this point.

AFRO: Have any of the people that you have reported or posted on your website been found?

NW: Absolutely. We have been instrumental in finding more than 500 people–whether they were found deceased or alive. Of course, we still have a lot more work to do because 40 percent of the missing population are people of color and we believe that the numbers are much higher. Because we know that there’s a sense of distrust between law enforcement and the minority community, a population could be not reporting these disappearances. Especially within the Hispanic community, they are not reporting for fear of deportation. In the FBI stats, they classify Hispanics as being White, however, at least 24 percent of Hispanics classify or associate themselves as Black.

AFRO:  You noted that 40 percent of missing people are Black. Do you know the numerical statistics for that ?

NW: The latest statistics show 40 percent of the population and that’s around 163,000 people of color under the age of 18. Let me break it down a bit. So in 2023, 224,706 persons of color were reported missing. Of that group, 162,755 or were under the age of 18.

AFRO: What demographic is making up the majority of those numbers ? So if 40 percent of the missing population is Black people– of those missing Black people is the majority women? Is it children? Is it men? 

NW: We’re seeing the numbers and it’s kind of neck and neck. It’s pretty even, but it’s still an issue because what we’re also finding is that our children tend to remain missing four times longer. They’re not getting the media coverage that’s need. And what we’re also finding is that law enforcement–at least for the cases that we see– nine out of the 10 cases they tend to classify these missing children as runaways. If you’re classified as a runaway, you do not receive the Amber Alert. You definitely do not get any type of media coverage at all.

AFRO: What is being done to tackle this issue both within your organization and on a national and  federal level ?

NW: Awareness is key. If our community isn’t aware that this issue is prevalent, then no one is really talking about it and that’s what we’re doing. We are out in the community. We have partnerships with local and national media platforms to sound the alarm that people of color are disappearing at an alarming rate and we need the community to be aware. And they’re disappearing for a number of reasons. Whether it’s sex trafficking or mental health. This is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Black women are disappearing at an alarming rate because of domestic violence. We need to look at the picture holistically and try to peel back the layers as to why this is happening and try to stem the issue. We recently issued a law enforcement guide to provide policies and procedures that law enforcement officials should follow when it comes to missing persons cases. As I explained, the classification runaway– we don’t use that term at all, and many law enforcement agencies don’t even have that in their policies and procedures. So then why are you classifying children as runaways when you issue the flier? We’re working with legislators to either implement or create laws to protect those that are most vulnerable. It’s the media, it’s law enforcement and the community that plays a great role in solving this issue. What we’re finding is that people tend to turn a blind eye to this issue because they’re not personally affected or they may not know the missing person. What we do is we vet every case and ensure that there’s a missing person report on file so that we won’t be liable for spreading false information. We have to do a better job of utilizing our faith based organizations and schools and medical facilities to really be on the lookout for cases of missing persons or abuse.

AFRO: What is the biggest issue that is fueling Black people going missing ?

NW: Well, there are a whole host of issues. As I mentioned, sex trafficking. There was a study done by the Urban Institute where they interviewed pimps and pedophiles, and their response to trafficking young girls and young Black women is that one, they know that no one would look for them, and two, if someone did look for them and they were caught, the penalty will not be as harsh. How disheartening is that? Sex trafficking, mental health issues, we are seeing an aging population that now have dementia or Alzheimer’s, and they are wandering away. We need to be mindful of that too and domestic violence, but we also have to be mindful of our children that are being preyed upon in foster care. Those that are homeless are overlooked and no one is really keeping track of our children that are in foster care or that are homeless. They’re being preyed upon by these predators and these pimps. 

The post AFRO Spotlight: The Black and Missing Foundation is shining a light on the alarming number of missing Black people appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

D.C. Councilmember Robert White is on a mission to renovate downtown D.C. 

On the morning of Sept. 24, White, who is chair of the Committee on Housing, welcomed local and national leaders to discuss housing and economic recovery in a public roundtable discussion. Additionally, people from across the nation with experience in revitalizing their communities were in attendance.

“The idea of building communities, the things that support communities, investing and enlarging the arts downtown and creating outdoor markets– that is our future,” said White. “But I want to hear from people who disagree with me. I’m inviting not just people who share my vision, but people who see it differently so we can say, ‘OK, now it’s time. We’ve heard everything. Time to make decisions and move forward.’ “

With hopes of solidifying a plan by the end of the year, White is aiming to get this process started sooner rather than later. 

Mayor Muriel Bowser shared her five-year-plan earlier in the year and she’s looking to see more people come back to in-person work. White, however, doesn’t see that happening. 

The mayor’s plan has multiple foundational elements. Bowser aims to create business space; reestablish downtown as a place to safely live, work and play; build up the residential base and improve transportation. 

“Mayor Bowser and some other groups have plans, and the government has programs, but we don’t yet have an overarching vision or strategy. That’s a dangerous space to linger in for too long,” he said. “We have to know very clearly where we’re going, what it’s going to take to get there, and how we get from where we are now to there. That requires us to keep our foot on the gas.”

Mayor Bowser and President Biden have both sounded off about workers returning to traditional office settings as a way of helping revitalize downtown, but White doesn’t think that’s very likely. 

“It’s not happening. Don’t waste your energy. Workers are demanding flexibility. Talented people are going to drive the market,” he said. “Let’s turn the page and stop looking at yesterday. Let’s go forward.”

Sydney Stewart, an off-campus student at Howard University gave her thoughts on the efforts by local leaders.

 “I appreciate the convenience of working from home, it’s easier, but also downtown can be kind of scary at night,” said “People are living on top of each other and there’s a major crisis going on with the homeless community.”

Stewart noted the growing need for housing in the downtown area, not only as a way of combating homelessness, but for everyday people looking to live near their jobs and within city limits.

“The cost of living overall is insane but especially for housing,” she said. “We need affordable housing downtown. I’m sure it would help make the area more appealing and it would make more people want to come there.”

White emphasized the importance of making living in the downtown area more affordable to those that help keep the businesses in that area afloat. 

“People who work in our restaurants and accommodate tourists– those are the folks who keep our economy revving–but they can’t afford to live in D.C. now,” said White. “We have too much office space and an urgent need for more housing.”

The post D.C. Councilmember aims to revitalize downtown area, increase affordable housing appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “grief is the anguish experienced after significant loss, usually the death of a beloved person.” 

Often accompanied with grief are “physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future,” reports to APA. In some cases, the “intense grief can become life-threatening through disruption of the immune system, self-neglect, and suicidal thoughts.”

A 2008 report by Omega, the Journal of Death and Dying, says that Black people are more likely to experience prolonged grief, all the while being less likely to seek treatment due to cultural stigma and a lack of access to care. 

Kimberli Gross, founder and CEO of Celebrate Still Inc, a local nonprofit organization providing grief advocate support services, spoke with the AFRO about how grief is handled in the Black community and what resources are available to help people through their grief journey.

“In our community if you say you have a therapist or a counselor, it automatically means you are crazy, ” said Gross. “It’s not something we talk about. If there’s something happening in the house, it stays in the house. You don’t take your business outside in the streets and that contributes to mental illness. It contributes to depression and learning how to live in dysfunction.”

Gross founded Celebrate Still in 2021 with hopes of helping people find a new normal, build community and destigmatize the idea of going to therapy. The grief expert went on to discuss the different stages of grief and how permanent the feeling is.

“There are seven stages of grief ranging from denial to acceptance,” she said. “But those feelings fluctuate – they ebb and flow. One day you’re good and you’re peaceful and then you’re angry and resentful.”

Grief is a deeply personal journey that affects individuals in many ways, whether it be through the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or other forms of personal loss. Organizations like Gross’ encourage open dialogue about these experiences and foster an environment where people can express their emotions without stigma or isolation.

According to Good Grief, a nonoprofit organizations addressing grief, “Black families have over three times higher odds of experiencing the death of two or more family members by age 30. Black families are about 90 percent more likely than Whites to have experienced four or more deaths by age 60.” 

Terri McKoy spoke with the AFRO on how grief is often handled from an emotional standpoint in the Black community, leaving the mental aspect of the longstanding feeling neglected. 

“We examine grief from an emotional state more than the mental state,” said the grief counselor. “When we check on individuals who we know have experienced a loss or are grieving, we say ‘How are you feeling? ’ or ‘How are you doing today ?’ But once we go through the ceremonial traditions, everyone thinks time heals the grief in our culture and we just move on.”

Noting that someone’s mood is often perceived as their overall well being, McKoy explained how important it is that the Black community has an understanding of how to differentiate the two and how someone’s mental health is impacted by grief. 

“We can better support each other by understanding the impact of grief on individuals. Yes, there is an emotional aspect to it, but becoming more educated on the fact that grief is inevitable and the finality of it can help,” McKoy said. “Understanding that there’s a medical aspect to grief. An individual’s brain can change depending on how they’re impacted by grief.”

Gross expressed similar sentiments, noting education to be a great tool when it comes to being more sound and aware of the effects of grief. The experienced grief coach also discussed how learning these new habits can be hard for those who were raised during or by a generation of people that typically didn’t deal with their mental health in a healthy manner–if at all. 

“Older generations usually choose to deal with things on their own and suffer in silence. There are generations that were raised by adults that don’t believe in therapists,” she said. “Now, we’re kind of waking up and educating ourselves and those conversations are different. My generation is discovering so many things about ourselves all at one time and trying to unpack and figure out what part is trauma, learned behavior, stigma or if this is really who I am.”

McKoy noted that the main thing to keep in mind while dealing with grief is that it’s extremely personal. Your journey with it has to fit you as an individual. 

“Grief is personal and I don’t want people to have a general idea of how someone should grieve or how they manage their grief. It’s unique to each of us.”

The post Handling grief in the Black community  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

A variety of events will take place at the end of September, leading into the month of October. From expos and art shows to information sessions and film screenings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the next few weeks throughout the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area. 

Maryland

A Black Souliloquy

A Black Souliloquy welcomes Black women to their monthly event, a time to blend creativity and reflection to help Black girls and women connect, unwind and grow together. This month they’ll be exploring the theme of “Finding Peace During Challenging Times,” while stimulating their creativity with a sand candle workshop. During the candle making guests will engage in an open and reflective discussion on maintaining peace and balance when life gets difficult. 

Date: Sept. 28

Time: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. 

Location: Cahill Recreation Center

     4001 Clifton Avenue 

     Baltimore, MD 21216

DMV Black Student Leadership Conference

Black Student Development invites Black students from across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area to Morgan State University for a day of inspiration, empowerment and connection. Come out for a day filled with insightful workshops, motivational speakers and networking opportunities.

Date: Oct. 4

Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: Morgan State University

    1700 East Cold Spring Lane

    Baltimore, MD 21251

Prostate Cancer Health Matters in Montgomery County

The Silver Spring Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will host their event, “Prostate Cancer Health Matters,” in Montgomery County, Md. This event is open to all, including men, women and families, as prostate cancer is a disease that affects the entire community once a diagnosis is received.  

The event will feature a showing of the film “The Black Walnut,” and the film’s producer, Terrance Afer-Anderson, will be featured in a panel discussion with a urologist and several prostate cancer survivors. The session will be aimed at debunking myths behind prostate cancer and treatment options.

Date: Oct. 5

Time: 12  – 3 p.m. 

Location: 51 Mannakee St. (Science Building)

     Rockville, MD 2085

Black Wall Street Renaissance Pop-Up Shops

Join A-List Productions as they hold their monthly pop-up shop. Come out and enjoy a family-friendly environment that promotes unity, self love and healthy eating all the while keeping Black dollars in the Black community. 

Date: Oct. 5 

Time: 11 – 5 p.m.

Location: Everlasting Life Restaurant and Lounge

     9185 Central Avenue 

     Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Unbought and Unbossed: Shirley Watch Party and Panel Discussion

The Theta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will host a watch party for the film, “Unbothered and Unbossed,” which tells the legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Following the film’s showing, a panel discussion will be held for attendees to hear from Maryland State Legislators.

Date: Oct. 6

Time: 3 – 6 p.m. 

Location: Colesville United Methodist

     52 Randolph Road 

     Silver Spring, MD 20904

Bear Witness to Our Story

Morgan State University’s Counseling Center and NAMI Metro Baltimore invited the community to an evening focused on elevating the voices of students and faculty as they explore mental health experiences in the Black community.

Date: Oct.10 

Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m. 

Location: Morgan State University

     1700 East Cold Spring Lane 

     Baltimore, MD 21251

Washington D.C. 

Art to the Future – Art All Night on Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street

Join the Penn Branch Center as they host the  Art to the Future – Art All Night 2024. Guests can look forward to a night filled with creativity, inspiration and innovation. This year, the fourth annual Art All Night on PAEMS will offer a diverse range of artwork and interactive exhibits from local artists. Event attendees will be delighted with live music and goods from some of D.C.,’s best artisans, vendors and craft enthusiasts.

Date: Sept. 27

Time: 6 – 12 a.m.

Location: Penn Branch Center

     3202 Pennsylvania Avenue

     Southeast Washington, D.C. 20020

Below the Surface: A History in African American Printmaking

Black Art in America is hosting a free art show, highlighting contemporary printmakers from across the nation.

Date: Sept. 27- Nov. 2

Time:11 – 6 p.m. 

Location: 1201 K Street Northwest 

     Washington, D.C. 20005

A Right Proper Block Party 2024

A Right Proper Block Party is returning for the fourth annual Art All Night party. Guests will experience this free event that will feature live music, a fire dancer, artists and local art vendors. Additionally, the Black Beer Garden, hosted by Black Brew Movement, will feature a series of local Black-owned breweries for attendees to enjoy. 

Date: Sept. 28

Time: 5 – 12 a.m. 

Location: 624 T Street Northwest 

     Washington, D.C. 20001

A FORGOTTEN MIGRATION |  Busboys and Poets 

Come out to Busboys and Poets for, “A Forgotten Migration,” a production that tells the story of “segregation scholarships.” The funding was used by states in the Southern part of the U.S. to help Black students seeking graduate education prior to the Brown v. Board of Education era. 

Date: Oct. 9

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Busboys and Poets 14th and V

      2021 14th St 

      NW Washington, D.C. 20009

Virginia 

Walking Tour: Black Heritage Fort Monroe 

Guests are invited to the Fort Monroe National Monument to explore the rich and dynamic history of “Freedom’s Fortress.” 

Date: Oct. 1 – Nov. 8

Time: 1 – 2 p.m.

Location: 30 Ingalls Road

     Fort Monroe, VA

Improving Birth Outcomes: Health Disparities and Black Birthing People 

Virginia Commonwealth University Health office of Health Equity along with the Health Humanities Lab at the Humanities Research Center will host the 2024 History and Health annual symposium on Oct.2. The event will explore the history of reproductive healthcare policies, the social determinants fueling the ongoing Black maternal health crisis and strategies to combat the health and healthcare disparities. 

Date: Oct. 2

Time: 12 – 4:30 p.m.

Location: 800 E Broad St

     Richmond, VA 23219

*All events listed are free to attend.

The post Upcoming events in D.C., Maryland and Virginia during late September and early October appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is an illness that takes a village to tackle. In its most advanced stages it can be hard on a patient and their care team. 

According to the National Institute on Aging, “Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.” 

Alzheimer’s Disease is a form of dementia that ocurs after a series of amyloid and tau proteins begin to build up in the brain, toxify nerve cells, kill them and ultimately result in memory loss issues, according to Dr. Doug Scharre, a neurologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Scharre leads the memory disorder center and in honor of World Alzheimer’s Month, he spoke with the AFRO about a few habits that can be practiced to help prolong or combat the effects of AD.

Treat any breathing problems you may have 

The brain needs a constant supply of good air. Going outside for fresh air and getting any breathing or lung related issues treated is vital when trying to assure the brain has good airflow. 

“The brain needs good oxygenation, without it it doesn’t function well,” said Scharre. “If you have a lung problem or if you have sleep apnea you should get that treated. Anything that tries to help improve the oxygen flow to the brain is going to be good.”

Eat a healthy diet 

Scharre noted that a healthy diet is vital to preserving the brain’s health. He shared that diets that are heavy in fresh fruits and vegetables are best and making sure you eat a well balanced meal that provides you with all the necessary vitamins is a must.

“Diet is very important. The most brain healthy diets that we know of are typically like the Mediterranean diets and they consist of lots of fruits and vegetables,” he said. “There isn’t as much red meat and there’s a little bit more fish. You shouldn’t eat a lot of animal fats and try to have less processed sugars. The natural sugars in fruit are fine to enjoy.”

The memory loss expert went on to note that typical diets that are consumed in the Black community can be harmful to the brain and contribute to the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease developing in people who have a family history of the disease. 

“If you’re at risk for Alzheimer’s and you have high cholesterol, there’s some data that suggest increasing activity once you reach midlife to try and help reduce the amyloid proteins from building up in the brain,” he said. “Some diets, particularly African-American diets and other minority diets have been found to be tied to increased rates of Alzheimer’s and part of that is thought to be related to differences in diet.

Physical interaction and activity 

Activities that stimulate the mind and the body are vital when warding off Alzheimer’s. The veteran neurologist explained that physical activity and interactive activities are a great way to keep the brain stimulated and to keep the body moving. He suggests things such as in-person conversations, working out and learning new hobbies to help keep the brain active and engaged.

“Other things that help the brain are physical exercise, it’s a wonderful brain activity. Socialization is a wonderful whole brain activity as well. If you don’t use it, you lose it so if you don’t use your muscles, they become weak–same thing with your brain,” Scharre explained. “If you’re just sitting there watching TV, it might be entertaining but it isn’t always stimulating to the brain. However, socialization is great because you get out and you talk to people.”

“Get out and talk to people, that’s  some form of brain stimulation. Learn to play the piano or learn a new language or write poetry. All those things are great activities for keeping the brain sharp.”

The post Neurologist speaks on fighting Alzheimer’s Disease with diet and exercise appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Sometimes practicing self-care isn’t about what you’re doing for yourself, but what you’re not allowing others to do to you. Environments and situations that aren’t beneficial can’t always be avoided. However, creating a set of boundaries can help soften the impact it has on you. 

Whether it be with friends, family or colleagues– setting boundaries are a vital part of self-care and necessary for a healthy relationship. 

“I remember the first boundary I set was with my best friend. I remember telling her what I need and what a healthy relationship looked like for me,” said Storm Estes, founder of Survivors not Victims, a non-profit organization focused on helping women of color recover from their experiences with sexual and domestic violence. “Not once have either one of us felt like those boundaries were harmful or problematic or like they needed to be revisited or revised. The only thing it’s ever done is help us have the best friendship possible.” 

Estes noted that she’s no stranger to setting boundaries and it’s something she practices in all aspects of her life, including at work. The women’s protection advocate explained that even with how much she loves the work she does, she sets boundaries within it due to how heavy her field of work can be. 

“The work that I do is really heavy and it’s tiring and it can often take the last of what you have to give. In order to respect the boundaries that I put in place to protect my own needs, I put [work] on the shelf once the work day is over,” she explained. “As the founder of this organization, and with it being so near and dear to my heart, this is personal for me. But I have to constantly set boundaries because it’s easy for me to overly dedicate myself.”

Often misunderstood and incorrectly interpreted, a lot of people on the receiving end of a boundary mistake the self-care tool as an indicator that someone doesn’t want a relationship with them anymore. However, Estes explained that it’s actually quite the opposite and it should be seen as a tool to help create and maintain healthy relationships 

“I think people hear the word ‘boundary’ and it feels like you’re constricting them to a certain space and they can only move in a certain way. But boundaries mean that I love you so much and want this relationship so much that I have to enforce what I need for it to work between the both of us. And I’m communicating that because I want this to be a healthy relationship on both ends.”

Ashley Bryan, Psy.D, has an extensive background in boundary setting from both her personal experiences and the help she’s provided her patients. The mental health specialist shared similar sentiments to Estes, noting that implementing boundaries often saves relationships– not destroy them.

“I often think that boundaries are viewed as a way to push people away but I think that boundaries can be an act of love,” said Bryan.“If you care about someone enough to set that boundary then that means you’re willing to put a tool in place so that you can work on that relationship. Without boundaries relationships can blow up.”

Similar to Estes, Bryan also works in a field that is extremely personal, thus making her more likely to take on the baggage of her clients. The young professional recalled how strenuous her workload was as a student until she was both shown and encouraged to set a boundary in her professional life. 

“While being a psychologist is a beautiful profession, it can also take a toll on you because you’re absorbing everyone’s stories and experiences. I didn’t learn how to set boundaries  throughout grad school,” she said. “I don’t think the model of grad school allowed for that. I found myself pushing myself which led to a lot of burnout and me not feeling like my best self.”

“It took me coming into my internship in my last year of my program to set boundaries. They forced me to do self-care and wouldn’t allow us to work more than 45 hours,” said Bryan. “They were really intentional about teaching us how to sustain ourselves. I noticed a huge difference in terms of my energy around the people I love, I had more space to hold for people and I was happier.” 

It was noted by Estes that one of the most important parts of setting a boundary is enforcing it with yourself. She explained that you can’t force other people to prioritize or respect your boundaries, but standing firm within them regardless of other people is a great way to assure they are followed. 

“I will honor my needs, I will honor my boundaries. I can not make anybody else in this world respect my boundaries. And I’ve learned to be okay with the fact that no one else is obligated to respect my boundaries,” she said. “But in return, I’m not obligated to give them my company. I tell people all the time ‘ my love is unconditional, my presence is not,’ and there are people I will love until the day I die but they’ll never see me in person again. I love that I’ve gotten to a point in my life where that’s how much my needs matter to me. I know that my needs are valuable.”

Just as setting boundaries can be empowering, having them enforced with you can be hard. Bryan provided advice for those who are on the receiving end of a boundary enforcement, encouraging them to look at the situation and to be mindful that it might not be about you as an individual but the dynamic of the relationship. 

“I would encourage those folks to take a step back and think ‘Why is this person setting a boundary with me? Does this have to do with me? Does it have to do with them?’ Also, remind yourself that if this person is willing to have a conversation around setting a boundary there’s some level of care that they have for this relationship,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s not always a reflection on you,” Bryan continued. “And if you love this person, taking the time to hear them and see where they’re coming from might be really helpful. Cause while it might not be your intention to make them feel a certain type of way, it still has an impact.”

The post Setting boundaries: A vital part of self-care appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

There are many types of therapy to help people overcome or recover from the hardships of life. And although some therapies are practiced by licensed specialists, others are created by people who see a need for non-traditional treatment to be administered. 

Some may turn to retail therapy, but that can be taxing on the pockets after a while. Others may search for happiness via travel, but for some, food is the way to heal the soul. 

“I remember chopping vegetables for a salad and doing things in the kitchen and at the time, I recognized that that process helped me unwind and calm down and kind of recenter myself at the end of the day,” said Julie Ohana, a culinary arts therapist. “I always knew that there was something to it. Flash forward a number of years later, when I was in graduate school, we had to write a master’s thesis on anything we wanted. I knew immediately that I was going to be writing on how cooking can be therapeutic, and that’s what I did.” 

Ohana is the founder of Culinary Art Therapy, a small Michigan based business that’s having a huge impact on participants. With a passion for cooking and over 20 years of experience as a school counselor, Ohana proudly offers her services as a culinary arts therapist. 

She explained to the AFRO that culinary art therapy is the act of cooking or creating something for the sake of doing something that feels good for you. She got her start in her family’s kitchen and has never looked back. Much like her passion for cooking, her desire to help people has always been within her and marrying the two came very naturally. 

“Wanting to help people has always been in me. I think I always knew I was going to be a therapist, and I always knew I wanted to be somebody that helped other people,” she said. “Food is something that brings people together and it’s something that people can relate to and because of that, I just knew that it would be something that other people would be receptive to and could benefit from.”

She noted that there aren’t currently any culinary art therapy programs or degrees in the U.S., however the practice is constantly growing and more people are participating in the creative style of therapy.

“There are culinary art therapy programs in other countries around the world, like Israel. I hope that one day in the U.S., it will be the same but for right now, it’s not the case. I did put together a training program to help other clinicians learn how to utilize these skills in their practice,” she said.

It was noted that culinary art therapy has been found to be beneficial to people of all backgrounds, ages and genders. Ohana explained that a singular session is all some patients need to put them in a better space, however much like traditional therapy its most useful when it’s practiced regularly. 

“It works across the board. It’s great family therapy. There’s nothing more amazing than seeing family dynamics play out as a family’s cooking together,”Ohana said. “I’ve been known to bring vegetables into my office and we chop them together to be able to learn how to practice mindfulness, how to self soothe and ease some anxiety symptoms.”

“It’s also really powerful for older adults, who can reap the benefit of tapping into that ability of reminiscing and memory, because our sense of smell is the strongest sense tied to memory,” she said “When you’re cooking or you’re even talking about certain dishes, it evokes memories, and there can be something really cathartic about being able to look back and talk about those memories with someone.”

And although culinary art therapy is great when practiced by a professional, it can also be done at home  by regular people who have a passion for food and cooking. 

“Pick a recipe that is simple–something that appeals to you. This is not about creating Michelin star restaurant quality dishes, this is about engaging in the process,” said Ohana. “Open your refrigerator, pull out whatever veggies you have and start chopping and start being aware of what you’re doing. Think about how you’re feeling and pay attention to what you need to improve on. Ask yourself, ‘Where do you need help?’ and ‘How do you tune into those things?’ and let that process guide you.

The post Cooking for the soul: Exploring the benefits of culinary art therapy appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder that affects over 100,000 people in the United States, according to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, of that number, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “90 percent are non-Hispanic Black or African American, and an estimated 3–9 percent are Hispanic or Latino.” 

Although there is no way of preventing the disease, being educated about your chances of carrying the sickle trait is extremely important– especially for people who are planning families. 

Dr. Regina Crawford, a hematologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center recently spoke with the AFRO to explain how the disease works, how to get tested for it and why it affects the Black community at such a high rate.

AFRO: What is sickle cell disease and how does it affect the body ?

RC: Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder. It’s not one that you acquire later in life or due to any other reason. You get one affected gene from each parent and that’s why there are folks who are carriers that have this disorder. It affects the body because of the mutation that happens at the genetic level. The red blood cells that carry oxygen in the body become very sticky where they normally are flexible– like a jelly bean. And while the normal red blood cells carry oxygen to different tissues, the sickle cell can get trapped in very small vessels like in the lungs, kidneys and the eyes. And because of them being trapped it can cut off the blood supply, causing damage to the surrounding tissues in that organ. Particular areas like the back, the pelvis, the arms and shoulders can deal with a cut off of blood supply, causing a lot of pain.

AFRO: Why does this disease affect Black people at such a disproportionate rate, as opposed to their White counterparts ? 

RC: Sickle cell came about as a defense against malaria and the highest regions and concentrations of this are in Mediterranean and African areas, along with areas in the Middle East where malaria is still pretty rampant. It was nature’s way of adapting to it in an attempt to not die off as easily. However, as people migrate to different areas of the world that genetic condition goes with them and if two people who are carriers happen to marry or meet up, their children can have the disease.

AFRO: Can you explain the genetic biology of sickle cell disease ? If my partner and I were to both carry the gene, but neither of us have sickle cell disease, how does our child end up with it ?

RC: If both parents are carriers of genes, there is a certain percentage chance that with each pregnancy the child has a chance of not having the disease, being a carrier or ending up with the disease. And that’s with each child and that’s why one person can be affected with sickle cell disease in the family, but everybody else is okay; or everyone can have the disease and it’s one person that doesn’t have it, or is a carrier. 

The chances are there with each pregnancy and so that’s how the parents don’t have the symptoms of the disease, because they’re carriers. 

AFRO: How vital is blood testing when trying to make yourself more aware of you or your child’s likelihood of having sickle cell ?
RC: Blood testing is very vital. Here in the U.S., most states do newborn screenings of all infants and that’s how it’s usually picked up. Either that or shortly after birth. Some are done in the prenatal testing panel and that’s how it’s picked up in early childhood or newborn periods. If you’ve come from overseas or don’t remember testing as an adult, the ideal test to get when you’re older is a hemoglobin electrophoresis. It’s a type of test that separates out the different blood hemoglobins and that can tell you if you’re normal, have the sickle cell trait or have one of the variants. Some of the tests can pick up other variant hemoglobin at that time. There are other blood tests as well that are helpful in picking up just sickle cell, but it doesn’t tell you what variant you have. And that’s why it’s actually very important that hemoglobin electrophoresis is done– they’ll tell you exactly what you have.

The post National Sickle Cell Awareness Month: A look at the disease and how it affects the body appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will soon start Symphony in the City, a free, three-concert community series. The first concert is set to happen at Morgan State University (MSU) on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 pm in the Gilliam Concert Hall in the Murphy Fine Arts Center.

The first performance of the season is led by BSO music director, Jonathon Heyward, and will feature selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral.” To compliment Beethoven’s timeless work, the concert will also feature compositions by James Lee III, whose work is infused with bright stories and deep cultural resonance.

“Beginning our season with a community concert at Morgan State University is deeply meaningful,” said Heyward. “This performance not only begins our musical journey for the year, but also continues the BSO’s tradition of bringing music directly to the heart of Baltimore, honoring the Symphony’s roots as an orchestra founded by the city for its people.”

Symphony in the City was intentionally created to align concerts and venues with community celebrations. The concert at MSU will both mark the start of a new academic year, but also pay homage to the university’s connection to the BSO’s new composer in residence, James Lee III. 

Lee serves as a faculty member at the historically Black institution in Maryland. His BSO residency will include two world premieres during the 2024-25 concert season and will feature an educational component with students in BSO’s OrchKids program and the Baltimore School of the Arts.Throughout his time in this role Lee will provide students with opportunities for compositions, mentorship, and workshop performances.

“The fact that the Morgan community, and the surrounding community at large, will have an opportunity to experience the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, led by their new music director, Jonathon Heyward, live on our campus, is simply amazing,” said Eric Conway, DMA, chair of the fine and performing arts department and director of the choir at MSU. “This moment is further elevated by having the work of a respected Morgan faculty member, Dr. James Lee III, on display for all to enjoy. We are fortunate and thankful to the BSO for selecting Morgan as the location for the season’s first Symphony in the City concert.”

Listed below are all the details for the first Symphony in the City concert

Symphony in the City

Date: Wednesday, Sept.18

Time: 7:30 p.m. 

Location: Gilliam Concert Hall, Murphy Fine Arts Center

     Morgan State University

     2201 Argonne Drive

     Baltimore, MD 21218

Artist

Jonathon Heyward, conductor

Repertoire

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” I. Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside

LEE III Amer’ican

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” II. Scene by the brook

LEE III Captivating Personas, III. Bored Comfort

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” IV. Thunderstorm

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” V. Shepherd’s song: Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm

The Symphony in the City series will continue throughout the 2024-25 concert season with performances across Charm City, including a tribute to Veterans on November 20 at War Memorial and a celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 7, 2025, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

Launched in 2019, this concert series represents the BSO’s commitment to bringing world-class music to diverse audiences throughout the Baltimore area. Each concert is a special celebration of community, culture, and the astounding power of music.

Symphony in the City remains free to all. Reservations are suggested but not required. Learn more by visiting https://www.bsomusic.org/symphony-in-the-city/.

The post Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to kick off Symphony in the City concert series at Morgan State University appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The Employee Benefit Security Administration (EBSA) is a national agency responsible for assisting citizens with their employer-sponsored retirement benefits and health benefit plans. Although the agency focuses on helping people with their plans, they recognize that lots of people have questions about the billing process when using benefits. There can also be confusion on how to properly use coverage and how to fully understand the benefits. EBSA assistant secretary Lisa Gomez spoke with the AFRO on how to address all of these concerns and more. 

AFRO: Why is the Black community disproportionately burdened by medical debt?

LG: There are a lot of reasons that the Black community may be burdened more than some other communities. It certainly could have to do with the type of coverage that you have and making sure that you understand the coverage. 

You want to make sure that you are using the coverage correctly–that you know what type of facility to go to what’s in the network and what’s not in the network. Understand what your rights are so that if you are going to the emergency room for emergency services you know that those types of claims should be covered in a greater amount by your health coverage. 

For a very long time people were used to going to the emergency room for services when it’s not really an emergency; and whether it be going to urgent care instead or contacting a 24-hour nurse line–finding out what other types of benefits there are . If you are going to the emergency room and it is truly an emergency, whether it’s an in-network hospital or out-of-network hospital there are protections in place. But for people who were used to using the emergency room as more of a first stop for care there could be out-of-pocket medical bills. It’s really important to understand what kind of benefits are available under your plan, and you know where you should be going when you need help. We are the agency that oversees all those types of plans, and if you contact us, we can help walk you through your plan documents. 

AFRO: How crucial is the training for the people who are in the human resource departments and in the individual companies who are explaining the plans and the benefits to the employees? 

LG: It’s incredibly crucial that the people who are the first line of contact for employees if they have a question about their benefits When you get your benefits through work, you want to be able to go to somebody that you hopefully can trust at your employer. It should be someone that can explain to you what your benefits are, how to take advantage of them and how everything works. If that person at your job who you’re going to and you’re relying upon isn’t properly trained, doesn’t give you the right information, doesn’t tell you that there are

special requirements that you have to follow–like maybe getting a pre-authorization before you go to a certain type of doctor, get a certain type of procedure or just how to make the plan work–it can lead you down a path where you proceed in one way but if you proceeded in another way you would have been better off. Nobody wants to be in the situation where you’re stuck in a bad place and you’re now looking at who to point fingers at. Better to have the people you’re getting information from to have training to begin with. Another thing that we do here, we don’t offer training, per se, to those types of HR people but we do put out a lot of information for plans and for plan administrators.

AFRO: What are the first steps that you should take if you think that there are errors in a medical bill that you’ve received?

LG: I think the first thing is to be an educated consumer for your own health care. The first thing is look at the documents that you get to see if there’s an error in the first place. I think that too often you go to the doctor or you go to the hospital and you might get things coming in from your insurance company that are showing what the insurance company did with that bill. How often do people actually open that up and take a good look at it to see what it says? You might get a bill from your insurance company from your doctor saying that you owe money. You don’t owe money. So the first thing is to actually look at these things when they’re coming in and trying to make sure you understand it. There’s also a high level of health care fraud, and lots of people out there might get a bill in the mail or something saying that you went to the doctor on this date, and you didn’t actually go. When you’re looking at these bills, whether it be a bill or something coming in from your health coverage that looks to be incorrect the first step would be contacting your doctor or the hospital. If it’s a bill coming in from them that looks wrong, point it out to them and find out what’s going on because people are human…they make mistakes, and so it may be something that’s easily fixable on their end. If it’s something where you get something back from your health coverage and it looks wrong again, I would say the first step is to contact either your HR department or contact the health coverage provider and say ‘You know, it looks like there’s a problem.’ At that point if it’s still not fixed then you know certainly you would want to submit an appeal to the health coverage to say, ‘I think something was wrong here.’ You can contact the Employee Benefit Security Administration at that point to submit an appeal.

AFRO: How can expansion in programming on the federal level help with the issues that we’re seeing when it comes to the high cost of medical care and the billing?

LG : I think that the more that the federal government and Congress are making changes to expand coverage, whether it be adding additional requirements of what plans need to be covered, making additional requirements for what circumstances claims can be denied or just pending rights, there would be more comprehensive benefits which means bills. We have been working with the Departments of Treasury and Health and Human Services to look at certain types of plans that might be out there offering more restricted benefits and that consumers might not be aware of when they’re purchasing a plan or their employer is purchasing a plan that really might not cover the level of benefits that one might expect. We’re looking at how can we limit those types of plans so that they either can’t be offered, or if they are offered people really know what they’re buying so they don’t think ‘Oh, I have health coverage,’ but then you realize it’s really limited health coverage. The No Surprises Act that was passed at the end of 2020 and has been implemented in the years since then offers a lot of protections. For example, if you were going to get emergency services and you had to go to an out-of-network hospital to have that done then the plan would have to pay those bills so that you wouldn’t get billed. The No Surprises Act fixes that so that plans can’t pay less just because that person’s out of the network. That was something that really improved and addressed a lot of problems that people had for out-of-pocket costs.

AFRO: How are you working with small business owners when it comes to insurance for their employees and offering these benefits and access to medical care?

LG:There’s a couple of different things. One is working with some of the rules that I mentioned on making sure that if people are purchasing these limited types of benefit insurance that small business owners know what they’re buying and how they work. We also work with small business owners to make sure that when they are going to an insurance broker to look for a type of plan we can help the small business owner if they were to contact us and ask us, ‘What questions should I be asking?’ and ‘What things should I be looking for in these plans?’ We help them in that regard. We partner with the Small Business Association to try to reach out to small businesses and help them to understand what questions they should be asking, what things they should be looking for and what their responsibilities as a business owner are going to be in offering these plans. Because they do have, you know, . Once an employer is going to offer a health plan, they should understand that they still have a responsibility to their employees and that there are certain things that they need to either do themselves or make sure that these service providers are doing on their behalf. We work with small businesses to make sure that they are empowered to go out there and get these types of coverages for their employees and know what they’re buying.

*This story has been edited for clarity.

The post Federal administrator Lisa Gomez shares tips to combat burden of medical bills appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) kicked off their 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. on Sept. 11. Attendees from across the country and beyond have traveled to the nation’s capital to partake in the panel sessions, networking opportunities and social events planned Sept.11 to Sept. 15. 

The opening ceremony featured several leaders and elected officials, including CBCF CEO and President, Nicole Austin-Hillery. The CBCF leader spoke on empowering the global Black community and taking action aligned with this year’s theme of “Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices.”

“We are carrying on with our mission of empowering the global Black community and we know that empowering the global Black community means creating opportunities, creating spaces and ensuring equity for all,” she said. “We refuse, as a community, to go backwards…we will achieve all of the visions for success that we have for our community in front of us.”

Attendees spoke with the AFRO about why they decided to attend the legislative conference. 

“I’m a sponsor. I’m also Black and in government to a very large degree,” said Kwame Canty, managing director of external affairs for Edison Electric Institute.

“People from all over the world– from parliaments and governments from other countries– come here to learn and to hear some of the policy discussions. The diaspora isn’t just in the Americas–it’s all over the world and Black culture is all over the world,” Canty said. “It’s good to hear policy descriptions that germinate from different places.” 

Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-7) spoke on the organization’s commitment to empowering and advancing the Black community.

“We on the CBCF Board take seriously our mission to uplift, empower and advance the Black community. That’s exactly what #ALC53 is all about– it’s more than just a conference it’s a catalyst for change,” said Sewell. “In less than two months, we will have the opportunity to enter into a new chapter in America’s history in electing the first Black woman president of these United States.”

The ALC has always been a breeding ground for innovation and change. Many use the conference to encourage young women and men alike to get involved in politics. 

“Within legislation we need a lot more young people that can be the voice for the future,” said Taylor Robinson, 29-year-old former CBCF fellow from Houston, Texas. “It’s important for people our age to be active within this space, to really talk about what’s happening in our communities, nationally and worldwide.” 

Vendors at the event range from Black authors and designers to members of service organizations and researchers, such as David Asiamah, Ph.D. The research and content developer manager for the Black Wealth Data Center said Black data is imperative in creating policy for wealth equity.

“Until now, the data needed to fully understand racial wealth equity has been out-of-date, inaccessible, and difficult to find in a single location. This has made it difficult for policymakers and practitioners to leverage data to make decisions that affect Black communities,” said Asiamah. “That’s why Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Greenwood Initiative launched the Black Wealth Data Center to better inform research, investment decisions, and policies that support Black communities.”

Sessions that took place on day one of the event included a panel addressing an equitable approach to Black infertility and family building;  a session titled, “AI and How It Can Be Leveraged by Small Businesses”; a discussion on DEI and children and a forum on how Project 2025 could impact Black women if implemented after the next presidential election.

In addition to the workshops, forums and panel discussions, a variety of both professional and social events will be held throughout the length of the conference, providing attendees with plenty of opportunity to brainstorm, empower one another and network. 

“Through the CBCF I’ve met a plethora of people and I’m glad that I was able to expand myself and connect with a couple of people,” said Janelle Edge, a former CBCF fellow from Orlando, Fla. “The fellowship was great, I was able to learn how policy is actually implemented and know the logistics of different stakeholders. I learned how essential partnership is.”

This year the CBCF is partnering with Amazon to help make the conference possible. Several people from the retail conglomerate spoke about the importance of their company supporting the CBCF and all of their initiatives.

“Growing up in D.C. I had the privilege of attending CBC programs and it was in those spaces that I saw first hand how policy makers, community activists and corporations come together to address critical community challenges,” said Terreta Rodgers. “Much like the CBCF, Amazon believes that solving our complex issues requires collaboration, innovation and deep commitment to community. Whether it’s advancing social equity, supporting education, helping small businesses thrive or fostering social justice, we are proud to partner with organizations like the CBC to drive impactful solutions.”

The post Congressional Black Caucus Foundation centers Black agenda at Annual Legislative Conference appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer

With heavy hearts and a saddened soul, friends and family of Frankie Beverly, are mourning the  music icon’s Sept. 10 death. 

Best known as front man of the soul and funk group, “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly,” the crooner’s voice is easily recognized and often considered a staple at gatherings in the Black community. 

News of the rhythm and blues performer’s death at age 77 was announced via a heartfelt post on Instagram, shared by his family. 

“He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better,” read the statement. “He lived for his music, family and friends.” 

Additionally, the family asked for privacy, understanding and respect as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved family member. 

Beverly had a career that spanned over 50 years. He announced his retirement and farewell tour earlier this year. The I Wanna Thank You tour kicked off in Atlanta in March of this year and concluded in July in Beverly’s hometown of Philadelphia, at the Dell Music Center. 

The “Happy Feelings” singer was born Howard Beverly on Dec. 6, 1946 and first started singing in church as a child. Though he was baptized in gospel culture, he would later exchange the church hymnals for a more secular sound. Beverly founded his first group “Frankie Beverly and the Butlers.” The group eventually broke up, and Beverly later founded “Raw Soul” in 1970.

After relocating to California, the group grew popular amongst local venues and eventually caught the attention of Marvin Gaye, who later had them as an opening act. It was Gaye who convinced the group to rename themselves to “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly,” and in 1977 the group dropped their self-titled debut album. 

For the last five decades Beverly and his band have become known for their sound that combines soul, funk and rhythm and blues, creating a music style that is uniquely theirs. Throughout the years artists like Beyoncé have honored Beverly with remixes of his more popular hits, such as “Before I Let Go.”

Always suited in his signature white linen garb and a baseball cap, Beverly’s legacy is reflected in both his music and style. 

Before his passing, Maze announced that they would be renaming the group to “Maze honoring Frankie Beverly,” as Tony Lindsay steps into the role of the band’s lead singer. 

The music the world received from Beverly is timeless and will continue to be a defining part of Black culture. Although he is gone he will never be forgotten.

The post Music icon Frankie Beverly dies at 77 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (Planned Parenthood) is focused on providing quality sexual and reproductive healthcare. From breast exams to cancer screenings, the organization does it all. 

For decades, Planned Parenthood has been a light at the end of the tunnel, providing medical services and support to far too many women with little or no access to health care.

While the organization has acknowledged its unsavory roots in the eugenics movement, today, people like Dr. Megan Freeland work diligently to provide care and education to millions of women on an annual basis- regardless of race. 

Freeland currently serves as the director of health communications for the non-profit organization and she’s making sure that marginalized communities are receiving the education and resources they deserve. The pharmacist turned communications specialist spoke with the AFRO about her goals in the role, challenges she’s faced and the Planned Parenthood initiatives aimed at increasing access to their services.

AFRO: How did you get involved with Planned Parenthood and how long have you been in this role?

Dr. Megan Freeland: I have been with Planned Parenthood for over three years and I have been in my current role for about two years. When I came to Planned Parenthood in 2021, I came in as the associate director of Black health media. I found myself in that position because I had been working independently as a freelancer focusing on health content writing and health content strategy. I was doing a lot of work with digital health and health tech companies. I was helping them develop content strategies that were going to be most impactful for Black communities and other communities of color. 

As a pharmacist by training and someone who has experience in medical and health communications, I know that a lot of published health information is done for default communities– which typically means White communities. When it comes to health care it’s important that information be tailored to specific audiences so that it’s relevant to their lives. When I saw that Planned Parenthood was looking for someone to help with the development of health information for Black communities and to engage with Black outlets to make sure that information was getting out to those folks I was really excited about the opportunity. When I was promoted to my current position, I went from only focusing on Black health media to leading the team that focuses on Black health media, as well as other other things  under that umbrella.

AFRO: What are some of the responsibilities that you have in this role ? 

MF: One part of my job is making sure that patients and families and everyday people know about the incredible work that Planned Parenthood is doing across the country to provide sexual reproductive health care and education. The internal partners that we work with are spending their time innovating in digital health and health technology.They’re innovating in education and in health care. Oftentimes, because they are being forced to innovate by the landscape of sexual and reproductive health care in the U.S. right now, they are innovating in arts and entertainment. 

It’s really exciting work. We collaborate with a lot of external partners to execute. We might engage with the media. We might work with conferences or people who are hosting in person events to make sure that Planned Parenthood experts are represented there, communicating about the work they’re doing. We might show up at cultural events like ESSENCE Fest to make sure that we’re meeting people where they are.

Those are my responsibilities from a Planned Parenthood perspective. However, on a personal level, what is most important to me is beyond “Here’s the great work that Planned Parenthood is doing.” The question is “How can I help my team find creative ways to inform people about critical health care topics?” 

Whether it’s abortion care, or cervical health, contraception, sex, education– any of those topics – what motivates me to do this work is my professional mission of fighting health misinformation.

AFRO: What are some of your goals for this position?

MF: What first comes to mind when I hear you ask that is stigma. Stigma related to sexual and reproductive health care is so pervasive across society. It’s not just something I come across in my work, it’s something that I see and hear every day whether I’m talking to loved ones in person or I’m scrolling through social media. Sometimes people think that stigma is just social in nature, like it doesn’t actually harm people. They think that it just sounds bad or makes people feel bad, but stigma has very concrete consequences. It keeps people from talking about issues that are really important to discuss with trusted individuals. It keeps people from getting care. 

It can be so easy to go to your local Planned Parenthood and get tested for sexually transmitted infections but there’s a stigma that often keeps people from doing that. For me, one of my goals in this work is to do everything we can to eliminate stigma in sexual and reproductive health care. Another goal of mine is making sure that sexual and reproductive health care isn’t being lost in the health equity movement. It has to be central to all of the work that we do because if we look at health outcomes across different racial and ethnic demographics, we consistently see minority communities getting the short end of the stick. We’re having health disparities that aren’t affecting White communities. The maternal health crisis is a perfect example of that. 

AFRO: What has been your greatest challenge in this role thus far ?

MF: A part of “meeting people where they are” is community and collaboration. We enjoy working with other entities, whether they are corporate brands or reporters, journalists, artists or celebrities. Those collaborations are really important to getting info in front of different audiences and making sure the messages are getting there as well. 

We’ve been very fortunate to have amazing collaborators that we’ve been able to work with. However, every now and then we’ll run into issues where an organization or entity is not able to collaborate because of preconceived notions or stigma about the types of care that Planned Parenthood provides. That’s always discouraging because you realize that the effects of stigma are still there. The other challenge that I run into is prioritization because there is so much work to be done. There’s never a shortage of work to be done. There’s never a shortage of communities that we want to do more outreach and engagement with. There’s never a shortage of misinformation that we need to correct in some way. Recognizing that we are people too and we have lives outside of work and we have families and priorities and loved ones.

AFRO: What is the communications team at Planned Parenthood being intentional about?

MF: You mentioned this word earlier: inclusiveness. I think that is something that our organization is being really intentional about. How do we make sure that we’re not overlooking communities or experiences that are commonly overlooked in the work that we do? Whether it’s communicating about sex education and not just in the context of standard heterosexual relationships, but also making sure LGBTQ plus communities are also reflected in our communications about sex education. That’s just one example, but it represents our approach to making sure that we’re not leaving people behind– especially people who live in the communities that are already facing the most barriers to care because of racism in the health care system. 

We’re being intentional about what kinds of spaces our experts are showing up in. We know that in the world we live in today, there are endless ways of engaging with organizations.

People still go places in person, so there’s the in person experience, there’s the social experience and there’s the event experience. Within all of those buckets there are multiple categories and ways that people engage. Twenty years ago, people were able to get news and information differently than how they do today. We’re really committed to continuously learning about how people are getting information, how people want to get information and where they’re going. We then, in turn, take that information and adjust our strategy to make sure that we are getting into these new places.

The post AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: Meet Dr. Megan Freeland, director of health communications for Planned Parenthood appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Josefina Catherine Cunningham was only 3 years old when her life was wrongfully taken. Remembered for her vibrant spirit and sweet demeanor, the story of how her precious life was cut short is being told by her older brother, Jy’Quan Stewart. 

Josefina was found dead on July 7, 2023 in her mother’s apartment in Rensselaer, N.Y., after being strangled, beaten and raped by her mother’s boyfriend, 34-year-old Robert Fisher. 

Stewart recalled seeing Josefina earlier in the evening on the night of the tragic event. 

“I went to my mom’s house to get my keys. I left and then my mom did as well,” the 22-year-old said. “Josefina was left in the care of Robert. When my mom came home, Josefina was sound asleep and breathing.” 

Stewart noted that his mother went to bed following her check on Josefina and it wasn’t until the next morning that she and the rest of their family would find the toddler bruised and unresponsive. While commuting to work, he received a call from his aunt about his little sister’s death. 

“I was on my way to work and I got a call from my aunt. She told me ‘Do you know that Josie died?’ And then I took a Lyft over to my mother’s house and I saw yellow tape outside and police standing in front of the house,” he said.

That morning as Josefina’s family mourned her death, her killer tried to clean up his mess. Stewart recalled Fisher sweeping, mopping and using excessive amounts of bleach in an attempt to clear any evidence of the horrific acts he committed. 

Fisher was arrested that day and has been in police custody under protective care for the last year. On July 27 of this year he pleaded guilty to his crimes and is now due to be sentenced on Sept. 10. 

Stewart noted that there’s been talk of sentencing Fisher to a bid of 20 years to life, however, he feels that isn’t severe enough of a punishment for the crime he committed. 

“He needs to be sentenced to the death penalty. In 2007 they did away with the death penalty in the state of New York but I want it to be reinstated,” he said. “If it happens I’m going to call it the ‘Josie Act.’”

Stewart explained that he’s hoping to have the death penalty reinstated in New York and if that were to happen, he would seek to reopen his sister’s case to have Fisher sentenced to death.  

The young man refuses to let his little sister’s story go untold, equating his actions to that of Mamie Till when she decided to have an open casket funeral for her son Emmett Till, who was lynched at the the of 14 by several White men.

“I believe my sister’s story can cause a great awakening and bring the country to its knees in prayer,” Stewart wrote in an editorial earlier this year.

With a plethora of news outlets having already reported on the tragic event, he’s determined to spread this story across the nation and hopefully onto the desks of local politicians. 

“I will not rest until I have achieved justice for Josie,” he concluded in the editorial. “This is just the beginning.”

As of Sept.10, Robert Fisher was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 20 years.

The post New York man seeks justice for sister, 3, who was raped, murdered appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com 

This week, the AFRO has compiled a list of voter registration events taking place in the coming weeks. Are you registered and ready to vote on Election Day, Nov. 5?

The Baltimore City Chapter of the League of Women Voters and a host of other organizations focused on voter turnout will hold events throughout the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area with a goal of registering voters ahead of the Oct. 15 voter registration deadline. Check out the events below to see where you can register to vote or help others who need the information! 

Maryland

Voter Registration Training

The ladies of the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority invites members of the community to their Sept. 7 voter registration training. Information for how to sign up for the training can be found on their instagram page by searching @thebaltimoredeltas.

Date: Sept.7

Time: 11 a.m. 

Location: Delta Community Center 

      2501 Springhill Avenue 

     Baltimore, MD 21215

Move Your Vote Forward 2024: Informing, Educating and Amplifying Your Vote

Moving U Forward, Inc. is hosting a voter education event where they will focus on how your vote matters. This event teaches voters about the need to pay attention to local and state elections and how they can move their vote forward in their communities. This community civic event is free to the public and all are welcome to attend. 

Date: Sept.7

Time:10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Baker Park

                  Frederick, MD 21701

32nd Street Farmers’ Market 

Members of the Baltimore City Chapter of League of Women Voters will meet at the 32nd Street Farmers Market to get members of the community registered to vote on Sept. 7.

Date: Sept. 7

Time: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Location: East 32nd Street and Barclay Street, 

     Baltimore, MD 21218

Catholic Charities of Baltimore 

Members of the Baltimore City Chapter of League of Women Voters will meet at Catholic Charities of Baltimore to register voters for the upcoming election. 

Date: Sept. 10

Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: 620 Fallsway, 

     Baltimore, MD 21202 

Morgan State University, Matriculation Convocation

As the campus of Morgan State welcomes the most recent class of Morganites to their Matriculation Convocation, members of the Baltimore City Chapter of League of Women Voters will be present and ready to register voters. 

Date: Sept.12

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Location: Murphy Fine Art Building, 

     2201 Argonne Drive, 

     Baltimore, MD  21218

University of Maryland, Fall Involvement Fair 

The ladies of the Baltimore City Chapter of League of Women Voters will be at the University of Maryland’s Fall Involvement Fair to register eligible students to vote. 

Date: Sept. 13

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: School of Nursing (Lawn)

     621 W. Lombard Street, 

     Baltimore, MD. 21201 

Getting Out the Vote: An Intro to Voting Rights in the US

Members of the community are welcomed to the Enoch Pratt Library to learn about their right to vote, the voting process and a history of voting. Event attendees will also be given the chance to register to vote for the upcoming election. 

Date: Sept. 17

Time:1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Central Library, BST Room 1801, 

    400 Cathedral Street, 

    Baltimore, MD 21201

Baltimore City Community College, Workforce Development Office 

The Baltimore City Chapter of League of Women Voters will be in the Baltimore City College Office of Workforce Development, welcoming students and community members alike to come and register to vote.

Date: Sept. 18

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: 710 East Lombard Street, 

     Baltimore, MD  21202

Baltimore Healthy Start: “Baby Buggy Walk” 

Visit the Baltimore City Chapter of League of Women Voters during, before or after the Baltimore Healthy Start: “Baby Buggy Walk” to get registered to vote.

Date: Sept. 21

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Patterson Park, Pulaski Monument, 

     Corner of Eastern and Linwood Avenues

University of Baltimore, Engagement Fair 

Come out to the University of Baltimore’s Engagement Fair to get registered to vote by members of the Baltimore City Chapter of League of Women Voters. 

Date: Sept. 26 

Time: 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Location: 1420 N. Charles Street, 

       Baltimore, MD 21201

Washington D.C. 

Voter Registration at the Woolly Mammoth Theater

Members of the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia will be at the Woolly Mammoth Theater on several dates during the month of September engaging voters, registering them to vote, informing them about VOTE411, the League’s comprehensive voter information website, and gathering DC statehood signatures.

Dates and Times: 

Sept. 8

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sept. 14 

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 

Time: 5:30 p.m. -7 p.m.

Sept. 21 

Time:   1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.

6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sept. 22 

Time: 12:30 p.m. –  2 p.m.

           5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 

Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.

           6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sept. 29 

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.

           5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Location: Woolly Mammoth Theater

                 641 D St NW, 

                 Washington, D.C.  20004

Voter Registration at the New Citizen Naturalization Ceremony

As the D.C. District Court continues Naturalization Ceremonies, the ladies of the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia will be out and about registering voters.

Date: Sept. 10

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Location: U.S. District Court

    333 Constitution Ave NW, 6th Floor

    Washington, DC  20001

American University Community Engagement Fair 

Members of the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia will register voters at the Community Engagement Fair hosted by the American Constitution Society, American University Law chapter. Members of the community will also have the chance to learn about volunteer opportunities related to the upcoming 2024 election.

Date: Sept. 12 

Time: 11 a.m – 1 p.m.

Location: American University Washington School of Law

     4300 Nebraska Ave. NW, 

     Washington, DC  20016

Voter Registration at the Washington Mystics Game 

Mystic fans will be able to register to vote with the ladies of the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia at the Commissioner’s Cup tournament. 

Day 1- Sept. 15 

Time: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Day 2 – Sept. 17 

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Location: Mystics Arena

                 1100 Oak Drive SE, 

                 Washington, DC  20032

National Voter Registration Day and the National Museum of African American History and Culture 

On National Voter Registration Day D.C. residents can visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture to receive voter registration and election information. Members of the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia, along with other organizations, will register people to vote.

Date: Sept. 17

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Location: National Museum of African American History & Culture

                 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, 

                 Washington, DC  20560

Voter Registration Drive at Coolidge High 

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B is working with the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia to welcome members of the community to come out for a day of family fun and to get registered to vote on National Voter Registration Day.

Date: Sept. 17

Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: Coolidge High School

     6315 5th St. NW, 

     Washington, DC  20011

Voter Registration for the Disabled 

Lifeline Partnership, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia, will host an interactive event for voters with developmental disabilities. Event attendees will have the chance to learn about voting in D.C., see a demonstration of the League’s VOTE411.org voter information tool and receive a demonstration on how to vote with a voting machine. 

Date: Sept. 21 

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Location: First Trinity Lutheran Church

                 309 E St. NW, 

                 Washington, DC  20001

Virginia 

Voter Registration Drive 

Warren County will host a voter registration drive at the Samuels Public Library.

Date: Sept. 3

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

Location: Samuels Public Library

                 330 E. Criser Road, 

                 Front Royal, VA 22630

Virtual offerings

Be an Informed Voter – Make Your Vote Count

Get all the information you need on how to register to vote, find accurate information about candidates’ positions and fact-check what you hear on the news and social media at this virtual event hosted by the Baltimore County Public Library.

Date: Sept. 9

Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location:  Virtual – Please register by visiting the events page on the Baltimore County Public Library website

The post Voter registration events in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com 

In March 2020, as life came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses big and small found themselves struggling to stay open. Challenged by quarantine mandates and remote work, many entrepreneurs saw their companies go under. However, while some business struggled, others thrived. Many were able to take advantage of support made available via government and private funding.

“During COVID a lot of the money was distributed,” said Peter Opare, chef and manager of Open Crumb, a scratch kitchen serving a variety of Black foods. “I saw an increase in my sales because a lot of people in my community were receiving additional government assistance which gave them more disposable income.” 

“Our community– like any community– loves food and loves supporting people. I saw more customers come to us,” he added.

Located in D.C.’s historic Anacostia area, Open Crumb’s  story of increased sales amidst the pandemic is a bit of an anomaly. Opare’s meals caught the attention of residents across the city. In turn, he was afforded opportunities he never expected– but definitely needed to propel his business to the next level.

Although Opare was able to thrive amidst the pandemic, other businesses fought to create revenue and keep their doors open. Long time business owner Julius Lofton Jr., of JC Lofton Tailors, had trouble with consistent clientele throughout the pandemic, due to the increased amount of remote jobs. He spoke to the AFRO on how the pandemic is still affecting his tailoring business today. 

“When the pandemic came and people were working from home, it affected us because people weren’t really wearing suits. It’s still affecting us because people are working from home and don’t wear business attire,” said Lofton. “I knew we had to pivot and we started making masks. It was something to keep money flowing into the shop. However, no one was prepared for everything to just stop the way it did. When LISC came in and talked to me about some additional funding, it really helped.” 

Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) is a nonprofit organization focused on forging resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across the nation.The local chapter of the 501c3  helped bridge the financial gap created during COVID by connecting small, local businesses with Wells Fargo.

“We were thrilled to partner with Wells Fargo to ultimately inject money into small businesses that are critical to the local communities fabric, particularly East of the river,” said Ashley Rosado, assistant program officer for LISC D.C. “We were able to do that in collaboration with the Anacostia Business Improvement District who helped us identify and connect with local businesses who needed the money the most.”   

The Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund has played a key role in broadening the economic stimulation of small businesses. The program has not only helped businesses survive, but also create jobs and expand. Darlene Goins, Wells Fargo head of philanthropy and community impact, discussed the importance of preserving and creating jobs at small businesses.

“Wells Fargo wanted to create a large-scale, inclusive small business recovery effort that focused on helping businesses stay open and preserve and create jobs,” she said. “We took the gross processing fees that we earned from administering the Paycheck Protection Program for the government in 2020 and we put that back into the small business community to the tune of roughly $420 million and we created the Open for Business Fund.”

Lofton noted that the funding from Wells Fargo allowed him to keep paying his employees in spite of the company’s lack of constant business. It was also explained that the support of long-time customers and the community at large helped keep the doors of the historic tailor shop open . 

“We’ve been in business so long that we have a lot of long-time clients and I had a couple of clients that offered me loans because they didn’t want to see us shut down. People brought us stuff to make sure we survived,” Lofton said. 

Opare was also a recipient of the funding provided by Wells Fargo, noting that it helped him revamp his marketing and buy new equipment for his business.

“We upgraded a lot of our equipment that we needed and we changed our marketing. While our neighbors having access to more capital to spend with us was beneficial, we also saw the need to better market ourselves to people outside of our community,” Opare said.

While many businesses nationwide did not receive pandemic funds to stay afloat, National Black Business Month is the perfect time to patronize small Black businesses and stimulate the Black economy. 

“Black businesses tell a story and connect with the community on a different level than large corporations. Small Black businesses are more likely to hire within our community and give opportunities to people that have not had the same opportunities as us,” said Opare. “By supporting Black businesses you’re saying ‘I not only support you as a business, but I support my community because I know that you are within my community.’”

The post Small businesses owners in D.C. speak on impact of COVID-19 pandemic appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

A June report shows that Black women disproportionately face postpartum maternal morbidity complications when compared to their White counterparts. The study, conducted by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), analyzed millions of Medicaid and commercial insurance reports from the University of Chicago National Opinion Research Center (NORC).

The report discussed the dangers many mothers face during labor, delivery and the postpartum period after birth, and found that Black women are at higher risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). 

“Severe maternal morbidity represents very severe acute medical occurrences that happen during the postpartum period. Examples would be heart attack, stroke, admission to the ICU and the need for a blood transfusion,” said Dr. Nicole Saint Clair, executive medical director for Regence Blue Shield in Washington. “These are severe complications that have immediate repercussions and the potential for lifelong disability and other health complications.”

One local mother who dealt with the very real and scary effects of SMM, spoke with the AFRO about her postpartum experiences.

“With both of my pregnancies I experienced very traumatic births,” said Shannel Pearman, a stay-at-home mom of two from Parkville, Md. “I had postpartum preeclampsia in both of my pregnancies and with the first one, I had a stroke one week postpartum and I almost lost my life.”

Pearman said she started receiving hints of the trouble ahead before her baby was born.

“Towards the end of my first pregnancy, during the last week, I started experiencing some extreme weight gain in a short amount of time,” she recalls. “I was really swollen. I expressed my concerns, but unfortunately I feel as though my concerns weren’t heard.” 

Pearman had her first child in May of 2019. She anticipated the time spent with her newborn baby as one of the happiest times in her life. Instead, she was left hospitalized and then permanently disabled. 

The mother of two discussed the prevalence of stories like hers and how vital it is for Black women to advocate for themselves during medical emergencies. 

“Unfortunately, my story is not unique,” said Pearman. “There’s so many Black women who are no longer here with us to tell their stories. There’s also many of them like myself, who are left with the scars of having traumatic birthing experiences.

“Black women have to advocate for themselves. If you feel like something is wrong, don’t just take what a doctor or a medical professional tells you,” she continued. “If you truly feel like something is wrong and your intuition is telling you that something’s not right–you have to speak up. Far too many Black mothers are suffering. What should be the happiest moments of their lives, unfortunately turns into some of the most terrifying. 

“More needs to be done to uplift and support and advocate for Black moms,” she said. 

Advocating for oneself is hard for some, especially when facing off against a healthcare professional with years of training and medical experience. However there are a series of resources available to help assure the voices of mothers are heard; one of the most popular being a doula. 

Nyeema Wright, a postpartum doula from Long Beach, Calif., said one challenge facing mothers is a lack of education about resources available when it comes to doula services. Wright said that women are at a disadvantage by “not knowing about doulas, not knowing that we are here to be your companion throughout pregnancy throughout postpartum.” 

“We are here to provide mothers with all of this well deserved education and well needed and deserved support,” she explained, adding that doulas serve as “the liaison between the provider and the parent.”

“That’s a crucial space to be filled and it’s necessary to have someone there outside of your family and friends.  I am here, with all of my knowledge and my expertise–and I can tailor the care to fit every individual need,” said Wright.

According to the BCBS report, “postpartum SMM rates are 87 percent higher among Black patients and 7 percent higher among Latina patients in the commercially insured population. 

The study included data from 2.9 million hospital deliveries from Jan. 2019 to Dec. 2022 through BCBS claims. Mothers with Medicaid accounted for another 6.2 million hospital deliveries studied between Jan. 2017 and Dec. 2021 by NORC. Researchers used claims from the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS).

The study found that “hospitalization rates are 71 percent higher for Black patients in the commercial population.”

Saint Clair discussed the research done and contributing factors to the increased rates of SMM and maternal mortality.

“As we follow both maternal mortality rates and morbidity rates, year after year, we see that Black women are at significantly increased risk compared to White women and all other ethnicities for both complications,” she said. “Black women continue to be two to three times more likely to experience either issue. And when we look at what the factors are, it’s really multifactorial.”

“There are issues in quality health care, as well as the presence of underlying conditions,” said Saint Clair, adding that there needs to be a focus on “what’s happening in the lead up to the pregnancy,” especially when knowledge of disparities exist.

“We know that there are many components of structural racism and implicit bias that really manifest in a variety of different ways,” said Saint Clair. 

In a 2022 report, titled “How Implicit Bias Contributes to Racial Disparities in Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States,” implicit bias is defined as “attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.” 

The report explained that implicit bias can have disastrous results, and often comes into play “in settings that are prone to overload or high stress,” such as “emergency departments or labor and delivery settings, where relying on automatic or unconscious processes to execute medical decision making quickly becomes essential.” 

The automatic components to high-stress decision making “are likely to activate stereotypes and unconscious beliefs. In addition, cognitive stressors, such as overcrowding and the demand to care for more patients during a shift, are associated with an increase in implicit bias.”

All of this can make the labor and delivery room more dangerous for Black women, who face a plethora of stereotypes as they conceive, carry, deliver and care for their children. 

To make matters worse, while doctors are aware of the disparities, they don’t see their own contributions to the problem. 

The 2022  implicit bias study used  research from the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, which showed “inconsistency between clinicians’ willingness to acknowledge disparities in their practice and their consideration of implicit bias.” 

Researchers found that “84 percent of respondents agreed that disparities affect their practice, but only 29 percent believed that personal biases influenced their ability to care for patients.”

In efforts to fight inequality in the healthcare system, BCBS has created a public health platform that calls for those in power to: 

• Improve access and affordability by working to “remove barriers to Medicaid enrollment retention for eligible Americans,” while also improving access to telehealth. BCBS says that “insurance through tax credits that keep Marketplace plans affordable for those who need them” is also crucial. 
• Address and mitigate the impacts of social drivers of health (SDOH) to combat the effects of health inequity. SDOH can account for over 50 percent of a person’s well-being. Access to enough food, access to healthy food options, a lack of access to transportation and unstable housing are some of the most common social determinants of health. Marginalized communities are more likely to experience some of these dangerous social drivers. 
• Build an equitable health care workforce by investing in initiatives such as educational pathways, to expand and diversify the workforce. Fostering the partnerships between public-private organizations is vital to creating a more equitable health care environment. Additionally, expanding peoples accessibility to non-physician practitioners is necessary when aiming to create more equitable healthcare systems.
• Harness and standardize health equity data to help lessen health disparities and measure progress. The government can directly help by providing funding to the CDC to create, coordinate and manage state-based review committees to recognize,  review and characterize pregnancy-related morbidity. Assuring that data is collected without bias and directly from patients is vital to the standardization of data.

To view the full BCBS report, click here. For more information on how to combat the issues of Black maternal morbidity and mortality visit cdc.gov/hearher.

The post New study shows postpartum morbidity on the rise for African-American women appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

When it comes to defying odds and blazing trails, Windsor Group knows a thing or two about it. Since starting in 2017, the Black, women and veteran- owned business has worked hard to continuously raise the bar in the world of business professional development. 

With a series of services offered including IT, project and program management, management consulting, staff augmentation and many more, the company is on the rise. 

Diedre Windsor, president and CEO of Windsor Group, spoke with the AFRO to discuss her ever-growing business, how it started, the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and the role they played in providing funding opportunities from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to over 58,000 agriculturists. This week, Windsor’s company was listed on the Inc. 5000 list. According to information released by Inc.com, “companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth over the last three years. They generated 874,940 jobs, $317 billion in revenue, and show where the economy is going.”

Read below to learn more about this Black woman on the move and what she told the AFRO about discrimination when it comes to African-American entrepreneurship.

AFRO: Tell me about Windsor Group. When were you founded and what’s your purpose? 

DW: We registered in January of 2014, but I did not start the business until 2017. In 2016, I quit my job in the federal government. I was working at the U.S. Department of Justice. I left that job and decided to start the business full time. 

We are a professional services firm. Under the umbrella of professional services, we offer IT services, project and program management, management consulting, training, development and staff augmentation. We are 100 percent federal government contractors. 

AFRO: How did you get involved with the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program and what was that like? 

DW: Interestingly enough, in the federal government, they have what’s called a “multiple award schedule.” We’re on the schedule and last year I got a call from a large company that wanted to pursue this opportunity at the USDA. It’s the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. The program came from legislation 22007, of the Inflation Reduction Act, which required the USDA to provide 2.2 billion in financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who had been discriminated against. You had the national administrator, who was the final decision maker, but also the vendor that would make sure the checks were distributed. You also had the regional hubs and these vendors were responsible for making sure that we communicated this information. 

Our job was outreach and technical assistance. We needed to find the farmers and make sure they understood this information–that this financial assistance was available– and then help them with the application process. The application was 40 pages and that was daunting by itself. But that was our responsibility. They asked us if we were interested. We said “yes” and went forward. 

We ended up being awarded the contract to execute East of the Mississippi River and that was 26 or 27 states, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.There were 43,000 financial assistance awards made and 33,000 of those came from the East Coast. Our technical approach was successful because we were able to get over 58,000 applications. I’m sure some of them fell out for one reason or the other, but we were responsible for about 78 percent of the applications and we were responsible for about 72 percent of the awards that were distributed. The program was a huge success.

AFRO: What does discrimination within the agriculture industry look like? 

DW: It’s the same as what it looks like for me as a small business owner. 

For example, “Mr. Smith goes to the USDA and says ‘Hey, I have 15 acres and I want to do X,Y and Z,’” but then he is discriminated against: He can’t get the loan to do what he needs to do to progress on his land. That can result in him maybe having to sell the land because he has no money to keep it. 

The old saying goes, “You have to have some money, to make some money,”  and sometimes having money just means getting a small loan. You can only do so much borrowing from friends and family. Most of us don’t have friends and family that can lend us the type of money we need to actually get something like that off the ground. 

How are you going to make progress without getting the money that you need? 

There are people who told us they tried to get a loan, but couldn’t. When they didn’t get the loan they needed, they had their White neighbor go in and try to get the same loan. 

The neighbor got the loan. 

The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program addressed all forms of discrimination. 

AFRO: What’s next for Windsor Group?

DW: We’re looking to give back even more. 

For the last two years, we’ve been on the Washington Business Journal list of corporate philanthropists. I feel like the more we grow, the more we can give back. It’s made me think a lot about how I want to give back in the future because right now we help quite a few organizations. 

Right now, we are focused on a lot of veteran organizations. I try to stick to organizations where I know what kind of impact it will have on the person. 

As a Black woman veteran, I know the trials people like me deal with, and I know organizations that support that population. I want to support them, but I also want to support scholarships at HBCUs. I also want to support food insecurity. On the business side, we’re diversified within the government, and right now I’m looking at how we move beyond the government to the commercial space. In order to truly grow and scale, that’s going to take something different and I’m not 100 percent sure what that is yet. 

We’ve been very fortunate because we’ve grown every year. This week, we were notified we’re on the Inc. 5000 list– number 318. This is our fourth year in a row we’ve been on Inc. 5000 and that means that we’ve been consistently growing.

AFRO: Why is it important to support Black-owned businesses? 

DW: I think it’s critical. Sometimes it’s only us helping each other. I’m not saying other people don’t help us, but if we don’t help us—who’s going to help us? Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of great philanthropic organizations and people out there that are helping us because “they don’t see color.” However, for me, it’s important that I help Black-owned companies, women-owned companies and veteran-owned companies.”

The post AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: Meet Diedre Windsor, the Maryland entrepreneur on the Inc. 5000 list appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

It is with a heavy heart and great pride that the AFRO honors the life and legacies of Mrs. Gladys Blount and Mrs. Romay Johnson-Davis, two members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Following their courageous service during World War II (WWII) both ladies went on to live long and meaningful lives all the while never forgetting their time in the military. 

Romay Catherine Johnson-Davis was born on October 29,1919 in King George County, Va. She was the middle child of six and the only girl. With no Black high school in King George County, she was forced to attend numerous high schools in New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C., staying with different family members. 

Johnson-Davis graduated from Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. Following graduation she worked as an elevator operator in a hospital elevator and then served the Bureau of Engraving in Washington, D.C. 

During WWII, the United States decided to expand their military capacity and Johnson-Davis volunteered to join the Army. After enrolling in the Army she completed her basic training at Fort Des Moines, Iowa she was assigned to the motor pool at Camp Breckinridge in Morganfield, Ky. During her time there, Johnson-Davis worked as a mechanic and a driver. It was during her time at Camp Breckinridge that she volunteered to go overseas and was chosen to serve in the 6888th. 

In February of 1945, Johnson-Davis  joined the first group of women sent over to England to sort through months worth of undelivered mail. The women created a system that operated in three different shifts, seven days a week and allowed them to process approximately 195,000 pieces of mail a day. 

“In March of 2022– almost 80 years after the 6888th service in World War II–Ms. Romay came to me and told me that they are now going to award them the Congressional Gold Medal. When that announcement came, only six of the 855 women were alive,” said Col. Eries Mentzer, a member of the U.S. Air Force and a dear friend of Johnson-Davis .

“At that time Ms.Romay was the oldest living member of the 6888th at 102. It was the extended family of many members of the 6888th that accepted their honors because they were deceased. But for Ms.Romay we decided to make this as grand of a ceremony as possible because she waited far too long for this honor to happen.”

Mentzer recalled how Johnson-Davis reacted to the special celebration they held for her in downtown Montgomery. 

“When she came home from overseas she went to New York and attended the Traphagen Fashion School. When she parked her car for the first time in New York her footlocker was stolen and for almost 80 years she’s never had her military uniform,” said Mentzer. “We made it our mission to return her military uniform. We found a World War II footlocker just by kind of scouring the internet and then from the footlocker we were able to find every part of the uniform just by looking at pictures of her. We took all of this and made the footlocker into a shadow box.” 

“We presented that to her and you could just see her eyes well up. After that she never took her eyes off that footlocker. I went over to her house later that night and she was just staring at the footlocker and she said ‘I never thought I would see my uniform again. I never thought anybody would care this much about me,’”Mentzer recalls.

Johnson-Davis’ charismatic spirit and big personality stuck with her even as she grew older. Known for defying odds and marching to the beat of her own drum, the army vet went on to live a very full life following her service in the 6888th. When Mentzer met her, she was 101-years-old and working at the local Winn Dixie grocery store as a way of “keeping herself active and busy.” Prior to that she worked in the fashion industry, having earned degrees from the New York Fashion Institute and the Traphagen School of Fashion. 

Amidst her exciting career in fashion she met her husband, Jerry Davis at a party in 1957. They were married for 42 years until his passing in 1999. Throughout the years, Romay would go on to earn her master’s degree in education from New York University, in addition to picking up a series of hobbies and professional interests like taxidermy, real estate, painting and making furniture. 

Johnson-Davis was the oldest living veteran of the battalion until her passing on June 21. It was only a day later, on June 22,  that her fellow soldier, Gladys Blount would also pass.

Born on June 6, 1922 to John and Eva Debman in Newark, New Jersey, from 1944 to 1946, Blount proudly served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Before joining the military, she worked as a beautician. In 1948 Blount married Anthony Blount Sr. and they had two children, Eva Davis and the late Kwame Blount.

“When she first went overseas she wasn’t frightened with the war going on. She was happy to be there and very excited about what laid ahead of her,” said Eva Davis, Blount’s daughter. “She went overseas and really enjoyed the assignment she was given.”

Following her service in WWII, she followed multiple career paths including one in the medical field as a nursing assistant and within the dietary department for Newark Public Schools.

Blout was the matriarch of her family with eight grandchildren: Kevin Blount Sr., Willie Davis IV, Joaquin Blount, Chaz Davis, Stephen Davis, Rakeem Blount, Amber Blount and Chole Blount. She also had 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Blount was known for her kind and joyful spirit. Her artistic spirit was often expressed through her hobbies which included scrapbooking, baking, reading and listening to classical music. 

She is survived by her daughter, Eva Davis, her 8 grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren. Blount is preceded in death by her parents, her son Kwame Blount, her siblings and son-in-law, Willie Davis III.

The legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion is one the AFRO has treasured and upheld for years. Although many of the women who served in the unit are deceased, the few remaining members have continued to show up to receive the many honors bestowed upon the women of the battalion in the last six years.

The post Remembering Gladys Blount and Romay Johnson-Davis, women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com  

As Vice President Harris continues her campaign for president, the support is rolling in at rapid speeds. Many calls and campaigns have been organized to help the presidential candidate receive the financial, communal and political aid she needs to successfully compete to be the next commander-in-chief. 

With a great amount of endorsements and backings from celebrities, political figures and elected officials, Harris seems to be moving full steam ahead with her campaign. The excitement surrounding this historic candidacy is shared by many. The AFRO reached out to D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George to get her input on watching a fellow Black woman run for president.

AFRO:  What do you think will be VP Kamala Harris’ greatest challenge during this campaign for president?

Janeese Lewis George: From a practical standpoint, I think Harris’ biggest challenge will be the short amount of time she has to build a strong campaign, but the momentum we’ve seen in just the last week has made it abundantly clear she’ll have no problem overcoming it. 

Dealing with the racism and sexism that will undoubtedly shape conversations in this race is not something you get used to even though you expect it. Navigating those conversations and overcoming those who think that way will be a challenge. 

AFRO: As a fellow Black woman in politics, how do you feel about her stepping into this role as a presidential candidate? 

JLG: Our country is stronger when leaders reflect the full diversity of the people in our communities. That’s true at the local level and at the national level. My experiences as a woman of color who grew up in a union household shapes my policymaking in ways that are very needed in our country. I’m confident that will be true for Harris’s leadership as well. Harris and I both attended Howard University, we both are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and we both served as assistant district attorney and assistant attorney general in a state office.I am incredibly proud of her for multiple reasons and of how far she has come and I know that she has the experience and qualifications to step into this role. 

AFRO: If elected, how do you hope to see Harris impact the nation?

JLG: We’re already seeing it. There is Obama 2008 energy happening right now and we’re seeing it at her rallies, in her fundraising and in the people signing up to volunteer. That’s the energy it will take to defeat Donald Trump in November and that’s the energy it will take to advance progressive wins in 2025. 

AFRO:  Where do you think her influence is needed most right now? 

JLG: We need national action on gun control. Every community in this country has been affected by Congress’s failure to act on guns and I hope VP Harris can make progress on it with urgency.

This moment is also making it clear that we need D.C. statehood. To have a major party candidate promising to overturn D.C. home rule is incredibly dangerous. The people who live in D.C. deserve to elect their own leaders, just like everyone else in this country and the only way to ensure that is by making D.C. the 51st State.

AFRO:  How do you think having a Black woman as president will affect the climate of Black women in politics?

JLG: Black women are already doing incredible work in local government, in Congress, in state governments, federal agencies, in the courts and more. I’ll celebrate the nation’s first Black and Indian woman president, but at the end of the day I’ll get back to doing the work. 

The post Council member Janeese Lewis George shares thoughts on Harris campaign appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Highly acclaimed civil rights attorney, Ben Crump and attorney, Christopher Seeger of Seeger Weiss announced on Aug. 5 they have filed a lawsuit on behalf of the family of Henrietta Lacks. The lawsuit is against Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., Novartis Gene Therapies Inc., Viatris Inc. and Mylan Pharmaceuticals. The lawsuit was filed regarding justice for the wrongful and unauthorized commercialization of  Lacks’s cells, known as the HeLa cell line. For decades these cells have been used for the advancement and development of medical research and drug development without her or her family’s consent.

Lacks was being treated for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the early 1950s and during a procedure, tissue samples were extracted from her cervix unbeknownst to her. It was found by medical experts that her cells were unique in comparison to typical cells due to their ability to reproduce indefinitely outside of the human body. This discovery led to the creation of the first immortalized human cell line.

“Henrietta Lacks’s cells have fueled countless medical breakthroughs, from the development of the polio vaccine to advancements in gene mapping and in vitro fertilization,” said Seeger. “Yet, despite the monumental impact of HeLa cells on medical science, Mrs. Lacks’s family has had to fight for compensation and acknowledgment for their profound contribution.”

The lawsuit brings attention to the conscious decisions  made by Novartis and Viatris to commercialize Lacks’ cells and profit from it, all the while being well aware of the unethical harvesting of the cells. Novartis  acknowledges Lacks story on their website, however they’ve continued to profit off the use of her genetic material without having permission to do so and without compensating her estate. Viatris and its subsidiary Mylan Pharmaceuticals have also heavily relied on HeLa cells for the development of medicine, the advancement of their research and the increase of revenue.

“Medical research has a long, troubled history of exploiting Black individuals, and Henrietta Lacks’s story is a stark reminder of this legacy,” Crump added. “It is time for these corporations to be held accountable for their unjust enrichment and to provide the Lacks family with the recognition and compensation they deserve.”

The lawsuit provides a singular cause of action for unjust enrichment, noting that the defendants’ ongoing use and commercialization of HeLa cells are unethical, morally corrupt and unequitable without compensation to or the consent of the Lacks family. It declares that the profits made from the use of these cells should be given to the estate of Lacks.

“Black people have the right to control their bodies and their genetic material,” Crump stated. “The exploitation of Henrietta Lacks’s cells must be acknowledged, and justice must be served for her family. We will fight tirelessly to ensure that her legacy is honored and that her family receives the compensation they are owed.”

The post Ben Crump announces lawsuit against big pharma on behalf of Henrietta Lacks family appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Artscape recently returned to Baltimore, drawing thousands to the event that has become a hallmark of artistic expression and community spirit. Held from Aug. 2 to Aug. 4, 2024, artists and art lovers from around the region and beyond descended on Baltimore in hopes of experiencing good music, great food and innovative art exhibits. 

This year’s Artscape festival lived up to its reputation as the largest free arts festival in the nation. Over the three day event, attendees were treated to an electrifying mix of artistic exhibitions, performances and interactive experiences that showcased the rich diversity of Charm City’s creative scene.

“It’s these kinds of cultural events that make the difference in people loving a place and being a part of a place,” said Mark Thomas, president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. “I like Artscape because it really makes a difference in exposing people to the art scene and the culture. This is a great thing for us to continue to invest in and make sure it becomes even more impactful.” 

Thomas used the weekend to network and enjoy the festival offerings, while also purchasing some art pieces for his home. 

The festival had over 150 vendor booths, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of visual arts. From eye-catching multimedia installations to intricate traditional artworks like paintings and photography, the array of exhibits displayed the depth of local and national talent. Noteworthy installations included a large-scale interactive mural that allowed visitors to contribute their own artistic touches, and a series of thought-provoking sculptures that explored themes of community and identity.

“This festival provides a lot of exposure to culture,” said Jeffrey Kent, a conceptual artist known for his paintings.“It’s bringing culture and art to the street and Black people don’t normally get access to that.”

Aside from visual art, music lovers were not disappointed, as the festival featured an impressive lineup of performances across multiple stages. Musical offerings included jazz, classical music, hip-hop and more. 

Headlining acts included The Original Wailers, Sheila E. and Chaka Khan. However both Sheila E. and Chaka Khan were unable to perform due to inclement weather. 

As a result, local bands had their moment in the sun—and the rain— showcasing the burgeoning talent within the city.

Known for being one of the biggest stages for local artists to establish themselves, Artscape is a safe space for many artists that are just getting their start. Mayor Brandon M. Scott spoke on the importance of Artscape.

“One of the best things about Artscape is how we promote local artists. To see our own folks on the stage is  a great way to honor Baltimore artists both old and new. That’s why we love Artscape and our city so much,” he said.

Rachel Graham, CEO of the Baltimore Office for Promotion and The Arts (BOPA), also spoke on what the festival means to Charm City. 

“There’s no other place in the world it could happen,” she said. “This is a celebration of Baltimore as an arts hub and a cultural mecca. We are celebrating and supporting artists from around the city. You can’t move it because you can’t get that secret sauce that’s available in Baltimore anywhere else, but Baltimore.”

One of the festival’s standout features was its focus on interactive and family-friendly activities. Attendees of all ages had the chance to engage in hands-on art workshops, from pottery making to digital art creation. 

The festival’s Family Zone was a hit, providing a range of activities designed for younger visitors, including craft stations and puppet shows that delighted children and parents alike.

The 40th Artscape festival was more than just a celebration of the arts–it was a reaffirmation of Baltimore’s commitment to fostering creativity and community. The event highlighted the importance of public art and cultural gatherings in bringing people together and enriching their lives.

“It’s important that we do this because this is a very important economic sector to this city,” said Graham. “There’s so much cultural richness. What better way to celebrate than to bring it all together in one place at one time.” 

The post Artscape returns to Baltimore for celebration of art, music and culture appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

A recent study conducted by the University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley) found toxic metals in a variety of tampon brands currently being sold throughout the United States. The report, released by the university’s department of public health, noted lead, arsenic and cadmium in 14 of 30 tampon brands studied.

Few research studies related to chemicals in tampons, despite it being a public concern. 

According to the report, “metals have been found to increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes and cancer. They can damage the liver, kidneys and brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems. In addition, metals can harm maternal health and fetal development.”

Though the report raised concern, researchers noted that “for the moment, it’s unclear if the metals detected by this study are contributing to any negative health effects. Future research will test how much of these metals can leach out of the tampons and be absorbed by the body.”

During the study, 16 different types of metal were found in over 30 tampons from a total of 14 different brands. The amount of metal found in the tampons varied based on factors such as the country of origin. Name brand products were also compared to generic offerings. Researchers also looked at products labeled as “organic.” 

Overall, it was found that a multitude of metals are in several types of tampons and no specific kind had consistently lower amounts of all or most metals. 

Notably, the report does not mention any of the brands found to have the toxic metals, leaving consumers in the dark about which brands to avoid. 

Olivia Atley, a doula, specializing in care before, during and after pregnancy said that Black women should be vigilant about this report given the high rate of maternal morbidity and mortality in the Black community. 

“It’s a reminder that we need to be very vigilant about the things that we are using in and on our bodies,” she said, speaking of Black women. “The vagina is very absorbent and when you’re placing anything into it that’s a great way to help the body absorb things faster.”

“When you’re putting toxins in the body, they’re also going to be absorbed faster. This could lead to infections, ovarian cysts and I know some people have experienced polyps,” she added.

The report has many women rethinking the menstrual products they use. Some women have sworn off tampons, while others don’t seem to be too concerned with the information found in the report.

“If you read some of the labels on your tampon box– it has a warning about some of the dangers. Tampons have been dangerous, this is just another thing to add to the list of risks and side effects,” said Tonesty Burt, a student-athlete at Missouri Western State University. 

As an athlete, Burt said tampons are a necessity. She said other menstrual products either don’t appeal to her or aren’t conducive to her active lifestyle. 

“Pads are uncomfortable to wear in general but especially when running. They also aren’t very reliable when you’re constantly moving,” Burt said. 

With no desire to have children, Burt noted the risks posed to her maternal health don’t concern her. However, other women told the AFRO that the information presented in the UC Berkeley report has caused concern.

“I started using tampons when my cycle was heavier, but since switch[ing] birth controls my cycle is lighter and doesn’t last as long,” said Destaney Smith, a primary care assistant from Columbus, Ohio.  

“I don’t really need them, but I got used to using them,” she said, speaking of the tampons she used to rely on. “Knowing they have metals in them– that’s even more reason to stop using them.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified tampons in the Class II category reserved for medical devices with non-significant risk. Although manufacturers are required to submit detailed risk assessments of the product component, design and test results, there currently aren’t any regulations in place that require manufacturers to test their products for toxic metals. 
Kimberly Clark and Proctor and Gamble, well known tampon manufacturers, were contacted for comment, but the AFRO received no response.

The post Black women respond to new report on tampon toxicity appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Since 2006 the African Diaspora International Film Festival D.C., (ADIFF D.C.) has provided the D.C. area with an annual festival that highlights Black films from all across the world. This year’s festival is scheduled to take place Aug. 2-4 at George Washington University, located at 2121 I St NW, Washington, D.C. 20052 

With a focus on highlighting the experiences, perspectives and issues that affect communities of African descent from around the globe, ADIFF is proud to showcase their lineup of films this year. Event attendees can anticipate topics such as women’s rights, colorism, homosexuality and gender segregation to be the focal point of some of this year’s films.

“It is a celebration of the human experience in the African world. When I say the African world, I’m referring to Africa as a continent, but also its diaspora,” said Mwiza Muthali, founder and co-director of Africa World Now. “These are the stories and various experiences of African peoples worldwide on film. You’ll notice in this festival there’ll be new films, but there are a couple of films from the past as well. We want to show those, to remind people how some of the issues that have taken place within the African world are still going on.”

When the festival first started, ADIFF D.C. was partnering with Trans Africa, but the organizations parted ways in 2014. Since then, Africa World Now has been partnering with ADIFF D.C. to bring the District a lineup of films that are giving depth to the lives of people throughout the African diaspora.

ADIFF has four annual festivals that take place throughout the year in Chicago, D.C., Paris and New York. Filmmaker Charles Uwagbai spoke to the AFRO about his film “The Wall Street Boy,” which is due to make its U.S. premiere at the D.C., festival. 

“‘The Wall Street Boy” was a collaboration between Canadians and Kenyans because we shot part of it in Kenya and part of it in Canada. It follows the story of a young boy, he’s a mathematician who created an algorithm that changes the stock market and it shows the whole world coming to steal that equation from him,” he said. “One thing I really like about this film is the positive message that it carries. A lot of times when we tell African stories it’s always about the suffering, but this story carries a very positive message. For once we can see the bright lights shining from a little village in Kenya and the whole world is crawling to get that thing that he has.” 

Uwagbai’s film is one of many that will be making their debut in the states. The grand opening film for this year’s festival is “Breaking Boundaries,” a documentary that follows the journey of a young, bi-racial woman who dreams of creating a legacy as a woman of color in rhythmic gymnastics. 

“The grand opening film is ‘Breaking Boundaries’ and it’s about a young lady who was trying to compete in the 2020 Olympics. She’s one of the few Black people to compete in the rhythmic gymnastics event,” said Muthali. “She was one of the top rated gymnasts in the USA for that event. This is a documentary following her journey.”

Following the film’s premiere, there will be a question and answer panel with the star of the film, Stasya Generlova. 

The three-day event is also scheduled to premiere a short film series, “Fighting White Supremacy: The African American Experience.” The three films featured in the series are “Keepers of the Flame,” “Judging Juries” and “How We Get Free.” All of the films focus on the battle against White supremacy throughout the U.S.

The festival’s series of events is truly helping reshape the narrative surrounding Black communities all across the world. Uwagbai explained how much he enjoys being able to share his work with a bunch of different audiences across the world due to the festival taking place in different cities. 

“When I make a film, I want to share it with the world. This festival is amazing because it doesn’t happen in one place,” said Uwagbai. “They’re really taking the message ahead and doing the work for you in terms of promoting the film and the work that you’ve done.” 

With 17 years of experience under their belt, ADIFF D.C., has much more to offer. Muthali explained that although Africa World Now is an activist organization, they began to do the film festival to help provide an outlet for filmmakers of African descent and to help provide a more accurate depiction of Black life.

“We have the film festivals to provide an avenue for filmmakers of African descent to present their stories. In the mainstream distribution system, African stories are not given a space there,” he said “The reason why we started presenting films, even though we’re an activist organization, is to give people a perspective as we’re doing our activism.”

“We want people to have a total understanding of the Black experience  because once you have a total understanding of the people and the culture then it’s easier to work on policy related issues.”

The post African Diaspora International Film Festival returns to D.C. for 17th year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The Little Miss Black US of A pageant has returned to Maryland to inspire the next generation of young Black girls seeking to serve their communities. On July 26 to 27, the Hoff Theater, located on the campus of University of Maryland, will be full of poised young ladies and Black girl magic.

Each year, the event features girls ages two to 17 as they showcase their beauty, intellect and talent in a competitive environment.

Girls from all across the nation come to compete in the annual pageant and one queen from each age group is crowned for the year. The competition will be scored based on a series of factors including attire, an on-stage question, an interview with the judges and their creative expression in the “exuding personality” category.

The 2024 Little Miss Black US of A Jr., Taylin Glascoe, spoke with the AFRO ahead of the big event to discuss what the world of pageantry has done for her. 

“Being in pageants has taught me to reach for the stars, to be respectful and to walk with pride,” said the young queen. “Beauty comes from the heart, not just the outside. I’ve learned to be a role model and a leader.”

Glascoe is a native of Baltimore and won the junior crown last year with little to no prior experience in pageants. In her position, she’s been able to serve her community, rub elbows with elected officials and develop her leadership skills. As Glascoe prepares to hand her crown down to the next qualifying queen, she and her family reflect on why it’s important that these opportunities be presented to young Black girls.  

“It’s important that young Black girls participate in pageants because it can help them learn and develop life skills and it also helps build confidence,” said Maggie Fleming, Glascoe’s grandmother and manager. “These young ladies are overcoming stereotypes and developing leadership skills that can help them pursue opportunities they never dreamed to be possible.”

The pageant has a plethora of sponsors including Pageant Planet; Justice for Black Girls; The Baltimore County Corvette Club; Russell Advisory Group and Stacy Jones Foundation–the presenter of the varying cash scholarships awarded to each of the winners. 

Upon being crowned, each queen gets a cash scholarship along with an official rhinestone sash, official gold crown, an invitation to walk in New York Fashion Week, a photoshoot in Times Square, car magnets, autograph cards, a photoshoot with her sister queens, a feature on the Little Miss Black US of A website and the chance to be featured in a promo campaign. 

Although Glascoe isn’t allowed to compete and renew her crown she’s excited to attend the pageant to support and encourage this year’s contestants. Fleming noted that pageants are a great way to encourage young Black girls to reach for new heights and strive for excellence. 

“Pageantry encourages our girls to excel in all they do and it gives them something to be proud of,” said Fleming. “It presents an opportunity for them to put themselves out there and be the best versions of themselves.”

The post Little Miss Black US of A continues to inspire young girls with annual pageant  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com 

Earlier this year it was reported by theroundup.org that about 80 to 100 billion new garments are produced each year. The items are sold by fast fashion companies, however the garments are made by employees who are disadvantaged, overworked and underpaid. This mass production of items is alleged to happen in unsafe and inhumane working conditions in factories across Asian countries like China and Bangladesh.

The items are sold for ridiculously low prices, worn less than an average of 10 times and then discarded. This cycle of heavy turnaround has resulted in 92 million tons of textile waste each year– much of which is sent to places like Chile to be disposed of. And although this issue seems far removed from consumers in developed countries like the U.S., they’re also at risk due to toxic chemicals in the garments. 

“Fast fashion is an extractive industry and it embodies that capitalistic model exploiting cheap natural resources, cheap labor and not facing any consequences or having any plan for externalities that are released into the environment,” said Ayana Albertini-Fleurant, the founder and executive director of Sustain The Culture. “They’re using children and young women in developing nations to produce their clothes. They make a fraction of what they would make in a developed country and oftentimes it violates human rights.”

Sustain The Culture is a non-profit organization based in Miami that focuses on working with Black youth to create a culture surrounding environmentalism and breaking down the stigma surrounding sustainability in the Black community. 

Albertini-Fleurant explained how the fast-paced industry is based on trends. Items are desired one day and discarded the next, making for an excessive amount of pollution and waste. She explained that fast fashion feeds on consumerism and is a system built to thrive in the age of social media.

“Fast fashion operates off of trends. Just as fast and unethically as it is produced, it is consumed. Fast fashion operates off of micro seasons and there can be dozens of different seasons within one year,” she said. “There’s constantly a new collection and a new trend that fast fashion is capitalizing off of. And we consume these trends. Just as quickly as we wanted to buy yesterday’s trend, tomorrow it’s in the garbage.”

The internet is full of social media influencers promoting the cheap prices, cute clothes and a wide range of options offered by fast fashion brands like Fashion Nova, TEMU and Shein. However the effects it has on global warming, the generation of waste and the production of microplastics is a conversation that needs more attention.

 Most of the clothes sold on these sites are made of polyester, a synthetic fiber that doesn’t decompose. With no way of naturally breaking down, most clothes that are thrown away by consumers and companies end up in landfills in foreign countries or in the ocean along the coast of countries like Ghana. This issue has a ripple effect that leaves the communities in that area exposed to pollution and toxins due to the clothes being burned. 

“People who have nothing to do with this industry and who are not taking these profits are the ones that have to deal with the waste. Go to Ghana– you’ll find mountains of clothing that are being burned and people are breathing that in,” Albertini-Fleurant explained.“A lot of these things end up in landfills in other countries. There are beaches littered with textile waste especially in Ghana, because it is coastal.”

It was noted that getting rid of clothes in a sustainable way can be a bit complex depending on how you choose to do it. Lots of people donate their old or unwanted clothes to thrift stores, however if the clothes don’t sell, after a certain amount of time, they too, could end up in landfills. The young sustainability advocate suggests looking at places with transparent donation processes so you know what’s happening to the goods you’re giving away. 

The issues that fast fashion is causing are much bigger than any singular person, however there are ways to be more intentional and sustainable when participating in fashion. Lisa Goldsand owner and founder of Circular Thrift LLC suggests buying clothes that are designed with end of life in mind. 

“It really helps if a brand designs something that is intended for and marketed for longevity, durability and is eligible for easy repair. Brands can think about how to encourage their consumers to hold on to what they sell them for much longer than one season,” Goldsand explained. “The other thing that brands can do is find ways to maintain relationships with their customers that welcome them to resale, remanufacture and recirculate what they’ve sold to their customer once they’re finished with the product.”

Circular Thrift is an online shop that pilots localized ways to advance sustainable consumption. Goldsand started the small business after 30 years in fashion manufacturing and retail where she held a plethora of roles, her most notable being the vice president of Abercrombie and Fitch.

The fashion veteran also discussed what consumers can do to be more sustainable in their fashion choices. She shared that donating and repairing your clothes are great ways to give your garments more life. 

“Consumers can support brands focusing on longevity, on classic product design and who appear to be trying hard to be transparent about their challenges and successes in moving to be more sustainable. However, the biggest thing a consumer can do to sustainably participate in fashion and consumerism overall is to buy less stuff and care for what you have,” said Goldsand. “If a consumer isn’t using something that they own, they should pass it along to a friend or find someone who might love it rather than keeping it in the closet.”

Goldsands advice about supporting brands with more ethical practices is great but it isn’t feasible for everyone. Brands that outsource and make their products within the United States can be very expensive. Albertini-Fleurant shared some additional tips on how to sustainably participate in fashion along with some history on how Black communities have always managed to stay fashionable even on a limited income.

“Prior to fast fashion individuals had certain skills that were more useful when making clothing than now. It was a well known skill but life is different and the culture has shifted,” she said. “My great-grandmother wasn’t wealthy but she could sew and she applied that skill to make sure the need for new or repaired clothes was always fulfilled.”

The Black community’s history of being underserved and disadvantaged has put them in the position to be the fast fashion industry’s target audience. The reasonable prices and accessibility appeal to those who are looking to ball on a budget. Albertini-Fleurant noted that she empathizes with those who feel like fast fashion has to be their main source of clothing due to limited funds or sizing options.

“If you have to buy fast fashion because of where you are with your financial situation, if it’s tough for you to find alternatives, or you are plus size and you’re not finding sustainable brands at the thrift store that are size inclusive– that’s real,” Albertini-Fleurant said. “There’s many realities that could put you in the position to buy fast fashion. I don’t want people to feel ashamed or guilty because at the end of the day, it’s such a big issue with so many layers. It’s more than one person’s responsibility to fix this issue. But if you have to buy fast fashion you can be sustainable by being more mindful of your purchases.”

The post How fast fashion is affecting global communities of color appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The ongoing discovery of microplastics is raising concerns for lots of people. There are questions about how these microscopic pieces of plastic affect the body, where they come from and how they get into our bloodstreams. Reports have noted that microplastics can affect your health and in some cases result in heart attack, stroke or death. And although this is true, there isn’t research or evidence to show how likely this is or if it’s enough of an issue to be addressed by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

The AFRO spoke with a series of experts who explained how microplastics get into our bloodstreams and how dangerous they actually are.

“We did not know until recently that micro and nanoplastics could get into the bloodstream. A recent clinical study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that micro and nanoplastics can get into the bloodstream and were found to be present in clumps that had accumulated in the carotid arteries of patients,’ said Loren Wold, Ph.D, a cardiovascular physiology professor at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “We now know that micro and nanoplastics can be consumed either through ingestion, through breathing them in or through your skin. They can actually get into your circulation and therefore affect anywhere within your body.”

The experienced healthcare professional noted how common materials like nylon and polyester are one way that microplastics get into the bloodstream. However literal ingestion from eating and drinking out of plastic containers is another way that microplastics find their way into our bodies. Paul Takhistov, Ph.D, an associate professor of food engineering at the department of food science at Rutgers University detailed how this process works.

“The source of micro and nanoplastics is not just from plastic bottles. The polymers are an engineered material and are subject to aging.When they age they lose a little bit of elasticity and microcracks develop,” he explained. “Starting from the farm food collected in plastic crates or boxes, then they are exposed to the machinery and only a few materials are allowed to be in contact with the food for this highly regulated industry. They do everything that’s possible to make it safe, but you cannot avoid production and the final stage of the packaging. Recently it was found that even the safest polymeric materials can generate some micro particles.”

It was noted by both Wold and Takhistov that microplastics are also in the air, making direct consumption a lot easier. Wold explained that there isn’t any research to back up the claim, but it’s safe to infer that areas dealing with higher rates of pollution are also more likely to be affected by microplastics. 

“The studies have not looked at various demographics and that’s something that absolutely must be done. We know  that those who live in inner cities and near freeways have been tied to having a lower socioeconomic status and higher rates of exposure to air pollution,” Wold said. “And although we don’t have that data with micro and nanoplastics we can infer that because they are really small particles in the air similar to air pollution they would have similar outcomes. Right now it’s simply correlative and those studies must be done so that we can begin to understand the true effects of microplastics.”

Takhistov went on to explain how the miniature pieces of plastic affect agriculture. Noting that due to them being in the air options like urban gardening aren’t much of an alternative when trying to avoid them being in your produce. 

“Urban gardening has become very popular especially among communities that have limited access to fresh produce but urban gardening can potentially be hazardous. Even if you put in nice soil, organic fertilizer and use food scraps for compost development– the air and water system is saturated with plastics,” said Takhistov. “Therefore, if it’s grown as organic it doesn’t mean that it’s completely safe. Use proper handling, wash it and cook it thoroughly. This will significantly reduce the risk of exposure.”

With some pieces of plastic not being visible to the naked eye, it’s hard to know when you’re at risk of consuming microplastics.When it’s in the air, our water systems and food— how do people avoid them? The simple answer is you don’t. 

“There is great public concern, but there is no strong scientific evidence that this might have direct impact,” said Takhistov.

The issue is inevitable and apparently very common as well. Wold noted that most people probably have microplastics in their bloodstream already, however he also explained that our bodies are designed to naturally get rid of them. 

“I can almost guarantee all of us have micro and nanoplastics in some fashion within our circulation. Over time not only do these micro and nanoplastics get into your bloodstream, but they’re also going to be removed, because your body has a way of noticing foreign particles and getting rid of them,” Wold said.

Both experts suggested using water bottles and cooking utensils made of metal or other materials to lessen the likeliness of you directly ingesting microplastics but at this time they’re generally unavoidable. 

Additionally, as research is still being done on this matter the true risk of it is ever-developing. As much of a concern as this is for some people, it was noted by Takhistov that microplastics isn’t something that can be regulated therefore, policy hasn’t been made for it yet.

“To put something into law and to issue some regulation, you need to have the ability to enforce it. You need to have the methodology and know how to control it, how to detect it and how to quantify it. And in this case, you will need to certify the product is good and that isn’t always possible.”

The post Experts discuss how microplastics get into our systems and the effects  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Park West Health Systems (Park West)  has been providing comprehensive, primary care services to children, individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay or their insurance status for more than 50 years. Although the organization is rooted in the Park Heights neighborhood, they offer services to the Greater Baltimore area at large.

From the very beginning Park West has operated with a mission of never turning anyone away. However after years of service in the same location, the need for an in-depth update became apparent in 2018. 

“This project started as a brainchild between Dr. Bennett and I in 2018. Bishop Donte Hickman had a meeting with us in 2018 and he collectively brought in a bunch of faith based institutions,” said Patrice Wallace, project manager for fundraising and development for Park West Health Systems capital expansion project. “Park West is considered a ministry and it was the only corporation that provided services to the public that was part of this gathering. We knew that we needed to expand in behavioral and mental health services to meet the needs of our community.”

For years, Park West has been a pioneer in the healthcare industry and throughout Baltimore. During the HIV/AIDS epidemic they were one of the first to address the health crisis, provide education and discuss prevention. Additionally, Park West was also an original federally qualified health system that was established as a model for what has now become over 1,400 health systems.

The company’s long-standing history has allowed them to tailor their services to what the community is in need of. Dr. Allen Bennett, president and CEO of Park West recalled what things were like when he first joined the company during the early 1980’s. Noting that they were one of two operations that offered dental services to the uninsured in addition to focusing on prenatal and maternal care.  

“We were a very small facility at that particular time, located in the basement of our current location. But we provided an entire range of primary care services.We were only one of two operations that had dental services for the uninsured,” said Bennett. “Back at that time the only place you could go if you needed dental work was the University of Maryland Dental School. We provide an outlet here in Northwest Baltimore and we strive to make sure that people of color have an opportunity to receive quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Throughout the years the small but mighty healthcare company has added onto and expanded their facility to help accommodate their every-growing array of services. However this most-recent set of renovations that are scheduled to happen are centered around expanding their behavioral health services to also include youth behavioral health and making the building more ADA compliant. What was initially set to be just an addition onto the right side of the building has since become a plan to add on 15,245 square feet that will total in three levels worth of new construction.

“We are going to add new additions to the right side of the building to expand behavioral health services and to incorporate youth specific behavioral health services, which includes youth advocacy, school based prevention and group therapy,” Wallace explained. “We’ll also offer psychotherapy, creative expression therapies and violence prevention–all of which will be geared to children because what people fail to realize is that adults with behavioral health problems used to be children with behavioral health problems.We’re trying to get ahead of that curve and make sure they get the services they need.”

In the last six years, several aspects of this project have changed. From the literal dimensions of the renovations to the price and timeline for the projects completion, but through it all Park West has kept their mission of serving those in need paramount. The project was originally set to cost about 8.4 million dollars but following the Covid-19 pandemic it’s now going to cost 14 million dollars.

The 2.5 million dollars received came from a series of government funding including congressional direct spending dollars that were supported by Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Sen. Ben Cardin. 

The organization is due to break ground this fall and renovations are anticipated to be done by the spring of 2026.

The post Park West Health Systems receives 2.5 million for expansions and renovations appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Black Restaurant Week is returning to Washington D.C. and Baltimore for its fifth year July 16-30. The two week event  focuses on stimulating the economy of the Black community in Charm City and the District. Each year, Black-owned culinary businesses and professionals who cannot afford marketing campaigns are celebrated and promoted to the public. With a variety of cuisines, businesses and culinary artists being highlighted during the 2024 campaign, the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area is in for a treat. 

According to the James Beard Foundation’s 2023 Industry Report, 53 percent of culinary business owners garnered lower profits last year due to the constant rise in food and labor costs. The costly changes have impacted menu prices and profits significantly since 2022.

“Black Restaurant Week is not only making people aware of amazing restaurants, but it is also increasing foot traffic for these businesses,” said Derek Robinson, a managing partner for Black Restaurant Week. “Black Restaurant Week is giving folks a great opportunity to support their own local businesses and try out new spots. We’re super excited to get these businesses more stability and more financial support from their communities.” 

Last year approximately 100 participants connected with the Greater Washington, D.C. campaign, whose mission is to “feed the cultural famine.” Through this mission they’ve not only prioritized rescuing the Black restaurant industry but also helped the public understand the beauty of ethnic cuisines while eliminating the stigmas around it. 

A plethora of local restaurants are set to participate in this year’s event, including Lydia on H, Appioo Bar and Grill, Berries by Quicha, D.C. Capital Square, England Eatery and many more. 

Aisha England, chef and owner of Baltimore’s England Eatery, weighed in on what she hopes to gain from the event.

“Last year around this time I’m not even sure if we were ready, but [we are] a year into the new location and being able to host people for dining. I look forward to bringing in those folks and having them experience our food,” said England. 

Although being a Black business owner comes with many struggles, England noted that receiving financial support for her business has been very challenging.

“The biggest thing is funding,” said England. “My biggest struggle is being able to get funding to do stuff. I’ve gotten a lot of grants and I’m blessed to have those. I know some of the things that have happened to me don’t happen to bigger corporations as far as funding goes.”

While many of the participating business owners are looking forward to the financial benefit of Black Restaurant Week, they’re equally excited for the opportunity to network and connect with their communities. 

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and new patrons of course, and connecting with new restaurants,” said LaQuicha Brown, owner of Berries by Quicha, located in Baltimore.

Black Restaurant Week will conclude on July 30. After nine years, the initiative has helped more than 3,000 restaurateurs, bartenders, chefs, caterers and food trucks.

Tierra Stone, an AFRO Intern, contributed to this article. 

The post Black Restaurant Week returns to D.C. and Baltimore area for fifth year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Summer is officially here, bringing with it stifling, hot weather. All across the nation, there have been complaints of scorching temperatures that have left people dehydrated, sick and downright angry. Areas like the nation’s capital reached record highs with temperatures getting up to 100 degrees over the weekend of June 22 according to the National Weather Service.

Leading up to June 24, all the outdoor pools operated by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) were only open on the weekends, however, all of their outdoor public pools are now open six days a week with varying schedules. Additionally, all of DPR’s spray parks except Fort Greble Recreation Center located in Ward Eight, have been open since June 15 and will remain open until Labor Day.

DPR has a total of 23 outdoor pools, most of which are located in the Anacostia area near Wards seven and eight. Meanwhile, Wards three and four only are reported to have one in each of their regions.

The high temperatures which lead to a high volume of visitors at the pools were well anticipated by DPR. Earlier this year they were looking to fill over 700 seasonal jobs, hoping to hire for positions like lifeguards, and camp and summer program staff. Last year the department extended both the hours and dates of operation for the outdoor pools due to the increased temperatures and they’re reportedly expected to do the same this year.

All DPR indoor and outdoor pools are free to D.C. residents and daily or seasonal passes can be purchased by non-residents online at dpr.dc.gov. Everybody is welcome and at this time there are no reserved hours of operation for District of Columbia Public Schools that use some of the indoor facilities.

A full list of public indoor and outdoor pools, along with spray parks in the D.C. area can be found at dpr.dc.gov.

The post D.C. communities to keep cool with open pools in every ward appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

On July 4 South Baltimore’s Cherry Hill neighborhood put community and culture on full display with the Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival.

For nearly a decade the festival has been shining a light on the many contributions Black people have made to the arts, all the while showing off their southside pride.The event is still full of family-friendly fun, interactive and educational activities and of course, fireworks. 

“This is my fourth or fifth year coming,” said Charles Dugger, a retired school teacher and community activist. “They like me to come and talk about Kwanzaa. We try to use the principles in everyday life.” 

Dugger spoke on how vital the festival is in bringing the city together. 

“We have to find a common denominator,” he said. “I used to teach in this community long ago and we try to say that we are more alike than different.” 

Similar sentiments were expressed by Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman. 

“I never miss the Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival,” she said. “It’s an important event here in South Baltimore. It brings people from all over the region together for resources, music and great food. I love coming here every year, seeing old friends and making new ones.”

Betty Baze, who serves as chair of the bylaws committee for the Cherry Hill Development Corporation. 

“It’s very important for people to come out,” said Baze. “This is the eighth anniversary of this free festival and this is a great time for people to come meet people, love people and enjoy different cultures. 

Baze spoke with the AFRO about working with the Cherry Hill Development Corporation and how it helps make Baltimore a better place. 

“It’s good to have participation in community organizations, it helps,” she explained. “We work together and pull together when things are needed in the community for all ages.”

The one-day event featured performances from Sister Carol featuring Nakeeba Amaniyea, N’Dea Davenport, Navasha Daya, the Latin band, Orquesta Nfuzion, and many other artists.

The historical Black neighborhood is home of many notable figures of the past and present, including Congressman Elijah Cumings, Jazz singer Ethel Ennis and Judge Robert Bell.

The post Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival returns for eighth year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

On July 1, the Supreme Court ruled that presidents do have some immunity for official acts that took place during their presidency. This decision was made in a 6-3 ruling, with the majority opinion belonging to the conservative justices. The ruling will be applicable for all current and future presidents, however this Supreme Court decision is especially beneficial for former president Donald Trump. This decision aligns with his claims of immunity to criminal prosecution for his role in the events that took place in the nation’s capital on Jan.6, 2021. 

Trump argued to dismiss the indictment he received from a federal court based on four counts of conduct that happened during his presidency, following the 2020 election. He was charged with conspiring to overturn the results by spreading false claims of election fraud in an attempt to interfere with the collecting, counting and certifying of the election results. 

Trump claimed that the charges should be dismissed based on presidential immunity.

President Joe Biden spoke on the Supreme Court’s opinion on presidential immunity the night of July 1. 

“The presidency is the most powerful office in the world.  It’s an office that not only tests your judgment, perhaps even more importantly it’s an office that can test your character because you not only face moments where you need the courage to exercise the full power of the presidency, you also face moments where you need the wisdom to respect the limits of the power of the office of the presidency,” said Biden. “This nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America.  Each of us is equal before the law.  No one is above the law, not even the president of the United States.”

Biden said that the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity, “almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what a president can do.”

“Nearly four years ago, my predecessor sent a violent mob to the U.S. Capitol to stop the peaceful transfer of power.  We all saw it with our own eyes.  We sat there and watched it happen that day.  Attack on the police.  The ransacking of the Capitol.  A mob literally hunting down the House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi,” said Biden. “Gallows erected to hang the vice president, Mike Pence.  I think it’s fair to say it was one of the darkest days in the history of America.”

“Now the man who sent that mob to the U.S. Capitol is facing potential criminal conviction for what happened that day,” continued Biden. “The American people deserve to have an answer in the courts before the upcoming election.  The public has a right to know the answer about what happened on Jan. 6th before they ask to vote again this year.”

Following the Supreme Court decision, Trump took to social media to express how just he found the ruling to be and to further argue his innocence regarding the events that took place on Jan. 6. 

“Total exoneration! All of these unfair charges represent the worst level of election interference ever seen in our country’s long and storied history,” said Trump, on his social media platform, Truth Social. “It must be understood that I was totally and completely innocent from the beginning of this giant and highly illegal scam, long before the Supreme Court’s decision was released. The impact of the immunity ruling is a loud and clear signal for justice in the United States.”

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30)  also weighed in on the decision and the justices who hand a hand in the ruling.

“Let us be clear: not only is the outcome of today’s decision deeply flawed, so too was the judicial process that enabled it to move forward. Make no mistake—Justices Thomas and Alito should never have taken part in determining the outcome of this case,” said Crockett, in a statement sent to the AFRO. “Justice Thomas should have been immediately precluded due to his wife’s active involvement with President Trump’s Chief of Staff as they worked to overturn the 2020 election, raising a clear conflict of interest in the outcome of this case.” 

Crockett continued, saying that “despite these egregious actions, this Court has enabled itself to be a separate, unequal branch of government—one which has repeatedly operated without basic judicial ethics, without oversight, and without accountability.

”

“While today’s ruling will leave shocks felt throughout our judicial system, it is the American people and Congress who must check this institution and build back the system of government our Founding Fathers envisioned before it was too late,” she said. “It is time Congress fulfill its constitutional duty to ensure our Court is accountable, transparent, and protects the law and the American people rather than the special interests of wealthy donors. It is time we safeguard our democracy by preventing the appointment of judges who will overturn decades of precedent all due to their own blatantly political biases.”

Chevron ruling

Just days before the July 1 immunity ruling, on June 28, a 40-year-old ruling decision known as the “Chevron deference” was overturned, removing federal agencies power to interpret laws and decide the best ways to apply them. The ending of this deference is expected to deeply affect agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Sen.Ben Cardin (D-Md.) commented on this ruling, sharing that the decision is regressive and it prioritizes corporations over the American people. 

“I am deeply troubled by the Supreme Court’s decision today to overturn the doctrine of Chevron deference for federal agencies to set rules to protect the American public,” Cardin stated. “The ideological right of the Court has once again set aside decades of precedent at the behest of powerful corporate interests and made a decision that turns back the clock on the ability to protect the public’s health and welfare. This includes keeping our environment clean and combating financial fraud in our markets.”

Homelessness

On June 28, the Supreme court handed down a decision that makes it easier for communities across the nation to ticket, fine or arrest the unhoused. 

In a 6-3 ruling in the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the justices in the majority determined that it’s not cruel and unusual punishment to target homeless people that are occupying public spaces via ban enforcements and criminal or civil penalties — even if there are no alternative shelter or housing options available for them.

Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D.,(D-NC-12) released a statement condemning the ruling, declaring it to be dangerous and disgraceful. 

“The Supreme Court’s ruling that homelessness is not a protected status under the Eighth Amendment is a dangerous disgrace and is at odds with who we are as a nation,” stated Adams. “It punishes poor people for simply trying to exist. Instead of penalizing people without a roof over their head or a bed to sleep in, we should be working to make sure that every American in every corner of our country has a place to live— a fundamental human right.”

All of the court rulings mentioned here were made by the same 6-3 conservative majority vote.

The post U.S. Supreme Court hands down several controversial rulings appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

The consumption of alcohol is something you can find throughout many parts of Black history and culture. Whether it be Snoop Dogg’s 1994 hit “Gin and Juice” or the infamous Billy Dee Williams ads, used to promote Colt 45 Malt Liquor, alcohol has been woven deep into Black culture which has resulted in a normalization of its consumption. 

From Juneteenth cookouts to graduation parties, weddings and even baby showers– some members of the Black community association the idea of relaxation and enjoyment with liquor. 

“In my family alcohol use was very prevalent and I myself associated alcohol with fun. In Black communities, we associate fun with alcohol. My family was no different–everybody drank,” stated Donivan Stone, a recovery counselor at First Step Recovery Center in Columbus, Ohio. “Later on in my life drinking really became like a marriage that I felt was made just for me.” 

A series of studies and research throughout the last 30 years has shown that Black communities along with other minority communities have a proportionately higher rate of alcohol advertisements. In 1998 it was reported by the National Institute of Health that Black and Latino neighborhoods had more advertisements for alcohol and tobacco than White and Asian neighborhoods. It was found that 23 percent of the billboards in Black neighborhoods were advertising alcohol, in comparison to the 13 percent of alcohol related billboards in White neighborhoods. 

Despite social norms, cultural significance and an increased amount of advertising in predominantly Black areas, Black people are less likely to consume and abuse alcohol in comparison to their White counterparts. 

In November of 2023 it was reported by AlcoholRehabGuide.org that “African-Americans are reported to drink less than their Caucasian counterparts. Historically, African-Americans have consumed lower amounts of alcohol. Although alcohol consumption is lower compared to Caucasian-Americans, African-Americans have been victims of alcohol-related illnesses.”

“We have a lower number for use than our Caucasian counterparts, but we have more negative consequences from the use of alcohol. We suffer more mental, physical and health problems because of the alcohol use in the Black community,” said Carol Stegall, a senior counselor at the Afrocenticentric Persona Development Shop in Columbus, Ohio. “Alcohol has a dramatic impact in the Black community. Whether it be health,socioeconomically or mental health wise– we are impacted at a greater rate.”

Stegall has been working in substance abuse for over 20 years and throughout her career she’s been able to focus specifically on how the Black community is affected by it. She went on to explain that although Black people are less likely to drink, the effects of drinking are a lot more severe on Black bodies. 

Stegall said that Black people deal with an increased predisposition to alcohol, which makes it a lot more addictive for us. Stone furthered Stegall’s point by noting how predisposition leads to addiction

“When you have a higher genetic predisposition to alcohol, addiction is bound to happen; you just don’t know when. Sometimes you can drink 100 times and that genetic predisposition never kicks in–and then that 10th  time it kicks in and the addiction comes alive,” Stone said.

He further explained that addiction isn’t based on the amount of substance consumption, but the frequency of it. The abuse expert shared the difference between someone who is dealing with an addiction as opposed to a substance abuse disorder, noting that someone who has two drinks everyday is an addict. On the other hand, someone who drinks a lot once a week is dealing with a substance abuse disorder.

Stone started drinking at an early age, having first tried alcohol at a family gathering. Throughout the years he says he went on to struggle financially, face imprisonment and deal with severe grief before finally reaching sobriety in 2010. 

“The first time I drank I was about 12 or 13 and it was at my grandmother’s house during a spades party. I had a sip of beer and it was gross, I told myself I’d never drink it again. The next time I drank anything it was with my friends and I got sick and swore I’d never drink again,” Stone recalled. “By then, I think the addiction had kicked in though and I grew kind of fond of alcohol. I thought it was something I could control not knowing it was already controlling me.” 

Although Stone didn’t recognize the severity of his addiction at the time, he later would begin to as he saw affect it those around him. Admitting that he was rather smooth with hiding his addiction, he thought those around him were oblivious to the ever-growing issue. However, he, like many other people who deal with substance abuse issues, was clearly changing for worse. 

Like Stone,  Cherron Hudson, a recovery counselor at First Step Recovery Center in Columbus, says she began drinking at an early age too. 

“I started drinking at the age of 12, but my dad was in denial. My aunt kind of knew– but it wasn’t until my freshman year of high school when my dad found out,” stated Hudson. “I had drank some M.D. 2020 at the bus stop with my friends one morning before school and I went to first period. I was in that class the entire day because I passed out. I got suspended for intoxication and that’s when my dad found out.”

Hudson shared that following her suspension from school she was sent to a youth recovery program by her father. However, that treatment ended up being her first of many attempts at sobriety. Throughout the years she would lie and manipulate her friends and family to keep their concerns about her alcoholism at bay but her behavior became a major indicator that her addiction was progressing. 

Much like Stone, Hudson’s addiction was only being hidden from herself. She was a functioning addict who was able to provide for her family so she never considered herself an alcoholic. It wasn’t until she began to neglect her children and become homeless that she even remotely considered herself to have a problem.

“I didn’t think I had a problem. I was making good money and I had nice things for myself and my kids. In 2006 I got a divorce and that set everything off,” Hudson said.. “I started drinking really heavily and I stopped taking care of my kids. I was leaving them with my parents, meanwhile I was homeless and couch-surfing every night. I was losing things, but I wasn’t realizing that I was losing things.”

In August of 2013, Hudson got into a car crash that served as her wake up call to what was truly going on in her life. In the past 11 years she’s maintained her sobriety while earning a plethora of certifications, and experience that have allowed her to help others overcome their addictions. 

All three experts explained that addiction can be overcome and the first step is honesty. Both Stone and Hudson shared how important it is to be honest with yourself about the substance abuse issues you may be dealing with. However, Stegall noted that being honest about the behaviors of family members is just as important so you know what genetic predispositions you may be facing.

“We have to be honest about the issues going on in our families. If we’re not honest about something being an issue then it never gets treated like an issue and that leads to normalization,” Stegall exclaimed. “Hiding the truth doesn’t do any good, especially because knowing what you’re genetically predisposed to is a huge part of avoiding addiction.”

The post Alcohol abuse experts discuss alcoholism in the Black community appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com 

Throughout its more than 80 years of existence, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has served as a pillar within the Black Press, allowing for generations of Black journalists to get their start. Many of the organizations within the NNPA are small but mighty publications that have been around long enough to watch journalism students turn into media moguls.

NNPA publications are known for being an environment that offers a warm introduction into the world of journalism, while also providing live opportunities to cover important issues in the Black community. 

“I graduated from Florida A&M University and my first job out of college was at the Daytona Times, where I’m the publisher,” said Jenise Griffin, publisher of the Daytona Times and the Florida Courier. “I worked there for four years and I was able to do a lot more there than I would be able to do at a mainstream paper.”

Griffin previously worked at the Daytona Times early on in her career and she explained how much she values the experiences she had during her first few years as a journalist. Sharing that working for a Black publication helped hone her skills and prepare her for greater opportunities outside of the Daytona Times. 

“I was able to get some really great reporting experience. I was able to move up and I learned about editing. I really honed my skills at the Daytona Times,” Griffin recalled. “When I left the paper I was the managing editor. I left there and went to the Orlando Sentinel and I became one of the first Black copy editors there.”

William Rhoden echoed Griffin’s sentiments, discussing how vital Black Press assignments can be for budding Black journalists. 

“My first job was with the AFRO American Newspapers. Frances Murphy taught this journalism course at Morgan State where I was a student and I took her course,” said Rhoden, former AFRO staff and sports writer. “She told me that if I didn’t get drafted by an NFL team and if I decided not to go to graduate school, then I was to bring my butt to the AFRO American Newspaper and start working.” 

“I got my Bachelor’s degree in journalism at the AFRO,” he says, fondly. 

Following his time at the AFRO, Rhoden went on to work for a series of other well known publications like EBONY magazine and The New York Times. He credits his experience at the nearly 132 year old publication for teaching him the basics of journalism and establishing the foreground for his career.

“Although I left the Black Press after EBONY, I’ve always had the Black Press in my heart,” Rhoden stated. “I always represented the Black Press. Whether that be writing about Black people, issues that affect Black people or advocating for Black people through athletics.”

Like Rhoden, Griffin noted that service within the ranks of Black Press is indispensable.

“If you talk to a lot of journalists who’ve gone on to great positions in this industry, you’ll see that a lot of them worked at the Black Press,” shared Griffin. “That was invaluable to them. I think that we really should talk about that more.”

Former AFRO editor, Sean Yoes explained how working for an NNPA publication provided him opportunities he wouldn’t have received at a White publication. He explained how these special opportunities are necessary to help amplify the voices of young, Black journalists.

“They gave me a chance. I was a young kid and I got thrown right into the fire,” Yoes recalled. “My first week at the AFRO I was on the front page. They took a chance with me because I didn’t know what I was doing. They guided me, they believed in me and I pulled it off–thank God.”

Yoes first began working for the AFRO in 1989 and throughout the years he returned to the publication taking on a series of roles. In between his time at the AFRO, he pursued other forms of media like acting, filmmaking and radio hosting. He noted that having a chance taken on him instilled a confidence in him that he’s carried with throughout his career.

“They gave me a platform when I was just a young kid. It was a trip to see my name in the newspaper, on the byline at age 23,” said Yoes. “I’ll always be thankful for that and in giving me that chance, it instilled confidence in me. That was the greatest gift they gave me– a chance.” 

.

The post Black  journalists recall humble beginnings at NNPA publications  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

NNPA 2024 National Convention opens in Baltimore

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Day one of the 2024 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)  Annual National Convention featured board meetings, capped off by a welcome reception on the terrace level of the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore on June 19. The conference is scheduled to take place until June 22, with four days of events. 

The board meetings allowed NNPA publishers to gather and discuss what can be anticipated for the rest of the year and what members of the Black Press need to focus on this election year. 

“The association and the foundation met today and we’re making progress. The board is looking at the initiatives that we’re working on in the organization– it was very impactful,” said Denise Rolark-Barnes, publisher of the Washington Informer. “It’s always good when the publishers can get together and I think that’s what’s most important. When we all get together we get to share what we’re all experiencing.”

It’s no secret that the Black Press has always played a significant role in getting our communities educated, empowered and registered to vote. This year, those efforts are needed more than ever and the NNPA convention is the perfect place for brainstorming and collaboration to ensure this happens.

“We’re very concerned about the upcoming election and voter turnout and participation. Not only are we concerned about who’s running, but sure our community shows up and shows out,” Barnes exclaimed 

After the board meetings, a rooftop reception welcomed NNPA members to network with another and celebrate the Juneteenth holiday. 

Remarks were given by convention sponsors, along with words from NNPA President and CEO, Benjamin Chavis Jr. He introduced corporate partners that made this year’s convention possible and spoke on how some of the sponsors are working hand in hand with the NNPA to address issues in the Black community, like disproportionate health issues. 

“Pfizer has done a great job,” said Chavis. “As some of you know, there’s a particular heart disease that affects African Americans: ATTR-CM. Pfizer is working and has developed a medication that helps extend the lives of brothers and sisters with this disease.”

The evening was enjoyed by all and the “family feel” of the NNPA was well and alive. Chavis noted that the need to convene with other Black publications and media outlets is needed– especially in 2024.

“From the East Coast to the West Coast, from the North to the South– I am so proud of the Black Press of America,” he said. 

Similar sentiments were echoed by David Miller, of Our Weekly, which is based in Los Angeles. Miller noted that camaraderie is vital to the success of the Black Press.

“Having so many different publishers, we’ve become a family. We look forward to coming together, collaborating and having general conversation” said Miller. “It’s always good to see family.” 

Miller spoke on how the more than 200 Black papers of NNPA lean on each other. 

“We’re all African American newspapers, and we all have a lot in  common. When coming to collaborate and share our stories, a lot of times we have the same issues or situations. It’s good to hear that you’re not alone,” said Miller. “We’re all dealing with the same concerns and being able to talk about those with others definitely helps. It also enhances us to be able to share and create opportunities.” 

The post NNPA 2024 National Convention opens in Baltimore appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

From cookouts to parades and festivals, there are all kinds of festivities that happen every year to commemorate the special occasion of Juneteenth. And as much as the Black community loves to commune and “put a little something on the grill,” the question of how to properly honor the ancestors remains.

This week, the AFRO asked, “What did the first Juneteenth celebrations look like?”

Martha Whiting-Goddard, a historian in the Houston area with personal ties to the origins of Juneteenth, weighed in on how the ancestors celebrated their freedom and how we can pay homage to them as we continue to honor the legacy of Emancipation Day. 

“They would organize a parade downtown near where they originally came in on the banks of the bayou and then they would march over to Bagby Street,” said Whiting-Goddard. “They had parades for two days. They would dress up and they always had a band. They had a grand marshal and all these things that they’d see people have at a parade.”

“And they would have a speaker and they would always read the Emancipation Proclamation, and General Order No.3  because they wanted the people to know that these were [the documents that] made them free.”

Whiting-Goddard is the great-granddaughter of John Henry “Jack” Yates, the founding father of Juneteenth. Yates was a freedman who moved to Texas from Virginia. At the time, he was following his family– a group of his most dearly beloved, who had been relocated as his wife’s master tried to escape the Civil War. The Yates family stayed on the master’s new farm in Matagorda County, Texas until the war ended two years later. 

Yates knew that Matagorda County was an area with limited opportunity for work, so he traveled to Houston where he earned a living as a drayman, while also preaching the gospel on weekends. 

Yates would go on to become a prominent figure in the Houston area, known for the founding of the city’s first African American Baptist church: Antioch Baptist Church. Following the Civil War, and the signing of General Order No.3, many of Yates’ family members came to Houston–and they brought the tradition of celebration with them. 

The Yates family began to celebrate their freedom on Juneteenth and on New Year’s Eve, the date that many slaves, further East, sat up all night waiting for the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect on Jan. 1, 1863. 

“No matter what, once they reached the end of the year around when they signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Dec. 31 of 1862, they would always have some sort of celebration because they considered that day very important to them,” Whiting-Goddard told the AFRO. “Once they knew they had June 19,1865 as well, they would celebrate both of these events.They’d have a watch night and celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation and they had Juneteenth. They would celebrate both the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No.3 that General Granger signed on June 19, 1865.”

The Houston historian further elaborated on what kind of festivities took place during the first years of Juneteenth’s establishment, noting that many of the traditions we partake in today were created then. 

“When they finished [the reading] they’d have some games that they could play. And they might have some dancing, but it was family fun.They’d always have barbecue and red punch.”

While the block parties and parades are fun, the only way members of the Black community can keep the legacy of Juneteenth alive and well is through education. Whiting-Goddard emphasized how important it is that we share the story of Juneteenth and all that the Black community has gone through to not only receive but maintain our freedom with our youth so they can send it on. 

“Not only can we come and celebrate Juneteenth but we need to use it as an opportunity to teach our children and future generations about what we had to go through to reach where we are today,” she said. 

The post Martha Whiting-Goddard, Houston historian, speaks on early Juneteenth celebrations of 19th century appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Thousands of people from around the country gathered June 1-2  at The Mann in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia for the 15th annual Roots Picnic. 

Since 2008, legendary hip-hop group The Roots has been putting on the music festival and highlighting both emerging and well-established artists from all realms of Black music. Throughout the years the festival has grown in size, event duration and the entertainment. This year’s two-day event had a lineup that was packed with artists, podcasts and entertainment acts that left concert-goers ready for more.  

Artists such as Lil Wayne, Babyface, Amerie, Wale, Method Man, Redman, Robert Glasper and Jill Scott took the stage and put on performances that wowed the crowd and upheld the soulful feeling the Roots Picnic has been known to have throughout the years. The AFRO caught up with concert attendees and found out what brought them to this year’s event. 

“Going to the Roots Picnic, it’s an annual thing that we’ve been doing and we came out to see the headliners and all the other artists. We came because we love Black culture, we wanted to feel the vibes and just hang out with some friends,” said Taeler Wright of Charlotte, N.C., “It feels like a big family reunion and the artists they put on every year are top tier.”

The familial feel Wright referred to was welcomed and fostered with nostalgic activities like line dancing, roller skating and a double dutch contest. Many guests opted for bringing blankets to sit on as they watched performances, another dynamic that added to the hospitality of the event. 

“This is my first time going and so far I love it. I love seeing all these different representations of Black culture–we’re so beautiful,” exclaimed Justin Brent of Columbus, Ohio. “All these people are just sitting down enjoying themselves, and watching the performances. It warms my heart to see us, as Black people come together and nothing bad happens.”

The event was bursting at the seams with Black culture. With artists from all genres of music, including rap, jazz, gospel and go-go, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Additionally, both days of the event were full of colorful outfits and carefully crafted hairstyles that displayed the diversity of Black fashion. From bantu knots to braids and locs to afros, the venue and city was full of Black beauty, so much that even performers commented on it. 

“You know what’s awesome about Philly? Philly has some real Black women,” said André 3000 during his performance. “They’re real dark and you don’t get to see that too much. I’m talking about like super dark—and we love that.”  

In recent years, the festival has begun to feature a stage that includes podcasts and interactive cultural experiences like U+Me+R&B and They Have The Range. With a variety of entertainment options and a range of musical performances, the festival made it so that guests always had something to participate in.  

Both nights of the festival were closed out by hometown heroes. The first night was finished by neo soul  legend Jill Scott, and on the second night The Roots took the stage along with Trombone Shorty, Lil Wayne, Lloyd and PJ Morton to give a dedication to the city of New Orleans. 

This year’s Roots Picnic was full of fun, family and phenomenal music, truly making for the perfect way to kick off the summer and Black Music Month. 

The post Roots Picnic 2024 kicks off Black Music Month appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office and Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, have announced that Washington D.C. received more visitors than ever in 2023. The announcement came via a press conference that the mayor’s office livestreamed on May 29, sharing the good news and its economic impact. 

The D.C. area welcomed a total of 25.95 million visitors last year, which is a 17 percent increase from 2022 that surpasses the pre-pandemic record set in 2019. The new groundbreaking number resulted in a whopping $10.2 billion in visitor spending and helped support 102,366 local jobs.

“This is a major milestone for Washington, D.C. We are seeing the results of our increased marketing and sales efforts thanks to the tourism recovery district legislation, and the city is benefitting from increased tourism,”  said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of DDC. “There is still work to do, however, since international travel hasn’t fully recovered. The additional funding allows us to continue to entice international visitors who stay longer and spend more.”

Of the record-setting 25.95 million visitors, 24 million traveled from within the U.S. These numbers mean that domestic visitation has been fully restored to 105 percent in 2019. Meanwhile, international visitation continues to reflect towards pre-pandemic levels. There were a total of 1.95 million international visitors, indicating an 85 percent return, and a 40 percent increase from year to year.

“We are proud to show millions of visitors every year why Washington, D.C. is the most important city in the world,” Bowser said. “Tourism is critical to our city’s vitality, yielding jobs for our residents, dollars for our local businesses, and revenue for our investments in a stronger DC.”

“As we continue to share the story of our city and create fantastic destinations for our visitors, we are grateful to Destination DC and all our hospitality partners for the work they do every day to remind people that there’s only one DC.”

In November of last year DDC launched its award-winning campaign, “There’s Only One DC,” which has helped creatively display the district as a unique tourism location, all the while highlighting the region’s diverse experiences and activities, along with its rich history. Additional funding from the tourism recovery district has allowed DDC to spread their message to all potential travelers. “There’s Only One D.C.,” has the largest reach of any DDC campaign to date.

Hopes are high for visitors and tourists this summer as a series of events and anniversaries will be taking place in our nation’s capital including the reopening of the Folger Shakespeare Library (June 21), a Capitol Hill landmark which holds the world’s largest Shakespeare collection along with a host of other highly anticipated festivals,concerts and sporting events

The post Destination DC announces record numbers for tourism in nation’s capital appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is calling on the community to help find a suspect in a shooting that took place May 20 in the Southeast section of Washington, D.C.

At approximately 3:45 p.m., on May 20 a shooting took place on the 800 block of Yuma Street, in Southeast, D.C. The victim was walking down the block when the suspect fired a handgun from inside of a moving vehicle, striking the victim before fleeing the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-fatal injuries.

MPD is advising anyone who is able to identify the suspect or who is aware of this incident to take no physical action, but instead call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. There is currently a reward of up to $10,000 being offered by The Metropolitan Police Department to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia. 

The post Shooting in Southeast D.C. leaves MPD searching for suspect appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

 Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) announced on June 5 that he has been appointed to the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The decision to appoint the veteran congressman was made by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and was later unanimously approved by the U.S. House Democratic Caucus.

“From my time on the Baltimore City Council, fighting to divest city funds from the then-apartheid government of South Africa, to working alongside former President Bill Clinton to bring peace and order in Haiti, I have never shied away from using whatever platform I have had to find solutions to global problems,” stated Mfume.

While serving in this position Mfume will be responsible for oversight and legislation regarding national security developments affecting foreign policy; foreign assistance; the Peace Corps; strategic planning and agreements; war powers, treaties, executive agreements and the deployment and use of United States Armed Forces. He will also be lending his expertise to peacekeeping, peace enforcement; enforcement of United Nations or other international sanctions; arms control and disarmament issues; arms control and disarmament issues and a plethora of other matters.

“This appointment is a tremendous honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly given today’s state of affairs. I look forward to joining my colleagues on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to ensure the United States remains an advocate for peace, security, and equality both at home and abroad,” Mfume shared.

Although this role with the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs is Mfume’s most recent venture in the world of politics, he has a lengthy record when it comes to serving his community and our nation. He’s served as a member of Congress under five presidents, including Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, Donald J. Trump, and Joseph R. Biden. He is currently working in Congress as a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and the Congressional Caribbean Caucus.

 In addition to this, he has witnessed and served through events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the first Gulf War, the Panamanian incursion (“Operation Just Cause”), U.S. intervention in Haiti (“Operation Uphold Democracy”), attempts to coordinate foreign interference in U.S. elections, the rise of global cyberthreats and the abolition of apartheid in South Africa.

“From the famine in Africa to the strife in the Middle East, there are so many hotspots today that require strong voices for fairness. I have worked tirelessly throughout my life and in many different capacities to address global issues that impact our people,” Mfume shared. “I am eager to utilize my experiences and begin working now as the only Maryland congressperson appointed to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.”

The post Congressman Kweisi Mfume appointed to U.S. House of Foreign Affairs Committee appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

In just four short years, Councilmember Janeese Lewis George has brought a great amount of change to the Ward 4 community. Although she represents a small community, the impact she’s making is being felt all across the Washington, D.C. area. Within the last year George has become best known for the work she’s done to raise the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits throughout the District, however, she’s up for reelection this year and the young council member has a lot more plans for helping her community.

George was elected into her position in 2020 and was officially sworn in January 2021, however, her passion for politics and community activism is something she’s been pursuing since her adolescence. George was born and raised in Ward 4 and she’s a proud graduate of School Without Walls High School. Throughout her youth she participated in a series of youth-based programs that prepared her for her current career in politics. 

“I’ve been active and involved in politics my whole life. When I was younger, I was a really big student activist. I served as a student representative on the D.C. Board of Education. I was a Ward 4 representative on the D.C. Youth Advisory Council, and served as D.C.’s  YMCA youth mayor when I was younger,” George recalled. 

As a Ward 4 native, George said she has a great understanding of what her community needs and as a councilmember she knows exactly how to provide the citizens she serves with the proper resources to help them thrive. 

Noting that Ward 4 has the highest population of Latino and Eastern African residents in the D.C. area, for example, George discussed some of the challenges she’s overcome while serving a community that has a language barrier. She explained to the AFRO that she’s working to increase the neighborhoods’ safety by creating legislation that assures food, housing and the overall security of the community is solid. In addition, she’s also provided her community with resources that boost education and access to jobs.

“I have the largest Latino population, and the largest Ethiopian and Eritrean population and oftentimes landlords will use language barriers and they use the threat of immigration status to provide poor housing to those tenants. Community safety is also extremely important and right now it’s the number one issue. We’ve seen an increase in homicides and robberies and neighbors aren’t feeling safe. My approach has involved focusing resources where they’re needed most,” she said. “I made every agency provide resources to the neighborhood. I was able to bring the violence interrupter program to the neighborhood and I’ve been able to use the attorney general’s office as well to crack down on nuisance properties and businesses who were also not being good partners to that neighborhood.”

She continued, “I had job fairs in the neighborhood offering anybody a job. I made it so that we could put a library on Kennedy street to provide a resource that could help people apply for jobs, help young people have a place to go to do homework, to have air conditioning and to have internet and WiFi–things that people think are luxuries but they are not.”

Those who know her best spoke with the AFRO about some of her strongest qualities, noting her to be focused on results and hands-on when it comes to community involvement.

“Her greatest strength would be how result-oriented she is. She finds ways to get problems solved whereas other people just articulate them. She is great at articulating them but also coming up with plans to get the problems fixed,” said James Lewis, brother of Councilmember George. “I want her to continue to focus on the results and putting concrete plans into positions and bills in place that help the community.”

As an example of George’s efficacy, supporters point to the major role she played in getting legislation created to raise the SNAP benefits throughout the city. The hometown hero shared how vital this legislation was and how it’s going to continue to help D.C. residents for years to come. 

“One-fifth of D.C. residents struggle with hunger right now and those are disproportionately people of color and seniors. When we were talking about raising the wage for SNAP benefits, it was our job as a council to write the budget and to find this money and we had to get creative,” George said. “We did the budget and we had to allocate all the funds in the budget. We always end up having excess revenue and I asked if I could write an amendment that said ‘If we have extra revenue this is where the adverse $30 million should go’ and I was able to create an amendment that says if we have these excess dollars they must go to funding this SNAP benefit.” 

The lawmaker is currently amidst her campaign for reelection and she shared how excited she is to continue the work she’s been doing for the last four years and what she plans to address if elected to serve for another four years. 

George shared, “My second term is about leaving this ward better than I found it with more opportunities, more resources, and everyone being able to feel safe and thrive in this city. People can anticipate that I’m going to continue to deliver for our ward and I’m going to continue to be a warrior for Ward 4 in every sense of the word.” 

The post AFRO spotlight: Councilmember Janeese Lewis George hopes to continue positively impacting Ward 4  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Congratulations are in order for Rev. Jamal Bryant and Rev. Dr. Karri Turner, as the two are now engaged to be married. The couple announced their engagement on social media via a video that was shot during Sunday service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on May 26, where Bryant currently serves as senior pastor. 

In the video, shared by Bryant on Instagram, he is seen explaining his decision to propose to Turner before bringing her out on stage. 

“Sometimes your blessings will be right in front of your eyes and you don’t even know what God’s got for you. an amazingly beautiful woman, an amazingly brilliant woman. Last year she graduated with her doctorate degree” he recalled. “As I saw her walk across that stage and get her degree the Lord said ‘You big dummy, what are you waiting on?’”

Congregation members stood and cheered as Bryant continued to gush over his now fiance, noting how special she is to him. 

 “She makes me a better man. I wanted to marry her because I wanted her to be the moon, because I don’t want there to be a night that I don’t see her,” declared Bryant. “I wanted her to be the sun, to be a reminder that the dark season of my life is over. I wanted her to be a rainbow, just to be a reminder that God’s promise is still good for my life. I wanted her to be the rain to let me know that the harvest is coming.”

“For five years you’ve just had a pastor– but going forward for the rest of my days you’re going to have a first lady.”

Since December of 2018, Bryant has been the senior pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. He was previously married to reality television star Gizelle Bryant, of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” from 2002 to 2009.”

The post Pastor Jamal Bryant announces his engagement to Rev. Dr. Karri Turner  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

For the last four years the AFRO hosted the Black Business Matters Expo,  highlighting national and local organizations while also providing attendees with business savvy tips, resources and expertise. 

On Thursday, May 30, from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. EST, AFRO friends and family joined Maryland’s oldest Black-owned business for an evening of enriching insight and must-have business knowledge.  Catch the replay here!

AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze spoke on the importance of Black business owners working together to close the racial wealth gap. 

“Other cultures have done a better job than we have in keeping and circulating their dollars within their communities. When it comes down to it, we’re all we have,” said Howze. “If we don’t support us, we can’t rely on other communities to do so. We have to create generational wealth to build a solid foundation for our families and community.” 

This year’s event is focused on celebrating and uplifting small Black owned businesses and all that they bring to our communities. Along with celebrating small Black-owned businesses, a series of speakers and one-on-one interviews will be happening with industry experts and emerging entrepreneurs. 

“Since its inception in 2020, it’s always been our goal to have the Black Business Matters Expo be a platform to uplift, educate, and encourage Black businesses,” explained Howze. “With May being national ‘Small Business Month,’ we thought it was fitting to specifically focus on Small Black-owned businesses who have their own unique set of challenges.

Several community leaders are scheduled to speak during the event including Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Special Secretary of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs Yolanda Maria Martinez along with a variety of notable Black business figures. 

In addition to this guests, can expect to be dazzled by musical performances from Elyscia, a contestant from season 25 of NBC’s singing competition, “The Voice ” and the Morgan State University Choir.

The event is taking place online, and the 131 year old publication is bringing the expo to viewers all across the world using the groundbreaking platform, STEM City. Virtual attendees can anticipate in-depth workshops and interactive activities that are designed to help business owners further their knowledge and network of resources.

“Just as in previous years, we will offer a host of virtual workshops and sessions to help Black-owned businesses and those looking to start a business, grow and thrive.  Some of the session topics include: 3rd Eye View: Removing The Blinders In Business; Championing Black Business Growth & Empowerment and The Need to Create A Pipeline for Black Executive Leadership & Opportunities.”

The AFRO is proud to present this event to you with the support of the following sponsors: JPMorgan Chase; United Bank; TEDCO; United Way of Central Maryland; Giant; Security Plus Federal Credit Union; PNC Bank and Live Casino and Hotel.
Tickets for this event are available for free online at AFROtix.live.

The post Replay available: The AFRO returns with fourth annual Black Business Matters Expo  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

The year was 2019 when Marilyn Van Alstyne decided to co-found Wifey Wines with a friend also toying with the idea of starting a wine business. The decision to strike out into the world of wines and spirits was aimed at creating a brand that would make wine drinking experiences more enjoyable and accessible to Black women. 

The company aims to educate people on the many details of wine that are often confusing, all the while providing culturally relevant selections to the Black community and beyond. The AFRO caught up with Alstyne leading up to the fourth annual Black Business Matters Expo to talk about all things related to Wifey Wines.

AFRO: Can you please tell us about Wifey Wines? When did it get started?

Marilyn Van Alstyne: I had a client that I was doing marketing activities for and one day we got into a deep conversation about what we want to do after the evolution of our current chapter. I said, “I’ve always wanted to open a wine company. I’ve actually started to research wineries and different vineyards in Italy to find a producer.” He said, “Oh, I always wanted to do it too,” and I said, “Well, maybe we should do it together.” 

This was around January 2019 and literally, it took us all that year to finalize our juice, the packaging and everything and get the product into the U.S. We got the product into the U.S a little bit before Christmas of the same year, so we had a quick production. 

AFRO: What wine options do you have and what can we anticipate coming from the company, as Summer 2024 approaches?

MVA: We are actually rebranding. We looked at the brand, we looked at our financials and we decided that we need to pivot a bit again. Prior to our rebranding, we had a wine that was a dry, sparkling Rosé.Then we had a sweet white wine that was also sparkling. Now we’re going into it based on where the market is going, where our consumers are and what they want to drink. We’re going into a more ready- to- drink style.  

We have a ready-to-drink mimosa coming out with a softer bubble, a mojito and a margarita. They’re all wine based and we’re so excited to get back on the market mid-summer.

AFRO: As a woman in business, what strategies have you employed to overcome challenges–whether that be underestimation or intimidation. What advice do you have for other women who are looking to get into an entrepreneurship role?

MVA: The wine and spirits industry is a male dominated industry. I’m often the minority in a room. I have two strikes against me: I’m Black and I’m a woman. Those groups are often overlooked no matter what industry you’re in. When I walk in the room, I already know I’m being underestimated and sometimes they may even try to intimidate me. I don’t let that bother me. 

There are so many people in the wine business. I’m not a grower. I’ve never said I’m a sommelier and I don’t go around acting like I know what temperature the soil needs to be or how much it needs to rain to grow the grape. I’m not one of those people. I am a marketer though and I am a businesswoman. I do believe a good concept, a good story, good packaging and a good juice will result in success. 

What I try to do is I always remind myself  there’s two ways you can proceed in life. Sometimes it calls for you to be fair and right, and you get one outcome. And then sometimes the question is “What is your goal?” and “What are you trying to get to?” 

Those two things don’t coexist together. 

It’s either “Do I want to give him a lesson on how to deal with Black women and women in general?” or do I want to make sure we get shelf presence at these restaurants and get to my goal. At the end of the day, I’m just doing business with this guy–your opinion of me or women in general, does not bother me. My advice to other entrepreneurs– especially women– is sometimes people are going to test you. It’s about whether you want to be right and fair, and you want to stand on a hill and argue about it, or do you want to get what you want? Because those are two different pathways and two different outcomes.

AFRO: What would you say to women looking to pursue this line of work in spite of so much competition?

MVA : I’ve mentored so many women and if I’m out at a panel or doing interviews, that is the number one question I get. I will give you two examples. Y’all know, QVC, the shopping network. QVC has been around since your grandmother was young and it’s been around for our age group– it’s been a generational brand. Tech has changed, the way we shop has changed, the way we consume products has changed– but QVC is still here.They still make revenue. I say that as an example of a business plan that stayed intentional about what they wanted to do and who their consumer base was. 

I also always use the eyelash industry as an example. There are so many young ladies and men that start hair lines and extension supply brands. There are so many, and the only difference between your brand and someone else’s brand is your story, your consistency and your need to win. That’s the only difference. 

There could be 80 million brands in your space and in your lane, the thing that’s going to make you different is your story and how you tell it and your consistent application to wanting to be successful. Even if you want to go into an industry that you feel is oversaturated with talent, there is a customer out there.  There’s a consumer group out there for you– someone that resonates with you or someone who just likes your product. 

This story has been edited for brevity and clarity.

The post Wifey Wines: Bringing African-American culture to the world of wine and spirits  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The legacy of groundbreaking artist Elizabeth Talford Scott is gaining attention around the City of Baltimore with a series of exhibits displayed at nine different sites at different points throughout the year. “No Stone Left Unturned: The Elizabeth Talford Scott Initiative,” pulled together five museums and four university sites across the city in a unified tribute and celebration of Scott’s work. Each venue has worked with students in the Exhibition Development Seminar (EDS) at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) to organize a free public program and create a presentation of Scott’s work for their gallery spaces. 

Although the EDS course is taught at MICA, students from several schools including Johns Hopkins, Morgan and Coppin State Universities are enrolled in the course and have been involved in the curation and development of the exhibits. EDS instructor Deyane Moses, who also serves as Afro Charities’ curator of Archives, spoke on the origins of the program and what it’s bringing to the Baltimore area. 

“The city of Baltimore is getting the chance to learn more about Black women artists and to be re-introduced to Elizabeth Talford Scott, the mother of Joyce J. Scott, who is a well known artist in Baltimore. She was a fiber artist and the way in which she thought and worked is different than anything I’ve ever seen before,” Moses explained. “She included rocks and stones and other types of archival material like beads and different fabrics that she inherited from other people and her own personal travels and experiences.”

One of the museums participating in the initiative is the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Their exhibit, “BLACK WOMAN GENIUS: Elizabeth Talford Scott—Tapestries of Generations,” has been on display since February of this year and it features art from Scott and several other artists including her daughter, Joyce J.Scott. The multi-generational exhibit is broken up into four different themes, all of which pay homage to the impact the legendary artist made on the world of art. 

“The show is separated into four themes and the four themes are ancestry tradition, healing and fiber narratives. in our fiber narratives theme, we have pieces from Murjani Merriweather, and her work is focusing on pushing back against Eurocentric beauty standards that Black people and more specifically in this show Black women have faced,” explained Imani Haynes, the curator at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

 “We also have work from Glenda Richardson. We‘re featuring one of her quilts ‘Black Lives Still Matter’ and it is a quilt where it’s remembering the lives of those who were murdered at the hands of police and in the center of that quilt, she has a Black woman with the Black Power fist raised and an African proverb quote, that says ‘They tried to bury us but didn’t know we were seeds.’” 

The Lewis Museum has one of Scott’s earliest pieces on display along with some of her other quilts. As the Lewis Museum honors her legacy they’ve also dedicated part of the exhibit to her trailblazing influence in the world of textile art and in regards to Black women in art overall. Other artists such as Merriweather and Richardson are being featured in the exhibit as well to help emphasize the creativity and beauty that exist within Black textile art. 

“When developing the show, we were thinking of her genius as a Black woman and fiber artist. “BLACK WOMAN GENIUS” is an exhibit where we are celebrating the life and legacy of Elizabeth Talford Scott, but we also wanted to position her as the mother figure to Black women and the fiber arts,” stated Haynes. “With Elizabeth being as groundbreaking as she was as a quilter, we wanted to make sure that the work of our featured Black women artists were doing the same.”

In addition to the Lewis Museum, the Walters Art Museum displayed some of Talford Scott’s work and highlighted her unique craftsmanship that has since inspired generations of artists. “Stitched Memories: Celebrating Elizabeth Talford Scott” highlights Talford Scott’s creativity explored the artist’s ability to fuse cultures and history. The Walters featured two of the three small sculptures that were created by Talford Scott and are simply titled “Chinese Pillow.” How these pillows added to the already extensive Chinese textile collection at the Walters was explained to the AFRO by Dany Chan, associate curator of Asian art at the Walters Art Museum. 

“The student curators came on board and they found out that Elizabeth had actually used a Chinese robe to make a total of three pillows and we were able to secure a second pillow.Two out of the three pillows are now on display in the exhibit,” said Chan. “‘Stitched Memories’ unique students were able to connect Elizabeth’s work to our historical Chinese Textile Collection. On view, we have a 19th century Chinese woman’s ceremonial cloud collar, and that cloud collar shape is invoked in the pillows.” 

“Elements of the cloud collars fabric and motifs were also used in the pillows themselves. We able to make connections for our visitors to demonstrate this great melding of time periods, of cultures but also of shared motifs,” Chan continued. 

The exhibit at the Walters Art Museum closed on May 12, but there is plenty of work to still be enjoyed. The work of Talford Scott is timeless and it continues to inspire and remain relevant to artists everywhere. The textile art pioneer is often overlooked and undermined, however projects like EDS and artists like Moses are helping keep her legacy well and alive. 

“Elizabeth Talford Scott, when you look at her work, it really shows you what creativity is. I feel like her work is something only she could come up with,” Moses exclaimed. “We would not have the amazing artist we have now if it had not been for her.”

Information on the open and ongoing exhibits can be found below: 

Kaleidoscope: Changing Perspectives

February 1 – May 19, 2024
The Peale
225 Holliday Street | thepeale.org

BLACK WOMAN GENIUS: Elizabeth Talford Scott—Tapestries of Generations

Feb. 1 – Sept. 30, 2024
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture (RFLM)
830 East Pratt Street | lewismuseum.org

Material and Memories: Elizabeth Talford Scott and the Crazy Quilt Tradition

Feb. 1 – Dec. 1, 2024
Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC)
610 Park Avenue | mdhistory.org

The post Elizabeth Talford Scott honored at multiple art exhibits throughout Baltimore appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Djam All Naturals is a beauty and homegoods brand that offers a series of products that have been carefully curated with the highest quality of ingredients and materials. Every product has a story behind it and they all give you a look into the life, perspective and interests of Madhyatu Taylor, the founder and CEO of Djam All Naturals. Taylor spoke with the AFRO leading up to their Black Business Matters Expo and explained the inspiration behind her brand, how entrepreneurship has helped create wealth for her community and the new products that customers can anticipate. 

“Djam is a lovely combination of my experiences and my passions and interests. It is a combination of my love of high quality products, natural products, world cultures, beautiful people and beautiful things,” Taylor explained. “There’s a story behind each of the Djam offerings. They’re either products that I’ve created and have been using for a while and I’m now sharing them with others, or they’re things that I’ve found through my travels and networking.”

Djam is a natural luxury brand that prides itself on how meticulous they are in their curation process. Taylor says only the highest quality of ingredients are used with hopes of evoking a feeling of pleasure that is exclusive to Djam All Naturals. And although there are many companies with similar offerings to the small, minority-owned business,Taylor explained that she is sure of Djam’s unique selling factor and appeal. 

“Djam is a complement, it’s not a competition,” she stated.   

When you have a variety of products that are in high demand and a natural hair oil that sells out before it’s even restocked, you move with a special kind of confidence. But the success didn’t happen overnight. How the company’s natural hair and scalp oil came to be was explained to the AFRO.

“I knew exactly what I wanted and I kept trying until I got it right,” said Taylor. “This took me five years to develop.”

Having found success with all the products offered, Taylor is eager to drop the next product: herbal teas. With two signature flavors lined up for release soon. 

As business booms and the lineup of products continues to expand, Taylor’s motivation for continuing this business endeavor does as well. The detail-oriented business woman noted that the determination to use her talents to spread love and joy to others has been one of her greatest reasons for further pursuing Djam All Naturals. 

“There are several why’s one is the determination to use my talents and my gifts to share peace, love and joy with others. This is my passion. This is what I feel like my purpose is,” said Taylor. 

She went on to further explain that her greatest challenge as a business owner has been having the confidence to continue. However, as she is learning how to stay confident in her brand, she encourages all entrepreneurs to put themselves out there and take advantage of all opportunities presented to them.

“My greatest challenge is having the self confidence to just keep it moving. I think lots of people have encouraged me, but whenever you venture into the unknown, or you put yourself out there, it’s an uncomfortable space–but if nothing is ventured, nothing is gained,” stated Taylor. 

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and when opportunities present themselves, take advantage of them,” she said. “There will be lots of people who come along the way either to encourage or to discourage. Learn to let the negative be filtered out and let the positive enrich you and encourage you.”

The post In the beauty space: How Madhyatu Taylor merges culture and luxury  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The Black Leadership Circle is a local auxiliary group dedicated to providing a safe space for Black leaders in the Baltimore area. The organization is brand new, but they’ve got plans to tackle issues that are decades old. 

With a focus on uplifting the Black community and protecting the sanctity of Black spaces, the small but mighty group is ready to make their impact. Much like the AFRO, they believe that Black businesses matter. This week, founding member Chrissy Thornton spoke to the publication about Black business and the Black Leadership Circle as the AFRO prepared for the fourth annual Black Business Matters Expo. 

AFRO: What is the Black leadership circle?

Chrissy Thornton: The Black Leadership Circle is not its own entity or organization, I like to call it an auxiliary group. It’s powered by Associated Black Charities. It’s an advisory council right now that will build into general membership. It started as an interest group in September of 2023 and we officially launched in January of 2024. It sought to serve a couple of different purposes. The first was to be a safe space for Black leaders in the Greater Baltimore region, to be a trusting, safe, inclusive and progressive space for us to navigate challenges that leaders face–specifically those where we intersect with being leaders of color and Black people. 

The second reason we launched this initiative was because we believe that we should be focused on helping to develop a professional pipeline for more Black people, Black career people and Black workers. We want them to ascend into executive leadership positions because when we’re in those positions, we have both the authority and the interest to make sure that other people have career trajectory and opportunity to ascend to advanced positions as well. 

The Black Leadership Circle is an outgrowth of our goal to put together a group of people who would walk in alignment. Many of us have individual interests. We are comprised of nonprofit leaders, corporate leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs in the Greater Baltimore region. We have many different interests– in some cases, competing interests–but we are aligned on one thing, and that is that Black people in our region and worldwide should have the opportunity to be successful and to thrive; and that some of the barriers that Black people face can be mitigated with advocacy.

AFRO: How will this auxiliary group go about moving forward with the mission of supporting a pipeline for leadership positions in the Black profession? What can we anticipate from you guys, especially because you just got your start at the top of the year?

CT: It’ll be in a number of ways. One of the things that we’re committed to is professional development webinars, we’ve actually already started that series. A month or so ago, we held a webinar on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in Black professional spaces. It was well attended, but also a really great learning opportunity to learn about how we can maximize the opportunity that this nuancing technology is presenting. We want to start to close the racial wealth gap, to start building knowledge bases in our community and that we can take advantage of this trend of AI and the way it’s showing up in the workplace. We have one coming up that is all about taxes– federal and state and local taxes– led by one of our auxiliary board members.

We will continue to produce content to give Black professionals and others the opportunity to not only learn more about these topics, but also explore them from a lens of how they affect Black people. We also will launch a mentorship program for some of our members who want to reach back into the community and have the capacity and the bandwidth to do so to share their expertise and to share shadowing opportunities, which is really important to us as well. 

AFRO: Do you have to work for Associated Black Charities in order to benefit from the work that the Black Leadership Circle is doing? As somebody who’s on the outside, how can I benefit from this? How can I get involved ?

CT: Oh, absolutely not. In fact, Associated Black Charities is really upholding the operational structure of this group and that’s it. The group itself right now consists of about 36 advisory council members and they represent most of the organizations that we’re familiar with across this region. Many of them are nonprofit organizations, some of them are very high visibility corporate organizations and then we have a number of venture capitalists, and business owners, who are in this region who are also part of the group. 

The group is not staffed or for people in relationship with Associated Black Charities, it’s quite the opposite. Associated Black Charities, through my membership, gets the benefit of being a part of this group. There are many things, like our professional development webinar series, that the general public can partake of, and there will be other opportunities that will be member based. We planned to open general membership in April, but we’ve pushed that back a little bit because we want to make sure we get it right.

AFRO: A large part of your mission is aimed at creating change by cultivating an environment of support, sponsorship and alignment amongst Black leaders. What does that look like to you and members of the group?

CT: I think it looks like having a collective voice. You go to other assemblies of groups of professional people and you see that. Most leaders don’t look like me and when you congregate in a room of leaders who have influence, who have resources and who have authority, they tend to be rooms of older White men. While that has been the status quo for some time, the landscape is starting to shift and change. 

We need to make sure that our collective voice can not only push forward change, but keep our communities at the forefront of that change to make sure that when we’re talking about access we’re considering Black people. Specifically here in Baltimore, it’s so important. Our demographics rely on the fact that Black people need to be successful for society’s work ecosystem to be successful.

The post Black Leadership Circle: Meet the local auxiliary group advocating for Black communities appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Throughout the last year the AFRO has worked hard to produce content that is worth consuming and that hard work was recognized and rewarded at this year’s Maryland, Delaware, DC (MDDC) Press Association’s Editorial and Advertising contest. A total of 18 members of the AFRO’s staff and freelance writing teams took home awards,  including recognition in the General News Photo, Best Photo Gallery, Breaking News and Social Media, Editorial and Editorial Cartoon categories.

Coverage of events such as the March on Washington’s 60th anniversary, the 2023 CIAA basketball tournament, the Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary and the Morgan State homecoming shooting were reported and covered with diligence by the 131 year old publication during 2023. Featured AFRO team members that took home an award from the 2024 ceremony include:

Helen Bezuneh; Aria Brent; Darius Brockett;  Rev. Heber Brown III; Ericka Alston Buck; Marnita Coleman; Reuben Greene; Ariyana Griffin; Re’Jon Jones; DaQuan Lawrence; Tashi McQueen; Ralph E. Moore; Dana Peck; Alexis Taylor; Kofi Tyus; Megan Sayles; Jared Still; Reginald Williams and the AFRO staff at large. 

AFRO managing editor Alexis Taylor was amongst this year’s award recipients. As a writer and leader of the AFRO editorial team she was proud to see the publications progress awarded, noting that even through times of difficulty the staff created stories that were factual and well written.

“I am so proud of the entire AFRO team, but the award that really made me feel like we are truly making progress as a publication was the “Best in Show” award for breaking news on social media,” said Taylor. “The night of the Morgan State University shooting was a rough one. As a Morgan alum, it was heartbreaking to watch such a tragic event take place during a week meant for homecoming celebrations. I gave a call to Ms. Ariyana Griffin, a student at Morgan, and she immediately jumped into action.”

Taylor thanked Griffin, who was an intern at the time, for her hard work and service to the AFRO.

“Her reporting is why we have that award. Her willingness to leave the comforts of home in the middle of the night for a story led us to take a category usually reserved for the mainstream media giants of our market. Ms. Griffin and writers of her caliber will surely take the AFRO into the future.” 

Several awards were won collectively by members of team AFRO such as the Religion Reporting award, which was won by Marnita Coleman, Rev. Heber Brown III, Jared Still and the AFRO staff at large. Additionally, several staff members were recognized for their work in the category for Continuing Coverage, including DaQuan Lawrence, Aria Brent, Ralph E. Moore Jr., Re’Jon Jones, Helen Bezuneh and the AFRO staff at large. 

Long-time AFRO writer and columnist, Ralph E. Moore, Jr., reflected on how it felt to contribute to the legacy of Maryland’s oldest Black owned business and have his work recognized.

“It was a wonderful surprise to receive awards for columns I wrote for the AFRO American Newspaper. It is the honor of my life to have worked for such an esteemed media source,” Moore stated. “The AFRO is an important institution in Baltimore and the award from the MDDC Press Association for AFRO writing is a tremendous honor for me.”

Members of the AFRO team weren’t the only journalists of color to be recognized. After the ceremony, the AFRO was delighted to catch up with Baltimore Banner data reporter and MDDC Rookie of the Year award winner, Greg Morton. 

The award is given out each year to a promising journalist that’s been working professionally for less than 18 months. Following the award ceremony, Morton discussed what journalism means to him.

“For me, journalism is about getting the opportunity to do interesting research and to do research that’s a little more actionable and accessible,” Morton stated. “That’s what it’s about for me really– getting to do research that makes an impact on the community.”

The budding journalist also shared a piece of advice for other journalism rookies.

“Do the stuff that you think is interesting,” he said. “A lot of this came from me getting the opportunity to work on stuff that I thought was fun to talk to people about and fun to work on. I think the quality of the work was respected and reflective of that.” 

As the year continues, the AFRO is excited to continue covering the news that matters most to our readers and the opportunity to create stories that are helping shape the landscape of Black media. 

The full list of AFRO team members that won at this year’s award ceremony and their respective awards can be found below. 

• Helen Bezuneh: 2nd Place for Continuing Coverage- Division F
• Aria Brent: 2nd Place for Continuing Coverage- Division F
• Darius Brockett: : 1st Place for Multimedia Storytelling (Sports)- Division F
• Rev. Heber Brown III: 1st Place for Religion Reporting- Division F
• Ericka Alston Buck: 2nd Place for Arts/Entertainment Reporting- DIvision F
• Marnita Coleman: 1st Place for Religion Reporting- Division F
• Reuben Greene: 1st Place for Public Service- Division F
• Ariyana Griffin: 1st Place and Best in Show for Breaking News and Social Media- Division F
• Re’Jon Jones: 2nd Place for Continuing Coverage- Division F
• DaQuan Lawrence: 2nd Place for Continuing Coverage- Division F
• Tashi McQueen: 2nd Place for Local Government- Division F
• Ralph E. Moore Jr.: 2nd Place for Continuing Coverage- Division F; 1st Place for Local Column: Critical Thinking- Division F; 1st Place and Best in Show for Sports Column
• Dana Peck: 1st Place and Best in Show for Breaking News and Social Media- Division F
• Alexis Taylor: 2nd Place for State Government- Division F; 1st Place and Best in Show for Breaking News and Social Media- Division F ; 1st Place and Best in Show for Editorial- Division F
• Kofi Tyus: 1st Place and Best in Show for Editorial Cartoon- Division F
• Megan Sayles: 1st Place for Investigative Reporting- Division F, 1st Place for Sports Feature Story- Division F
• Jared Still- 1st Place for Religion Reporting- Division F
• Reginald Williams: 1st Place for Media/Science Reporting- Division F

The post Team AFRO wins big at the 2023 MDDC editorial and advertising contest appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com 

Community members filed into the Sollers Point Multipurpose Center in Dundalk, Md. on April 7 to see two of the top candidates in Maryland’s Congressional senate race face off against each other. However, most learned when they arrived that U.S. Representative David Trone had taken ill and was unable to meet his opponent, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, on the Southeast Baltimore prepared for them.

For two hours Alsobrooks answered numerous questions on her plans for the state, should she be elected to represent the state of Maryland in the U.S. Congress.

Hosted by the Baltimore County and Baltimore City Democratic Parties, the event was set to have a six-person panel, consisting of James Kraft, Charlotte Wood, Olivia M. Lomax, Braxton C. Street, Keisha Allen and moderator, Jayne Miller. Though a table was set for the panel to sit on stage, shortly before the event started the panelists gathered and took reserved seats in the audience, asking their questions with only Alsobrooks and Miller on the stage.

Topics discussed during the debate included crime and public safety, education, climate change and more. Before diving into the many questions the crowd had, Alsobrooks set the tone for the evening by sharing some of the things she’s accomplished throughout her political and judicial career, and how she plans to continue those efforts if elected as senator. 

“As U.S. Senator I will continue to work on prioritizing the families of Maryland and making sure we address the issues that are at your kitchen table,” she stated. 

Public safety 

When it came to crime and gun violence, Alsobrooks shared that she thinks the increasing amount of gun violence is a result of the lack of mental health resources and gun laws throughout the nation.

“We know that gun laws are safe, and we need to take action to put some sensible gun legislation in place. Ghost guns are a huge issue in our community. Gun violence is an epidemic and our children are dying,” Alsobrooks said. “Behavioral health is the number one health issue in multiple communities.We need access to mental health care so that people can have the opportunity to heal.”

Education

Alsobrooks noted that she looks forward to helping students receive equal opportunities to a proper education regardless of their neighborhood, socioeconomic background or learning disabilities. 

 “I’ll be fighting to ensure that we are increasing funding for programs like Title 1, which allows our children who are at a disadvantage in impoverished communities to have an excellent education,” Alsobrooks stated. “I’ll be fighting also for the individuals with disabilities. It is so heartbreaking to know how many of our children with disabilities are left behind.”

Further discussing her agenda for improving education, Alsobrooks addressed the current issues that are shaping our school systems and how it’s impacting our students.  

“Many of our local jurisdictions rely so heavily on local property taxes to fund education. We have created a system where your zip code determines the quality of your education and in my mind there is something so wrong with that,” she said. 

Health care 

When discussing the topic of healthcare Alsobrooks explained how the ever changing expense is both a necessity and a right to all people.  

“I believe every person in our community has a right to quality and affordable healthcare. It should not be a privilege to have health care,  it’s a right,” explained Alsobrooks. “The Affordable Care Act is what we have used to bring down the cost of healthcare. It’s allowed us to have 22 million additional people covered by insurance.” 

Going on to further explain why our nation needs The Affordable Care Act, Alsobrooks discussed some of the changes she’s looking to bring to health care and some of the  progressive efforts that have happened under the Biden administration such as lowering the out of pocket cost of insulin and Medicare’s negotiation with the pharmaceutical industry to cap the out of pocket cost for prescription drug medications.

“I’m looking to build on the Affordable Care Act. Things like dental care and vision care, all of those things added to the Affordable Care Act will bring down the cost of healthcare for our families—this is a huge issue for some families. I’m fighting for health care and to make sure it’s affordable for all families,”she stated. 

Members of the community who attended the event shared their thoughts following Alsobrooks’ impromptu town hall meeting. Some expressed concern for Trone for his absence, but noted that regardless of circumstance being present during your campaign in an election year is vital. 

“I hope that he is well, but I personally thought this was very important and sometimes you have to soldier up,” said Haki Ammi, a board member of the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation. “Sometimes you got to go through the minefield for our community and sometimes outside of true death, you soldier up to make things happen for our community. That’s just how I feel, if it were me I would have been wheeled out here.” 

Though a range of topics were discussed, one thing seemed to be at the forefront of people’s minds: the importance of voting.
“Register and vote. Just vote, get out there,” Lynda Rice, vice president of the Anne Arundel County, West County Democratic Club, told the AFRO. “Let your voice be heard. Please do not think it doesn’t matter. If you think your vote doesn’t matter, turn on the news and see that it does.”

The post Alsobrooks speaks on crime, education, healthcare after Trone backs out of debate  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

For decades, the divide created between the two communities on either side of the Anacostia River has served as a physical representation of differences in race, socio-economic status and even life expectancy. 

Now, D.C. officials are working in collaboration with the nation’s largest multinational telecommunications and media conglomerate, Comcast, to bridge that gap in both a literal and figurative sense.

A local non-profit group, Building Bridges Across the River, has been working with the city of D.C for nearly a decade to figure out how they can repurpose the old 11th Street vehicular bridge. After much dialogue, the two organizations are now teaming up to renovate the space into a park, complete with an education center, a performance space and a cafe and communal space.  

The team will provide free public wifi throughout the park, and the education center will feature digital training skill classes and 15 laptops for community use. The project will break ground in August 2024 and is scheduled for completion in late 2026. 

For more than ten years, countless meetings have been held in the Ward 8 community to discuss the renovations, design concepts and the repurposing of the bridge. 

“Once we heard enthusiasm for the idea we said, ‘Alright, well what should be [in] the park? What kind of programming should be in this new civic space that serves the community?’ and we heard great ideas,” said Scott Kratz, senior vice president of Building Bridges. “They had ideas about an environmental education center, a performance space that can amplify the voices, culture and arts of local residents, access to the river through kayak and canoe launches, safe places to play in an intergenerational play space,and a cafe.”

Focused on keeping the community first while creating the concept for this multi-million dollar project, the city and Building Bridges also launched an international design contest in 2014. The community was involved in multiple ways by competing in the contest and participating in the selection process that helped choose the project’s design team.

Kratz noted that members of the community are excited to see their ideas come to fruition as the project’s construction is getting scheduled. He also explained how much effort is being put forth to assure that gentrification and displacement don’t interfere with the park being enjoyed and utilized by those who helped shape it. 

“We started a larger effort to do what we’ve done from the beginning, which is go back to the community and look to see where there might be some actions that we can take in affordable housing investments, supporting Black entrepreneurs, small businesses east of the river, workforce training and the arts and culture investments,” Kratz stated. “We want to make sure that the same residents who’ve been through some tough times east of the river can be here for the good times.”

A series of programs that have been set up through Building Bridges Equitable Development Plan that has allowed Ward 8 residents to receive resources for housing and career training since 2015. 

The organization has invested several million dollars into Black owned businesses in the area via pro bono technical assistance and grants to assure that they can balance the revenue the park will be bringing in. Through their Equitable Development Program, a total of $92 million dollars has been invested into the betterment and development of the East Anacostia community. 

The work being done by Building Bridges has already benefited the Ward 8 community. The impact that will come with the bridge’s reuse is expected to be life changing for some residents. Providing access to free public wifi both in and around the park, free laptops and public programming that’s focused on increasing digital literacy are only a few of the ways that Comcast plans to be part of the solution that’s going to close the divide amongst the Bridge Park community. 

“We know for a fact that in Wards 5, 7 and 8, there is a lower rate of subscription—that being those who subscribe to home internet service. There’s a lower digital literacy [rate] and that’s from a lack of understanding how to use the internet to benefit them for jobs, and homework,” explained Misty Allen, vice president of government affairs and community impact for Comcast’s Beltway Region.

Allen noted that approximately 23 percent of D.C. households are not subscribed to broadband services. The low digital literacy rates, specifically in the Bridge Park community, are a reflection of some of its members being older and unfamiliar with internet use. She explained that living in the age of technology has brought a set of challenges to the community’s elders that is leaving them under-resourced.

“Part of the community is also overcoming fear and reluctance. If you think of our senior citizens, they’re being faced with a need to embrace technology like they never had before,” Allen stated. “A lot of our banking has become digital and even doctor’s are now doing pre-screens digitally before they take in-person meetings. We have to help all of our citizens and residents adopt the internet and really be connected to our digital world.”

For over a decade, Comcast has been working with organizations like Building Bridges to solve the digital divide that exists in so many communities. The telecommunications giant is backed  by a $1 billion dollar commitment called Project Up which focuses on the unlimited possibilities that can occur when people have access to digital resources.

Kratz shared with the AFRO that the project is preparing for the city’s transportation department to solicit their general contractor in May of this year. 

Although it will be nearly another two years until the bridge is done, the project is highly anticipated and people are already envisioning everything it will bring to the community.

Kratz is hoping the space will serve as an area for residents and guests to reconnect.

“This will be a place where you can reconnect with nature,” he said. “You can reconnect with the river, and you can reconnect with each other.”

The post Renovations to 11th Street Bridge area to include park and education center appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Black women are taking the workforce by storm with their growing presence in corporate America and increasing business ownership. 

It was reported by JPMorgan Chase that Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs.  And though only 39 percent of Black-owned businesses are operated by women compared to 53 percent operated by men, as a pewresearch.org reported, the presence of Black women in professional environments indisputably is on the rise. 

As Black women and other women of color (WOC) are beginning to reshape the business world, several organizations are helping support and promote them as they continue to break barriers in the workplace. As part of the AFRO’s observance of Women’s History Month and our profiling of Black women and organizations across the country, we highlight five Ohio-based organizations that are focused on providing WOC with professional opportunities and resources.

1. Dress for Success

Dress for Success Columbus is dedicated to helping women achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive at work and in life. Since opening its doors in 2007 in Columbus, it has provided thousands of women with workforce readiness and employment retention programs. Although the organization has a heavy focus on providing women with outfits that flatter them and help them feel prepared for the workforce, they also provide a series of other free programs, including their Career Center, Professional Women’s Group, Women2Women mentoring, and Success InSight Conference. Through these services they’re equipping women with the tools they need for a successful career in a professional work environment, all the while providing them with the opportunity to grow their professional skills and network. As an affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide, they have over 150 sister affiliates in 30 countries around the world. For more information about Dress for Success and to find a location near you, visit: www.dressforsuccess.org. 

2. Zora’s House 

Zora’s House is a Black, women-owned non-profit organization focused on creating a safe space for women and gender-expansive people of color. Founded in 2018 by LC Johnson, the co-working and community space has become a staple in its Columbus community and has even received national attention with their recent appearance on the Kelly Clarkson show. Named after author and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston, the exclusively femme organization serves as a safe haven for WOC where they can foster meaningful and supportive relationships with other women in their community. In addition to this, they provide WOC the opportunity to develop a deeper practice of self-care, resilience and emotional intelligence. Along with their co-working and community space, they offer a series of programs and events centered around helping WOC thrive and succeed such as their Her Way Business Builder, WOC Wealth Builder, Black Feminist High School program and their Leadership Fellows Program. To find out more about Zoras House and the work they’re doing, visit them online at  www.zorashouse.com. 

3. The Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity (WCEO)

Founded in 2013 by Keena M. Smith, the WCEO elevates, equips and empowers Black women and other WOC to access the resources and knowledge needed to create generational wealth and a legacy of economic impact. With a focus on economic equity, inclusion and justice, WCEO serves as an advocate for the elimination of racism and is working to close the racial and gender wealth gap. Through a series of programming and events like their Bubbles and Bags event, Aspire Accelerator Program and the Aspire Business Conference, they’re creating community and providing greater resources for wealth-building to WOC in their community. Visit their website at www.womensceo.org to find out more about their mission.

4. Women at Work 

The Woman at Work Career Accelerator Program (C.A.P) is the first-of-its kind, cohort-style program created exclusively for women that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Franklin County community. The 10-week program is targeted towards women who are ready to pursue new and improved job prospects and earn training opportunities for key skills that are needed in the workforce. Throughout the program, participants have the opportunity to utilize a series of professional resources like life and career coaches, social workers, professional headshots, and innovative personality assessments. Upon the completion of the program participants also receive a stipend. The program was launched by OhioMeansJobs, a partner of the American Jobs Center network.

5. Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN)

The Black Career Women’s Network is a national organization – with an affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio – that is dedicated to fostering the development and professional growth of Black women in the workplace. Founded by Sherry Sims in 2012, for over a decade the BCWN has been supporting and empowering Black career women by inspiring them to advocate for themselves, lead with distinction and take control of their professional destinies. Through coaching, mentoring, community, signature events and shared experiences, BCWN has been breaking down barriers and amplifying opportunities that ensure Black women are well equipped with the skills they need to excel. To join the BCWN and find out more about their network, visit their website at www.bcwnetwork.com.

The post Spotlight: 5 Ohio organizations providing women of color with professional opportunity, resources  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Stephen Long Worcester High Pioneers Club(SL-WHP) is upholding the legacy of the first Black superintendent in the Worcester county area by helping the next generation of Black students continue their education. 

Founded just a little under two years ago, SL-WHP is a nonprofit organization focused on highlighting the career and significance of legendary educator, Stephen Long. The organization is also dedicated to providing educational resources to youth and college aged students. SL-WHP vice president, Ronnie Collins Sr., shared why upholding the legacy of Stephen Long is so vital to not only the organization but the progress of the Worcester county community as well. 

“Instead of staying in Pennsylvania at Lincoln University, he decided to come back to Pocomoke City— a community he had left many years before. Just as he came back to Pocomoke, we decided that we would come back and look at the educational state of Pocomoke, which in many ways for many students is a bit small,” explained Collins. “We set up this organization because Stephen Long stressed higher education, and financial stability as a means to independence and character development. We’ve got to get back there and pick up where he left off.”

Continuing Long’s legacy is no easy task, especially when you look at all he did for the education of Black people in Worcester county. However, creating their scholarship was one way the organization knew they could continue to carry the torch that was set ablaze by the historical educator all those years ago. 

“We decided that we really needed to put our own resources together and we came up with about $10,000 by reaching into our own pockets to establish the initial scholarship,” Collins said. “Then we joined hands with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and we raised over $2,000.”

Collins went on to explain that although this is the organization’s first time giving out a scholarship, they’ve already made plans to give out more funding for school in the next few months. 

“The first scholarship was for $1,000. We had given some consideration to granting books, and stipends but now we’re in the process of endowing that scholarship and that will happen in a couple of months. We’ve started that process so that we can continue to give at a minimum $500 but $1,000 is our target.”

Amir Harmon is the first student to receive this scholarship from SL-WHP. Harmon is a sophomore at Morgan State University, where he’s studying computer science. The young scholar is a native of Snow Hill, Md., a small city in the Worcester county area. Harmon discussed how the legacy of Stephen Long and the mission of SL-WHP resonate with him. 

“I read the book they gave me about Stephen Long and I don’t think what he did is common knowledge and it should be,” stated Harmon “He was big on civil rights and he was the first African American to be a superintendent for his school district. More people need to know about him, especially in the Worcester county area.”

Sharing similar sentiments to SL-WHP, Harmon also feels that Long’s work was trailblazing and should continue to be looked at as a model for their community. Harmon explained that every dollar helps when it comes to paying for school. However, this scholarship is special because of the organization’s mission and how focused they are on helping his community. 

“I feel like Stephen Long’s work should be a torch for Black people everywhere but especially in Worcester county,” Harmon stated. “What makes this scholarship so significant is the purpose behind it. We don’t get a lot of attention in Worcester county so I feel like this is really big. It means alot to be the first recipient of this scholarship.”

The post Morgan State student awarded Stephen Long Worcester High Pioneers Club scholarship appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

On Feb.6,, Margo Marquita McKay passed away at the age of 77. 

She was born on Oct.9, 1946 in Baltimore to her parents, Gordon McKay and Gary Jones McKay. She was raised in Pittsburgh, Pa., and attended South Hills High School. Following high school she attended FIsk University in Nashville, Tenn. While obtaining her Bachelor of Arts from Fisk, her intellect shined bright as she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and she graduated from the historical institution magna cum laude. After receiving her first degree, the ambitious scholar then earned her Juris Doctorate from Georgetown Law Center in Washington D.C,–one of the several places she received her bar association membership in. Throughout her career she would earn her bar association membership in Pennsylvania and Virginia as well.

The highly accomplished lawyer started her career as a trial attorney while working for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S Department of Justice. She held a plethora of positions in the legal system throughout her career. She worked as a prosecutor, defense counsel, an administrative judge, a mediator, a corporate attorney, and most notably, she served as assistant secretary for civil rights at the U.S Department of Agriculture from 2006 to 2009.

 Fortunate enough to find love twice in her lifetime, she was married to Col. James P. Allen of Philadelphia, Pa. and Edward A. Tibbs of Pittsburgh, Pa. With Allen she would have her three children, Marja Vongerichten, Eric Allen, and Kaila Allen, all of whom were the lights of her life. 

It should be noted that regardless of the many professional successes she achieved, none of them compared to the joy of motherhood. She is survived by her three children; her grandchildren, Chloe Vongerichten and Claire Allen; her sisters Linda McKay and Sonya Davenport; her daughter-in-law Lisa Allen and son-in-law Jean-Georges Vongerichten; her niece Rhonda Jones; and her nephews Justin McKay, William Davenport, Jordan Davenport and Joshua Davenport. 

Margo was one of five siblings and is preceded in death by her brothers Gordon Gary McKay and Ronald Keith McKay. She is also preceded by former husband Col. James P. Allen, and both of her parents.

The post Remembering the life and legacy of Margo McKay appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Last year, March 9 was declared 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day after Gov. Wes Moore signed the statewide day of commemoration into law. The predominantly Black, all female sector of the Women Army Corp (WAC) was responsible for sorting and clearing a huge amount of backlogged mail during World War II. Their work helped restore the military postal system which allowed soldiers and civilians to effectively communicate amidst wartime. With the special occasion approaching, Gov.Moore spoke about his administration’s commitment to recognizing the service of the 6888th.

“Here in Maryland, we will protect, preserve and celebrate our rich history, and it’s my honor to recognize March 9 as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day,” said Gov. Moore. “These women were trailblazers and their commitment to service was invaluable to our country. The Moore-Miller administration is proud to commemorate their legacy.”

The battalion has received a series of other honors including a Congressional Medal of Honor, a monument in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and a national day of recognition which is observed on Sept.16. However, this is the first year the legendary group of women will be honored throughout the state of Maryland.

Retired Col. Edna W. Cummings has played a vital role in highlighting the legacy of the 6888th battalion and she explained how this honor is a representation of all Black women who have served in the military. 

“We must continue to honor the 6888th because they represent the service and sacrifice of thousands of Black women who served our nation and were unheralded,” Cummings stated. “They served the country when the country didn’t always serve them. The 6888th and other Black women from that era are a new set of role models for the thousands of Black women in the military.”

U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-M.D.-07), of Maryland, shared similar sentiments, praising the bravery of the women in the battalion. 

“Amid the peril and danger of World War II, the tenacity of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion never wavered,” Mfume shared. “These 855 Black women bravely served our nation despite knowing their return home would be to an America that still denied their basic rights and liberties.”

The resilience and tenacity of the 6888th seems to resonate with Black women both in and outside of the military. There have been so many instances of Black women’s achievements being disregarded but Cummings and many others are determined to not let this story go untold. The preservation of their history is detrimental to the preparation of our nation’s future. Sen.Cory McCray talked to the AFRO about the importance of knowing the story of the 6888th and using it to inspire the next generation of young Black women. 

“It’s important that we recognize that this is a critical component of our history. The upcoming 6888th day is an example of how we preserve our history and how we make sure that their story is told over and over again,” McCray stated. “Their story is ongoing and if we don’t know where we come from we won’t know where we’re going.”

It’s been nearly 80 years since the battalion of groundbreaking women discontinued their work and yet their impact is still so powerful. To this day, the 6888th is the only unit made up entirely of women of color to serve overseas. The history those women 

created has yet to be repeated making their legacy all the more precious.

After serving in the military for several decades and then dedicating herself to honoring the work of the 6888th battalion, Cummings is proud to see them recognized on a national and local level. 

“I’m honored and humbled to know that our grassroots efforts for the 6888th have led to state and national recognitions for these veterans and other Black women from World War II. This recognition secures their legacy alongside the rest of our nation’s heroes,” Cummings stated proudly. “Women have always volunteered to serve this country and made significant impacts. We must include women’s contributions as part of military history and not as an afterthought.”

The post Maryland to celebrate inaugural 6888th Battalion Day on March 9  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

Rodericka Applewhaite was selected to serve as the new director of Black media at the White House. She’s committed to ensuring equity for Black journalists. Although she’s only been in the position for about three months, the young director has championed inclusive efforts, creating new ways for the Black press to connect with the White House.

“I think the future of the Black press is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Between the things that we’re doing and the policy things that are happening here, and then you bring in press that is specifically talking to audiences that are looking for that information,” Applewhaite explained. “As audiences continue to consume that, it allows me to go back and say, ‘I need more time with x, x and x, because look at the interest we’re getting.’”

“It’s allowing me to expand our reach, which is ultimately increasing the amount of black Americans that are becoming aware of the work that we’re doing,” she continued.

She brings to the table a wealth of information with experience in political strategy, policy research and data.

“I’ve tried to bring the press and communication strategies that have served me well over my career into this. I also want to be as accessible as people,” said Applewhaite. “Those are the two things I hope I’ve brought to the role. I’m making sure we’re doing enough to highlight the work that’s happening here.”

Applewhaite is a native of Carrollton, Ga., and a graduate of George Washington University where she majored in political science. Noting that she was always interested in politics, the young scholar grew up participating in debate teams and with dreams of attending law school. It wasn’t until she arrived in the nation’s capital that she realized there were so many career choices she could pursue with a political science degree.

“At the time, I had aspirations for law school because I thought that’s where you went if you had my interest and growing up in a small town in Georgia didn’t know what other outlet there was,” Applewhaite recalled. “I wasn’t really aware that campaigns and politics was a career choice. Going to college in D.C really opened my eyes to that. It was a really fulfilling and enriching experience.”

Following graduation she began working in political research, which led her to a series of jobs on campaign teams for statewide races in both Georgia and New Jersey. As Applewhaite’s experience with political campaigning continued she eventually began to work on presidential campaigns which ultimately led her to the start of communications career.

“I ended up getting scooped up by Pete Buttigieg for presidential campaigns, and from there that was my first foray into communications,” Applewhaite shared. “I was in charge of all of Pete’s mayoral research, and it ended up being too difficult for me to explain it to our communications team, and then have them explain it to reporters. I ended up doing it.”

After working with Buttigieg, she served as the senior communications advisor for the Michigan Democratic Party and joined the campaign team that supported the 2022 re-election of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The seasoned communications expert returned to D.C following the successful campaign in Michigan and she was working at a communications firm until the White House called offering her the opportunity of a lifetime.

Prior to Applewhaite taking on the position it was most recently held by Erica Loewe and Kevin Lewis was the first director of Black media when the role was established under the Obama administration. Although the role isn’t especially old it’s played a significant role within the Black press and it is now Applewhaite’s to carry forward. While in this position, she is focused on the relationship between the Black press and the White House, however there are several other things she plans to implement as well.

In spite of her unorthodox introduction to the Black press, Applewhaite shared some very notable Black journalists that have inspired her, including April Ryan and Symone Sanders. As she begins to create her own legacy that is bound to inspire the next generation of media and communications professionals, she is also working to assure the future of the Black press is well secured.

This story has been updated to reflect the name spelling of Symone Sanders. The AFRO deeply regrets this error.

The post AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: Meet White House Press maverick Rodericka Applewhaite appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is gearing up for the eighth Presidents and Chancellor’s HBCU Fly-In on Capitol Hill from March 6th to March 8th. This three day event is focused on bringing together HBCU administrators, members of congress and policy makers to discuss the issues that are directly affecting the nation’s 107 HBCUs. 

Since its conception in 2017 this annual event has been attended by presidents, vice presidents and agency secretaries. TMCF has 55 public HBCUs in their network of partnering schools, however for this event they’ll be inviting unaffiliated HBCUs as well to ensure that all of these historical institutions benefit from this event. In addition to the many HBCU administrators and political figures that are invited to this event, a series of our nation’s top business executives are invited to help create more opportunities for HBCUs.

“From the standpoint of engaging with top CEOs in the United States, this is an opportunity for potential partnerships. It’s an opportunity to build capacity at our institutions, and put them in a position to educate and train our students so that they’re prepared to take on the jobs of tomorrow,” stated David Sheppard, chief business and legal officer for TMCF.

Sheppard went on to further explain some of the events that have been happening within the last four years that have brought an increase in attention for HBCUs and how that has created a space for more policy to be created for the betterment of them. Things such as the election of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has provided a space for HBCUs to be represented and recognized like never before. While all eyes are on HBCUs, TMCF has been using this newfound exposure to highlight issues such as a lack of sourcing institutional infrastructure. 

For those who have attended an HBCU, it’s no secret that many of these institutions–especially public ones, are severely underfunded, under-resourced and undermined. Sheppard explained that this issue has even affected land-grant institutions, despite the required federal laws that have been put in place for their protection. 

“Our institutions have largely been under-resourced. In fact, the public institutions have never been supported by their state’s in the way that the flagship institutions– which are predominantly White institutions have been,” explained Sheppard. “It is a particular issue of significance as it relates to our land grant institutions.There is a set of HBCUs that are land grant institutions and they have never been treated similarly by their states despite the requirements of federal law.”

There’s a total of 21 land grant HBCUs including Virginia State University (VSU). Founded in 1882, VSU is the fourth oldest institution within the Virginia commonwealth and despite their lengthy existence they’ve never been funded in the same way public predominantly White institutions throughout the state have been. VSU’s president, Makola Abdullah spoke with the AFRO about why events like the TMCF fly-in are necessary and how we can further promote our HBCUs.

“It is an opportunity for us as presidents to advocate for our respective institutions as a whole at the federal level. It’s a way for us to really make an impact for HBCUs in Washington,” Abdullah explained.

Abdullah truly believes in HBCUs and what they have to offer. Noting that he thinks of them as some of the best institutions in the country, the head trojan in charge explained how he thinks the Black community can support and promote HBCUs even without attending them. 

“In order for our HBCUs to be around, we all have to support them no matter where we went to school. I don’t believe that every young person should go to an HBCU but I believe that every young person should visit an HBCU before they make a choice. They should put our institutions up against any other institution,” stated Abdullah. “Every Black person should donate to an HBCU because if our institutions go away, then we don’t have a choice to choose HBCUs. Right now we have the freedom to not choose an HBCU. That freedom should always be there, whether people choose to go or not.”

It seems as though the choice to attend an HBCU is one that is being chosen at an all time high these days. Sheppard shared that there’s been a 44 percent increase in applications submitted to HBCUs within the last year, even before the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action. It was also reported by the National Center for Education Statistics that between 2020 and 2023 there was a seven percent increase in HBCU enrollment. 

As HBCUs continue to pique the interest of young scholars all across the nation and enrollment increases, TMCF is continuing to provide opportunities to the students at these special institutions of higher learning. From scholarships to internships, fellowships and jobs, TMCF is showing just how much your education can pay off when attending an HBCU.

“I started this program when I was a junior in college and since then the program has offered me the tools I needed to prepare me for being an educator. I feel that this program has jump started me into my profession and it equipped me with the qualities that I wasn’t necessarily learning from my program but I was in need of,” Kaylee Pinson stated, a fellow in the TMCF teacher quality and retention program and an alumna of Morgan State University. 

Pinson recognizes the need for an event like the fly-in and is hoping the policies created and discussed will help HBCUs further develop secondary education programs and fix issues like the lack of housing on many campuses. 

“I would love to see them create some policies that can secure funding for more secondary programs. More HBCUs deserve the chance to offer more masters and doctoral programs,” Pinson exclaimed. “Housing is also a  really big issue. There isn’t enough of it or the housing provided is in need of some major renovations so I hope they focus on that as well, especially with the increase in enrollment.”

The post Thurgood Marshall College Fund welcomes HBCU administrators to Capitol Hill for policy discussions  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

A social media post featuring an audio clip of what seems to be a high school administrator speaking ill of Black students, a Black faculty member and the Pikesville Jewish community was shared on Instagram. 

The audio clip was shared along with a photo of Pikesville High School principal Eric Eiswert and the school’s assistant principal Kathy Albert—suggesting the comments being made came from a conversation between the two administrators. 

An Instagram user by the name of @murder_ink_bmore shared the post along with a caption stating: “Voice recording of Pikesville High Principal Eric Eiswert rant about Black students and faculty, including D.J, the new Athletic Director. He also mentions Jews. He was talking to the new AP Kathy Albert … she’s allegedly a well known racist AP from Dundalk high who just got to Pikesville. They worked together at New Town High. He was also accused of racist comments years ago when he was at Catonsville High School.”

The comment section of the post was flooded with a variety of opinions regarding the language used in the audio clip, the commentary made and the track record of the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) administrator that allegedly was caught on tape saying these things. 

Many people argued that the complaints being made in regards to the students’ behavior and academic success were fair, and the uproar was due to the fact that the person accused of saying these things was White. Meanwhile others noted that if any action were to be taken it would be a result of the anti-Semitic comments made—not the ones about Pikesville’s Black students and faculty.  

A statement was released on Jan. 17 by BCPS superintendent, Myriam Rogers in which she said the alleged comments are not reflective of BCPS’ core values and that an investigation was being launched.

“These statements are deeply disturbing and do not reflect the core values of our school system.  Although BCPS cannot confirm the veracity of this recording at this time, we are taking this matter seriously and have launched an investigation. Once we have determined the facts, we will swiftly address this incident,” Rogers stated. “I understand how upsetting this recording is for many members of the Team BCPS community.  I want to reiterate our unwavering commitment to our 110,000 students, 20,000+ staff members, and our richly diverse community members who all help make BCPS an incredibly special school system.  We will not tolerate disparaging remarks about any member of the Team BCPS community.”

The AFRO reached out to Pikesville High for a response to the issue and was told, “There is no commentary to be said about this.”

Although Eiswert’s current school didn’t have anything to say about his alleged statements, several of his former students from his time at Catonsville High did. 

“Mr. Eiswert, he’s one of those people who you know doesn’t like Black people. He was so mean for no reason. He didn’t know how to talk to us , or how to discipline us,” recalled Rickia Oglesby, a 2016 graduate of Catonsville High. 

Oglesby explained that she and Eiswert had a very unpleasant interaction her senior year of high school that ultimately led to him attempting to press charges against her and her being suspended from Catonsville for the entire academic year. The former Comet further shared that when she was made aware of the situation that’s currently being investigated by BCPS she wasn’t surprised and considered this kind of behavior “on brand” for Eiswert.

“This is nothing new. He’s not a nice person, and growing up I thought ‘maybe it is me’ but seeing this I know it’s him,” Oglesby said. “Even though it’s just an audio recording I know that’s him on the recording because I know his voice. You have to watch his actions and how he deals with people. That’s the only way you’re going to really know if these allegations are true.”

Eiswert seems to have a reputation for being unpleasant and covertly racist, but leading up to these allegations there isn’t any documented proof of these characteristics. Another Catonsville alum who had Eiswert as an administrator discussed his behavior towards Black students.

“He had a reputation around school for being a rude guy and kind of just knew something was off,” said Tyrone Peoples, a 2014 graduate of Catonsville High. “It’s like when he would come into school he’d put on a mask and he would take it off when he left, but I could see right through that.”

Peoples didn’t have an altercation with Eiswert like Oglesby did but he shared similar sentiments to hers, noting that this kind of commentary and these accusations aren’t out of character for him.

“It absolutely seems on brand for him, if you ask me. I always saw through him and how he acted so I always expected there to be another layer to him. I was always given a bad vibe from him,” Peoples shared.  “The way I would see him approach Black students and White students, it was different and it was really weird.”

This investigation is still being conducted by BCPS and there has been no confirmation of who was speaking in the audio clip shared on social media. 

The post Pikesville High principal accused of racist and anti-Semitic comments  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Over a decade ago, Josh Stevens started his academic journey at Morgan State University (MSU). On Dec. 15, he received his bachelor’s of science in finance, officially becoming a Morgan State alumnus. 

Through financial hardships, family matters and even stage four cancer, Stevens never lost interest in finishing his degree and graduating from the historic institution. The scholar recalled the conversations he had with himself and his family regarding how important it was that he complete his degree. 

“I always had in the back of my head that I would go back to school when I had the opportunity,” said Stevens. “My dad and I had a conversation and he encouraged me to go back and finish what I started at the very least, or look into obtaining some sort of degree in another way. At the time, I wasn’t sure what to do. I wanted to go back to school, but I didn’t think I could afford the time or the financial part of it.” 

As Stevens was graduating from Eastern Technical High School in Essex, he was unsure of where to attend college. However he was encouraged by AFRO publisher and CEO, the Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper to attend her alma mater, Morgan State.

Steven enrolled for the fall 2012 semester and, during his freshman year, he walked onto the football team, lived off campus and kept to himself mostly. 

When he first attended Morgan he accomplished some great things on the field, including a conference championship during his last season playing for the Bears. Upon his return to MSU, the former athlete also succeeded, but this time, Stevens flexed his mental muscles by participating in a national academic contest with his department.

“When I came back, it was my second semester back and I was in a finance class. The guy in charge of our capital markets lab came to talk to our class about a competition they were having in Boston in the spring,” Stevens explained. “I got to be a part of the stock pitch competition and we had to pitch a stock to Wellington. We were competing with other HBCUs and we got third place.”

After playing for MSU for three years during his first matriculation, and having a different position coach every year, Stevens grew frustrated with the football program. He also found himself struggling to balance his personal life along with his studies, so he decided to take a break from school. 

While away from school, Stevens worked and did what he’s always done—serve his community. Volunteer and faith-based work is a big part of his life and, even through times of difficulty, Stevens continued to make helping his community a priority. 

“Josh has grown up serving the community alongside us. It’s not something that we would do occasionally, it’s just kind of how we lived our life,” explained his father, Matt Stevens. 

 “I think part of his worldview is in his faith (Christianity), but also in serving and helping others. It was as important as anything else. It was also something that he could draw from while he worked through the things at school and work.” 

During his time at Morgan, Steven’s peers, teammates and friends would join him for community service. During Steven’s first week at MSU, he met Clarence Swain III. The two were initially just teammates but that has since grown into a brotherhood that has now lasted more than 10 years. 

“My dad encouraged me to ask the guys I was working out with and spending time with if any of them want to come be involved, so I did. I asked Swain,” Stevens fondly recalled. “He got another teammate to drop him off and it was like after that, he wanted to be around and be a part of just about anything we’re doing ministry-wise. Through that, he and I became best friends, kind of like brothers.”

In addition to Swain, Stevens found other friends at Morgan who became part of his innermost circle. 

Steven’s father spoke on how vital and valued his son’s friends were as life’s challenges began to intensify.

 “A big piece of Josh’s story at Morgan was him meeting a handful of really good men and ladies, who became really good friends,” the elder Stevens said. “When he came into the challenging times, our faith, our family and the friendships that he had were a big part of that as well. I don’t know how anybody can make it through something like that without those things in place. His community at Morgan was really strong.”

In September of 2019, Josh Stevens was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Throughout his battle with cancer, he faced a series of health complications, including the development of a brain tumor. To combat his disease, Stevens went through several rounds of different types of chemotherapy, along with CAR-T cell therapy, a cancer treatment that consists of cells being taken from the body, fused with medicine to fight the cancer and then put back into the body. By 2020, he was able to get the fusion. As of Dec. 16, the Morganite has been in remission for three years. 

Although he stands at a towering 6 feet, 4 inches, Josh Steven’s heart still seems to be the biggest part of him. Noting how dedicated he is to Charm City, he’s focused on continuing to serve Baltimore in any way that he can. 

“Truth be told, Baltimore is probably my biggest focus in life at this point. I knew coming out of high school that I wanted Baltimore to be where I put my ministry efforts more than anything,” he said. “I really care a lot about the people in Baltimore, and it hurts when I see things like violence rates, carjackings, and all this craziness happening on a regular basis.” 

Since graduating, he is now working as a logistics coordinator for Somebody Cares Baltimore, and he’s excited for all the opportunities that await him as he furthers his career with the non-profit organization. 

The recent grad shared that the work he’s doing now is preparing him for future business endeavors that will allow him to pursue the intersection of ministry and the business industry. 

“I’ve had the ability to oversee not only this warehouse happening, but, in the future, other businesses too,” Josh Stevens shared. “God really spoke to my spirit and gave me some insight and vision on some things that could really help benefit the city. Ever since then, I’ve just been convinced that  this is the first step in opening multiple businesses that are invested in ministry and the industry.” 

The post AFRO Spotlight: MSU Student proves that delayed is not denied  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) held their Mid-Winter Training Conference Jan. 24-27 at the B Ocean Resort and Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where they hosted representatives of the 250 Black-owned newspapers and media companies of their membership. The theme for this conference was “Empowering in 2024: The Black Press, The Black Vote and Black America,” and throughout the conference there was a heavy focus on how vital the Black and Jewish community have been to each other throughout history.

On the first day of the conference, the NNPA National Town Hall Meeting titled, “Reaffirming the Relationship between Blacks and Jews in America” was held at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. The town hall was kicked off by NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry and was facilitated by NNPA CEO and President Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. During the town hall a series of members from the Black and Jewish community spoke on a panel about the need for the two groups to come together for the progression and empowerment of each other. 

“We all need to take personal responsibility to make sure that we lean in on restrengthening the relationships between the Black and Jewish communities,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) “Make it our personal responsibility to have dialogue in the parlors of our homes and in the community organizations. to decide to host programming that can bring our communities together, and make sure that we’re there for each other in non-stressful and non-violent times.” 

Schultz furthered her sentiments by mentioning past instances of Jewish and Black communities standing united, including the Civil Rights Movement and post World War II. 

“Be there for one another, like when Jewish community leadership instinctively came down to the South to fight for the civil rights of Black people who were being discriminated against and harmed and beaten,” Schultz said. “Or like HBCUs did in the ‘30s and ‘40s when there were no universities in America that would employ Jewish refugee professors who had come from Europe. Our ties go back even further than that so it’s essential.”

The issues that Black and Jewish people fought against together haven’t disappeared–they’ve evolved and modernized themselves, still making them a threat to these communities. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) discussed how modern-day issues such as voter suppression can be combated with intentional behavior and education. 

“How do we restore and teach our children, who are disconnected, about the history of our ties and why these alliances are necessary? How do we teach our kids in this generation that you could never win alone–you have to have a coalition,” McCormick said.

Sharing the experiences she’s had with her own children, McCormick went on to discuss how she’s noticed how the youth struggle with taking a step back to look at who is standing with them during times of oppression and hardship.

 “Somehow along the line, there’s been a disconnect with the generations, and I see this when I talk to my children and I ask them about different situations going on and they feel like there’s a distance,” said McCormick. “They said, ‘You know what mom, we’ve been fighting this by ourselves for so long’ and I said,  ‘You know, you only feel like you’re fighting alone because you’re not stepping away and seeing where your comrades are.’ And I think it’s going to take a level of intentionality for us to fight that.”

McCormick encouraged the Black community to take a generational approach to committing themselves to reaffirming their ties with the Jewish community. Noting that in the age of social media and technology it’s become harder for young people to see past what’s in front of them, she believes that has created a huge divide amongst the two communities. 

“Every generation has to understand that we must recommit ourselves to partner with each other every single time. That means my generation has to realize that we can’t win alone, the Jewish community has been here with us, and they will be with us moving forward,” McCormick said. “Our children have to learn now to recommit. What scares me is that I feel like our children are more divided than others. I remember when we grew up, we had more mixed people in our communities or where we went to work, but now they’re able to shelter themselves in the social media world.”

Along with McCormick’s point about emphasizing education amongst Black youth, the importance of using empathy and emotions during those lessons was mentioned as well. Longtime professor, historian and anthropologist Marvin Dunn shared how he’s taught interactive lessons that were done with the intention of making his students feel the emotions of the oppressed, noting that facts and feelings are equally important when learning history. 

“In Miami we have the Holocaust Museum. I used to take my classes there and it’s incredible. We also have, in irony, the old slave ports where the slaves were in Miami. I think the Dade County School system should require every student in high school to go to the Holocaust Museum and that slave building because there they may experience feelings that relate to these experiences,” Dunn said. “Educate kids to go beyond just knowing the facts but also being able to identify the feelings.”

Dunn further explained that although Black and Jewish people know of each other’s sufferings, have found common ground within them and have even helped one another fight against them, there is a level of understanding the two communities need to reach by feeling what the other has endured. 

“What do Blacks and Jews have in common? Suffering. We need to understand the feelings each other suffer. Which means we need to go to the places where we suffered or at least that represent that suffering so that education comes back with feelings and not just facts.”

The fight for civil rights, freedom and equality is one that is shared between Black and Jewish people. Just as the Black community is constantly fighting against systemically racist issues like voter suppression, the Jewish community is facing alarming rates of anti-Semitic hate crimes. However, the Anti Defamation League (ADL) has been a pillar in helping minority communities combat the agendas of White supremacists. 

“What we have measured at ADL over the past three months since October has been alarming. We accounted for over almost 4,500 incidents of anti-Semitism over the past three months, that is almost a 300 percent increase,” said Max Sevillia, senior vice president of national affairs for ADL. “It’s not a unique experience the Jewish community is facing. Yes, these past three months have been unique but a little less than two years ago, the Black community was targeted in upstate New York by an extremist who was first looking at going after and killing Jews. ADL was one of the first organizations to go to Buffalo, be on the ground and show support for the Black community.”

Sevillia shared that following that mass shooting in May 2022, the ADL did exactly what was being discussed throughout the entire town hall–they bridged the gap and reaffirmed the unity amongst minority communities. Not only did they bring together civil rights organizations from Black and Jewish communities but Asian and Latino, as well, to create a coalition that aims to address all forms of hatred and oppression. 

“We were one of the first communities to come together and build a coalition with the National Urban League, the NAACP, the Asian American community and the Latino community. We called for the White House to pay attention to the level of hate and extremism and how it was affecting all of our communities,” Sevillia recalled. “ADL with the leaders from the diverse coalition went to President Biden to reflect on the level of hate and it caused action. We came together at the White House for a summit, United We Stand, and that summit led to a commitment to have the sort of forums that you’re hosting today. It’s so important to take action together. Through action, through commitment and through allyship we are working towards building a better tomorrow.”

The battle against injustice, oppression and White supremacy is one that is best fought together. History shows how impactful the union of Black and Jewish communities was and the time to reaffirm it is now, reiterated Terry Sanders, publisher of the Omaha Star News and the town hall’s mistress of ceremonies.  

“We believe a refocus on that relationship is warranted, given the assault on voting rights and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and a rise in anti-Semitism,” Sanders said. “The Civil Rights Movement and the Holocaust taught both groups about the lifecycle of hate–it simmers like a pot of greens and it has never died. It takes all of us to be vigilant in fighting the ugliness in all of its forms.”

The post NNPA highlights the rich civil rights history between Black and Jewish communities during Mid-Winter Training Conference  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

For the last 40 years the Black Mental Health Alliance(BMHA) has been healing and helping the people of Baltimore. 

Trusted in the community, the organization routinely puts on culturally-relevant educational forums and offers referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and their communities. The organization has a mission focused on developing, promoting and sponsoring trainings that support mental health education efforts. 

BMHA executive director, Andrea Brown, and other members of their team spoke with the AFRO about the plans they have for the year 2024.  

“The community is facing trauma that is related to the systemic racism that continues today,” said Brown, who has been the executive director of BMHA since March of 2020. 

Brown explained that being the head of the organization amidst the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t an easy task. She’s noted her time in the position has been engaging, exciting, saddening and yet, hopeful. 

Much like Brown, the other members of the BMHA team have a lot of hope for the work that their organization does and the impact they’ll continue to make on the community. Each staff member who spoke with the AFRO focuses on a different demographic of the Black community– such as men and adolescents. They noted that different demographics come with different issues, however their goal of providing them with the resources they need is the same across all fields. 

“I think one of the things that we have been successful in doing is educating our community– both the professional and the health community– and the community at large, about what’s affecting our mental health and well being,” explained long-time BMHA staff member, Richard A. Rowe. “We have also been good at referring our folks to culturally competent clinicians and therapists. If they are suffering or having issues related to depression, anxiety stress…they need to be connected to culturally responsive and culturally competent therapists, clinicians and mental health professionals who can understand what happened to them and address those issues in a forthright way.”

Rowe is the director of the National Training Institute for the Black Mental Health Alliance. Although a great portion of his work is centered around the well being of men and young boys, Rowe sees the problems that are deeply impacting Baltimore as an entirety. Rowe says that he thinks one of the greatest issues plaguing the Baltimore community is their inability to acknowledge the trauma and suffering they’ve faced.

“The greatest mental health issue in Baltimore City is our inability to acknowledge that we have suffered historical and contemporary trauma,” stated Rowe. “Humiliation, demonization and dehumanization cause us to respond to each other in not the most loving, caring and optimal way. Without this understanding and acknowledgement, we are at each other, we are harming each other, we are ignoring the needs of our children and our youth, and we are not taking care of one another in a manner that I think we must and that we should.”

Keeping the community a priority is always on BMHA’s to-do list. They help the community heal with their Salwa Bona community conversation circles, a youth alliance program, their annual youth summit and a series of trainings that are available to both clinicians and the community.

Brown noted that the organization is going to continue to have these events throughout 2024, but they also have plans to launch some new initiatives.

“We’re really working to launch a national campaign around health and wholeness and healing. We are working to launch a healing tour. We haven’t decided whether that’s going to start on HBCU campuses or not but that’s part of our work,” Brown explained. “One of the other things that will happen this year is the release of a Black paper and the paper will examine the mental health of Black people in Baltimore. We’ll come from a historical context, and we’ll talk about systemic racism– not only how did we get here, but what’s the call to action to get us out?”

Known for their groundbreaking methods of addressing the intersection of racism and mental health, BMHA has held events such as their annual Racism and Mental Health Symposium, which was the first symposium of its kind in Maryland when it first started in 2020. Just as they’ve done for the last four decades, BMHA is continuing their hands-on approach to demystify the stigma surrounding mental health, all the while figuring out what the people need.

“I think that symposium changed the game because on almost a national level, we got to call out the correlation between racism and mental health,” shared Brown. “Through our work in barbershops and salons, we have changed the narrative. People understand that it’s okay not to be okay and we want to make mental health look sexy–we want to reduce the stigma.”

As BMHA continues to dedicate themselves to Baltimore’s Black community, they’re keeping a very special focus on the future of Charm city–-the youth. With a series of special programming centered around the mental health of young people, they’re preparing the next generation on how to disassemble the stereotypes surrounding mental health. 

“I want our young people to continue to do the work. Our young people are already very clear about what they will and will not stand for. I think we learned that, in one instance being the Freddie Gray uprisings,” explained Nia Jones, director of the youth and college division for BMHA. “Another instance is the way in which young people have been interacting with political leaders here in Baltimore, for Healing City Baltimore.”

“Personally, I want to continue to see them stand for and be very clear about what they need for their mental health,” said Jones. “I want to see them take it further. I want to see them become the next leaders in this space, and be very clear about what they need for themselves as well as for their families.” 

The post Andrea Brown and the Black Mental Health Alliance discuss 2024 agenda appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 

AFRO Staff Writer 

abrent@afro.com

On Jan.11 the 36th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards program will be held at the Casino Live Hotel Ballroom, located at 7002 Arundel Mills Cir, Hanover, Md. The event will honor trailblazing activists from the Baltimore community for their service and unwavering commitment to the upliftment of the community. 

A total of 12 honorees will be receiving different awards for the work they’ve done all across the state of Maryland.

Leading up to the event the AFRO got the chance to speak with some of this year’s honorees about the work they are doing, how it’s helping the community and what this honor means to them. 

“I’m a very humble person and I was surprised,” said Ralph Thomas, who will be an honoree for the evening. “Everybody keeps telling me it’s well deserved, but to me it’s what I do.”

Thomas is a silver life member of the NAACP and has served as the treasurer of the Anne Arundel chapter for about 10 years. In addition to this he has also served as the voter registration coordinator for the chapter for the last 20 years. 

Through his work as a voter registration coordinator, Thomas has been able to inform his community about their right to vote, all the while assuring they’re in the position to cast their vote when elections come around. Although Thomas is retired, he is still very active in his work with the NAACP. He shared with the AFRO that he doesn’t think the work he does is especially exceptional and he’s simply doing his part in giving back to his community. 

“My father would always say ‘you can’t always receive, you got to give back’ and to me, it’s giving back,” said Thomas.  “I don’t get paid for this, I do this because I enjoy doing it.”

Thomas isn’ the only honoree from this year’s award program looking forward to humbly accepting the recognition. Retired Annapolis Police Sergeant James Spearman, who will also be recognized at the program, spoke of his surprise to receive such an honor.

Spearman said his community-oriented mindset came to him early in his career as a cadet. He recognized the stigma that was attached to the police and he knew that the only way he could dispel that was to gain the trust of the community. 

“Standing in the criminal justice system, I’m able to connect people and provide them with resources, where they’re needed and all of that,” said Spearman. “I learned that you have to develop relationships and it’s not just within the agency. You have to be able to relate to people outside of the department and over time I’ve developed many different relationships with many different people.” 

Spearman is this year’s Peacemaker Award recipient and well within reason. Throughout his time with the Annapolis police department he was known for his kind heart and understanding mindset that helped the citizens he served not only trust but look to him as a resource for their needs. The former HotSpot Team Leader spent over three decades serving the Annapolis community. His work has been recognized by the governor’s office, the Annapolis mayor’s office and the Annapolis city council.

Spearman noted that although some of the situations he’s faced during his career weren’t easy to handle, having the trust and respect of the community helped a lot. Approaching every situation with the want to empathize on his agenda and compassion in his heart, the former law enforcement leader noted that he was able to successfully serve his community because he took the time to learn what they needed. 

“We developed relationships with members of the community. The focus was to deal with the people who were causing problems in the neighborhood, whether it be through enforcement, or through getting them help,” explained Spearman. “Over time, we gained a lot of trust with the members of the community because we were there all the time. People got to know us, we got to know them.They didn’t see the badge in a uniform anymore, they saw the human being, and vice versa.”

Although Spearman is retired, he currently mentors youth through programs like Brandon’s Coalition for Success and the Be Present Program, both of which are keeping him very in tune with the issues that the youth in his community are facing. 

“There are a lot of things that kids go through that we overlook, and we take for granted,” Spearman explained. “It’s very important through dealing with our kids that they have somebody that they can talk to. having somebody they can they can rely on and confide in”

Aside from local members of the community, this year’s honoree list also includes Wes Moore, who is due to receive the Morris H. Blum award for his commitment to preserving Black history in the state. 

Moore told the AFRO how much the award means to him and how honored he is to continue the legacy of King and Morris. L Blum.

“I couldn’t be prouder to receive an award in honor of Morris H. Blum, a champion for civil rights in the state. As governor, I am committed to working together with all Marylanders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time and restore a spirit of community within us all,” said Gov. Moore, in a statement sent to the AFRO. “Through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we learned about the power every citizen has to make change.We’re going to make Maryland the state that those who came before us hoped for, and those who come after us deserve.” 

Other community leaders due to be honored at the Jan. 11 program include Jared Littmann; Retired Lt. Col. Joseph Butler; Delegate Bonnie Cullison; Midshipman First Class Kaylah Gillums; Erica Griswold; The Harris Family Foundation Inc.; Roslyn Johnson; Dana Schallheim and Midshipman First Class Max Josef Bueno.

The post Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, local civil and human rights activists to be honored at 36th MLK Jr. Awards appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Carver Vocational Technical High School has been training their students to excel in both career and collegiate settings for nearly a century. Now, a local organization is helping the historic school further prepare their students for greatness. 

Requity, a non-profit organization rooted in promoting sustainable community development, is aimed at investing in people and projects focused on social, economic and environmental returns. Founded by Carver alum Sterling Hardy, the small organization is making a huge impact in the Pressman neighborhood. 

“The problem was a lot of my classmates and I were not getting jobs in our actual trades that we graduated school for,” stated Hardy, explaining what inspired him to start Requity. “We’ve been in school for four years, we took these trades, we graduated, we’re certified in it–but no one wanted to hire us because they said we don’t have real hands-on skills.”

The need for hands-on work experience, along with a series of homes around Carver that were in need of renovation, gave way to the founding of Requity in 2020. The program has created pilot projects that are focused on feeding the community, renovating the neighborhood and completely remodeling a home directly across the street from Carver. 

“There’s another project that we do called ‘Pleasant Pressman.’ We put up new lighting and new sign fixtures to revitalize the block,” stated Hardy. “We have a program right now that we do on Wednesdays, it’s called ‘We All Eat Wednesday.’ We go around and we make lunch for the neighborhood. We pass out free lunches to the neighbors around the community.”

Hardy explained how important it is to provide students with not only the knowledge to succeed but the skillset as well. He shared with the AFRO that not only are they giving students the hands-on experiences they need for their respective fields, but they’re also teaching them soft skills that can be transferred to a multitude of outlets in their lives.

“Instead of giving them a textbook and sitting them in a classroom and telling them ‘take these notes and take this test’ it gives them a hands-on skill to utilize everywhere,” Hardy said. 

Students from all trades at Carver are welcomed to join the program and further the skills they’ve learned in their programs. Other sectors of the organization, such as the media team, have allowed students like DeMarco Johnson to hone the skills they’ve been learning while attending the historic high school.

“We get footage and we prepare everything so it can be posted,” stated 17-year-old, DeMarco Johnson.”This has been able to help me branch out in the media field. Getting to meet different people and connect and build my portfolio has been great. I think we need more things like this to help Baltimore as a whole.”

Johnson is a senior at Carver, where he’s studied in the Interactive Media Program for the last four years. Since having joined Requity he’s been able to further hone his media skills by participating in the Carver Media Team. 

The program currently has about 12 to 15 students who are not only gaining experience in their field but they’re also earning the opportunity to pursue their trades in professional environments like internships and jobs.Although the program is currently only operating inside of Carver they are looking to expand the program to other schools and even regions outside of Baltimore.

“Our goal for this is to not just have it at Carver. Our goal is to scale this out across the entire city of Baltimore, then eventually the state and other cities that need this support,” stated Hardy.

Requity is not only providing more professional opportunities to students, they’re also allowing them to express themselves and tap into a part of their creativity they didn’t know existed. 

“Requity has helped me express myself more. Since working with the organization I’ve learned how to contribute ideas to projects,” said Carver senior Deshawn Brown. 

Brown is also a member of the Carver media team. Much like Johnson, he has been able to grow in his program and use his skills to work with other organizations in the Baltimore community. 

Hardy noted that in addition to helping students gain experience in their respective fields, it’s also helped them improve their academics. Some students in the Requity program have become honor roll students after previously struggling with their grades. Other students have gone on to work with companies such as Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) and the Harbor Bank of Maryland. 

Requity is determined to change how Charm City is viewed– and they’re starting with the youth. 

“We’re changing the narrative of Baltimore city, that’s what we’re doing. We’re not just talking about it,” exclaimed Hardy. “We’re actually showing people it can get done and we can make it happen. It may take some time, but we’re on the right path and Baltimore City is going to be a great city.”

The post Local organization provides students with hands on experience in vocational and technical fields appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com 

Many legendary members of the Black community were called home over the past 12 months of 2023. Although the year is nearly over, we continue to honor and remember those who paved the way for those to come in the future. From legendary athletes to iconic musicians, their legacies will continue to shape the culture for years to come. Here’s a list of some notable Black figures that passed away in 2023. 

1. David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur

David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur was a member of rap group De La Soul. Rising to stardom in the late 80’s, the trio was known for their funk and soul inspired sound along with their conscious lyricism. Later in life the rapper would deal with congestive heart failure and had to wear a LifeVest defibrillator machine in order to fight the symptoms of his illness. On Feb.12 he passed away for unknown reasons at the age of 54.

2.  Harry Belafonte 

Known for his work as an actor, singer and activist, Harry Belafonte is a legend in more ways than one. He is credited with popularizing Calypso music amongst international audiences in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The three time Grammy award winner was famous for his hits like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora).” A close confidant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, throughout his life he continued to critique and speak out against policies that he viewed as unjust. Belafonte won many awards and honors throughout his life including an Emmy, a Tony, an Oscar, several Grammys, a Kennedy Center Honor and a National Medal of Arts. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. The legend passed away from congestive heart failure at the age of 96 on April 25. 

3. Larry “Gator” Rivers 

Larry “Gator” Rivers played as a dribbler for the Harlem Globetrotters and then served as a coach for the team from 1973 to 1986. Prior to his professional career, Rivers became a small college all-American at Moberly Junior College and then went on to play as a guard at Missouri Western State University, then known as Missouri Western State College. In March of 1973, Rivers impressed the Harlem Globetrotters during a tryout in Topeka, Kan. Rivers later returned to his college town of St.Joseph, Mo., and in 1990 he founded Gatorball Academy, where he taught basketball skills and rules to children between the ages of nine and 14. Rivers went on to join the world of politics where he served as Commissioner of Chatham County District 2. The basketball star passed away from cancer on April 29 at the age of 73.

4. William “Bill” Perkins 

William “Bill” Perkins was an American politician who served the state of New York in a series of positions throughout the years. Before officially joining the world of politics he was one of the first civic leaders to question the evidence that was being used against the Central Park Five in 1989. He first started off serving as the deputy majority leader on the New York City Council from 1998 to 2005. Perkins then went on to serve in the New York Senate from 2007 to 2017 where he represented the 30th district of New York. Following his time as a Senator he then returned to the New York City Council where he served from 2017 to 2021. Perkins passed away on May 16, at the age of 74. His cause of death wasn’t disclosed but he previously dealt with colon cancer and had developed dementia prior to passing away. 

5. James “Jim” Brown 

James “Jim” Brown was an American football player and activist. Brown played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. He is considered one of the greatest football players of all time and was invited to play in the Pro Bowl every year he played in the NFL. He was recognized as the AP Most Valuable Player three times and won an NFL championship with the Browns in 1964. Brown was one of the few athletes to speak out against racism in the 1950s as the civil rights movement was growing. He was one of the most popular Black athletes to participate in civil rights activism, and he called on other Black athletes to engage in similar initiatives off the field. In 1966, he founded the Negro Industrial Economic Union, which later became the Black Economic Union (BEU) to help promote economic opportunities for minority owned businesses. On May 18, he died at the age of 87 from natural causes. 

6.  William “Bill” James Edwards Lee III

William “Bill” James Edwards Lee III was a jazz bassist and composer, in addition to being the father of American film director and producer Spike Lee. Throughout his career he worked with artists such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and Harry Belafonte. He scored many songs and soundtracks for several of Spike Lee’s joints including “She Gotta Have It,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” “School Daze” and “Do the Right Thing.” Bill Lee died on May 24, at his home in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, N.Y. at the age of 94. 

7. Tina Turner 

Known as the “Queen of Rock N’ Roll,” Tina Turner was a powerhouse of a singer and songwriter. The musical icon passed away on May 24 after facing a series of illnesses throughout her life, including kidney failure, intestinal cancer and a stroke. She passed away at the age of 83 in Küsnacht, Zürich, Switzerland.

8. Sheila Oliver 

Sheila Oliver was an American politician and the first Black woman to be elected to a statewide office position in New Jersey. She served as second lieutenant governor and she was the first Black woman to ever do so in her state. Oliver previously worked in education serving on the East Orange School District board of education where she ultimately became president of the district. She represented the 34th legislative district in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2004 to 2018. She then went on to serve as speaker of the body from 2010 to 2014. A woman of many first, she was also the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. The trailblazing politician passed away on Aug.1 at the age of 71.

9.  William “DJ Casper” 

William “DJ Casper” Perry Jr. was a Chicago based DJ best known for his hit-song the “Cha-Cha Slide.” The world famous line dance was originally released in 1998 as a workout song for his nephew, who worked as a personal trainer. In January of 2016, Perry was diagnosed with kidney cancer and neuroendocrine cancer. He started chemotherapy the same month. In 2019 he announced that he had beat his cancers, however they were his cause of death earlier this year. Perry passed away on Aug.7 at the age of 58.

10. Ron Cephas Jones 

Ron Cephas Jones was an American actor best known for his role as William Hill in NBC’s drama “This is Us.” In addition to this he had several roles in other television series such as Netflix’s “The Get Down” and “Luke Cage.” Jones had a multitude of awards including a Screen Actor’s Guild Award, and two PrimeTime Emmys. He passed away at the age of 66 from a “long-standing pulmonary issue” on Aug.19.

11. Rudolph Isley 

Rudolph Isley was a member of the legendary soul group, The Isley Brothers. He and his three brothers Ronald, Vernon and Kelly initially founded the group in 1954. Over the years, the band underwent a series of changes, but always found their way back to the music. Isley recorded multiple projects with the band including the projects “Smooth Sailin’” and “Spend the Night,” before he left both the group and the music industry as an entirety in 1989. Following his departure from music, he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a minister. On Oct.11 he passed away from a heart attack at the age of 84.

12. Richard Roundtree 

Richard Roundtree was an actor most known for his portrayal of the character John Shaft in a series of blaxploitation films titled “Shaft.” In addition to starring in that role, he had success on television, most notably for his role in “Roots.” Following his success as an screen actor in the 70’s, he later performed in several stage plays throughout the 90’s and continued to work as an actor throughout his life. In 1993, Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. On Oct.24 he died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 81.

13. Andre Braugher 

Andre Braugher was an award winning actor best known for his roles as Detective Frank Pembleton in the NBC police drama series Homicide: Life on the Street and as Captain Raymond Holt in the Fox/NBC police comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Braugher started off his acting career in the 80’s by working in theater, he then transitioned to television and film during the late 80’s and early 90’s. In 1991 he married his wife Ami Brabson and together they had three sons: Michael, John Wesley and Isaiah. On Dec.11, Barugher died of lung cancer after having been diagnosed with it only a few months before his death. He was 61 years old. 

The post A time to honor: A look at the notable Black athletes, entertainers and leaders who died in 2023 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The Walters Art Museum opened their latest art exhibit “Ethiopia at the Crossroads” to the public  on Dec. 3. The exhibit has 1,750 years worth of Ethiopian art, antiques and artifacts that display the African nation’s rich history from a cultural, artistic and religious standpoint. 

Home of more than 220 historical Ethiopian objects, the Walters has a world-renowned collection that has been amplified by lenders in America, Europe and Ethiopia, making for a display of Eastern African culture like no other.  

Before the exhibit made its debut, the AFRO spoke with art curator Christine Sciacca about all the planning that went into this exhibit, what guests can anticipate when visiting and what this display of art is bringing to the Baltimore area. 

AFRO: How did the creation of this exhibit come about ? 

Sciacca: “This exhibit was actually an idea I proposed at my interview for this job. I started working at the Walters about six years ago and I heard about their incredible Ethiopian art collection. It’s one of the largest outside of Ethiopia.”

AFRO : With over 1,750 years of art and artifacts to choose from, what influenced you to choose the pieces shown in the exhibit ? 

Sciacca: “I did the impossible and included all 1,700 years worth of artwork. I was really interested in seeing how Ethiopia was not an isolated place; it was very interactive with all the different regions around it such as other parts of Africa, Europe and Asia as well. What I thought about doing was taking that collection and looking at different points throughout Ethiopian history. It started with our collection–we have the earliest material of coins that come from the rulers of the Aksumite kingdom. I broke the exhibit up into different points of interaction. Here at the Walters we collect mostly the Christian art of Ethiopia. A lot of people don’t realize Ethiopia was the second Christian nation on the planet. They adopted Christianity in the mid-fourth century, so a lot of their artwork was for the church. Our collection really focuses on that Christian art of Ethiopia; I needed to take loans from other places. We have 25 lenders for the exhibition to help fill out the whole story about what Ethiopia was throughout its history and what it is today.”

AFRO: What can visitors anticipate from this exhibit ?

Sciacca: “I really wanted it to be an immersive experience. A person in Ethiopia understands the landscape; they know the sights, the smells, the sounds. But many visitors won’t have that experience. We’ve done a gallery with some big wall murals showing scenes of ancient Aksum which still exist today. We also have scent cards that will be placed throughout the show at three different stations. We have one that smells like frankincense, another where you can smell berbere spice, which is a very common spice in Ethiopian cooking, and the third one is the smell of an Ethiopian manuscript. It’s a full manuscript and you’ll be able to see what they smell like. They have a very distinct smell. I’m not  Ethiopian myself so I had a very helpful advisory committee from the community here in the DMV who gave me lots of advice about these things. I really relied on them to guide the decisions that I made about what this should be. We were able to capture some of their voices in videos that we’ll see in the exhibition. We’re going to have a church service at an Ethiopian church in Washington. We have little sound bites from various community advisory members talking very clearly about what is the significance of Ethiopian art to them. It’s different when you’re the voice in your own area and when you’ve  lived and grown up with this culture. That was important for me to hear those voices in conjunction with the Ethiopian language.” 

AFRO: Why does the Baltimore community need something like this ? 

Sciacca: “The DMV in general has the largest Ethiopian diaspora population in the U.S. by far, but also only blocks away from the Walters is little Ethiopia, where there are Ethiopian-owned restaurants and shops. We have that right here in Baltimore. We started collecting Ethiopian art here at the Walters in the 1990s. We were actually the first to do a major exhibition of Ethiopian art, at all, in the U.S. It was a show called ‘African Zion’ and it opened in 1993. It started at the Walters and then traveled to seven different venues across the United States. That was really the first exhibition to show Ethiopian art to American audiences. I think the thinking with that was to connect with the very strong Ethiopian audience in the area, but also the general African-American population in the Baltimore area as well. They felt that there was a broader connection to be made, and with this exhibition we’re hoping to continue that. We show Ethiopian art in a slightly different way. A lot of times when you visit museums if you’re lucky enough to see Ethiopian art it’ll be shown with African art, but we will be showing it in the context of Christian art. We hope that this really does resonate with our broader community here in Baltimore.”

AFRO: Although Ethiopia is so diverse can you talk to me about how vital this exhibit is to both historic and modern Black history and culture ?

Sciacca: “I think the broader impact is all those connectors that have happened abroad. In addition to what’s happening in the present day – in terms of contemporary art extending beyond Ethiopia’s borders – it’s also showcasing the significance of Ethiopia never having been colonized, and that’s a point of pride for Ethiopians, but I think for the broader community as well, from my understanding. This, to me, is highlighting one of the great cultures out of Africa and how long tradition has been in Ethiopia and how important it is for the history of Africa.”

This article has been edited for clarity.

The post The Walters Art Museum opens new exhibit displaying 1,750 years of Ethiopian art  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff
abrent@afro.com

On Dec.1 Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA) welcomed members of the Baltimore community to the World Trade Center for the Dr. Maxie Collier Awards Ceremony and 40th Anniversary Gala. Mental health coach, Jay Barnett, Ph.D was the keynote speaker and this year’s theme for the event was “honoring our past, transforming our today, defining our future.”

AFRO Photos/ AJ Johnson

“My faith has been so connected to my mental health journey. Growing up in the South you pray about it,” explained Barnett. “It was not protocol to ask for a counselor because to say you were in need of a counselor meant that your walk was questioned. ‘Do you really know him?’ Let me be clear, you can know him and still be in need of help.”

 This year’s award ceremony recognized mental health experts, advocates and specialists who have dedicated themselves to assuring the Black community has access to proper mental health resources. There were a total of 10 honorees that were awarded The Phoenix Arising Award including Jojo Simmons, Subramonianpillai Teal, Dr. Melissa Clarke, Obari Adeye Cartman, Ph.D, T-Kea Blackman, Bruce Purnell, Ph.D, Dennis “Ausar” Winkler, Jr., Ph.D, Dr. William B. Lawson, Linda Diaz and Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D.

These honorees are keeping the torch that BMHA founder, Dr. Maxie T. Collier lit ablaze. The history of how BMHA came into existence was shared by Roger Clark, the son of BMHA founding member, Senator Shirley Nathan- Pulliam. 

“One day in the Spring of 1983 Dr. Maxie Collier and Fikre Workneh surprised me and came to pay me a visit in my office at Lutheran Hospital. They informed me they needed help to start a mental health organization,” Clark recalled on his mother’s behalf. “Fikre had been doing extensive research and the results showed there was a high level of misdiagnosis and pure cultural treatment of Black men.When we dove deeper into the cultural aspects it was clear that they were onto something.”

Andrea Brown, executive director of BMHA also briefly spoke about the organization’s founding, while further explaining the motive that has kept them dedicated to the work that they started all those years ago. 

“Who would’ve thought that back then, there was a meeting of minds that would bring us to this day,” remarked Brown.”For 40 years we have been doing what we set out to do and we’ve changed the game. While much has changed we also know that much has not. Thus we are still here doing this work, even more than before.”

 In their 40 years, the BMHA has become a well respected and recognized organization across the state. The impact that BMHA has had on the city of Baltimore is undeniable and their constant advocacy for mental health has remained relevant to the community.

“The work that the Black Mental Health Alliance does in driving this agenda around mental health and telling not just our children, but all of us that it’s okay to not be okay is so important,” stated City Council Member Zeke Cohen (MD-1). “We know that we are a city that is hurting but we also know that we are a city that is healing. This issue of trauma cuts at all of us, and it impacts all of our families. It impacts every single one of us but in a city like Baltimore where trauma is so disproportionately located in our Black and Brown communities we have to do more to help folks heal.”

Mental health is a lot more complex than many people believe it to be. Barnett explained what mental health is and the many avenues of your life it affects. 

“Mental health is life in motion. Mental health is how you wake up in the morning.Mental health is how you drive in your car and traffic seems to be out of your control. It’s road rage and all those different things,” stated Barnett. “How you go to sleep at night, how you connect with your spouse, how you connect with your children– all of those things are mental health. No one has realized that when God created us he had mental health in mind because he made us trying beings. Mind, body and spirit, that’s mental health.” 

Congratulations to the Black Mental Health Alliance for 40 years of helping and healing the Baltimore community. If you’re interested in any of the services offered by BMHA visit blackmentalhealth.com.

The post Black Mental Health Alliance marks 40 years with Dr. Maxie T. Collier Awards Ceremony and Anniversary Gala                                                                              appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

On Dec. 3, Rev. Dr. Tamara E. Wilson will make history when she officially starts as the first woman to ever serve as pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church. This new opportunity comes following her founding of Nu Season Nu Day Church and Ministries, where she served as pastor for eight years. Wilson founded the church while also working with the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture in her former role as chair. Noting that she’s excited for this new journey in her career as a faith leader, Wilson spoke with the AFRO about what she’s looking to bring to Pleasant Hope.

“As pastor, my priority would be preaching and teaching sound Christian doctrine. Of course, that is primary for everything that I intend to do,” said Wilson. “This would ensure a strong spiritual foundation for any work of ministry that the congregation would do. I also believe that the church’s mission to save souls and to make disciples is not detached from our responsibility to help people survive in their present living conditions and the challenges that they face.” 

Wilson has been working in the faith industry for 20 years and has worked in a series of positions at different churches, however she admitted that she feels slightly overwhelmed coming into her latest position. She explained that in spite of her nerves, she recognizes the lord calling her to this new phase of her life. 

“When I entered the process, it wasn’t because I was looking to make history. I entered the process because when the opportunity was presented to me I thought back to the initial call to pastor, and when I started Nu Season Nu Day I knew God was calling me to that northeast Baltimore corridor,” explained Wilson. “As you know, Nu Season Nu Day worshiped at the Govans-Boundary United Methodist Church for about three years–the first three years of our ministry. Because [of that], I really felt a pull to that area.”

Although it was God calling her to Pleasant Hope, being elected for this position was a lengthy and complex process. Sister Evelyn Hinton was a part of the board of church members that chose Wilson to be their new pastor. 

“We are a committee of about 13 members and we took a survey from the congregation. They told us what characteristics they were looking for in a pastor. We then put those characteristics on a job application and posted it online and in-person,” said Hinton. “We came together and went through a number of applications, we had about 16. After reviewing the applications we presented our three final candidates to the congregation and they voted Pastor Wilson as the new pastor of Pleasant Hope.”

Wilson shared that she applied for the position in the Fall of 2022, received word about moving forward in the candidacy process at the top of this year and she was finally elected into the position about three weeks ago. 

Pleasant Hope is celebrating their 90th anniversary this year, and throughout their existence they have become a staple in the Govans community. Rev. Dr. Heber M. Brown III previously served as pastor at the historic church. However, his calling to serve the community in a different way– via his work with the Black Church Food Security Network– is what brought upon the opportunity for Wilson to become the new head of Pleasant Hope. 

I’m looking forward to seeing how God continues her ministry in helping people to grow in their relationship with God and helping the congregation to discern its next steps with respect to community ministry as well,” stated Brown. “Pastor Wilson is very much so concerned and focused on the role of the church in the public square. Her personal ministry is evidence of her commitment to the challenges that women face and women’s empowerment, issues of social justice and advocacy with respect to public policy as well. 

“She’s well rounded with respect to her concern and commitment to community oriented ministry, and I’m excited to see how that flourishes and blossoms in the context of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church.”

Wilson has major plans to continue doing God’s work and serving the local community through his word and furthermore, the church’s actions. She noted that during her time at Pleasant Hope people are guaranteed to learn that God loves them and that he has a purpose for everybody’s life. 

“When you come to Pleasant Hope where I am, you’re going to learn about God and most importantly, that God loves you and I think that’s supreme over everything,” Wilson stated. “You’re going to find out that God has a purpose for your life. My ministry has always been about discovering who you are– in light of who God is.”

The post #Faithworks: Rev. Dr. Tamara E. Wilson set to become new pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The fastest woman in the world, Sha’Carri Richardson, was honored in her hometown earlier this month. The 23-year-old track star’s legacy was cemented into the City of Dallas with Nov.10  being officially named “Sha’Carri Richardson Day.”

Richardson was officially named the fastest woman in the world earlier this year after winning the women’s 100 meter race with a time of 10.65 seconds at the 2023 Track and Field World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. 

In addition to having a day dedicated to her, she was also honored with the naming of a track in her honor by her former school district, Dallas Independent School District (DallaISD). The field is located at the Jesse Owens Athletic Complex in the Kincaide Stadium, which is approximately a mile away from Carter High School, where the young athlete graduated from and won several state titles. 

“Thank you to every student, school, coach, dignitary, teammate, friend, my city and especially my family for showing up and pouring so much love into me,” Richardson stated on Instagram. “Words cannot express how I feel in this moment. Thank you! Dallas, this is just the beginning!”

The decision to name the track after this year’s Jackie Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year was made unanimously by the DallasISD Board of Trustees for both her phenomenal athletic achievements and her roots in the Dallas community. DallasISD Trustee Joyce Foreman represents district six where Carter High is located and she had a very hands-on role in making this honor happen. Foreman spoke to the AFRO about how the process of getting the track named after Richardson went and why she felt this honor was necessary. 

“I met Sha’Carri in 2017 and I got the opportunity to watch her run for Carter High School. After Sha’Carri became internationally known in her last race, [making] her the fastest woman in the world, her coach, Lauren Cross from Carter High School, contacted me and wanted to know if there was an opportunity to name a track after her,” said Foreman. “I thought it was an excellent idea and then began to work as a trustee, or to try to get the district to move forward and wave policy so we could go ahead and name the track immediately after her.”

“It is extremely important for young people to be able to identify with individuals like Sha’Carri and it was important for me to make that happen as soon as possible,” stated Foreman. 

The wins that Richardson has received seem to not only be for her but the city of Dallas as an entirety. She spoke to this matter when sharing how honored and grateful she was on Twitter, stating:  “This means so much if you’re from the city, you know the stadium is rooted in memories. I’m literally speechless.”

Natives of the city seem to be just as excited about this honor as the athlete herself. Richardson noted that she’s not only showing that greatness lies within the youth of Dallas, but she’s also giving them something to believe in. 

“It’s amazing to me, considering there was a time where there were no Black people being honored. The fact that Black women are being honored is so inspiring,” said Dallas native, Darien Carter. “It uplifts the community and not just for the city of Dallas but for all of the United States. This honor is showing our youth that if they do their best, they can accomplish great things.”

Foreman also discussed how this honor directly affects the youth but especially students in DallasISD. She’s hoping Richardson’s story and proximity in age will serve as additional encouragement for the young scholars. 

“Sometimes our students need extra encouragement and I believe Sha’Carri shows that extra resilience. She shows that you can fall down and still get up. She is a prime example of what life is,” said Foreman. “The young people identify with her. She took pictures with every school that showed up because she was so determined to meet with our young people and to let them know that they could be her. She encouraged the young people at the ceremony to just keep going. I think that’s what our children need.”

The post City of Dallas debuts ‘Sha’Carri Richardson Day’ in honor of native track star appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

#education

Youth violence has been a topic of concern and conversation across the country for parents, school officials and law enforcement— but what about for the students themselves? 

According to Youth.gov, a federal website that provides interactive tools and resources to youth-serving organizations and community partnerships, homicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24. Every day, approximately 12 young people are victims of homicide. 

This week the AFRO spoke with teens to get their direct feedback on issues such as gun violence and carjackings, which are becoming more common—some think due to social media.

“They’re imitating what they see on social media,” said 16-year-old, Anthony Allton. “Teens are young, dumb, naive and reckless. Whatever they see on the internet, they want to do it in real life and I feel like that’s a big influence.” 

Allton is a native of Columbus, Ohio., a region that is dealing with the effects of the infamous “Kia Boys,” but not quite as hard as other midwestern cities, like Chicago.  “Kia Boys” are groups made up of people that have connected with each other in their respective zip codes with the sole purpose of stealing cars— namely the Kia brand. According to information released by the Chicago Office of the Mayor, “thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles in Chicago surged from about 500 in the first half of 2022 to more than 8,350 during the second half of the year. Thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles continue to comprise more than half of all vehicles stolen in Chicago in 2023.” 

Allton noted that the environment many young people are being raised in plays a key role in the frequency of violence in his area, 

“The surroundings and environments that a lot of teens have is definitely impacting their behavior. The way they’re growing up has been a big factor that has led them to act this way. Their parents aren’t involved enough,” explained Allton. 

The young scholar shared that while he, nor any of his close friends, have participated in the string of crimes and violence plaguing the city of Columbus, he recognizes just how easily he could.

“It’s so easy to get a gun. I could go and get a rifle right now because of how available they are,” he said. 

Fellow classmate, Keziah Jackson shared similar sentiments noting that easy gun accessibility is a big part of the increase in youth gun violence.

“We as young people have way too much access to firearms. It’s too easy for us to get our hands on them and nobody is discouraging the use of them either,” said Jackson, 17. “It’s almost like people are doing it because they think it’s cool. All the girls seemed to be impressed with the bad boys, and all the bad boys want to impress the girls. Those two reasons are fueling the issue.”

Jackson and Allton are student athletes at Centennial High School, a public school that is a part of Ohio’s largest school district, Columbus City Schools (CCS). Although the district hasn’t had any active shooter situations, they’ve made headlines multiple times due to firearms being brought to school by students. In March of this year safety concerns grew when it was reported that a 12th weapon had been found in a CCS school during the 2022-2023 academic school year. 

“There have been so many bomb threats and lockdowns throughout the district,” shared Jessica Smith, a 15-year-old sophomore at Columbus Alternative High school (CAHS). “Even with the metal detectors, people are somehow still managing to bring weapons to school and it’s scary.” 

Although in-school violence is a concern for the youth who spoke with the AFRO, Jackson is especially concerned about how it’s affecting her generation’s ability to socialize and enjoy themselves in both scholastic settings and while out in the community.

“We can’t go anywhere without being afraid that it’s going to get shot up or something bad is going to happen. A lot of us are paranoid that something is going to go wrong so we just stay in the house,” exclaimed Jackson. “When we do go out, we can’t really enjoy ourselves because our head is on a swivel and we’re on the lookout for danger.” 

Only teens themselves, the young people who went on record about the issue say they aren’t entirely sure what needs to be done to resolve or lessen these issues that are affecting them and their peers in such a personal way. However, they did note that guidance, mentorship and involvement from the adults in the community is desperately needed.

“They need guidance! They need someone to sit them down and tell them that this isn’t right and that there’s more to life than what they’re currently doing,” Jackson stated. “Some people can’t help where they come from and what they’ve experienced but we need positive role models to show them different than what they’ve always known.” 

Allton expressed similar sentiments, sharing that too many parents are allowing their kids to behave as they please and more parental involvement is needed in order to help these issues.

“I would like to see their parents play a role in this. Their parents or whoever has custody of them needs to speak up and try to make a change,” Allton exclaimed. “A lot of these kids get caught, get out and then nine times out of 10, they do it again. Somebody that is responsible for them should step in.”

Originally published in Word In Black,

The post High school students speak on youth violence in their communities appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The holidays can be a very strenuous and stressful time of the year in more ways than one. While many people look forward to the holidays, others dread them because of the emotions that come with the occasion. The pressure to “show up and show out” can be very overwhelming, but there are ways to overcome it. 

On Nov.20, the ladies of “Grown A** Women Podcast” spoke with the AFRO’s editorial team about how they handle the hustle and bustle of the holidays. The women, experts in fields ranging from mental health and education to risk management,  say using the word  “no,” prioritizing one’s own needs and setting boundaries are key to balancing mental and emotional health during this time of the year. 

“Once you have that break, we often spend so much time trying to make the holidays perfect and please people that we forget to take care of ourselves,” explained Ayana Malone, Ed.D., one of five hosts to run the podcast. 

Malone is an educator with a background in special education,talent and equity. She noted how vital it is for educators of all sorts to really take the time to relax during holiday breaks because of how demanding the education field can be. 

“My biggest tip I can give for teachers, educators and principals is take the time. People are going to want you [to come] places. They’re going to want you to come to their parties, and they’re going to want you to come over here for dinner,” stated Malone. “‘No’ is a complete sentence. ‘I cannot come’ is a full sentence. You need to take that time to really relax and regroup.”

Finding things or people that help you feel at ease and at home during this time of year is equally as important as actually taking the time out to relax. Fellow host, Jonai Morse Carr shared what she found helpful while serving in the U.S. military during the holiday season— sometimes a long way from home.

“You don’t even know sometimes that you’re going to feel the way that you do until you get there. You’re on this one high because you know you’re going to do this job and you’re going to be gone for ‘X’ amount of time and your focus is there. Then this holiday comes up and you’re like ‘oh my goodness I’m not with my family,’” Carr said, of her time experiencing the holidays during a deployment. “One of the things I did was latch on to those connections that I made with my soldier friends while I was overseas and we kind of created our own little military traditions. We would all make sure we meet up at the same time to go have the meal together, we would play games, we would all make sure we were checking in on each other and making sure that we were talking to our families.”

Carr said members of the civilian world can help those who are serving in the military during the holidays by writing to them or making a phone call. She also encourages members of the armed forces to not give in to isolation. 

“I would encourage everyone to just reach out to somebody. Even if it’s not family, maybe there is someone else that you know that could be going through the same thing. It’s super important to just connect with someone,” said Carr. 

CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, LaNail Plummer, Ed.D., shared how the holiday season can be particularly stressful for Black women and explained that knowing yourself and your limits is much needed for this time of year.

“I find that for Black women, we are often put in this position of being like the superhero. We have to have it all together. We have to know how to do it perfectly if we are finding ourselves in matriarchal roles and people are looking for us not just for things like recipes, they’re looking for us to be the one to mediate a conversation,” said Plummer. “In these particular stressful situations, a person may have been able to manage their anxiety and depression outside of the holiday season, but once they get into the interactions of their family, who may have been part of their trauma and who may be triggering them it gets even more complicated. 

Plummer spoke on ways that Black women can take care of themselves during one of the most stressful times of year. 

“I think for Black women we have to be very mindful of our boundaries, but that also means that we have to be aware of who we are and what makes sense for us,” she said. “[If] I’m a person that needs to step away from my family every once in a while, then guess what— I’m going to plan a grocery store run.”

While Plummer noted, with age comes fewer excuses and explanations to others, she said taking time for yourself— no matter the reason— is key. 

Plummer’s sentiment of how important it is to know yourself and your limits was further explained by Nikki Wood risk management expert. 

Wood explained that people prepping for the holidays can divide their tasks into three categories, to gauge stress ahead of time and make decisions. 

“It’s really the ‘known-known,’ the ‘known-unknown’ and ‘the unknown-unknown.’ It’s categorizing,” said Wood. “If you know how to make that amazing mac and cheese, you don’t have to worry about that,” she said, giving an example of a “known-known” task that may not be as stressful given the background knowledge. 

“But let’s say you have a recipe for mac and cheese, but you’re not really sure [of it]— that’s your known-unknown,” explained Wood. “Then there’s the unknown-unknown. Don’t ask me to make anything if I don’t know how to make it. I’m not going to stress about it, because I don’t even know anything [about it].” 

Wood said that really understanding those categories can apply to anything.

Although the ladies discussed how important it is to plan ahead, they also recognized that not every situation can be prepared for ahead of time. Carr shared tips on how to handle blending families for the holidays. Last year she and her wife spent time with their family members as newlyweds. 

“Everybody has to get used to this new blend and what we did last year was bring the families together at our house and everybody got to meet and get to know each other a little bit more. That was huge for us,” shared Carr. “We had to talk about which holidays were important to us, what are some of the traditions that we’re used to with our families and how could we meet somewhere in the middle. I think ultimately just start with communication between you and your spouse first. Don’t let your parents and your cousins and godparents interfere. Have that conversation on your own—in your household—and figure out what’s important to you and how you’re going to move forward from there.” 

Tips on how to meet your partner’s family and make a good impression were also given out by life and leadership coach, Deana Kennedy. She noted that being informed about previous holiday interactions and arriving with something to share with the family, like a food item or beverages,  is always a great way to be introduced. 

“Try to meet the folks beforehand. At least have a conversation and get some intel from your partner on what their family is like, and what the dynamic is like at the table,” noted Kennedy. “Always bring something, do not go empty-handed. Whether it’s something you made yourself or something you bought from the store, make sure you bring something there and just be open. Be open to new traditions that people might have that are different from your own, be open to new family dynamics [and] be open to food.”

The post AFRO inside look: how to survive the holiday season with ease appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Rho Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) is celebrating 35 years of service this year. Known for their work in the community, the ladies of AKA are recognizing other organizations that are making a difference in the Baltimore area. 

Seven organizations will be awarded $5,000 each for their impactful work at the upcoming “Spirit of Giving” event, to be held on Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Baltimore Center Stage located at 700 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore,Md.

Members of the chapter spoke with the AFRO about the upcoming event, the organizations being awarded and what they’re doing to celebrate their 35th anniversary. 

“In the city of Baltimore, [we’re] donating $5,000 to seven organizations for a total of $35,000,” explained chapter president Robin S.Ott. “[We are] giving back to the community for their vital service, and we are celebrating 35 years as a chapter in Baltimore. 

The chapter started the Spirit of Giving event during their 25th anniversary and has continued the tradition of awarding qualifying organizations for their work. The sisters of the Rho Xi Omega Chapter, based in Baltimore, are partnering with their philanthropic partner, Cultured Pearls of Service, to put on the awards ceremony. Although all the organizations will receive a monetary award of the same amount, they are all also receiving different awards, including The Rho Xi Omega Choice Award, the Ascension Award and the 35th Anniversary Stellar Service Award. 

This year’s award recipients include the CASH Campaign of Maryland, Black Women Build Baltimore, the Torrey Smith Fund, the Black Arts District, the Franciscan Center, Moveable Feast and Arena Players. The chairperson for this year’s event shared how organizations were selected for their awards.

 “For the 30th anniversary I believe we had about 15 organizations, but this time we decided ‘let’s make a bigger impact financially,’  let’s limit the number,” explained event chair, Helen Griffin-Anderson. 

“The  committee deliberated how we should do this. We looked at organizations we had already given to,” said Griffin- Anderson. Then the organization asked questions, like “‘Is there anybody we want to circle back on?’ ‘Do we want to give some new organizations money?’” 

“We talked a lot and then we came up with this plan, that we would look at organizations that paralleled what we do in the chapter,” she said. 

Ott noted that the ladies of Rho Xi Omega like to enjoy themselves– but serving the Baltimore community is at the top of their priority. She shared some of the other community service events they’ve held this year, such as the Martin Luther King Day of Service. 

“We continue to service the community,  we do a lot of service throughout the year,” explained Ott. “We support the Franscician Center every Martin Luther King Day of Service and I’m very pleased with that. We help out in the kitchen, we serve food, we have coats, hats, we do a skit. For those that were in attendance, this year we held blood pressure screenings, and we filled their food pantry. We’ve done a lot and we continue to do that.”

To further celebrate their anniversary, the chapter will be holding a gala as well on December 2. Tickets for the Spirit of Giving are free, meanwhile tickets for the Gala are $150. Tickets for both events can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.

The post Rho Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority highlights community organizations making a difference appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Women’s Challenge is gearing up for their sixth Daddy and Me Tea on Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Baltimore Rowing & Water Resource Center in Baltimore.

Highly anticipated by the community, this event is centered around the importance of father-daughter relationships throughout all stages of life. This year’s event is themed as a sneaker ball, and is promising to bring fathers and their daughters together in a celebration of love, support and empowerment. 

All ages of father-daughter duos are welcome to come out and participate in the love festival and create memories. Founder and chief woman of vision, Lorraine Bailey-Carter spoke with the AFRO about how special and impactful it is to see the variety of age groups at the family-oriented event.

“In the years that have gone by, we have had fathers that bring out their daughter, and that daughter brings out her daughter and her husband which meant it was generational,” Bailey-Carter said. “She got to dance with her daddy, and her daughter got to dance with her daddy. ”

Bailey-Carter added, “I think that we need that in today’s world. Life does not have to be so quick. We have to take the time to say, ‘I love you. I appreciate you. You’re smart. You’re beautiful. I believe in you. I support you,’ all of those positive beatitudes because oftentimes, our girls don’t hear that. I’m just hoping to bring a little bit of light into a broken situation.”

In addition to helping families create memories that will last a lifetime, The Women’s Challenge is also planning to set up the girls for success. Aberdeen Proving Grounds Federal Credit Union has teamed up with the organization to provide custodial savings accounts for all qualifying young ladies who attend the event. 

“We want our girls to be financially smart in the world.The credit union is giving us $50 saving for each girl,” Bailey-Carter said. “They’ll be able to set up a $50 custodial savings account for every girl that’s 17 years old and under.” 

This year, Baltimore City Council President Nick J. Mosby and his daughters, Nylyn and Aniyah, will serve as the master and mistresses of ceremonies. Music will be handled by one of Charm City’s most young and promising talents, Amaya “ DJ A Eazy” Epps. 

The event will be catered and guests will be treated to engaging activities, interactive discussions, heartfelt conversations and take-home gifts to help savor the memories made that day. 

This year’s tea will be held on Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Baltimore Rowing & Water Resource Center at 3301 Waterview Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230. Father-daughter duos will be charged $60 a ticket, and additional tickets for extra guests can be purchased for $20 at Universe.com.  

The post The Women’s Challenge to host its sixth Daddy and Me Tea appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

AFRO reprints book ‘This is Our War’

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

On Nov. 7, members of the community came out to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore to honor generations of Black veterans and recognize three veterans who truly embody what it means to answer the call to service. Maj.Gen. Janeen Birckhead, Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings, Maj. (Ret.) Edgar Brookins (posthumously) and Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Woods were all recognized at the AFRO’s Veterans Day event “This is Our War: A Salute to Our Veterans.” The Morgan State University ROTC Program also received special recognition.

Birckhead currently serves as The Adjutant General of Maryland and Cummings is a Six Triple-Eight Congressional Gold Medal champion, who played an instrumental role in the women receiving national recognition. The retired colonel has contributed to the reprinting of a 1945 AFRO original book, “This is Our War.” 

The book is a compilation of select stories from AFRO war correspondents who traveled to Europe in efforts to capture on the ground coverage of World War II. Cummings shared why it is so important that we continue to tell the stories of Black veterans.

“Our Black veterans stories are important because it connects us to a heritage of service. There is a basic history of veterans’ contributions to wars but the heritage makes it personal,” explained Cummings. “If our Black veterans don’t tell these stories, that heritage is lost and our communities can’t connect to it. We want our communities to connect not only to the history but to the Black heritage of veteran service.” 

Maryland’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Anthony Woods served as the keynote speaker for the event and he expressed similar sentiments to Cummings, noting that telling the stories of our Black veterans and books like ‘This is Our War’ are necessary in order to truly honor them. 

“One of the things I’ve noticed in my work at the Maryland department of Veterans Affairs is that people of color and women often under utilize the benefits they have earned from serving in the military and many times they don’t even identify themselves as veterans,” shared Woods. “I think that’s because there hasn’t been a full range of stories about veterans told. The work done at the AFRO helps tell a broad range of stories of those who’ve served in the past.”

The post An AFRO salute: Honoring Black veterans by telling their stories appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Director of the Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights Dana P. Moore is leader of a small office with a huge impact on Charm City. On Oct. 30, the office held their 30th Civil Rights Brunch where several individuals and local organizations–including the AFRO–  were given the “Impact Award” for their service to the community. 

Moore spoke with the AFRO about the work being done in the Office of Equity and Civil Rights and some of the events that have happened throughout this year’s Civil Rights Week, which took place Oct. 28- Nov. 4. 

AFRO: What does the office of equity and civil rights do ? 

DM: We’re a small office with a really large footprint. Put simply, our mandate is to eliminate discrimination in the City of Baltimore. That’s the big mandate. We do that through several boards and commissions that we support. 

We have the Office of Equity, which really carries out the mandates of the equity ordinance. We have the police accountability division. The police accountability division supports the work of the ACC, which is the Administrative Charging Committee, the PAB, which is the Police Accountability Board, and the CRB, which is the Civilian Review Board. Those are all related to police accountability. We combined them into one division. 

The Wage Enforcement Commission works to make sure that people are paid fairly when they’re working on city jobs, like construction jobs. The Women’s Commission–which is fairly new, had been dormant for a few years, but Mayor Brandon Scott came into my office and said ‘We got to revive the Women’s Commission’ so we did and it’s housed here in our office. We also have the Women’s Committee, and the Community Relations Commission, which is our oldest commission. The Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities works to enforce our accessibility to laws and the Americans with Disability Act. I think that’s it.

AFRO: Can you talk to me about the civil rights breakfast and the founding of the office of Civil Rights? 

DM: At the breakfast we had about 550 guests that came to help us celebrate the start of civil rights week. We gave out six impact awards– one of which went to the Afro-American Newspaper for their 131 years of truthful reporting on all matters that affect everybody, but Black and Brown people in particular. That was accepted by Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper. She also did the opening prayer. She went into the AFRO archives and found prayers that had been written by the former publisher of the AFRO, Carl J. Murphy.

We also gave out awards to the Squeegee Collaborative. We gave out three awards to the co-chairs of the squeegee collaborative: Joseph T. Jones Jr., John Brothers and Dr. Andrey Bundley, who on a day to day basis supports the young men and women who used to squeegee for money. Jones serves as founder, president and CEO of the Center for Urban Families, Brothers is president of the T. Rowe Price Foundation and the T. Rowe Price Program for Charitable Giving and Bundley is the director of African American Male Engagement for the city of Baltimore.

We also gave an award to Nykidra “Nyki”  Robinson. She started Black Girls Vote, which started out as a small idea in Baltimore. Now, it’s national, and it’s really harnessing the power of the vote of women and girls. 

We honored the President of Morgan State University, David Wilson, Ed. D. Morgan State University has really grown tremendously under his leadership. The office grew out of the Community Relations Commission in the 1960s. During that time, when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was established, offices like this one were being born across the country. It was in 2020 I believe, that the name changed to the Office of Equity and Civil Rights. Between the 1960s and 2020, there’s been a lot of change. 

I talked about the different commissions and boards that we support, that has happened gradually over the course of the years. One of the commissions that I forgot to mention, is a Veterans Commission. We just added that commission into our portfolio within the last month and that too is one of the commission’s that has laid dormant here in the city for a little while. We’ve been asked to give it a new life and to to bring it forward. The office has grown as the needs of these people, and the city of Baltimore have grown. We respond to the need. 

AFRO: You’ve talked a great amount about how you guys are impacting the city of Baltimore and supporting them, can you talk to me a little more about what the community can do to better support you ?

DM: All of the boards and commissions are volunteer boards and commissions and they’re all by appointment by the mayor of Baltimore City, but we need people to apply. That is probably one of our biggest challenges– getting really concerned and interested citizens to apply. We’re looking for people that are interested in the subject matters and that care about the work. We need people that are willing to dig in a little and understand what the expectations are. Please take a look at our open positions on these boards and commissions and understand that the person we’re looking for is you. We want you to apply and join us in this work.

AFRO: Who are some of the organizations within the community that have been honored throughout the years and why were they chosen ? 

DM: We call it our impact award and what we’re looking for are persons or entities that have made a huge positive impact on the city of Baltimore. This is just the second year that we’ve given the award. Prior to my coming here, there were other awards and recognitions that were given but when I got here, I thought we should be looking at and honoring our people who’ve helped make Baltimore better. Last year, we gave an award to Dr. Freeman Hrabowski and his wife, Jackie Hrabowski. We were very intentional in honoring both of them because they do different things. 

Dr. Freeman Hrabowskii was the longtime president of UMBC– the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He started the Meyerhoff program. That program graduated many Black and Brown persons in the sciences, including Kizzmekia Corbett, who helped develop the vaccine for COVID-19. 

He was recognized for his leadership and many years of steering and growing the university. For many years his wife Jacqueline has worked in philanthropy and she was the head of the T. Rowe Price Foundation for many years. In that time she pushed out multiples of millions of dollars across Baltimore City to fund small, medium and large nonprofits to help assure stability and growth. She’s still doing that, although she’s no longer with T.Rowe Price and she’s still doing that work. 

AFRO: What are some of your goals for the office and your administration? When people recall what the Moore administration was like for the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, what do you want them to think of ?

DM: What I hope people will say when they look back on my time here, is that she made a difference. That she had an impact on making the office better, and therefore, the City of Baltimore, better. I’m hoping that my legacy here is one of good growth. One of growth that’s responsive to the needs of Baltimore. People discount this, but I want my colleagues to feel the joy in coming to work that I have. I’m hoping to build an environment that is joyous. Where my colleagues like coming to the office, we like being in each other’s company and we enjoy doing this really hard work together. I would love that.

AFRO: What do you think is the biggest issue that you are either currently addressing or need to begin to address?

DM: I think without a doubt, it’s our police accountability division. Having the public understand the enormity of the tasks that we are asked to handle and that we’re asked to do it very quickly, but also responsibly. Police Accountability is probably one of the issues that pervades across the country and for good reason. I think the murder of George Floyd was a pivot point where no city could sit back and smugly say, “that’s their issue, not ours.”

Every human municipality that has a police department has to think about how they’re navigating that space. There are three boards that we support that are dedicated to police accountability. That’s the ACC, the CRB and the PAB. That work is 50 percent of my staff. Even just by numbers, that’s the biggest chunk of our work and, you know, it’s the kind of work where you don’t get to make a mistake. You have to get it 100 percent right. You can’t ignore anything, or anybody. There’s a lot of sensitivity. There’s a lot of possible trigger points and we’re putting a lot of effort and energy into getting it right.

This article has been edited for clarity.

The post Baltimore’s Chief Equity Officer shares all you need to know about the Office of Equity and Civil Rights appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings comes from a family with a history of serving in our nation’s military. Having initially joined the armed forces as a challenge to herself, Cummings courageously overcame every obstacle she faced while serving, including ones that were based on her race and gender. Ahead of the Nov. 7 AFRO event, titled “Salute to Our Veterans,” Cummings spoke one-on-one with the AFRO about her experiences in the Army, the significant contributions Black women have made to the military and what we can do to continue to honor our Black veterans.

She is one of three honorees set to be recognized at the AFRO’s upcoming event, being an Army Reserve Ambassador for the state of Maryland, a Six-Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Champion and an Army Women’s Foundation hall of fame honoree.

AFRO: Can you tell me about the position you held when you served in the U.S. military?

EC: I served in the army for approximately 25 – almost 26 years. My last assignment was at USNorthcom NORAD in Colorado Springs. I retired in 2003. I joined in 1978– I didn’t start off as a colonel. I received my commission as an officer at Appalachian State University. I was in the Army ROTC program and I started out as a logistics officer trained at Fort Greg Adams, what was formerly called Fort Lee, Va. I did my training there. I served as a logistics officer, initially.

AFRO: What made you want to join the military ?

EC : I joined the military because I consider it my “family business.” My father served and I grew up on military installations and around military installations in the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg area of North Carolina, now it’s Fort Liberty. I was impressed by the confidence of some of the women I saw, who were serving. I was impressed by the confidence, and then the opportunities that the army afforded for travel, education, skills, training and just to do something different. During that time a lot of women were not in the military and it was such a unique opportunity. I just want to see if I could join the ranks and meet the requirements and serve. It was such a unique opportunity. I wanted to join the ranks myself to travel and for education, job opportunities and skills training–a lot of reasons. It’s an impressive profession.

AFRO: Can you tell me about what are some of the challenges you faced throughout your career ?

EC : Well, there were several challenges. One, initially, was gender. 

That was a challenge because when I joined the Army, it was still the Women’s Army Corps and the Women’s Army Corps was not disbanded until October 1978– I joined in May. 

When I was undergoing training in Army ROTC, we were still under the umbrella of the Women’s Army Corps although we trained with men. That was an issue– that we were still separate and not quite equal. Above everything else, that was the biggest challenge and then just understanding the culture of the military at the time because it’s a profession of arms; Understanding what’s required to serve in the armed forces. I witnessed it as a family member – not in the ranks. 

I moved a lot and I had a family, so the constant moving every two to three years, that kind of destabilizes the family sometimes. We were trying to hold the family together while we were moving and of course, the obvious issue of race. That was interesting, because not only was I a female, I was a Black female and those were very, very rare at the time. When I joined, some of the other troops had never seen a Black female officer. I remember, one of my soldiers saying, ‘I didn’t know they made y’all.’ 

We were really unique and an anomaly at the time.

AFRO: Can you tell me about some of the contributions that Black women have made to the U.S. military ? 

EC: I’lI just start out with Harriet Tubman. 

She was never acknowledged as being in the military formally, but she conducted military operations during the Civil War, paving the way for enslaved people to gain their freedom. That’s a contribution that–to me– that is most recognizable, but has never fully been honored as such. Harriet Tubman wasn’t formally in the ranks, but she performed in the capacity, in my opinion, as a military officer. 

After the Civil War, we have Black women who’ve always served in the military. They served during the Vietnam War as nurses and as non-nurses as well. Then you have Black women who served in the Korean War, and who served in World War II. Most notably, women of the Six-Triple Eight served during World War Two. There were more than 7,000 Black women who served. The women of Six Triple-Eight are the most recognizable and the most celebrated of the Black women who served because they restored the mail system in Europe for the military. 

Black women are interesting, they’ve never been drafted, they’ve always volunteered to serve and that’s the biggest contribution. Hundreds of thousands of Black women have served our nation.

AFRO: What would you like to see happen for Black people who are serving in the military? 

EC: Ideally, not only for the people who serve, but just for the nation as a whole, we need access to opportunities–unrestricted access for those who are seeking the opportunity. We need to eliminate those barriers to service– although they are eliminated on paper, they’re still prevalent throughout society. There’s still microaggressions, and you know, discrimination that occurs. In a perfect society, that would be eliminated for which it occurs now. I’d like for it to be consistent.

AFRO: How can we continue to honor our Black veterans year round, but especially on this upcoming Veterans Day ? 

EC: I think it’s just respect. The best way you can honor anyone is to respect them for who they are, and not for benign features such as skin color.

So many times there are minorities present and instant stereotypes occur. We can eliminate those stereotypes and accept people– especially African Americans– for who they are and what they contribute; not by imposing these artificial barriers to service. 

This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the desegregation of the armed forces and also the integration of women into the forces. It wasn’t until 1948 that women were allowed to serve in the armed forces and it was fully integrated into law. It took women and African Americans, stepping up in World War II, for us to have barriers come down and we’re still implementing policies to give unrestricted access. 

This article has been edited for clarity.

The post Retired Col. Edna W. Cummings speaks on military service of Black women appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

On Sept. 13 people gathered from far and wide at Faith Christian Fellowship to celebrate the life and legacy of Lawrence Lacks Sr. The patriarch of the Lacks family died from liver disease complications at the Baltimore VA Medical Center on Aug. 26.

Lacks was 88 years old and the last living child of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cervical cancer cells were taken without her permission or knowledge in 1951. Known as the “HeLa” cells, they went on to be used in a series of medical experiments and breakthroughs, including research to develop vaccines for polio, COVID-19 and in vitro fertilization.

“Lawrence’s life without a doubt is a testament to an enduring spirit of resilience, humility, love and respect,” said U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume, as he recalled Lacks’ life. “Lawrence, you went on to serve your country, distinguish yourself, be a small business owner, break barriers at Amtrak and never let go of the memories that so many of us shared in Turner Station. And you never let go of your commitment to make sure that your mother’s legacy would be honored.” 

Lacks’ death came only three weeks after the family’s first legal settlement with the Massachusetts-based biotech company Thermo Fisher Scientific for profiting off the use of his mother’s cells.

The Lacks family moved to Maryland from Clover, Va., when Lawrence was just a young boy. They lived in Turner Station, one of the oldest Black communities in the Baltimore County area. Once his mother became ill and even before her death he was responsible for taking care of his younger siblings, but that was no task for him. He was remembered as a selfless, reliable and kind-hearted person.

“He was a stately man of great character and presence,” said the Rev. Dr. Franklin Lance, senior at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. “Lawrence made his days count. He made his voice and advocacy count. He made his patriarchal role count. He made his life count.”

“He was so grounded in his life, in his duties, his abilities and in who he was, that I often kept waiting for him to pull back his shirt so the ‘S’ would show,” Lance said, making a reference to the fictional hero Superman. “He was a man of accountability and he took his responsibilities seriously.”  

The minister read the obituary for the homegoing ceremony and recapped the many accomplishments Lacks had throughout the years. He was a graduate of Baltimore City Public Schools and served in the U.S. Army as a medic. Once he returned home from serving in the military, he worked at Bethlehem Steel Yard and then went on the blaze trails at Amtrak by working as the first Black engineer for the national railroad passenger corporation. 

On Feb. 26, 1962, he married his wife, Bobbette and they had three children, Ron, LaDonna and Lawrence Jr. Following his retirement from Amtrak, he and his wife opened a series of businesses, including an insurance agency, a confectionary store and Lacks Meats Palace. However, Lacks is most recognized for having spent the majority of his life relentlessly fighting for justice and ownership of his mother’s “HeLa” cells and, above all, his family’s name.

“What happened to Henrietta Lacks was a symptom of what happened to so many Blacks. What made them (the Lacks family) great was not her suffering; what made them great was that they would not allow her suffering to go unaddressed,” said the Rev. Al Sharpton during his eulogy of Lacks.

Lacks and his family spoke with the AFRO in 2017 to tell their side of the story regarding the fight for justice and Henrietta Lacks’ legacy. 

There was a series of speakers at Lawrence Lacks’ service, and they all talked in grave detail about how personable and humble Lacks was despite his résumé of monumental achievements.

“You learn that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things and sometimes your familiarity to them robs you of their greatness. The Lacks family should not be taken for granted,” said Sharpton. “This man had endurance and tenacity in everything he did and he didn’t have to be a show-off to do it.”

Mfume shared similar sentiments, saying that Lacks had a timeless influence that will continue to be felt  in the Baltimore community. 

“Our community and our state have lost an unsung hero. A man of great character, strength and compassion. And in remembering him I hope and I pray that we will find a way to be comforted by words in the Bible,” Mfume said. “In John 14:2 [it says], ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’”

Lacks is survived by a plethora of family and friends including his six children, their spouses, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. 

The post Celebrating the life and legacy of Lawrence Lacks Sr., son of Henrietta Lacks appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Regardless of the genre, music plays a special role in the human experience by providing us with sounds that help define certain moments, feelings and occasions. Everyone seems to have a soundtrack to their life. 

Certain sounds can connect with and impact different parts of the body–even everyday noises can provoke a reaction according to the National Institutes of Health. 

The organization shared that humans have both an innate immunity and specific immunity that can be influenced by noise, and different exposure durations and intensities of noise may exert various effects on the immune system. For example, short-term or low-intensity noise can enhance immune function, while long-term or high-intensity noise suppresses it.

Depending on the frequency and vibrations of the sound, music can connect with different energy centers in your body. 

“When you’re using sound healing, it can range from anything from singing bowls and tuning forks, to frequencies and of course, the vibrations. With sound healing, we use it to bring about energetic changes in the body,” said Maurice Carroll, founder of Alkemmust Sound Healing.

In addition to being a sound healer, Carroll is also a producer and composer. He has been working with sound healing since 2008. His first experience with sound healing occurred when an artist he was working with used it in their music. From that moment, his interest was sparked. 

Much like other forms of therapy, sound healing is good for reducing stress, anxiety, alleviating depression, promoting tranquility and enhancing mental clarity. Carroll explained that there is no specific way to listen or participate in sound healing. 

“Take a moment and listen to some vibrations. Even if you’re not listening to music in a specific frequency, your intention of listening to something to help calm you down will still benefit your body,” said Carroll.

Caroll and his team have found sound healing’s benefits in all sorts of sounds and styles of music. The Alkemmust Sound Healing team explained that, because the main goal of the therapy is to improve people’s mental, spiritual and physical well being, any sound or style of music can be used for sound healing. 

“My life has an entire soundtrack. Music and sound is all around us and can be used in conjunction with other therapies,” said Michelle Shellers, a theremin player for Carroll’s live sound healing experiences. “There are sounds that are embedded that you don’t even hear, and frequencies that you don’t even notice. I love hearing rain, it’s very calming.” 

“Most people listen to music or sounds because it’s a good transition practice into the meditative lifestyle. It’s easier because it’s music that any and everybody can listen to,” Carroll said. 

“The sounds and the vibrations are easy to absorb. If you’re listening to jazz or pop or rap. Regardless of what genre you prefer, I can teach you how to meditate within that particular genre and the music that you’re already listening to.”

Sound healing is an artistic therapy often mistaken for a religious practice or thought to be associated with spirituality. Carroll explained that it can be used with other meditative methods, however that isn’t required. 

“A lot of people don’t realize that, for our people who are involved in religion already, sound healing happens. If you take organized religion, like the Abrahamic religions, they use music. There’s chanting, songs and instruments and all of those things become sound healing,” Carroll said.  

Letrice Gant is very familiar with the benefits of sound healing, as she uses it in her work with the Baltimore Peace Movement.

“We do sacred space rituals. Which consists of us praying in the space, holding space for people who’ve lost their physical lives to violence, connecting with those people and showing love and pouring positive energy and light into the community,” said Letrice Gant, deputy director of the Baltimore Community Mediation Center.

Gant is one of Carroll’s former sound healing students and uses sound healing in her work as a community activist and organizer. 

“The sound healing training that we went through was directly related to the Baltimore peace movement. Being intimately involved with the movement made me acutely aware of different healing modalities to help dispel toxic energy in the city,” Gant explained. 

“We bought sound healing instruments with the intention to go into spaces where people have either been murdered or harmed in Baltimore city or places where toxic energy has taken hold and to use those sound healing technologies to raise the vibrations in those places.” 

The post  AFRO inside look: The benefits of sound healing appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

The ancient saying goes “you are what you eat.” Given the type and prevalence of health disparities in the Black community, the old adage couldn’t be more true.

This week, the AFRO’s special edition is focusing on self-care and tools you can use to improve your life and thrive– not just survive. Read below as we detail five, healthy recipes that will last throughout the week, while also nourishing the body with ingredients to nurture the mind, body and soul.

Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

Serving: One bar; Makes nine servings

Ingredients: 

• 1 pint of blueberries 
• 2 cups of flour 
• 6 oz of melted butter 
• 1 cup of light brown sugar 
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 3 tbsp of honey 
• 1 tbsp of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place your blueberries in a small saucepan and set to a medium to high temperature. As your berries begin to heat up, mash up your berries with a fork or a potato masher. Don’t mash them into a liquid, just break them into pieces. 
2. After mashing up your berries, add in your honey and cinnamon. Allow this to cook until it begins to thicken and boil. Be sure to stir your mixture often so that the mixture doesn’t burn or stick to the pot. 
3. After the berry mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. Once your mixture cools, it should be a jam or fruit preserve texture. This fruit filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for about a week. 
4. In a medium sized bowl, add in 1 ½ cups of flour, 4 oz of melted butter, and ½ a cup of light brown sugar. Mix the ingredients together until a soft dough is formed. Preheat your oven to 350°F and press your dough into the bottom of a greased 8×8 pan. Once your oven is at 350°F, put your pan into the oven and cook the dough for 12 minutes.
5. As your dough is baking in the oven, mix together the rolled oats, remaining 2 oz of melted butter, ½ cup of light brown sugar and ½  cup of flour. Mix all ingredients together until everything is well combined and a crumbly texture. 
6. After you remove your dough from the oven, allow it to cool for about five minutes and then add your blueberry mixture on top of it.
7. Top off your blueberry mixture with the oatmeal crumble and bake until browned on top. 
8. Allow your baked goods to cool for at least 15 minutes and then cut into squares.

Cheddar Turkey and Spinach Egg White Bites 

Serving: Two Egg White Bites; Makes six servings 

Ingredients: 

• 16 oz of egg whites 
• 8 oz of sharp cheddar cheese 
• 1 ½ cups of diced oven roasted turkey 
• ⅓ cup of heavy cream 
• 10 oz of baby spinach 
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper 

Instructions 

1. Add your spinach to a small skillet set to a medium temperature with a small amount of olive oil. Mix around the spinach until it begins to wilt. As the spinach shrinks, water can be added to the pan to cook the spinach without burning it. 
2. Once your spinach is wilted, allow it to cool for about five minutes and set it aside without any residual liquid that might be left behind
3. Combine your egg whites, and heavy cream and mix them until both ingredients are no longer separate. For seasoning, add in a tablespoon of garlic powder and black pepper for taste. 
4. After making your base for your egg whites, add in your cheese, diced turkey and spinach and mix everything together.
5. Add your mixture to a greased muffin tin and fill each of the holes to the top. Be sure not to overfill them. To avoid any spills while they’re baking, place your filled muffin tins on top of a baking sheet.
6. Place your egg white bites in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes or until they’re brown on top and form in the middle. 
7. When you go to remove your bites from the muffin tin, use a butter knife to lift and remove them. 

Egg white bites can be enjoyed within four days of cooking them, or they can be frozen for up to three months. 

Greek Chicken Salad Wrap 

Serving: 4 oz wrap; Makes seven servings 

Ingredients : 

• 1lb of cooked chicken 
• 8 oz of diced celery and onions 
• 6 oz of diced roasted red pepper 
• 5 cloves of garlic 
• ¼ cup of mayonnaise  
• ¾ cup of nonfat greek yogurt 
• 10 oz of feta cheese 
• 1 tbsp of dried dill 
• 2 oz of lemon juice 
• black pepper 
• 2 tbsp of Cavender’s all purpose Greek seasoning 

Instructions :

1. Place Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and garlic cloves in a blender and blend until smooth. Once you’ve blended your sauce, add in your mayo and blend again until everything in your dressing is well combined. 
2. In a bowl, add in your chicken that is either pulled or diced. Add your diced onions and celery, along with your dressing and mix everything together. 
3. Following this add in your feta cheese, diced roasted red peppers and all purpose Greek seasoning. Add in black pepper for taste. 
4. Once the chicken salad is complete, allow it to chill in the fridge for about two (2) hours. 
5. When ready, add your chicken salad to your wrap of choice along with some shredded lettuce.

Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas 

Serving: Two enchiladas; Makes  five servings 

Ingredients:

• Two (2) medium sized sweet potatoes 
• 15 oz black beans
• 8 oz of green chiles 
• 16 oz of white cheddar cheese 
• Ground cumin 
• Garlic powder 
• Black pepper 
• Kosher salt 
• Lime juice 
• Nonfat greek yogurt 
• Flour tortillas 
• Salsa verde 

Instructions:

1. Peel and dice your sweet potatoes into small cubes.
2. Add your sweet potatoes to a large skillet with some vegetable oil and allow them to start cooking down. You want to cook your potatoes until they’re fork tender. 
3. Season your potatoes with 1 ½ tbsps of cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. As your potatoes cook down, continuously add water to the pan to help them soften up. 
4. Once your potatoes are just about done, add in your black beans and green chiles
5. Let your mixture simmer for about five (5) minutes or until all the liquid has cooked off of your filling. 
6. Add in half of your white cheddar cheese and a dollop of nonfat yogurt to your filling until it’s well combined and the cheese has melted. 
7. Fill your tortillas with your sweet potato and black bean mixture and roll them up. 
8. After rolling them up, add them into a pan and top them with a mixture of the salsa verde and greek yogurt. 
9. Top your enchiladas with your remaining cheddar cheese and bake at 375ºF for 25 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly. 

Roasted Rosemary and Garlic Green Beans 

Serving: 20 green beans; Makes four servings 

Ingredients: 

• French cut green beans 
• Minced garlic 
• Fresh rosemary 
• Lemon 
• Sea salt 
• Black pepper 
• Olive oil 

Instructions: 

1. Cut the end tips off your green beans. 
2. Lay your green beans flat on a baking sheet. 
3. Chop up rosemary into small pieces.
4. In a bowl combine your mixed garlic, rosemary, black pepper and sea salt and mix together. 
5. Coat your green beans in olive oil and the majority of your blend of rosemary, and garlic. Mix your green beans around until they’re all evenly coated. 
6. Place your green beans in the oven at 350ºF for 30 minutes, until the green beans are tender. 
7. After 30 minutes, remove your green beans from the oven and move them around to assure they cook evenly. Sprinkle the last of your rosemary blend on your green beans along with a little bit of lemon juice. 
8. Put your green beans back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes to finish cooking.

Salmon Croquettes

Serving: One salmon croquette, Makes 12 servings 

Ingredients  

• 30 oz of canned salmon 
• 10 oz of frozen mirepoix 
• Lemon and Herb Old Bay 
• Garlic powder 
• Bread crumbs 
• Fat-free mayonnaise 
• Eggs 
• All purpose flour 
• Canola oil 

Instructions: 

1. In a bowl, add in your canned salmon and remove any bones that might be in the fish.
2. To your salmon, add a tablespoon and a half of the garlic powder and old bay seasoning. 
3. Mix together your fish until the seasonings are well combined. 
4. Add in your mirepoix vegetables, three (3) large eggs, two (2) tbsps of mayonnaise and one (1) cup of breadcrumbs. 
5. Combine all of your ingredients together until your salmon mixture is firm enough to form into patties that won’t break apart. If your mixture is too loose, add more breadcrumbs. If it’s too firm, add more mayonnaise. 
6. Form your salmon mixture into patties and then put them in the fridge for at least an hour after forming them. 
7. Once you’re ready to cook your salmon croquettes, remove them from the fridge and begin to coat them.
8. First coat your salmon croquettes in all purpose flour, then place them in an egg-wash and then lastly coat them in breadcrumbs. Be sure that with each step your croquette is fully coated in the ingredients.
9. Heat up a medium-sized skillet and add in enough oil to coat the bottom or the pan. 
10. Let your oil heat up to 325°F. You can make sure your oil is hot enough by using a kitchen thermometer. 
11. After your oil is hot enough, add your croquettes in and cook them in batches of three (3.) 
12. Let them cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until they’re browned and crispy on the outside. As you remove them from the oil, place them on a paper towel lined pan or a rack to catch any residual grease. 
13. After all of your croquettes are done cooking they’re ready to eat.

*Mix for your salmon croquettes can be kept for up to three days in the fridge before cooking them.

The post Healthy recipes, meals and snacks to feed the mind, body and soul appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Maryland Public Defender Natasha M. Dartigue is making major moves to ensure that minority mothers and children are receiving equal access to justice across the state of Maryland. On Sept. 26, CEO and publisher of the AFRO, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, invited women leaders to meet and speak with Maryland’s first Black public defender. The women came together to discuss criminal justice reform for those who need it most– the Black and Brown children of Maryland.

“It’s about remaining engaged and informed,” said Dartigue, at the event. “What we’re seeing now is a lot of fear feeding into the hearts and minds of people. Once people are fearful they are extremely reactionary.”

Dartigue shared some of the experiences she’s had throughout her personal and professional life and explained how they’ve fueled her passion for helping women and children in marginalized communities. 

“I grew up in an era where there was a village that looked out for me- but that was in a village where the village knew what was ‘right,’” she said.

Dartigue is a mother of two and has been a single mother since her eldest child was eight years old. She recognizes that there is a need for more to be done for the women who support the Black and Brown children in the community.

“I thought about what more we could do for the moms in our community,” explained Dartigue. “When I talk about moms I‘m not only talking about women who have given birth to children. I’m talking about all of the [women] that come together to support our community.” 

Community leaders from organizations such as Life After Release and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) came out to network, share information on the services of their organizations and brainstorm solutions to challenges facing the Black criminal justice reform. They also discussed solutions that need to be implemented to help resolve the issue of Black mothers and women being underrepresented in legislative settings. 

“I really do believe that this is a community engagement effort and that we need to reach out to all aspects of our community–our church leaders, our sororities and fraternities– and all of our social organizations to bring about change,” said Michelle McNeilll-Emery, president of the Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. “We all have a voice and it’s important that we use our voices for people who may not know how to enter certain doors. We have those people that are legislators and elected officials in our organizations and we need to go to them and say ‘we need to make some change.’”

Dartigue shared similar sentiments, noting that people in marginalized communities have been voicing their need for help–but nobody has been listening. She went on to note that she and members of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender are looking to amplify the voices of those who have gone unheard for so long. 

“What we continue to do is amplify the voices of the community. Our community has always had a voice– we were not being listened to,” said Dartigue. “We are essentially amplifying the voices of those individuals in the Black and Brown community–the marginalized members of the community.”

When it comes to public safety in the Black community, Dartigue said there are already models of successful, thriving communities in Maryland.

“When you think about it, the communities that are safest- what do they have?” she quipped. “Affluent communities don’t have a police officer on every corner– they don’t have blue lights. They have good schools and supermarkets, places where people can get adequate healthcare.” 

Adding that “if we really want to talk about how to improve public safety we have to address those issues,” Dartigue says leaders “have to address the issue of mental health in our children- the things that they have seen and experiences they should have never experienced as children.” 

She then shared several basic truths to be mindful of when talking about children, such as the fact that there are no in-patient substance abuse beds for children, there aren’t enough shelter beds for children experiencing homelessness and Black children are 30 percent of the population, but 50 percent of the children in foster care.

Dartigue discussed several other truths related to the Black family. She said that Black women disproportionately interact with Child Protective Services, causing trauma that makes children more likely to repeat a grade, drop out of high school, develop a substance abuse issue problem or have contact with the justice system. 

“You can get an allegation of neglect if it’s winter, it’s cold outside and your child has no coat–as opposed to just giving the family the services and support that they need,” said Dartigue.

Calling people to action, the Maryland public defender stated that now is the time to organize and take action. 

“With all the news about young people committing crimes, now they’re [asking], ‘Do you think we are at that point where we will start to see young people mass incarcerated?’” said Dartigue.” You need to notice who is making the call to lock up children. We need to speak up and defend children.” 

Dartigue also shared three things that can be done to help empower our Black and Brown communities. 

“Be an advocate of the Office of the Public Defender,” she said. “What that looks like is you tracking legislation that is important to your organizations or community. Join us in Annapolis when your legislation is being debated. Give to our foundation. Join us on social media or share our pages.”

Dartigue said that people can help by pulling together people they interact and socialize with around a common cause. 

“Make public defense central to your particular organization or agency,” she suggested. “Another way to make public defense central is to host a screening of the Netflix documentary ‘13th.’” In your book club, share the text “The New Jim Crow” to discuss the impact of crime bills introduced in the early 1900’s.”

As a third recommendation to make change, Dartigue said that advocates and allies should “consider establishing a standing committee that works on juvenile justice issues.” 

“It could be an informational session to inform your members, it could be an expungement fair,” she said. “These are ways in which you could stay connected, engaged, informed and empowered.”

Dartigue invited out a very specific demographic of women who she recognized as being both in need of resources and also capable of helping resolve the issues discussed. The room was filled with women who were interested in bringing change to their communities. Although the subject matters covered that afternoon were heavy, the conversation ended with a 15-minute break out session to focus on solutions.

Draper noted the importance of having quality partners and allies in the room for the event, “It’s not about having 300 people in the room, it’s about having the right people in the room,” she said.

The post Natasha M. Dartigue discusses issues affecting minority mothers and children at recent AFRO event appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Artscape, one of the largest free outdoor arts festivals, returned to Baltimore.

Artscape took place Sept. 22 through Sept. 24 at the 1300 to 1800 blocks of Charles Street and Mount Royal Avenue. Despite Tropical Storm Ophelia delaying and even canceling certain days of the festival, thousands of people still came out to participate in all the festival had to offer.

This year’s festival was full of exciting visual artists, musicians, culinary delights, interactive activities and vendors. The arts scene is a large portion of Baltimore’s rich and unique culture, and Artscape has long been a platform for local Black artists to showcase their talents and make their mark on the city.

“It’s important to have Black people in the fashion space because we truly embody the culture,” said creative director, Ashley Nyack. “We represent Black excellence and we share our voice through our style.” 

Using art as an expression has been happening since the beginning of time. It is an outlet that allows people to be seen in new lights, provide a voice to those who are otherwise silent and to tell stories in the most creative ways. 

Local artist,  Jonathan Gilmore sat down with the AFRO to discuss what art has done for him and it was like performing on the Artscape mainstage for his very first time. 

AFRO : Can you talk to me about your Artscape performance ? 

JG : I performed on the mainstage, Friday, September 22, at 6:15 p.m. with my band The Jonathan Gilmore Project. Of course, the John Gilmore Project is also associated with Funktopia. It was awesome! I got to actually pull out my full band and my full support vocals. We did a lot of my original music and some fun covers that people know.   

AFRO : How did this opportunity occur ? 

JG : It was really wild! I got a phone call from BOPA randomly. They said that they were very aware of the work I’ve been doing as well as with Funktopia and a lot of people have been telling them about me and everything.  I came highly recommended, and they put me on. We got to open for the amazing, Muni Long and DJ Pee.Wee. It was a big moment because Artscape is such a big festival for Baltimore and I’ve been working a very long time in this city,just performing and singing around and doing my thing. For it to be noticed was a wonderful moment.

AFRO : What did this opportunity mean to you ? 

JG :  I was born and raised in this city, and I love Baltimore! Since I was little, my first memories of Artscape are being on my father’s shoulders, just walking around seeing all the performers and always dreaming that it would be me– that I’m going to be on that stage. This performance was such a big one for me and to get there and to not be singing back up and doing my own music. I got to just stand there and kind of own that moment. It was amazing! It really, really was amazing!

AFRO : What was your biggest goal for your performance ? 

JG : I definitely think that this was a big moment, but it’s just another door opening to get access to even more moments that are just as big. My goal was to go up there and kill it. I wanted to give every bit of vocals I had. I’m not a ‘quiet singer’ by any means. My singers are not quiet singers– they are all lead singers within their own right. I wanted to just go up there and sing them down. 

My show was once described as a cross between church and a juke joint and that’s really kind of where I exist.  I exist at that crossroads, where I want to give you all of that spiritual intensity, but also the freedom to let loose. I think it’s the preacher’s kid in me and then it’s that little bit of sinner in me. They always want to show up at the same time.

AFRO :What do you feel you bring to the Baltimore arts scene ? 

JG : I bring some very raw, authentic soul. It is my goal to perform Black music in its entirety. I want to reach all the spaces where Black people are touched to make sure that my sound is relevant and fresh, but also that we never lose all of the amazing Black creators that have gone before us. I bring a little bit of history, a little bit of just something wild. It’s a lot of fun. When I was performing there were all these little kids. All these little Black boys and girls that were standing around dancing and everything and I hope and pray that when they saw us take the stage that they saw that they can also get on the stage as well because that’s how it started for me. I was just looking on stage and just like, ‘Oh my god, I gotta get up there” and hopefully, that inspires the next artists to get up there and kill it.

AFRO : Why is it important that we continue to emphasize and shine a light on the arts ?

JG : For me, the arts was how I got to know myself and how I was able to get to know other people. After all of my loudness and craziness on stage, I am a horrifically shy person. I was never able to be one of those people who could just jump in, and just start going but art gave me a voice. 

Art gave me the medium to express everything that was going on within me. I think the closest I feel to God is when I’m creating art, because I have to imagine that’s what God felt like creating us and it’s how we get to create in return. The stage that’s my closest moment to myself. I think art is supposed to be given away.We learn it, we master it, and then we give it away and it’s really important to keep around.

The post Artscape returns to Baltimore after three-year hiatus appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Timothy and Cornitra Carter have been friends for nearly 15 years, dating for the last 10 years and husband and wife for a month. The high school sweethearts officially became man and wife on Aug. 25 and report that they are excited to spend the rest of their lives together. 

The newlyweds discussed with the AFRO how they’ve kept their twin flame burning for the last decade.  

“I think the biggest thing is communication,” said Cornitra Carter, formerly Cornitra Sampson, in speaking on the relationship. “Letting each other know what we don’t like, what we do like, what works for us and what doesn’t work for us has been very important.”

Timothy Carter followed up, noting that establishing a friendship before actually dating your partner was another key component to a successful relationship.  

“Honestly, I would say we were best friends first,” shared Timothy Carter. “She is straight up my best friend and being really good friends first worked for our relationship.”

The two have been through a lot together, including the founding of their youth ministry, Conquerors. Their faith plays a huge role in their lives so starting a business based on that has been a pillar in their relationship 

Timothy’s father, Rev. Dr .Harold Carter Jr., officiated their wedding. He explained to the AFRO what compassion really means and why it’s necessary for a successful marriage. 

“Marriage really demands a mutual labor of love,” said Rev. Dr. Harold Carter Jr. “Compassion, by Greek definition and by New Testament understanding, is deeper than love. Really, it is love plus action. You have to show me that you love.”

The post Newlyweds share their secrets to preserving Black love appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Ghana declared 2019 the Year of Return and invited people of African descent throughout the world to celebrate the collective resistance of those who suffered through the transatlantic slave trade. 

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) created the Year of Return to build more traction around Ghana as a key travel destination for African Americans and people of the African Diaspora.  According to TheAfricanReport.com, approximately 1.13 million people visited Ghana in 2019 following the announcement of the movement. Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, also granted citizenship to people of the African diaspora willing to move to the country. 

“Black and Brown people, we continue to be marginalized,” stated Rhea Roper Nedd, Ph.D., who works to expand diversity in the Baltimore County area. “We continue to be underrepresented in society as a whole. Racially and ethnically in educational spaces and in professional spaces. It was very important for me to find a country in which the students will no longer be [marginalized] as they enter, especially the students of color.“

Nedd has a background in diversity, equity and inclusion and has been hosting and curating an annual trip for her students to visit Ghana since 2016. Nedd explained that she began to take students to Ghana to diversify their options for studying abroad and to provide Black and Brown students the opportunity to travel somewhere that doesn’t make them feel unseen.

Nedd shared some of the activities that she and her students participated in during their trip. She explained that getting the chance to not only experience but learn about Ghanaian culture is a vital part of the trip. 

“We take a class at the University of Ghana, which is in East Legon. We have a workshop on African dance and African drumming,” explained Nedd. “[We learn about] the symbolism of the drums, the symbolism of the role of the drums and how it is that various communities communicated for long distances with each other through drumming.” 

In addition to the warm hospitality, Ghana’s ever growing economy seems to be attracting more tourists and even new residents. 

Zik and his wife Jerri visited Ghana in 1973 as a part of their six-week honeymoon to West Africa. The couple has been wanting to move to Ghana for a while and the Year of Return further motivated them to move. 

“We’ve been considering [moving] for many years and the time is right to go back to the motherland,” said Zik Stewart.”There’s a great need back there but there’s a great opportunity as well. We in the diaspora, we bring a lot to the motherland.”

Jerri Stewart added that “the people from Ghana are so warm and welcoming, they’re known for their hospitality.”

The Stewarts and Nedd recognize that Ghana is a nation that is well established all the while having so much room for further development and growth. Helping the people of Ghana and giving back to the local communities is a major part of their agendas.

“We’re looking to make a change, a contribution if you will to the nation of Ghana and the continent of Africa. Ghana is only 66-years-old, and as far as nation building goes, they’ve got the land and the people, and those of us from [the] diaspora bring capital and skill,” explained Zik Stewart. 

Partnering with local organizations to provide service for the people of Ghana is one of the main purposes for the trip Nedd and her students make. She shared the service initiatives not being directed by them as students but the people of Ghana is something they’re always mindful of. 

“There’s so much service that can occur,” shared Nedd. “I was able to identify various partnerships with communities in Ghana. Those relationships are so meaningful because it’s a relationship that has been developed so that it’s not directed by a U.S. mindset and where we, the students, are working together with people in the communities.”

To learn more about the year of the return and the nation of Ghana, visit yearofreturn.com and Ghanaembassydc.org

The post Year of return: Black Americans speak on moving back to Africa appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that nearly 30 million people experience hearing loss or deafness. Some use hearing aids and cochlear implants while many cannot hear at all. September is Deaf Awareness Month and community experts are sharing how to include and listen to deaf people in your community. 

“Deafness can occur in many different ways and perhaps the most well known reason is age related,” explained Wade Chien, M.D. “It has been shown that most of us are going to lose some hearing. The sensory cells in the inner ear, they help us to detect sounds and the auditory nerve cells have a finite lifespan.”

Some people are born deaf, while others get into accidents, have medical issues or lose their hearing with age. When not provided with the proper resources or environments, being deaf can be a very isolating experience. 

Chien is an otolaryngologist at John Hopkins Hospital’s Bethesda Campus. He explained that oftentimes hearing loss isn’t something that can be reversed, however, there are several options to create inclusive spaces for the deaf community.

“The most common treatment option for patients with hearing loss is hearing aids.They are a very effective way of treating hearing loss and basically they amplify sounds to make louder, so it’s easier to hear,” explained Chien. “Another option is cochlear implant. It is an electronic device that we can surgically implant into the inner ear and the cochlear implant can actually not only help us to detect information, but it can actually help us process some information. Cochlear implant devices are a very effective treatment option for those patients who found hearing aids aren’t helpful.” 

American Sign Language (ASL) is an imperative communication mode for the hearing impaired community. More than 90 percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents, according to the NIDCD. Meanwhile a 2012 Gallaudet Research Institute Annual Survey found that 72 percent of these hearing parents do not know how to communicate with their children in ASL. 

“There are so many platforms that offer free classes online and in-person. If you want to be more intune with the deaf community there are lots of resources,” said ASL interpreter and instructor, Tiffany Leach. “A lot of deaf people feel inferior to hearing people because of how excluded they are. When you’re at an event and everybody is laughing and talking and no one is including you, it can be very hard.”

Leach explained that she’s experienced students who lash out and misbehave when their families and community members don’t use ASL and they feel ignored. She discussed why reading lips and writing out what you’re trying to communicate isn’t enough. 

“Not every deaf person can read lips and for deaf people who use ASL they may not know how to translate what they’re saying in sign language to literal words or they may not know how to spell it out,” stated Leach. “Deaf people do all the same things we do, they just communicate differently. Whenever they don’t understand what you’re saying, it’s because of a language barrier more times than not. Not because they’re stupid or anything like that.” 

The idea of deaf people being mute or stupid is a negative stereotype that isn’t true for lots of people in the hearing impaired community. What is often mistaken for a lack of understanding is truly just a difference in communication. Even if you’re unable to sign and communicate with those in the deaf community, you can still be inclusive of them via advocacy.

“The reality of it is deaf people are just like hearing people. The only difference is they’re not able to hear,” said Vickie Lewis. “They need everything that we need, it’s just that they need assistance with hearing and being heard. Which means somebody is voicing for them with everyday life activities.”

Lewis is a ASL interpreter at Jackson State University and has 30 years of experiencing with providing a voice for and to the deaf community,

She explained that society can be more inclusive of the deaf community by treating them like everybody else, all the while being mindful of their disability. She noted that being your most genuine self is a must when communicating with people in the deaf community.

“Don’t be afraid of deaf people and include them,” Lewis stated. “When interacting with them, be friendly–be you and they’ll be them. There’s a way to figure out that communication barrier because, believe it or not, about 60% of our communication is through body language anyway.”

In light of Deaf Awareness Month, learn more about how to be more inclusive of the deaf and hard of hearing communities near you at deafservicesunlimited.com.  

The post How to acknowledge and include the deaf community during Deaf Awareness Month appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

A prime component of Black culture is music. It defines eras, tells stories and creates soundtracks for our lives. It is only right, then, that historically Black colleges and universities have a playlist of their own, driven by the sounds of the campus marching band.

Maryland Public Television highlighted the important role that marching bands bring to HBCU culture and the on-campus experience. “Sounds of the Game” recognized the amazing career of Melvin Miles, former director of Morgan State’s band, The Magnificent Marching Machine, and the impact he has made to HBCU bands. Much like Miles, HBCU marching bands have legacies that are known well beyond their respective campuses.

“You can’t bring up Black culture at all without music because it’s such a cornerstone in our ancestry,” said Emery Alexander, a member of the Blue and Gold Marching Machine at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. “People have been able to see that from the moment we arrived in this country and even before we got here. I think it’s (marching band) just a more modern expression of that cornerstone.”

Alexander has been in marching band since eighth grade and credits the extracurricular activity with helping him develop relationships and grow as a person. Through his tenure in the university band he has been able to learn leadership skills and serve the band and his college campus as a member of the Iota Zeta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.

The young musician noted that his high school band director exposed him to HBCU band culture and piqued his interest in attending one of the historical institutes. Alexander explained what it is that makes HBCU bands so special and sets them apart from bands at other colleges and universities.

“He really put me on to the HBCU band side of things. Show style and corps style are two completely different realms–it’s the same universe but it’s two different planets across the solar system,” Alexander said. “With show style, the most obvious difference is the marching. Your knee has to be at a 90-degree angle and your toes are pointed, meanwhile with corps style everything is very low to the ground. You have to make it look like you’re floating.”

Most HBCUs take after the show style genre of bands, which has helped mold the world-renowned experience they’re known for creating. This includes their choice of music, choreography that is incorporated into the performance and other performers such as dancers and color guards. Schools like Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Alcorn State University and Alabama State University are infamous for their performances including these theatrical components.

“HBCU bands bring out the best of what marching band has to offer,” said Kaylyn Stampley, a member of The Sonic Boom of The South at Jackson State University. “Most of the time when you find HBCU bands they are show style versus corps style. Show style is what we do here at Jackson State University. It’s the wow factor, the things that catch your eye, the things that you would never imagine any band doing. We take a different sense of pride in the way that we do our bands at HBCUs.”

Jackson State is known for their band performances that fulfill “The Thrill of a Billion Eyes.” Stampley shared with the AFRO that she grew up in an environment that was heavily influenced by HBCU culture, so when she decided to go to college she chose to attend somewhere with a sense of familiarity.

“Being from Mississippi, our culture in the South lets us get the feel for an HBCU throughout high school. I’m not going to say it’s all I knew, but it’s all I wanted to know,” said Stampley. “I chose an HBCU to speak to what I knew culture wise and because of what they had to offer as opposed to a predominantly White institute.”

Like all great things, HBCU marching bands take their time. Both Alexander and Stampley discussed how much time and dedication it takes to get the final product seen at games, events and parades.

“In my experience at HBCUs our practice times have always been what other people in other bands would consider outrageous,” said Alexander. “At NCAT, we start practice at 5 p.m. and don’t get out until about 9 or 10 p.m.”

Stampley furthered Alexander’s point by explaining just how much preparation the bands go through to give a good show.

“We have all these things to remember and we’re constantly practicing to make sure that everything is perfect before we go out and showcase it,” said Stampley. “I’m not saying that PWI bands don’t practice but I know from being in an HBCU band the amount of effort and work and bloodshed and tears that’s given to our band programs.”

The effort put into many HBCU band programs certainly isn’t in vain. Schools such as Morgan State and Howard University have had the opportunity to play for President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris. Meanwhile other bands like Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands won a Grammy earlier this year for their gospel album “The Urban Hymnal.” All HBCU bands have been able to provide a great deal of exposure to their schools and even the conferences they fall into.

“The role that marching bands bring to HBCUs is exposure. Most people haven’t experienced or seen a HBCU band in person, they’ve mostly just seen it on social media,” said Samario Williams. “A lot of people who don’t know about the school itself usually recognize or know of the school’s band when it comes to HBCUs.”

Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (Southern) is home of the Human Jukebox, where Williams played the sousaphone.

Whether they are opening the eyes of strangers and exposing them to all that their band programs have to offer or providing the soundtrack for an entire community of students, staff and alumni, HBCU bands are not only heard but also felt wherever they go. They really are defining what it means to “ Do it for The Culture.”

The post Listen to the Yard: How marching bands shape HBCU culture appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Jonathon Heyward will make history as the first Black and youngest person to ever lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra next month. 

Heyward will step into the role of BSO music director on Sep. 23 at the 2023 Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.

To celebrate Heyward’s five-year tenure and the opening of the BSO’s season a three-day celebration has been planned. On Sept. 22, a concert will be given at one of the BSO’s year-round locations, the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md. The BSO Gala will take place at the organization’s other year-round home, the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. That event will include performances by both BSO musicians and the Dance Theatre of Harlem and serve as Heyward’s official debut. Community members can also enjoy a BSO concert at Artscape on September 24.

Heyward spoke with the AFRO about his programming goals as BSO music director and how he will welcome the entire community into the classical music space.

“What I strive to do in our programming is make what we put on stage relatable. It starts with deepening our roots within the community to understand what they need from Maryland’s biggest arts organization, which is the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra,” Heyward said.

He further explained that, since being named the musical director of the BSO, he’s spent the last year looking into the local talent in the Baltimore area so that he can provide them with opportunities to present their talents in John Meyerhoff Hall, which Heyward referred to as “The Hall for All.” 

“The Meyerhoff is a concert hall for everyone. Putting our money where our mouth is, is really important as to how we go about that and making sure that we program for the community is a crucial part of my vision, goals and aspirations for the orchestra,” said Heyward.  

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is making space for the current Black talent that Charm CIty has to offer, all the while helping develop the next generation of musicians. 

Earlier this summer, the BSO partnered with local singer and activist Lea Gilmore for an event during Black Music Month in June. Gilmore spoke with the AFRO about her performance and discussed the importance of introducing and amplifying Black talent in artistic spaces that are not viewed as traditionally Black. 

“It’s important to the community that the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra be in the community,” stated Gilmore. “We decided this [was] the perfect opportunity to celebrate a holiday we’ve worked so hard for, and to really recognize the incredible importance of African-American music, song and spoken word.”

Gilmore further discussed how important music is to Black history and culture, while also noting that the contributions Black people have made to classical music is equally as important. 

“We really are a people that have had a soundtrack to our existence– it’s just a part of our being,” exclaimed Gilmore. “We pass music down from one person to the other, and from community to community.”

“It’s important that people realize there are some wonderful classical composers who are African American, and who have contributed to the history of this music,” said Gilmore.

BSO’s OrchKids program is focused on exposing the next generation of great musicians to classical instrumental music and helping them find their place in the world of symphonic music. The program is currently in seven schools in the Baltimore area. 

“OrchKids was founded by former BSO director Marin Alsop in 2008 and she had this goal to use music as a vehicle to help students develop transferable music and social skills,” explained Devin Harrington, associate director of programs at OrchKids. 

Harrington has been with OrchKids for three years and shared that part of his motivation for the work he does is remembering what it was like being one of the few people of color in a classical music space growing up. 

“I always felt like I was going into another world when I entered the doors to the Baltimore School for the Performing Arts,” recalled Harrington. “My household and neighborhood were so different from this place I was getting lessons at. It’s very important that our Black students be exposed to classical music because they need to know and understand that they belong.”

Much like Harrington, Heyward wants for classical music to feel like home for Black people. 

“I love this art form. I think it’s one of the most powerful and visceral art forms that you can experience and I think it truly is for everyone. I hope that people see my involvement as an artistic leader in an organization like this and realize that it really can be for everyone. That’s a huge responsibility that I don’t take very lightly,” said Heyward. “Artistic output of what we do really is indicative of making sure that everyone feels comfortable and feels at home coming to a symphonic performance.”

The post Jonathon Heyward set to debut as first Black music director of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 23 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, making right now the perfect time to learn how to recognize symptoms of the disease and what treatment options are available. 

Rev. Dr. Kevin Slayton of Northwood- Appold United Methodist Church (Northwood- Appold UMC) in Northeast Baltimore recently hosted a panel discussion regarding the second most deadly cancer to American men. 

“We are more likely to die from it and that’s because of a lack of information,” said Slayton. “I think that with the Black church being the center of Black life, it’s the place that we should have all conversations.”

For Slayton, the conversation is personal. He is a prostate cancer survivor and someone who recognizes the need for more education on the very common form of cancer.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, for African-American men, “one in six will develop prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease” when compared to “one in eight White men.”

The panel discussion at Northwood- Appold UMC was led by two gentlemen with a series of experiences and backgrounds with prostate cancer, one of them being Robert Ginyard. 

Ginyard is a fellow prostate cancer survivor who has begun to advocate and speak out about the risk of prostate cancer. He spoke with the AFRO to discuss his personal experience with prostate cancer and what other men can do to stay cognizant of the disease . 

AFRO: When did you receive your diagnosis? 

RG: I was diagnosed in 2010. I was 48-years-old at that point. My diagnosis came as a result of my annual physical. Each year, I would go to the doctor, of course, and get a physical. My doctor had noticed that my prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels were escalating, so he asked me to go see a urologist. Once I did see the urologists it was identified that prostate cancer was there.

AFRO: Did your cancer just kind of occur? 

RG: There was a family history of prostate cancer, my dad had prostate cancer. The thing about it is that I did not have any symptoms and that’s one of the things that I try to stress, in terms of early detection.With prostate cancer, a lot of times there are no symptoms and when you do finally come up with symptoms, then it’s typically because the cancer has spread.That’s why it’s important to get tested early enough so that if there is something there, it can be treated successfully.

AFRO: How did your treatment go ? 

RG: My treatment consisted of a radical prostatectomy, and that is the removal of the prostate gland. That was my initial treatment. There were some benign traces of the cancer left, and that was followed up with radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

AFRO:How long did it take you to be cancer free ? 

RG: With surgery, the follow up treatment with hormone therapy and then the radiation it took about six months in all. I recovered well after the treatments. I didn’t experience any erectile dysfunction that was long standing. I’ve been living cancer free and feeling good. 

AFRO: How can prostate cancer be fatal?

RG: It can be, of course, if it’s not treated. Sometimes if it’s so late in the game, in terms of finding out that you have the disease that’s why detection is the key. One, it increases your chances of survival. They say that typically, when prostate cancer is caught in its earliest stages [there is] a five year survival rate which is nearly 100 percent. That’s why it’s important to catch it in its earliest stages. The other thing is when you wait too late to get treatment, a lot of times the treatment cost goes up as well. I know some men that had late stage prostate cancer, and they’re still doing very well in terms of living a good life, but it has taken them a while because of their treatment being so intense.

AFRO: What is your advice to a man who is struggling to deal with prostate cancer diagnosis?

RG: I would encourage him to find his “why” in life, why it’s important to live. I think that’s the foundation. For me, it was my wife and my daughter’s, my mom, my brothers and sisters. That was the foundation for me.Then I think it’s important to follow up and do all the things that keep you around to experience more birthdays and celebrations and things of that nature. I’d say find out your reason to live and that, to me, will supersede any kind of hesitation that you may have with the healthcare system. I know, particularly for African American men, sometimes we come to the table with a little apprehension about what’s going on but knowing the importance of being healthy and being around for your family to me that’s the secret sauce is. Know your why and do any and everything to keep your good health.

AFRO: What advice do you have for all men regarding their prostate health ? 

RG: I would say please check with your family to find out if there’s a history of prostate cancer in the family and at your annual physical with your primary care physician, have a conversation with your doctor about a prostate cancer screening. Again, depending on what your age is, you want to make sure that if anything is there it’s detected early. My advice would be to make sure that it’s on your radar screen.

The post What to know about prostate cancer in the Black community: as told by two survivors appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

According to a 2022 report shared by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) “life expectancy at birth in the United States declined nearly a year from 2020 to 2021.”

Though the percentages vary from each demographic, Black people were reported to have a life expectancy that’s six years shorter than their White counterparts. The NCHS “life expectancy for Black people was only 70.8 years compared to 76.4 years for White people and 77.7 years for Hispanic people.”

History lessons may portray what 100 years of the African American experience is like, but to live and discuss it is a priceless privilege. As National Centenarian’s Day is celebrated each year on Sept. 22, the AFRO spoke with several Black elders who have defied the statistics by living to be 100 years old or older. 

Mary Smith is a 102-year-old native of Columbus, Ohio who has lived in the state all her life. She retired from her position as a dietician assistant at The Ohio State University Hospital in 1978 and now spends most of her days relaxing and enjoying strawberry ice cream.

“We were one of the first Black families to join Hope Lutheran Church. We had just moved into the neighborhood, and the pastor came around inviting us to come to Sunday service,” recalled Smith. “Before us, there weren’t any Black folks at Hope.”

Living before, during and after historical events like World War II and the Civil Rights Movement has provided African-American centenarians with many unique experiences. None of the elders we interviewed planned to make or be a part of history, they were simply living their lives. It wasn’t until much later that they realized the contributions they had made to this world.

“I was hired during the second World War because all of the men had gone off to serve and they needed workers. I worked as a porterette and I would call out the stations and help passengers on and off the train,” stated Maggie Hudson, 104, when explaining how she got her job as the first woman to work on the B&O railroad system. 

Hudson was a native of Shuqualak, Miss., before moving to Baltimore in 1943. She had the same duties as a traditional Pullman porter–a role that traditionally was filled by Black men. 

Through her position with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) system she blazed a trail for equal pay and women as an entirety. 

Much like Hudson, Smith also took on a position that was traditionally worked by a man when the United States got involved in WWII. She was one of the many women who worked in a factory and did the labor that is best portrayed by the Rosie the Riveter character. 

“During the day I worked at the hospital and at night my mother would watch my children while I went to work at the factory. I made parts for the fighter planes,” Smith explained. 

Like many others during that time, Hudson ended up making a career out of what she thought would just be a job. She did it because she enjoyed the work she did and the pay was nice, however this wasn’t the case for everybody. 

“When I went to art school I attended for about a year and then my wife got pregnant,” said 100-year-old Thomas Taylor. “I thought maybe I should get a position where I made better money. I needed to provide for everything we needed. That’s why I left art school, to get a job that was more efficient.”

Before moving to New York in 1952 for art school, Taylor served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the second World War. Once he returned from the war, Taylor worked in the steel mills in his hometown of Johnstown, Pa. before he pursued his education in art. He continued to work in the industrial field as a welder until he retired in 1983. 

Although his passion for the arts was one he never fully nurtured, he was grateful for the opportunity to work and provide for his family. He made personal sacrifices for the sake of his family. This is something that 100-year-old Doris Tate knows very well.

Tate is a native of Charm City and despite never getting the chance to be a full time teacher she worked in Baltimore City Public Schools in a series of roles. She was working as a substitute teacher when she retired in 1985. 

“For the last 79 years, I have kept and taken care of my son who has special needs. I look at it like this: God has a plan for all of us,” Tate expressed. “Evidently the plan he had for me was to give me this child that couldn’t take care of himself. I gave up what I wanted to do, which was go to college and be in the school system as a certified teacher. It’s something I wish I would’ve been able to do but I couldn’t do. My son still lives with me and I feel as though this is the plan that God had for me and I have accepted it.”

Even with a century’s worth of experiences under their belts, none of our interviewees are showing signs of slowing down. When asked about their secrets to a lengthy life, many of them attributed their grand age to them being blessed, noting that they didn’t do anything special to become a centenarian.

“I don’t know what my secret is. I haven’t done anything special to make myself live this long. Maybe it’s my belief in Jesus Christ, my savior that has kept me alive,” Smith shared.

Taylor shared similar sentiments.

“I had an ordinary life and I’ve never had any major illnesses. Truth be told, I think me living so long has a lot to do with who I married,” explained Taylor. “My wife was really into health and wellness so maybe that helped.”

The post An AFRO salute: Black centenarians share their experiences after a century of life appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The hip-hop genre and artists alike are celebrating 50 years of influence and impact in 2023. Rappers have undoubtedly shaped culture and helped to shape the perspective on the power of the Black dollar.

In 2022 hip-hop generated $15.9 billion off of music streams and purchases alone, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). 

“There’s a lot of opportunity in music. [We need] workers within the industry to keep all of this afloat,” stated Thaerin “Fluseph” Generette. “I will say though, a lot of the positions that people want within hip-hop aren’t as easily attainable as they may seem. I feel like everybody either wants to be an artist or be a CEO of a company.”

Generette has been working as an audio engineer, producer and videographer in the hip-hop industry for nearly seven years.

Hip-Hop has humble roots, however the multi-billion dollar industry is now known for the flashy and luxurious lifestyles many of its artists speak of in their music. As social media has become more popular, it has created a space for up-and-coming artists to share their music in a whole new way.

Artists such as Jack Harlow, Lil Uzi Vert and Megan The Stallion have benefitted from their songs being used on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Meanwhile other artists like PontiacMadeDDG and Chris Sails got their start as social media personalities and then transitioned into music due to their already established fame. 

“I believe that this new wave of influencers-turned-rappers can generate wealth, but it’s taking some hits on the culture and the music itself,” said Jeffrey “DEONRAPS” Chambers. “Hip-hop was never supposed to be a get-rich-quick scheme and as people begin to use it to replace a nine to five, it makes it hard to distinguish who is in it for the culture and who’s in it for the bread.” 

Chambers is a native of Queens, N.Y., and started off his hip-hop career initially working in media. While in school studying photography, he took advantage of the chance to use a camera and shoot his own music videos. He noted that photography helped him pursue hip-hop on a serious level. 

In the era of digital content creation and social media monetization, hip-hop has found itself in the center of it all. With careers like podcast host, social media manager and content creator now existing the possibility of profiting off hip-hop is attainable to more people. 

People have been able to replace their typical nine to five jobs with these new-aged positions and still create solid foundations for themselves and their families. Generette spoke to the AFRO about how people are able to have an impactful career in hip-hop despite without rapping or being in an executive position. 

“I know a few producers actually, who just make beats and they’re making lots of money just off of streaming, content creation and stuff like that. There’s so many different ways to make money,” said Generette. 

Much like Generette, Chambers also is happy to see more jobs available in the hip-hop industry, although he does feel like the appreciation and integrity of hip-hop music is getting lost along the way. 

“The way hip-hop has evolved, it’s created so many jobs but it’s also been kind of bittersweet,” said Chambers. “I think we’re making money right now in multiple ways [via] the internet with outlets like Tik Tok. It’s like it stopped being about the music at some point and people are just becoming influencers.”

Generette further noted that these careers often are a double-edged sword because it then causes people to believe that breaking into the hip-hop industry is easy without a full understanding of how the process actually works. He wants people to get into these positions well equipped and with a real chance of making a living.

“There’s always going to be an era of delusion to make the audience feel like,’yeah, I can do this easily,’ or ‘yeah, I can acquire this very quickly.’” explained Generette. “That’s how they sell it. If they make it look very easily attainable, then you’re gonna believe it. I feel like that’s how the industry got to where it is. The easier you make it look to other people, the more they’ll want to invest in or try to do the same thing.” 

Many independent and new hip-hop artists have to work as both an artist and a content creator to help market their music. It was noted that it isn’t a chore but it also isn’t something many artists expected to have to do. 

“I can only speak for myself but I’ve noticed that for a lot of creators, trying to work in your field of artistry and create content is such a hassle,” explained Devin “DevMaccc” Cousin. “I don’t mind creating content but I never thought it was going to be such a vital part of my marketing and have such an impact on artist careers.”

Cousin is a hip-hop and R&B artist from Jackson, Miss. His interest in rapping was first pursued during his childhood but he’s been seriously making music for about nine years.

The City with Soul native, discussed the power of social media and how he’s seen it benefit people in his close circle. Cousin explained that consistency and proper marketing techniques can truly catapult artists into positions to create generational wealth, especially in the world of hip-hop.

“My good friend Dear Silas put out a song called ‘I Ain’t Stressin Today’ and the way I’ve seen him capitalize on this one song alone is insane.Whether it’s merchandise, or the whole viral sensation thing,” explained Cousin. “I’ve seen him consistently push a product for over a year and so many people latched on to it, and helped build his brand. Just from him pushing one song because he knew it was a good product.” 

Kanye West stated “Havin’ money’s not everythin’, not havin’ it is,” in his song “Good Life” off his 2007 album “Graduation” and that’s a very simple way of explaining one of life’s most complex necessities: financial stability. However, Generette feels that one way you can create financial stability and maintain it is by putting your money into things that guarantee a return on your investment. 

“I know what it’s like to be poor but at the same time, I feel like there are some things that you can hold off on, for the betterment of our people,” Generette declared. “Buy that community center that you used to walk by all the time in your own city instead of spending it on a vehicle.”

Hip-hop has been a cash cow for a long time, and the use of social media has only made it easier for people to profit off of it. Although people like Chambers are fearful that the art will disappear and deplete in value as more people gain quick access to it, Cousin believes that it can maintain its worth while still being a source of serious revenue for people. 

“Someone told me ‘Each piece, each song, each poem that you create, treat it like your child,” said Cousin. “‘If you take care of it, like it needs to be taken care of when it gets older it will be able to take care of you.’”

The post Money makers: how hip-hop is financing a new generation of content creators appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts announced that Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson.Paak will be headlining the main stage on Sept. 22  at this year’s Artscape Festival. 

When the list of headliners for the three-day weekend event was first announced in August, singer and songwriter Kelly Rowland was scheduled to hit the stage on the first day, but this has since changed. Other artists such as Niles Rodgers & CHIC , along with Dr. Madd Vibe featuring Angelo Moore are due to hit the stage during Saturday’s portion of the festival.

In addition to Paak now headlining Friday’s portion of the festival, it has also been announced that an immersive fashion experience called “Project Artscape” will be offered this year. The exhibit is inspired by the vibrant fashion community in Charm City and will highlight local up-and-coming and professional designers that are bringing their creativity to center stage.

Baltimore’s Artscape is America’s largest free outdoor art festival and is scheduled to take place Sept. 22-24 from the 1300 to 1800 blocks of Charles Street and Mount Royal Avenue. This year’s festival is full of exciting visual artists, musicians, culinary delights and interactive family-friendly activities. To find out more information about the Artscape festival visit: www.artscape.org.

The post Baltimore Artscape festival announces change in headliner appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Wr1iter,
abrent@afro.com

Maryland Public Television (MPT) is hosting their fourth annual HBCU week from Sept. 4 to Sept. 10. The week-long series of special broadcasts is dedicated to recognizing the importance and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

MPT’s HBCU centered programming for the upcoming week is a part of their “Standing Against Racism: Fostering Unity Through Dialogue” initiative.

“It’s important to continue to showcase both the history and the contemporary relevance of HBCUs truly as a roadmap, and a role model for America,” said Travis Mitchell, senior vice president and chief content officer of MPT. “Despite how the political winds have blown, HBCUs have figured out a way to stand even when it seemed that the burden was too heavy.”

Mitchell is a proud alum of Morgan State University and has family ties to Shaw University located in Raleigh, N.C. Like many people who have attended and graduated from HBCUs, he is passionate about his alma mater and interested in promoting Black colleges and all that they have to offer.

“If we really want to talk about the importance of HBCUs, and why we must continue to advocate for them and communicate for them, it’s because it’s in America’s vital interest to learn from them,” stated Mitchell. “It’s in America’s vital interests to emulate them. It’s in America’s vital interest to look at how institutions have taken financial lemons and made lemonade. Most importantly, it’s in America’s vital interest to invest in HBCUs because by doing so, you invest seeds today that will produce a future harvest of believers for tomorrow.”

Cheyney University, in Pennsylvania, was founded in 1837 as the first HBCU to come into existence. Since then, a total of 107 HBCUs have been founded in the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These institutions have rich histories that have not only shaped their students and alumni, but the nation in its entirety.

Throughout their existence, HBCUs have served as grounds for some of America’s most groundbreaking events while educating some of our nation’s most prominent Black figures.

People such as Mississippi civil rights leader Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King Jr., Vice President Kamala Harris and Justice Thurgood Marshall all graduated from HBCUs. The programming shown throughout the week will focus on all things related to HBCU culture, including Black art, athletics, music and Black Greek life.

“It’s this smorgasbord effect that gives people an opportunity to taste the culture of HBCUs, value the history of HBCU and understand the current contemporary impact of HBCUs,” shared Mitchell. “We wanted to give people not just history, but we wanted to give them culture. We didn’t want to just give them culture, we want to give them contemporary, relevant news that can really demonstrate how HBCUs are continuing to serve their local communities and impact the areas that they reside in.”

MPT will host activities ahead of the official start of HBCU week. On Sept. 1 the HBCU Week Virtual Career Opportunity Forum will start at noon. Following this, viewers will be able to tune into the variety of original programming created by MPT throughout the week.

On Sept. 4 at 8 p.m., viewers can tune in to “Artworks: Dreamer,” featuring Morgan State alumna Jasmine Barnes and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, in tribute to two of Maryland’s most influential figures: Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. MPT debuted separate documentaries on Douglass and Tubman last year.

Black bands will be put under the spotlight with the documentary “Sounds of the Game” at 9 p.m. on Sept. 4.

“The Morgan Choir: A Joyful Celebration,” will air at 9:30 p.m. on the same night, highlighting the work of the award winning voices from Morgan State University.

On Sept.6 “Afro Blue: A Year in the Life,” a special about Howard University’s jazz vocal ensemble group will be showing at 10 p.m. Shortly after that, “A Bridge to Justice: The Life of Franklin H. Williams will show at 10:30 p.m.

MPT will offer special programming on Sept.8 to honor legendary anthropologist and author, Zoe’s Neale Hurston. On Sept. 9 viewers can get a “Sneak Peak: Inside the CIAA” and learn about the Morgan State Lacrosse team.

The week will close out with documentaries on Hampton University and Delaware State. On Sept. 10 there will also be a showing of the “State Circle Special: Innovative Programs at Maryland’s HBCUs.”

To see the full schedule of specials visit mpt.org/hbcu/

The post Maryland Public Television to host fourth annual HBCU week appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Local singer and vocal powerhouse, Gabby Samone is preparing to hit the stage in a personal tribute to legendary vocalist, Whitney Houston. Before her big performance on Aug. 30 at Keystone Korner Gabby Samone spoke with the AFRO about what fans can anticipate from the show and what this opportunity means to her. 

AFRO: What made you want to do a tribute show to Whitney Houston ?

GS:  I grew up listening to her and watching her. I’ve always been inspired by how powerful her voice was, and how entertaining she was. She didn’t just sing, she spoke to us. Her stage presence was amazing and she touched people’s hearts, that’s what inspired me to want to do that.

AFRO: Can you discuss how she’s influenced your career as an entertainer ?

GS: I grew up in the church, and I grew up as this shy girl who didn’t really know her voice used to sing super light and I didn’t know that my voice was powerful until I started to get a little older. I started watching Whitney more and she inspired me to sing out. I started to develop my voice more andI learned how powerful my voice was just from watching her. She inspired me to touch people instead of just singing. 

AFRO: What can guests anticipate from the show 

GS: They can expect to  be entertained, and to feel Whitney. I’m not trying to be Whitney but I really want to give them a show and give tribute to one of the greatest artists ever. There’s going to be a lot of talent there that night. Guests should be ready to have a good time.

AFRO: What made you want to collaborate with the other companies and businesses involved in this show ? 

GS: Keystone [Korner] is iconic, there’s always some amazing talent there. It’s no better place to be to celebrate somebody like Whitney.

AFRO: What is the biggest thing you want to continue to uphold regarding Whitney Houston’s legacy?

GS: I want to continue real music, real talent and just grace and elegance. It’s not a lot of artists out there that are still trying to hold on to the grace and elegance of things. I just want to bring that back. The power in people’s voices can touch people, and the message. I want to bring back the message in music as well.

AFRO: What songs are going to be sung on Aug. 30 at Keystone Corner?

GS: The setlist has a lot of her hits. ‘You Give Good Love’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ –of course you can’t do a tribute without that song. I’ll be singing ‘I Have Nothing’,‘The Greatest Love of All.’ I’ll also be singing a few of her upbeat songs. 

AFRO: What does this opportunity mean to you 

GS: This opportunity means the world to me. I’ve always wanted to sing her songs to people and touch people so this opportunity means a lot to me.

The post Keystone Korner to feature Gabby Samone in Whitney Houston tribute appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com 

On Aug. 22 Mayor Brandon M. Scott and acting police commissioner Richard Worley held the fourth community engagement meeting at Shake and Bake Family Fun Center. Throughout the meeting members of the community were able to bring the issues they are most concerned about to the attention of Scott and Worley. 

“Making Baltimore the safest version of itself is going to take every single one of us getting involved in our community and discussing the ways forward and really deeply engaging with one another,” stated Scott during his welcoming remarks. 

Matters such as the enforcement of curfews, the Squeegee Collaborative, racial profiling by police and neighborhood safety were brought up during the 90 minute town hall. Residents questioned wrongful arrests and police corruption. They also asked why Baltimore Police Department officers often sit back and watch open air drug markets around the city.

“Mr. Worley, what are you going to do to help Black men like me have trust in people in departments like yours?,” questioned Bolon Zahir Xi Amaru, formerly known as Reynard Parks. “I work with kids ages nine to 15 in this neighborhood every day. I have over 100 videos on my phone of your police watching these people commit crimes.” 

The crowd applauded as Amaru pleaded his case and questioned the two community leaders. 

“ getting our officers out of the cars, getting them on their feet into schools to start to learn and make relationships with the young people,” explained Worley. “No one should have to sit and watch anybody sell drugs– our job is to address it. We can address it now and we will address it.”

During the meeting there were many other complaints from citizens sharing similar sentiments and wanting solutions to the problems that are plaguing their neighborhood. 

Shortly after Amaru, Sean Weston took the mic and shared the problems he’s been dealing with, attributing many of them to Councilwoman Sharon G. Middleton. 

“I own the Stonepit Bar and Grill which I have been trying to get open for the last four years,” explained Weston. “Since those four years I’ve had several other ethnic groups come in and open up businesses in my community and I have not been able to open up the Stonepit Grill as of yet.”

Mayor Scott was able to refer citizens to a series of community resources, organizations and initiatives that are taking place to help address the issues in the Pennsylvania Avenue area. When the topic of loitering, littering and drug activity were brought up, he mentioned the work that is being done by the community and noted that these particular issues are going to require more personal responsibility from those in the neighborhood. 

“We actually partnered and are working with the folks in the area to make this a clean core community,” Scott explained. ”We’re paying people– some of the reentering citizens– to get out there and clean. If we’re going to continue doing that we’re going to need a lot more help in doing that.”

“We also have to have a little bit more self responsibility for us in the community. I know after talking to some of the folks here who go out and participate in these cleanups that they get frustrated that after they clean up all this trash, people come and just dump trash right next to the place that they just cleaned,” said Scott. 

Worley is currently only acting as police commissioner and hasn’t been officially sworn in yet. Ahead of the community meeting, the mayor spoke on what  residents can do if they disagree with Worley becoming the next commissioner.

“We talked to thousands of residents in the City of Baltimore prior to the city council making a decision whether he’s going to come to me to be sworn in,” said Scott. “This is why they elected those individuals–to make those decisions. That’s how this process is going to work and we’ll see how that goes.”

 If residents are not in agreement with Worley officially taking on the role of BPD commissioner, they should reach out to their council member. 

To find information on who your council member is, please visit https://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/council-members.

The next community meeting will be held on Aug. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the National Federation of the Blind located at 200 E. Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230.

The post Baltimore residents sounds off in community engagement meetings with Mayor Scott and Acting Commissioner Worley appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO News Writer,
abrent@afro.com

August is National Black Business Month and organizations all across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area are hosting events in light of the occasion. 

According to the 2020 Census, cities such as Hampton, Va. and Baltimore are amongst 20 areas with the highest Black population in the nation, making them the perfect locations for the series of events that have been going on this month. Whether you’re already a Black business owner or you’re trying to become one, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are the places to be during Black Business Month. 

Washington, D.C.

Black Business Tour

Melanin Queen Creative (MQC) is hosting a “Sunday Funday” outing on Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in honor of National Black Business Month. Guests are welcomed to join MQC as they visit Black and Forth, a 7,500 square foot retail community space that hosts a Black farmers market on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Black and Forth is located at 2201 Channing St., NE, Washington, D.C. 20018. 

DJ’s Event Planning: Event Proposal and Contracts Workshop with Sharde Hoff 

On Aug. 21, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. DJ’s Event Planning will be holding a virtual event that will allow attendees to have access to expert legal information from a contract specialist, learn the importance of incorporating contracts into events, contract writing, how to write proposals for sponsored events and much more. Owner of DJ’s Event Planning, DeShawna Jones, will be speaking along with event producer and contract specialist, Sharde Hoff. The event is virtual and tickets for the event can be purchased at DJseventplanning.com for $50.

Maryland 

National Black-Owned Business Month Panel

Business owners will gather virtually to answer questions as they grace the Baltimore County Public Library panel from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. virtually. They will share their inspiration for starting a business, obstacles that they have overcome and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Those who are interested in registering can sign up on the Baltimore County Public Library website up to an hour before the event. 

Impact Hub Baltimore: Black Business Month Meetup

Impact Hub Baltimore (IHB) is ending Black Business Month on a high note by hosting a Black Business Month Meetup on Aug. 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event will be used for networking but also as a way of celebrating Charm City’s Black entrepreneurs. Attendees will be provided resources for their business, meet other small business owners and will have the opportunity to share and gain knowledge with fellow entrepreneurs. The free event is being held at the IHB office which is located at 10 E. North Ave., Baltimore, Md. 21202.

Virginia 

Unveiling Brilliance: Black Business Owners Connect 

Virginia based tech company Technikole Solutions is collaborating with Black Multiverse Enterprises to invite Black owned businesses in the Alexandria, Va., area to come enjoy an evening of business connections, discovery and empowerment at their networking event. Guest and business owners can anticipate the opportunity to foster their networks and discover what local Black business owners have to offer. The event is being held at the Wegmans in the Carlyle District from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 24. Tickets for the event vary in price starting at $45 and going up to $250. 

Empower Me: Third Annual Black Businesses Showcase 

The weekend of Aug. 26 the Springfield, Va., community will have the opportunity to shop with over 30 Black owned businesses at the Black Businesses Showcase presented by Empower Me. The weekend-long event will be held at the Center Court Springfield Town Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets to the event are free for guests, however vendors have the option of participating on either Saturday, Sunday or both days for a fee that ranges from $200 to $300. 

Happily Natural: The Black Farm Tour 

Join Happily Natural for their first Black Farm Tour on Aug. 25. The tour will spotlight four Black owned, urban farms in the central Virginia area. The goal of the event is to introduce community members to Black farmers in the area, all the while informing guests about food justice, climate resiliency and how important land is to Black liberation. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. guests will visit each of the farms where a Black culinary artist will be demonstrating how to cook using the produce harvested at each site. The four farms featured on this year’s tour are Sankofa Community Orchard, Petersburg Oasis Community Farm, 5th District Mini Farm and Broad Rock Community Garden. Guests will be picked up on tour buses from The African Burial Grounds in Shockoe Bottom and taken to each farm, following the tour they’ll be brought back to the burial grounds for a libation ceremony. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.com for $35. 

Virtual Options

Small Business Day

The Georgia Crowdfund and The Velocity Company launched Small Business Day for small startup companies. At the event, they will share their 5 step start up process and provide a network of experts who will help educate attendees on the dos and don’ts of managing a small business. The objective of the event is to launch 1,000 plus businesses in a 4 hour window. The event seeks to help those looking for viable business ideas and provides information to put entrepreneurs on an accelerated path to the next level. 

The post Meetings and events for National Black Business Month in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The 60th anniversary of the March on Washington (MOW) is quickly approaching and the Annapolis community has a weekend full of events planned to celebrate the momentous occasion. March reenactments, a church service and a youth program will all take place, along with other celebrations happening throughout the weekend of Aug. 26. 

“We will walk through the city of Annapolis down the historic Clay Street, which is a historically Black street,” Rev. Dr. Tamara E. Wilson, former chair of the Commission on African American History and Culture, told the AFRO. “While we’re walking past the Banneker Douglass Museum, there will be a mural that will depict the history of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and then as we get downtown, there will be a youth program that starts at the exact hour that we leave the stadium.”

“The youth program will be highlighting young people from around the state that participated in an art and oral and written contest where they share their thoughts on the March on Washington and its impact on them as young people there,” said Wilson. 

The march reenactment program will conclude with a theatrical presentation. Audiences will experience what it would be like to sit down and listen in on a discussion about the march between civil rights legends Gloria Richardson and Dorothy I. Height. Following this will be the beginning of the main program on the city dock. 

Leaders from a variety of social institutions will be speaking during the program. This includes a panel discussion about negro women freedom fighters, to be led by Karsonya Wise Whitehead,Ph.D.

“We have speakers from the faith based community speaking on the community and the fight for social justice. We’ll have labor movement speakers and judicial speakers. The president of Morgan State University, David Wilson,Ed.D., will be there speaking on education,” Wilson said.

The commission and the Caucus of African American Leaders started planning for the series of events last September. Several other organizations, such as the Banneker Douglass Museum, the United Black Clergy and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, have also helped plan the weekend. The idea for the celebration was created and overseen by the honorable Carl Snowden and is being used as an opportunity to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and address local issues that are of current concern to the community. 

Wilson shared that following the weekend of events she’s hoping that people take what they learned back to their communities and utilize it as they address the ongoing issues they’re facing. 

“Together, we can be the dream as we commemorate, educate and activate. We expect that you will leave there ready to be activated and to go back into the community and address those issues that continue to impact our people,” Wilson said.

Emphasizing the importance of not only commemorating but educating ourselves on events such as the March on Washington, Wilson shared just how vital it is that we continue to uphold the legacy of historically Black events. 

“I think that we can’t move forward until we really reckon with the past, and truly understand what has occurred. We just can’t forget,” said Wilson. “Unfortunately, many people today are choosing to rewrite history and to say that what happened did not happen.It’s not enough for us to just commemorate it and say, it happened.”

“We have to make sure that we’re educating ourselves, young people, older people and reminding everyone that this is what we’ve had to do in order to get the freedoms that we have.”

The first part of the event will begin on Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Annapolis City Dock. The second part of the celebration will take place on Aug. 27 Fresh Start Church. The program starts at 3p.m. You can register for both days on Eventbrite

The post Annapolis hosts state-wide celebration for the March on Washington’s 60th Anniversary appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@AFRO.com

For well over a century the AFRO has made it a priority to focus on and report headlines that are most relevant to the African-American community. Since its founding in 1892, the AFRO has been front and center for local, national and international news. As the historic news organization celebrates their 131st birthday, those who have been impacted by and worked with the AFRO are recognizing the magnitude of this milestone.

“Being born and raised in Baltimore, the AFRO was something you were familiar with. We knew it was for us and it was by us,” said Sen.Cory McCray (D-Md.-45). “When you think about our community’s story there is no other publication telling our stories the way that it deserves.”

In year 131, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO, noted that the company’s community involvement is what’s helped build their reputation for being a known pillar in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area. 

“I think the AFRO has a good reputation for being a part of the community,” Draper said. “We report through various platforms and we provide information for the African-American communities we serve. The AFRO is a known entity and we report the kind of news that you cannot easily find in other places.”

Sharing that it has always been a priority of the AFRO’s to tell stories that advance and promote the African-American race, Draper explained that they pride themselves on shining a light on organizations and people who are from all aspects of life. 

“The AFRO has been the main source of news and information affecting Black people in the greater Baltimore and Washington area. The AFRO was and still is what many of us depend on to get the other side of the story,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.). “Since 1892, when Mr. Murphy first founded the paper, it always had credibility in the general community but more specifically the Black community because it is the source of news that you don’t get elsewhere.”

“It’s important for us all to say that we support the AFRO and we always will. They’re a news source that represents us as a race of people,” Mfume added. 

Draper said lifting up leaders and common folk alike is crucial to the AFRO. 

“We are most impactful when we report on events and people that you would not necessarily know,” said Draper. “They don’t have to commit a crime or be famous to make the front pages of the AFRO. We pride ourselves on being able to highlight people from all over.” 

The AFRO is the oldest Black owned business in the state of Maryland and with a series of archives that rival the Smithsonian; there’s no denying their rich history. The company’s constant desire to report news in a way it’s never been done before is what’s helped the media organization continue to be a staple within the Black press and the many areas they serve.

Thanks to technology they’ve been able to fulfill the dreams of their founder, John H. Murphy Sr., while innovating and growing into a multifaceted multimedia company.

“The AFRO is an historic institution that for 131 years has remained a key leader, partner, and source of knowledge and truth,” said Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore. “The AFRO is vital to our state’s legacy and future. We thank them for preserving Maryland’s diverse history and reporting on our culture with the integrity we deserve.”

McCray thanked the AFRO for providing not only news to the African-American community but hope and inspiration as well.

 “Thank you for being the most authentic [publication]. Thank you for celebrating Black excellence through and through,” said McCray. “Everytime I look at the AFRO, I know who I am and I feel confident that I can do anything that I want to do. The AFRO has delivered impeccable service over the last 131 years and I’m excited about their future.” 

“The AFRO might have been started by a man named Murphy, but the AFRO is not just made up of Murphy family,” said Draper. “There are people who have joined our team, over the years and who are currently still a part of our team, that are dedicated to this mission, and I just want to say how much I personally appreciate them.” 

Just as the AFRO has helped the community– the community has supported the AFRO. One does not exist without the other and this week, the AFRO would like to thank all of the readers and followers for their support over the decades. 

Here’s to 131 years of Black news, Black culture and Black lives that matter: Happy Birthday AFRO!

The post A time to celebrate: the AFRO marks 131 years of excellence appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

Aug.11 marks the official 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. In 50 years it has grown from a genre of music to a culture that has impacted the world. Although Hip-Hop was started in the Bronx, N.Y., artists around the world have contributed to the genre, resulting in a wide array of music, clothes and dance. 

This week the AFRO spoke with some of Baltimore’s most legendary and up-and-coming rappers about how Hip-Hop has influenced them. 

Sir-Titus “Yung Easy” Sessions told the AFRO that Hip-Hop has helped him evolve.

“I was going through a lot and on “American Gangster,” Jay-Z was hitting home with a lot of songs for me,” said Yung Easy.“That album showed me that it was possible to grow.”

Yung Easy is a professional rapper and studio engineer who was born and raised in Charm City. He’s been rapping for about 15 years and is currently working with rapper, Jason “Jadakiss” Phillips, who he credited with being one of his biggest influences. He noted that working under and learning from Jadakiss has been just as fulfilling as he hoped it would be. 

“I mirror a lot of things he does because he’s a legend and I’m still willing to be a student,” said Yung Easy. 

Hip-Hop has gone through many changes and phases throughout its 50 years, but the way it inspires people seems to be timeless. Relatable lyrics continue to inspire new artists who are breaking the proverbial “ceiling” and blazing new trails.

“Back in the day you couldn’t really get on the radio here,” expressed Julian “Huli Shallone” Allen. “It was a few other artists along with myself that were rapping and could get played on the radio. I’m one of the pioneers that was able to get their songs played.” 

Huli Shallone is known for being one of the first rappers from the Baltimore area to receive airplay on the local radio stations.

Much like Yung Easy, Allen was influenced by some of Hip-hop’s most recognizable names such as LL Cool J, Jay-Z and Tupac. He has since begun to pass the torch on to up-and-coming rappers in the Baltimore area, helping them navigate the rap game.

“Nowadays when rappers get on, I’m like the Godfather and they refer to how I did it,” Allen exclaimed. “They say ‘We have to do it like Huli Shallone did it,’ and they use my name at seminars at the radio station explaining how I got played. I’m able to bring fatherly love and advice to the Baltimore music community.”

Hip-Hop doesn’t exist without community and many artists start off rapping by discussing what they know: home. From artists like Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five to Kendrick Lamar, discussing the struggles that take place in everyday life has always been a part of hip-hop’s authenticity. 

What began in 1973 at a back to school party has criss-crossed the globe time and time again. 

The AFRO previously reported on the history of Hip-Hop and some of the key players. DJ Kool Herc, born Clive Campbell, is considered the “Father of Hip-Hop.”

Herc was the first person to use turntables with two vinyl records to focus on the “breakdown” part of a crowd’s favorite songs– the part where people could really dance. 

He debuted his style of going back and forth between vinyl records to play popular dance breaks back-to-back at a party hosted by his sister, Cindy Campbell. The event was a back-to-school event that came about when Campbell decided to raise additional money for school clothes. Fifty years later, what the two Jamaican immigrants began in the Bronx has become so much more than an elongated dance break.

Hip-Hop has been used to comment on all aspects of life, including love, friendships, betrayals and triumphs.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five made people rethink the state of urban America with their hit “The Message” in 1982. Over the years, everything from domestic abuse to civil and human rights have been addressed through the genre. 

“Nas’ album “It Was Written” really influenced me. The lyrical content on that album really spoke to me in a different way,” explained Travis “Bossman” Holifield. “It made me want to take music and hip-hop and my expression seriously. I would read the back of the lyrics outside on the stoop while we were hustling. Some of the things he was saying were so vivid to what was happening with my surroundings. It gave me an outlook on how to never get trapped in that state of mind.” 

Bossman is a recording artist and the CEO of Get Money Music Group. He currently lives in Los Angeles, but he’s a native of Baltimore and that’s where he started his rap career. In 2003, Holifield released his single “Land of the Oh” which was featured on his 2004 project, “Law and Order.” The project sold 10,000 copies and landed him a 1.5 million dollar deal with Virgin records.

“Still, to this day it has impacted a lot of lives in the younger generations in Baltimore. [The project] was like Baltimore’s own “Illmatic.” We had an entire neighborhood behind us, said Bossman. “We did everything from throwing our own tours in the school system, I had multiple records on the radio, selling out in-store signings. I currently still have that impact and I’m celebrating the 20th anniversary of that.” 

Hip-Hop has only been around for half a century and yet so much has been accomplished on its behalf. Yung Easy explained that he’s excited to see how hip-hop grows in the next 50 years.

“I just want to continue to see it growing throughout the world and let everybody know that it doesn’t just reside where it was rooted. I want hip-hop to continue touching the world and doing it’s thing. I love hip-hop,” he said.

The post Baltimore artists discuss Hip-Hop on the genre’s 50th anniversary appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

It can be hard to support someone as they navigate grief. It’s even harder helping a child process one of life’s biggest challenges– but in many Black communities, conversations about  death are happening earlier and earlier as youth increasingly become victims of violent crime.

Grief is a feeling that comes in phases and its never chronological. Many children who lose a loved one can spend their entire lives mourning and grieving them. 

“Grief is a natural, normal, healthy response to loss of any kind,” said Brennan Wood, executive director of The Dougy Center. “It’s a natural human experience that we all go through and I think it’s really important when we’re talking about kids and families who’ve experienced loss.’

The Dougy Center was founded in 1982 and the organization was the nation’s first childhood bereavement center. The Dougy Center is highly acclaimed and is a model for other child bereavement centers across the nation. Wood is an alum of the program and has been involved with The Dougy Center since 1987.

Wood explained that although children are resilient, providing them with resources and support is vital to experience grief in a healthy way.

“We recognize that having an experience where you deal with loss, you’re going to grieve because you’re human and there is nothing wrong with grieving,” she said.

Here are three ways to support kids’ mentally as they grieve.

1. Encourage them to grieve and acknowledge their emotions 

Wood recommends encouraging children to grieve so that they don’t hold on to the heavy  emotions related to grief in an unhealthy way. 

“Grieving is something that we all go through, that we all need to experience in this life as a human. We grieve as deeply as we feel all the other myriad of human emotions and I think that one thing that we don’t get right as a culture is, understanding that grief is natural and normal and healthy,” said Wood.

 She explained that grief is a very natural feeling and working through it is absolutely necessary in order to learn how to properly deal with death.

2. Create a support system for grieving children 

“About 90 percent of all children can get through grief if they have support, and that support usually isn’t medical support. It’s the support of their peers, mentors and programs,” said Catherine Jaynes, Ph.D, CEO of the Children’s Collaborative for Healing and Support. 

“We’re hoping that we are building systems in which we can identify these children and connect them to the support they need so that we can ensure that they have a chance at a healthy grief journey,” she said.

The Children’s Collaborative for Healing and Support was launched as an initiative of COVID Collaborative, an organization founded in 2020 that brought together top experts in health education, and the economy to help combat the impact of COVID-19. Amidst this work, the organization found out that the disease had left hundreds of thousands of children without a parent or caregiver. 

Both Jaynes and Wood noted that children often feel alone in their grieving processes and feel like no one understands what they’re going through. However, creating a support system for them that consist of both adults and peers is extremely helpful.

“We bring kids together who’ve had a similar experience in their family because oftentimes, adults don’t know what to say to kids when hard things are happening. However, kids who are going through something similar do provide support to one another,” said Wood.

3. Educate yourself about children’s grief

“The more information that we know about understanding grief, the more powerful it is for families and children,” said Sarah Kernan, a bereavement counselor for Chesapeake Life Center at Hospice of the Chesapeake. “We do informationals about what grief is and signs to observe in your child and what to do. It’s important to learn that information and have that empowerment.”

Chesapeake Life Center at Hospice of the Chesapeake was founded in 1979 and they are a nonprofit, community-based organization that focuses on providing physical, psycho-social, spiritual and grief support services to individuals living with and affected by advanced illness. 

Wood discussed the importance of educating yourself about children’s grief process, explaining that the impact of loss and grief on children is becoming an issue for communities more than we recognize.

“What has happened is that there’s a little more public awareness about the impact of loss and grief, and I think we need to take that as an opportunity to really inform our communities and the country about the impact of loss and grief,” said Wood. “We need to realize that this is an emerging public health situation that we need to address.”

The post Three ways to mentally support youth as they grieve the loss of a friend or loved one appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Parents, students and educators are appalled at Florida’s new education standard regarding the teaching of Black history in public schools. In the updated standard, it noted that middle school lessons must include “how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.” The new curriculum comes after Florida’s House Bill (HB) 7 which was passed last year and prevents students from learning lessons that imply anyone is privileged or oppressed based on their race or skin color.

Many Black families are concerned about their students receiving an education that is honest and accurate. 

“Seeing what’s going on in public schools nowadays helped us to make the decision that the public school setting was not going to give us the best experience for our child,” said Obafemi Kinsiedilele. 

Obafemi Kinsiedilele and his wife, Kwaeisi, are the founders of Blknproud Homeschoolin’ Village. The two have been homeschooling their children for five years. They recognized the need for community amongst fellow Black homeschoolers and created the company to help with this matter. 

“We both are students of education and early childhood development. We are both into our history and culture and we have an understanding that the public schools are only going to go so far with telling our story,” said Obafemi Kinsiedilele.

As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ongoing fight against “wokeness” has been catching national attention with many who agree with his stance, Black homeschoolers are sure that the controversial Florida standard will be duplicated.

“We’re going to have to educate our own people in order to change our trajectory, we’re going to have to do this.” Kwaeisi Kinsiedilele said. “Before they ever step their foot inside of the school you’re the one who is teaching them.”

Jania Otey has also been homeschooling her own children. Since 2007 she has been on a homeschooling journey. These days, she works to expand the cultural horizons of children through her program, Kids and Culture, which was founded in 2010. The program focuses on exposing and educating children about different cultures from around the world. 

“Florida was just the beginning. I believe we’re gonna see similar things popping up in other states, and we have to get ready. We need to be ready to ‘home educate’ our children,” said Otey.

Noting that the new Florida guidelines only reaffirm her decision to homeschool, Otey explained that she chose to homeschool her children so that she could assure she taught them the truth about their history and culture. 

“The guidelines set forth by Florida regarding Black history reaffirmed the importance of parents having control over their child’s education and teaching them the entire truth,” said Otey. “One thing that’s very concerning to me about this is that, as we continue on, individuals will want to rewrite the narrative. They’ll want to rewrite history.”

With limitations and lies beginning to affect the way Black history is being taught, many homeschoolers believe there’s going to be an increase in the amount of Black families that decide to homeschool their children. 

“I think that it may increase the number of particularly families of color, who decide to homeschool their children. Parents in Florida should take a careful look at what’s being done and research their options for homeschooling,” said Otey.

The new education standards have received a lot of backlash including comments from Vice President Kamala Harris.

“They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us. And we will not have it,” said Harris during her rally in Jacksonville, Fla., on July 21. 

“I want them to know that what they’re passing, it’s very insensitive and it’s not very considerate of the different voices that are important,” said Kwaeisi Kinsiedilele, speaking on the Florida guidelines. ”It’s minimizing hundreds and hundreds of years of rich information and history that would benefit the Black community there.”

CORRECTION: Jania Otey is the owner of Kids and Culture. Her last name was initially misspelled as Otney. 

The post Black homeschoolers speak on new education guidelines in Florida appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum currently has their “Afro-Futurist Manifesto: Blackness Reimagined” exhibit on display. The multi-medium art display is highlighting the idea of Afro-futurism and the many pioneers who have helped shape the ever growing subculture.

Afro-futurism is dynamic and isn’t easily defined; however, its inability to be limited is what inspired the exhibit at the Lewis museum.

“We thought it was a really cool topic to begin to have people think with the perspective of not ‘what is happening to us’ but ‘what we can create for us’,”stated Terri Lee-Freeman, president of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. She added, “Afro-futurism is whatever you decide it is.”

The exhibit was curated by Myrtis Bedolla and was on display in Venice, Italy, before making its way to Baltimore in March of this year.

Freeman noted that Afro-futurism isn’t new. There have been many historical Black figures that were Afro-futurists because what they imagined for Black people seemed impossible during their lives.

“Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass were Afro-futurists because they believed in Black liberation, which was a very futuristic perspective when they were alive. There are so many people that we can think of, and these historic characters were actually focused on the future of Black people,” said Freeman.

The full exhibit that was on display in Venice has been scaled down to feature eight artists, including pieces from talents such as M. Scott Johnson, Tawny Chatmon, Larry Cook, Delita Martin and Felandus Thames. Through their art, guests have been encouraged to think beyond what people have known Black life and culture to be like both historically and currently.

While guests of the museum are imagining, there are some people that are living and practicing Afro-futurism as a way of life.

“Afro-futurism is the amalgamation of our Black footprint within this planet and beyond. It’s how we kind of interpret that through arts, science, music, technology and religion. [Afro-futurism] is deeper than just a conversation, it is a full lifestyle and walking with your Blackness,” said DeNai “BFLY” Nixon.

Nixon is a local film producer and the co-founder of Blak Water production house. She and her husband, Kariz Marcel have been participating in the Afro-futurist lifestyle for nearly a decade. The two explained  how they incorporate Afro-futurism into different aspects of their lives.

“We incorporate Afro-futurism into our approach to fashion and we both incorporate very old and new things into our design aesthetic in general. We live as Afro-futurists to tap deeper into who we are as a people, and our abilities based upon what our past and history is,” said Marcel.” We reflect on how we’ve built so many things, and how it was natural for us to continue to build and combine time periods.”

Although Afro-futurism can be very complex, for some it’s as simple as Black people no longer being disadvantaged and breaking historical barriers that are thought to be everlasting. It is something that they as a people have to nurture today in order to see it grow tomorrow.

Freeman explained that Afro-futurism is based on what Black life and culture could look like. It’s a progressive movement that’s continuously pushing the boundaries on what Blackness is and the things that are associated with it.

“I believe that it is a look on what can be and it is not necessarily a current state. It’s about what the promise is. I think each person has to define it for themselves,” Freeman said. “ The future will be what we make it. It can be as wonderful as we want it to be but it’s going to take some effort, it’s not just going to happen.”

Nixon discussed the importance of Afro-futurism and how necessary it is in order to tell the many stories of the Black community.

“[It’s important] because it gives us a broader sense of the way we lead in business, the way we can create community and the way we’re able to communicate our vast experience of God. It’s really important to connect the diasporic experience here and abroad,” Nixon said.

The “Afro-Futurist Manifesto: Blackness Reimagined” exhibit has been open since March of this year and will be on display until Sept. 5. In addition to the exhibit, an artist panel will take place on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.

The post Reginald F. Lewis Museum exhibit highlights Afro-futurism movement appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Prince George’s Cultural Art Foundation (PGCAF) held the 13th annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival from July 12-16. The multi-day series of events included festivities at multiple venues and a wide range of activities for this year’s attendees. 

The festival was filled with much more than great jazz music. The five-day event kicked off with a VIP unplugged kickoff reception, held at WellSpring Manor and Spa. The itinerary leading up to the main concert included events such as celebrity golf outings, wine tours, meet and greets and an all white affair. 

“The artist lineup was excellent,” said Kevin Alexander, PGCAF board president. “The highlight would be the national artists. [We had] Najee on Thursday, with Frank McComb. Pieces of a Dream and Mike Phillips performed on Friday. And WAR! was our headliner on Saturday, but we had a host of national acts.”

The five-day music event was founded by Alexander in 2009 and was initially a free, one-day event in the Lake Arbor area. Over the years, the festival has grown to draw an audience of over 10,000 people. 

The main concert was held on July 15 at the Lake Arbor Community Center and over 3,000 people attended the live music experience. Guests were able to enjoy the sounds of artists like Jazmin Ghent, Rebecca Jade, Kim Scott, The BlackByrds, Nicholas Cole and Marcus Anderson. Legendary, soul-funk band WAR! headlined this year’s concert. 

“Having been raised in DC in the 60’s and 70’s singing along with The Blackbryds and WAR! was an absolute thrill,” commented one attendee, Renaire Rivers. 

The festival is a fundraiser put on by PGCAF and proceeds from the festival go to the PGCAF Scholarship Fund which provides funding to college-bound students attending a four year college or university. 

Sponsors such as Outback Steakhouse and Xfinity have worked with the organization before and returned to help make this year’s festival a success along with some new sponsors, including George Mason Mortgage and The AFRO.

A variety of venues in the Lake Arbor area were used to host the series of events that took place, including the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino, Oak Creek Golf Course, Two Lions Winery and Robin Hill Farms Winery. 

“We spread throughout Prince George’s County, with venues such as Wellspring Manor and Spa, the Lake Arbor Community Center and the performing arts center at Prince George’s Community College,” said Alexander. “We gave our guests a combination of indoor and outdoor festival activities throughout the entire weekend.”

Fans can anticipate the line-up of events and headliners for the 2024 Lake Arbor Jazz Festival to be announced in November of this year. 

The post Lake Arbor Jazz Festival returns for thirteenth year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Tonee Lawson is the founder and executive director of TheBe. Org, a local nonprofit organization that focuses on encouraging and nurturing youth to live above their socially-imposed limitations to develop their character, talents and leadership skills allowing them to go beyond a dream and achieve remarkable excellence.

TheBe. Org grew out of a leadership development program for girls that Lawson led on behalf of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. After receiving positive feedback from the participants of the program, members of the community and her sorors she was encouraged to make the initiative bigger and to start a non-profit organization.

However, it was the discouragement a family friend felt amidst her transition from middle to high school that truly left Lawson inspired to do more.

“I was having a conversation with a family friend who was struggling with the transition from middle school,” Lawson explained. “She ended up saying that no one from Baltimore ever makes it. That broke my heart for her to feel so defeated at such a young age and for her to feel that she was not worthy of success.”

Lawson has an extensive background in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with degrees in biology, molecular-biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and biotechnology. Considering science was something that always came naturally to her, she chose to focus on STEM to help others find their untapped potential in the ever-growing field.

“The tech and STEM market here in Baltimore is severely underrepresented by Black people.There are lots of opportunities there but not a lot of local talent is sourced for those jobs. It’s an untapped job market with such earning potential and not a lot of our young people explore that arena,” said Lawson.

In addition to STEM, TheBe. Org also focuses on social and emotional learning. Essential life skills such as confidence, social awareness, leadership and self awareness are taught in an after-school setting to help prepare students for success following high school.

“[TheBe. Org] is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of for those interested in a STEM career and it’s never bad to try out new things. It can help you figure out what you want to do for a career,” stated Deshawn Cornish, an alumni of the program and a freshman theater arts major at Morgan State University.

Although Cornish doesn’t plan on pursuing a career in STEM he noted how much he enjoyed being exposed to a new field and the vigor that came along with learning to code.

Dymonta Murray is a current participant of the program and expressed similar sentiments, sharing how fun yet challenging his time with TheBe. Org has been. Murray is preparing for his senior year of high school at ConneXion: A Community Based Arts School and is interested in majoring in computer science when he goes to college.

“I’ve always had a pretty easy time in class when it came to coding, so I thought this was going to be the same. It ended up being way more difficult than I expected. I feel like learning to expect challenges and to try hard for what I want to do is the most important thing I’ve gained from the program,” shared Murray.

As the organization approaches their 10 year anniversary they’re looking to deepen their impact and to reach more schools. One of their goals is to continue to not only source local talent but also develop it with hopes of having an overall greater impact on the Baltimore community.

“It’s important [Black youth get exposed to STEM opportunities] so that they can see themselves in careers that have a very promising future. There’s no limit to where you can go with a career in STEM,” Lawson said. “ It’s important for us to expose our young people to those things at an earlier age and help them build up the skills necessary to earn a well living wage.”

The post Meet Tonee Lawson, founder of local STEM program: TheBe. Org appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (DST) are holding their 56th National Convention, July 18-23 in Indianapolis, Ind. On the second day of the conference, the newest honorary members were announced. Seven Black women of high-level positions and trail-blazing legacies joined the 110-year-old sorority.

The newly inducted members include Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson, Channing Dungey, Rashida Jones, Tamika Catchings, Debra Lee and Phyllis Newhouse.

Lee is the former chairman and CEO of BET network, meanwhile, Catchings is a basketball legend, having played 15-seasons with the WNBA team the Indiana Fever. Newhouse serves as the CEO, founder and co-founder for a variety of companies including Athena Technology Inquisition Corp., Xtreme Solutions, and ShoulderUp.

Dungey is the chairman and CEO of Warner Brothers TV Group, Jones is the president of MSNBC, Jenkins is the United States Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security and Brown is the first Black woman to ever serve on the U.S Supreme Court.

The official Instagram page for DST posted pictures of the new members and noted how excited they are to welcome them to their sisterhood.

“Honorary Membership is the highest honor extended to women who have made significant contributions to society while excelling in their chosen fields. We welcome these exemplary women into our beloved sisterhood with great joy and love!” the sorority stated to their social media followers.

Each inductee has had their own groundbreaking careers working in fields such as media, law, business, professional sports and tech.

Members of the historical organization have expressed how delighted they are to have these women join them in upholding their values of sisterhood, scholarship, service and social action.

“I feel like this is a great thing. They made a great selection of seven different types of women who reflect Delta Sigma Theta. Hearing their biographies inspired me to continue within Delta and continue in my career field,” said Kiden Smith, a spring 2022 initiate of the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Smith is currently attending the national convention and noted that being in the same room as the honorees gave their speeches was emotional for her.

“When they announced these women, you could just feel the energy. It was a very beautiful moment,” said Smith. “I felt pretty emotional considering the great achievements of these women, the fact that they reflect what our sisterhood is about and the amazing strides that they’ve made.”

To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc visit: https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/

AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com

Fun fact: The wife of former publisher Carl J. Murphy, Vashti Turley Murphy, was one of the founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Read more here.

The post Delta Sigma Theta Sorority announces seven new honorary members appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Food is a vital part of any culture, but the rich history behind many of the foods enjoyed and created by Black people is what makes it one-of-a-kind. Remembering and passing down the recipes for Black food has long been crucial to preserving Black culture and Black history.

And while cooking may seem like a lost art to some, 

Black Girls Cook (BGC) is doing their part to teach the next generation of young women the history of Black foods and how to cook them. 

“Initially, for me, it was just getting into the kitchen with the girls, having a good time and sharing some recipes with them,” said Nichole Mooney, founding executive director of BGC. “[I was] helping them understand the importance of having a better appreciation of their foods and realize that it was more than just cooking.”

Mooney founded BGC in 2014 with a mission to teach adolescent girls of color self-actualization techniques and life skills through the use of culinary arts and edible gardening. At the time of the organization’s founding, Mooney was living in New York, but relocated back to Baltimore and continued the program there. Today, the initiative is also operating in Miami, Fla.

BGC offers year-round programming that teaches young, Black girls life skills such as gardening, healthy eating, the basics of cooking and how to budget for groceries.

This year’s camp has been split into two four-week cohorts where participants will learn how to cook their favorite cultural meals, learn the fundamentals of growing their own edible garden, and create basic skincare products with ingredients found in the kitchen.

Campers will also take field trips to local, Black-owned businesses that further the lessons taught in the classroom.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 15.8 percent of the 465 chefs and head cooks in the American food industry in 2022 were Black. The same year, Black people over the age of 16 comprised 17.7 percent of all general cooks, while 69.4 percent of the 2,012 general cooks counted were White.

“It’s important for them to see women that look like them in this field, enjoying what they do and being passionate about it. Everybody eats food and [cooking] is a skill that you’re going to need when you go out in the real world,” said Tellita Crawford, chef instructor for this year’s camp. “I think food and learning about the basis of food is very important for these ladies’ livelihood.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, “African American women have the highest rates of obesity or being overweight compared to other groups in the United States. About 4 out of 5 African American women are overweight or obese.” 

I’m their explanation of the problem facing Black women and girls BGC states that “Black women not only carry more weight, but they start piling on extra pounds years before their White counterparts. Research suggests the problem starts early and it has a lot to do with the convenience foods girls consume during childhood years.”

The organization is working hard to reverse health disparities in their target population in Baltimore City. There are Black residents in neighborhoods of every quadrant of the city struggling to eat healthy and lead healthy lives while also living in food deserts. 

Throughout the program, Crawford has taught participants how to create recipes from scratch, using ingredients grown in a garden.

“We’re going to be going over how to read the recipes because some people don’t know how to read them and that’s important. We review the nutrition facts and learn how to read the ingredients and the calories. Today, we did a worksheet where they had to name the different utensils, pans and different stuff like that,” Crawford explained.

Crawford shared that she’s enjoyed exposing the girls to new foods and expanding their knowledge of culinary arts.

In addition to learning about culinary arts and the many aspects of it, the camp focuses on building relationships among the participants.

“I really like the people here. We’ve all become really good friends and it’s fun being with them,” said 14-year-old Spirit Rahman. “ I’ve also enjoyed learning about planting, like what’s involved in it. I’ve learned that if you really want to be a good cook, then you have to know where your food comes from and how it’s grown.”

Mooney understands that every camper isn’t going to leave the program aspiring to work in the culinary arts. She just wants to ensure they’ve gained the knowledge and skills they need to make food with a purpose.

“I think it’s important to provide kids with all the knowledge in the kitchen as well as the historical references and the connection to the Black community,” said Mooney. “That’s the overall goal.” 

The post Black Girls Cook: how one nonprofit is raising the next batch of confident, top tier chefs appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Commission on African American History and Culture (CAAHC) has a new chair in charge. 

Edwin T. Johnson, Ph.D stepped into his role as chair of the CAAHC on July 1. 

Johnson also serves as the university historian and special assistant to the provost at Morgan State University. He has big plans for his administration, which include expanding the amount of access people have to both the commission and the Banneker-Douglass Museum, Maryland’s official African American history and culture museum. 

Fully aware of the tension surrounding race relations nowadays, Johnson is hoping to shape the commission into a public resource for any and everybody.  

“One thing that I’m looking to do is have more of a footprint across the state in terms of making the commission a resource for schools,” Johnson said. “I would like for the commission to be available to anyone who is looking to actually observe and educate their staff and organizations about the African-American experience.”  

Johnson said “when people are touting diversity and inclusion,” he wants the commission to  be on hand to offer “some substance and some sustenance behind their efforts.” 

The commission was founded in 1969 by former Sen. Verda Freeman Welcome following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The commission was established to help Black people have a sense of pride in who they were, while also helping White people realize the accomplishments of Black people in the state of Maryland. Prior to Johnson, Rev. Dr. Tamara E.Wilson was the chair of the commission, accomplishing a host of tasks during her administration. 

There was an increase in the commission’s operating budget and an increase in the amount of money given to the African American Heritage Preservation grant– increased from an annual amount of $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. Wilson was also able to get the commission state independence, allowing them to now be their own government agency that falls directly under Gov.Wes Moore.

“My role as chair has been one of strategic planning. When I came in as the chair, I had a vision to increase the visibility of the commission, and the Banneker-Douglass Museum. to help secure the commission’s work and the museum financially to help us to become financially stable,” Wilson said. “I would say that my role has been one of governance of course, but also one of providing the strategy to reach the goals that we set.”

Sen. Welcome paved the path that Wilson walked, and Johnson wants to continue to highlight the many contributions women have made to African-American history and culture. Another goal he has for his time as chair is to officially rename the museum to include the last name of Harriet Tubman. 

“One of my goals is to officially change the name of the Banneker Douglass Museum, to include the name of Harriet Tubman. I’m hoping we’ll be able to get the Banneker-Douglass to become the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, and we can begin to put women of color in their rightful place in the study of African American History,” Johnson expressed. 

“I think it’s so important that as we look to illuminate the accomplishments of African Americans, who were kept out because of racism, we in the same breath, don’t want to keep out African-American women because of sexism.That’s one of my big goals for my administration and I’m hoping I’ll be able to successfully accomplish that.”

Along with Johnson, 11 new commissioners are anticipated to join him. In addition to Johnson’s plans for his administration, annual events such as the commission’s fall symposium, Juneteenth celebration and the Black History Month programs. 

“We’re incredibly excited by the new leadership, and the new slate of commissioners to represent and uplift African American heritage sites and projects that are across the great state of Maryland,” stated Chanel Compton Johnson, executive director of the Banneker-Douglass Museum. “We’re also looking forward to how they contribute to the governance and help with the growth of the Banneker-Douglass Museum.”

The post Commission on African American History and Culture names new chair appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The 13th annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival is taking place July 12-16 in Prince George’s County, Md. This year’s festival is full of fun events to accompany the lineup of artists and musicians who will be taking the stage. 

The festival is the cornerstone fundraising event of The Prince George’s Cultural Arts Foundation(PGCAF). The volunteer-led, mission driven, non-profit organization was created exclusively to promote educational, cultural, recreational and other charitable activities in PG County and the surrounding areas. Proceeds from the go to the PGCAF Scholarship Fund which provides funding to college-bound students attending a four year college or university. 

The five-day music event was founded by PGCAF board president, Kevin C. Alexander in 2009 and was initially a free, one-day event in the Lake Arbor area but has since grown to draw an audience of over 10,000 people. 

In May of this year Alexander was featured on an episode of the AFRO’s weekly, digital podcast “The Chicken Boxx” to discuss all things jazz and what attendees can anticipate from the festival. 

“We’re starting off on [a] Wednesday, where we have a VIP reception at Wellspring Manor and Spa. We’ll feature some of the artists that will come here for the festival at the kick-off VIP reception. Thursday we have a celebrity golf outing and then in the evening we have a pre-festival concert,” Alexander said, speaking of events lined up for July 12 and July 13. 

Everyday leading up to and following the day of the concert has something for guests to enjoy. Events such as the Legacy Trail wine tour, a meet and greet brunch with grammy nominated saxophonist Marcus Anderson, a summer white affair and so much more. 

Although the weekend will be full of music and a variety of performances are scheduled to happen, the actual concert portion of the festival is happening July 15, at the Lake Arbor Community Center. Gates open at noon and performances start at 1:30 p.m. This year’s lineup includes artists such as War, Frank McComb, Eric Roberson and Pieces of a Dream.

Tickets for all events have been on sale since Feb.1 and can be purchased online at lakearborjazz.com

The post Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival returns to Maryland appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO News Writer,
abrent@afro.com

In the first six months of 2023, D.C. already leads the nation in the number of overdoses from overall drug use according to the Center for Disease Control. This year, health advocates called for Mayor Muriel Bowser to declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency urging her to invest $50 million in treatment after 24 people overdosed in 24 hours on April 3 and 4.

There were a total of 448 deaths related to overdoses in D.C. over the course of 2022. In the nation’s capital, 72.3 percent of people who died of overdoses were male and 86.6 percent were Black in 2021.

“We know that in Black communities, there’s higher amounts of poverty. Where there are higher amounts of poverty, people are always looking for ways to escape,” stated Almustaphael Al-Kahlil-Bey, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and clinician at Rebound Health and Wellness in the D.C. area.

Al-Kahlil-Bey has over 30 years of experience in helping both himself and others overcome their battles with substance abuse. He has been committed to sobriety since 1986 and has seen opioids seep into communities, tearing neighborhoods and families apart. 

Al-Khalil-Bey noted that unfortunately substance abuse has been in the Black community for a long time which is reflected in statistics. However, now that it’s affecting our White counterparts it’s become an issue worth addressing on a legal level. 

“I think that one of the reasons why it has become such a big problem is because it has gone to the White communities, and people are dying from it in the White communities,” explained Al-Khalil-Bey. “People have always died from it. I think that one of the main reasons that it has gotten the media’s attention the way that it has, is because people are actually dying in all areas.”

Naloxone, known as Narcan is now becoming available over the counter and courses teaching both students and teachers how to distribute it are being offered. It is a popular, synthetic drug that reverses opioid overdoses by blocking the opiate receptors in the nervous system. 

“It’s  more available than anything else and sometimes it scares me in the sense that being a clinician, and seeing the availability of it gives a lot of the students privilege, or the okay to use drugs, knowing that there’s something that could save them,” said Al-Khalil-Bey. 

Geena Crosby is a prevention specialist with over 10 years of experience helping youth and young people with drug and alcohol prevention in the Columbus, OH., area. She furthered Al-Kahlil-Bey’s point, by explaining that the opioid crisis has been going on for years and can be looked at in stages. However the most recent instance of people getting addicted to opioids is what seemed to shine a light on the decades long epidemic. 

“The opioid epidemic has actually been going on a lot longer than people realize. When we started to see it being more prominent in White communities, that’s kind of when people think it started. When in reality, it started back in like the late 70s, and early 80s,” explained Crosby.

Crosby shared that if we’re going to provide resources for those suffering with addiction we need to recognize what addiction is and understand that it’s a disease. 

“I think the first step is to educate yourself on what dependence and addiction is in the first place.I think a lot of people still have the belief that it’s a choice and we know that opioids  specifically,impacts the brain and you can become dependent [on them]  which then can turn into addiction,” said Crosby. “It isn’t a choice, it’s a disease, and it should be treated as such like any other disease.”

As opioid overdoses continue to take the lives of D.C. residents, many are seeking action to help those struggling with addiction.

The post D.C. opioid crisis disproportionately affecting Black residents appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Henry Highland Garnet school served as a launch pad for a range of local legends from the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings to Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Garnet, also known as Public School (P.S.) #103, began undergoing major renovations in July of last year. 

The school was initially built in 1877 by George Frederick. Today, it is being reconstructed into a multi-level amenity center complete with an auditorium that can seat up to 250 people, an alumni room, classrooms and much more. 

“It’s going to be grand! We spent $14 million. It’s going to be a historic, Gold LEED standard building,” said Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr. “We are following the National Park Service Standards because one of the goals is that this becomes a national monument.” 

Hathaway is the president and CEO of Beloved Community Services Corporation, a community-based organization founded in 2008 that focuses on building, restoring, empowering and educating in the Marble Hill, Upton and Central Baltimore areas. He and Beloved Corp have played a major part in this monumental project.

Those who previously attended P.S.103 are excited to see the beloved building be renovated and repurposed. Ernestine Jones Jolivet is a retired educator and proud former student at P.S.103. She shared what it was like to attend the historic primary school as a child.

“103 was a very nurturing school. We had teachers that looked like us, and that cared about us. We didn’t have what many students have now– the big schools,” explained Jolivet. “They don’t know their classmates as well. But we all lived in the neighborhood and many of our teachers lived in the neighborhood. They knew our parents. They wanted the best for us.”

Both Hathaway and Jolivet discussed how vital it is  to honor the rich history that resides in the Upton neighborhood. Hathaway noted that growing up Thurgood Marshall was somebody he admired and closely followed.

“Thurgood Marshall, he was an iconic figure from the community. He lived in the community and went to school in the community. Growing up during the civil rights movement, there was this luminary personality of Thurgood Marshall,”said Hathaway. “[He] was the person that architected many of the legal freedoms we now experience. He was just a large figure in life…”

Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center at P.S.103 Henry Highland Garnet is set to have its grand opening later this year. 

 “We need to know our history, we need to preserve our history. I think that youth today don’t appreciate it fully because many of them don’t know the history,” said Jolivert. “Nowadays, I think it’s important for the world to know that Baltimore is a beautiful place. P.S. 103 [is] a hidden treasure, and we want people to know about it.”

During the first weekend in July, there will be a series of events happening to commemorate the life of Justice Marshall and his legacy.

Justice Thurgood Marshall was born on July 2, 1908.

Justice Thurgood Marshall Day will officially commence on July 2 with a celebration at the Baltimore Museum of Art from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be an unveiling of a portrait created by artist Ernie Shaw of Justice Marshall. A fireside chat that will also be conducted by former president and director counsel of the NAACP, Sherrilyn Ifill.

“There are young Black boys who can aspire to continue Thurgood’s legacy of service to the people. We can honor him by encouraging our young people to go into law,” Mitchell stated.

Former Senator Michael Mitchell, whose family has very strong roots in the Upton area, also has sentimental ties to P.S.103. He knew Justice Marshall personally and holds his impact very close.   

“I think Baltimore needs to recognize the significance of Justice Thurgood Marshall,” said Hathaway. “My mantra is: Justice Thurgood Marshall should be [in] Baltimore City, [what] the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King is to Atlanta.”

The post Renovations to former public school of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, P.S. #103, set for completion in late 2023 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Residents in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area once again experienced unhealthy air quality on June 29 due to wildfires rage in Canada. 

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) issued an alarming air quality alert.

“Northwest winds have pushed smoke from the Great Lakes region into the Mid-Atlantic. Smoke concentrations have been greatest over Western Maryland Wednesday, but have steadily increased statewide,” reported MDE.

According to the National Wildland Fire Situation Report from the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, there are 78 Active fires currently burning uncontrolled. 

The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere first reported that the Canadian fires were affecting air in the U.S on June 6.

As a result of the smoke, air quality in the DMV has declined significantly. Residents can check the air quality in their zip code by visiting Airnow.gov. 

Airnow.gov is operated by the ​​U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Park Service, NASA, Centers for Disease Control, and tribal, state and local air quality agencies. It helps residents understand the quality of the air they are breathing using numbers on an air quality index (AQI). 

The AQI numbers range from 0 to over 300. If the AQI number is between 0 and 50, the air is considered “good”. Anything over 151 is considered “unhealthy.” 

On June 29, in the Baltimore area the AQI was 205 which is considered “very unhealthy.” Meanwhile in Washington D.C. it sat at 174.

According to a Maryland Department of Environment, residents can expect a “higher daily average AQI for northern areas,” while more southern parts of the DMV area will experience “slightly cleaner”  but still “unhealthy” air conditions. 

The forecast noted that continued improvement is expected by July 1 and air quality should return to moderate levels by the weekend.

The post Unhealthy air quality levels return to Northeastern region due to Canadian wildfires appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Juneteenth holiday was a day spent celebrating Black freedom and liberation all across the nation. The Black media authority joined in the festivities by hosting a breakfast where some of Charm City’s most impactful faith leaders were honored.

Rev. Dr. A.C.D Vaughn was posthumously recognized for his many years of service to the Baltimore community along with Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Bishop Clifford Johnson and Dr. Leah E. White. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) also received special honor and NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis was in attendance to discuss the role of the Black church in the success of Black led movements. 

“Most people don’t know that Black press grew out of a Black church. The civil rights movement grew out of the Black Church,” stated Chavis. “When I hear people today talk about ‘we don’t need a movement,’  ‘we don’t need the church’ or ‘we don’t need the press’, the question is ‘what do you need?’ We’ve only come this far by faith.” 

In addition to the four faith leaders that were recognized, several historical institutes were commemorated as well. The Baltimore chapter of the NAACP, the Greater Baltimore chapter of the Urban League and National Council of Negro Women were all honored.

At the event guests had the pleasure of being serenaded by the Carter Legacy Singers in addition to a special presentation from Rev. Dr. R.J. Chandler Sr., who pastors at Freedom Temple AME Zion Church, and his son Rev. Dr. R.J. Chandler Jr. 

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie shared that the performances and celebration are truly motivators for future progress. 

“If we’re going to have more than a holiday years from now, it’s going to take the courage of all of us in this room–every generation, from the pulpit to the businesses to the classroom–it’s going to take all of us!” exclaimed McKenzie.  “We need to show up and we need to show up right.”

The post The AFRO hosts Juneteenth breakfast honoring community leaders appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Black community has truly mastered the art of storytelling. Using art as a form of communication and documentation is nothing new— we tell our stories with the written word, songs, dance— and yes, even via the very hair on our heads.

Whether it be a voluminous Afro, Senegalese twists, waist length locs or a high top— Black fashion has been used for years to tell stories.

“We weren’t given much, but we used what we had and it became trendy and iconic,” said Alexis Noble, a Mississippi native and creative director who has witnessed the influence of Black fashion first-hand. “[Black fashion] has become the go-to source for what we’re seeing in society today.” 

With a degree in fashion merchandising from Hinds Community College in Jackson, Miss., she’s been able to actually live and study the stories told through Black hair and clothing.

“I’m very connected to the seventies and eighties. I seem to pull a lot of inspiration for my set designs and trends from that era. I feel like that was a rebellious time. People were free and exploring and living in their true selves. Fashion during those times was a way of escaping, ” stated Noble. 

Believing that Black fashion and the story it tells is rooted in survival, Noble said that clothing and hair have been used for centuries to make a statement and carry on the stories of our ancestors. 

“We have definitely used clothing as a symbol and we’ve done it with graphic tees, earrings, tote bags, even shoes,” said Noble. We’re making it known what we stand for [and] what we don’t care for! It’s being  verbally communicated through our accessories and our apparel.” 

Tinde van Andel is an ethnobotanist for the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden and Wageningen University in the Netherlands and has done a series of research projects about the Maroon people and how they used hair braiding to preserve themselves, and their culture. 

During the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, braided hairstyles doubled as a way of storing rice granules so the enslaved could eat them throughout their journey. Once on land, braids continued to help slaves survive, as they were sometimes used to create maps that led to freedom.

Although braids are now used as a protective hairstyle and viewed as something to be worn for fashion purposes, a fresh set of cornrows still boosts Black self-esteem and culture.

April Dudley, CEO of CoverTheChaos, discussed the resurgence of braids within the last decade.

“Braids are economical,” said Dudley. “For families who have a lot of children, they’re ideal because of how long they last. You can wear braids for a few weeks up to a month or two and that really helps.”

However braids allow Black people to do so much more than just survive. They’ved provided a space for self expression and creativity through both everyday wear and events such as hair shows.

Events such as the Bronner Brothers Hair Convention have created a space for Black people in the fashion industry to showcase their talents, express their creativity and tell stories through hair. The daring hairstyles created at these events can be considered a form of resistance against White beauty standards.

The afro has long been a symbol of Black people liberating themselves. Prior to the Black Power Movement, many Black people weren’t wearing their natural hair. When they began to do so it represented the demand for respect and civil rights that was beginning to happen saidEulanda Sanders, a professor of textiles and clothing,and chair of the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management at Iowa State University. Sanders is focused on symbolic meanings of Black appearance.

“When the afro came around it showed that we as Black people can also wear our natural hair despite how it might look to White people,” said Dudley. “It gave an image that is constantly associated with what it means to be Black.”

Jayden Ward, a senior fashion merchandising major at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio., commented on just how rebellious Black fashion can be. She spoke with the AFRO about recent fashion trends that have allowed Black women to reclaim their femininity. 

“Black women oftentimes have this masculine energy forced onto them but things like the luxury and soft girl aesthetics have helped us showcase ourselves as feminine. We’re taking charge of our own identity,” Ward said.

The post Telling our stories: afros, cornrows and more appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

Black history is more than oppression and suffering. 

Throughout Black history we have seen moments of joy, liberation and innovation. Though traditional, White media may not have accurately recorded Black history, griots have been protecting and telling the stories of African people and their descendants— long before 1619. Keeping Black stories alive has been vital to the development and perseverance of the African American people.

Historically known as poets, musicians and storytellers, griots have upheld the tradition of oral history while also helping it evolve. 

“My main medium to tell my story is writing and music.To tell my story as an African American from the south, I prefer  communicating and talking amongst people who have similar stories to me as well as people who couldn’t even imagine my story,” stated Charity Hicks, a modern day griot. 

Hicks is a writer and musical artist and is often inspired by her past and present experiences as a Black southerner. She is a native of Mississippi. With the magnolia state’s deep history of racism, she values her work in literature and uses it as a way to evangelize the Black experience.

“We didn’t always have it,” said Hicks, speaking on literature and time periods in American history where it was illegal and possibly deadly for a Black people to be caught reading and writing. “We’ve taken advantage of it and used it to document our history. Furthermore, the language we’ve been taught isn’t ours— so we’ve taken the language we were taught  and made it our own via AAVE (African American Vernacular English).” 

Hicks noted that it is absolutely necessary for Black stories to be told by Black people. It was this attitude that led to her participation in the Hulu series, “The 1619 Project,” a mini-documentary that delves deep into the Black story— a topic much deeper than just slavery. 

“We’re in a very precious time in life where people are willing to hear stories from ordinary people. I’m saying ordinary as in you don’t have to be looked at as exceptional from a societal standpoint to be heard now,” said Hicks. “Everyone has a chance to tell their stories and I think that’s important.”  

To some the discussion of race relations, slavery and the civil rights movement seem to be turning into taboo subjects that aren’t classroom appropriate. 

“We live in a day and age where they’re constantly trying to move our history to the side— they’re removing it from education— which is rude and wrong. History seems to be becoming or made to feel less important,” said Ryan Garry, a multidisciplinary artist from Ridgeland, Miss.

Garry and Hicks are friends and popular artists in the Jackson, Miss. arts scene. Garry co-owns “Vibe Studio,” which was used as a set during the filming of “The 1619 Project.”

While attending Jackson State University both Garry and Hicks were a part of a performance based arts collective focused on carrying on the traditions of West African griots. Through music, spoken word and visual art,Outspoken Arts Collective is maintaining Black history, all the while becoming a part of it.

Using innovative technology, mixed with traditions of old, new ways to preserve and capture history have appeared. Whether it’s a still photo or a video, the visual capturing of Black stories and Black people has allowed us to remember just how far removed some events aren’t.

Today’s modern day griots are on social media. In the age of the Metaverse, stories that were once considered boring have become newsworthy once again as algorithms allow information to reach a target audience. In addition to this, social media has allowed for events to be captured and shared  in real time via livestreams. This has let the Black community document our successes and even share tragedies as they happen. It’s helped us tell our truth.

Hicks said “sankofa” is key to her work as a griot. 

Sankofa is a Ghanaian symbol that represents the belief that “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind, ” according to the Carter G.Woodson Center for Interracial Education at Berea College in Berea, Ky. By nature, the work of the griot is intertwined with the idea of sankofa and returning to your roots. 

“​​It’s vital that we tell the narratives,” said Hicks. “If we don’t tell it, it gets watered down, twisted and told in a version that’s not factual or worse— they don’t get told at all.”

The post Telling our stories: how the African griot tradition continues through modern art and media appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

Black culinary culture is sacred and rich. The dishes passed down since the first Juneteenth have inspired a nation and yes— even the international culinary arts scene. 

We honor our ancestors by making the very recipes they created to sustain themselves as they forged through the deepest bowels of oppression— and sometimes that can be a problem. 

The pig feet and the chicken gizzards, ham-seasoned collard greens and yams—truly sweet as candy— have taken their toll on the collective Black body.

Studies show eating foods that have heavy doses of sugar, salt and saturated fat is killing the African American community. In 2019, the Center for Disease Control discovered that African Americans were 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic Whites. While heart disease is caused by poor diet and a lack of exercise, it is preventable.

Nev Haali is a holistic and indigenous doctor who focuses on carbon based diets that benefit people of color. 

“We really focus on mineral composition and tracing elements. It’s more than ‘I ate healthy today,” said Haali. “We’re [asking] ‘What minerals did you get with that? How many calories did you get? Did you get your correct levels—all that stuff?”

Plant based eating and vegan diets are usually met with apprehension from the Black community due to how unfamiliar it can seem. However many of our ancestors both free and enslaved lived off the very crops they grew. 

The National Park Service released documents entitled “A 19th Century Slave Diet” and furthered this point by noting maize (corn), rice, peanuts, yams and dried beans as staples of a West African diet which traveled to plantations across the Americas.

The document further explained that scraps of meat were used for stews and leftover pieces of pork helped provide seasoning for food. Although these options are familiar and innately to used new habits and traditions can be created.  

A few changes to staple Black dishes made for the culture could greatly improve health outcomes. 

“You meet people where they’re at and help them grow to where they’re trying to go. That’s been one of my goals since having gotten into the food industry,” said Jerel “Refocused” Jefferies, owner of Refocused Vegan in Baltimore. “We present vegan food that’s accessible to folks so that it’s delicious, and it tastes like your comfort food.”

Jefferies has been making vegan food since the late 90s and has always valued the educational aspect of living a vegan lifestyle. 

Jefferies spoke to the AFRO about the importance of not just educating people— but empathizing with them and the things intertwined with their identity , like soul food.  

“To see people who are my age who have made other food choices—the way they look and the plethora of medications they have to take—it makes me appreciate that I’m not in that same situation. I’m not selfish to the point where I want to keep that knowledge to myself,” stated Jeffries.

 “I want to share that [information] in a way where it could be understood and not seem overzealous. I ate meat up until late adolescence so I can’t judge anybody for doing what they know and love,” added Jefferies. “It’s no judgment, I’m just showing people there’s a better way.”

Much like Jefferies, Nicole Foster co-founder of Cajou Creamery understands how vital it is to bring familiarity to the table when introducing a new way of enjoying a classic dish. 

“One of our classic flavors is sweet potato pie. We’ve made that into a vegan ice cream and people taste it and say ‘Oh my God, this tastes just like my grandmother’s pie’ and we do alot of that,” exclaimed Foster. “If we broaden that definition of what soul food is, I think we capture that in a lot of the flavors we create.”

Foster started her ice cream business when she realized that her child had a dairy allergy and that all the alternative options for ice cream in stores were full of additives and chemicals. She and her partner who also had a child facing the same struggle launched their business in 2016.

“What we’re trying to do is widen the genre of what is considered soul food and make it vegan,” said Foster. 

There’s plenty of room at the table of soul food for more dishes of different styles to be included. It’s time we allow everyone to eat.

The post Making room at the table: exploring the intersection of soul food and veganism appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

Baltimore Center Stage (BCS) celebrates 60 years in operation this year. On June 3, elected officials, community members and Charm City creatives came out to party in true thespian style at the theater house, located in the 700 block of Calvert street. 

The anniversary celebration went above and beyond, complete with live band performances, experiences like indoor golfing and karaoke.

Rob Burks, a BCS board member, spoke with the AFRO about the importance of Black actors and creatives being involved with the organization.

“We have been underrepresented and needing opportunities for far too long when it comes to theater,” said Burks. “[Theater] is a way for us African Americans to escape, get ahead, release and find ourselves.”

BCS has become Baltimore’s leading professional producing theater and welcomes nearly 100,000 people each season. Located in the city’s historic Mount Vernon Cultural District, the theater has become a pillar in the community.

Founded in 1963, BCS has been using theater as a way of discussing current events and engaging the Baltimore community for the last 60 years. 

Named the State Theater of Maryland in 1978, BCS is dedicated to providing active and open accessibility to their programming. This includes programs such as the Main Stage series productions, civic programming, learning and social accountability programs. 

Mayor Brandon M. Scott discussed how essential the arts and organizations like Baltimore Center Stage are to the community.

“You can’t think about Baltimore and not think about the arts. You think about theater, music and actors— but it’s also about the people that you don’t know. [The arts] are what makes us quirky, and so diverse and rich,” said Scott.

During the gala, the BCS Shared Space Initiative was officially launched and attendees were encouraged to donate to the program that will provide community organizations with the opportunity to use the building in new and exciting ways.

The initiative was explained by Annalisa Dias, BCS director of artistic partnerships and innovation, who noted that the goal of the program is to further their involvement in the community and to provide more opportunities to the artists of Baltimore.

“This initiative will throw open the doors of BCS largest physical asset– this 110,000 square feet building— and all that it encompasses to the artists and change makers in our community. Our goal is to make good on our role as a cultural anchor, and create a more equitable, civic, arts ecology right here in Baltimore,” stated Dias.

After all this time BCS still sits in the center of the hearts of Baltimoreans, 60 years of shaping the culture and developing the arts scene in Baltimore is certainly worth celebrating.

The post Baltimore Center Stage celebrates 60th anniversary with annual gala appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

Congressman Kweisi Mfume, veterans and community members gathered at the War Memorial Plaza on May 29 to honor those they’ve lost to war. The Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training(MCVET) was given a $3,000,000 dollar check presented by Mfume, and representatives from MCVET spoke along with former Maryland State Delegate, Clarence “Tiger” Davis.

Col. Walter Mitchell is a board member for MCVET, a Vietnam veteran and a Morgan State alum. In 1994 Mitchell began to work for what was then known as “Maryland Homeless Veterans” an organization whose initial mission was to get veterans off the streets. Shortly after their initial launching the organization renamed themselves MCVET after realizing they were doing so much more than providing housing for veterans who needed it.

“All the founders were really proud that we changed the name to reflect what we currently do. Our goal has always been to return the veterans to their communities as productive citizens,” stated Mitchell.

Much like Mitchell, Davis is dedicated to his fellow veterans. However, Mitchell’s work is centered around providing veterans with resources for a better life, and Davis is focused on assuring Black veterans both alive and deceased receive the honors and awards they deserve.  

Davis is known for his advocacy for the support, rights and resources of all veterans especially minorities and women. During his speech he acknowledged a multitude of military organizations and veteran groups such as the National Association for Black Veterans, the 231st Transportation Battalion, veterans of the Vietnam war and Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority. He discussed Mfume’s ongoing commitment to those that have served in the military and reminded the audience to be grateful for the congressman’s contributions.

Davis stated “Kweisi may not have served in the military,but he has always served us. There are lots of people who tell veterans ‘Thank you for your service,’ and then they’re gone. Kweisi is not like that. From day one, when we started having African American patriots day downtown, Kweisi was always there.”

Davis’ closing remarks focused on the ongoing racism that exists in the U.S military. Sharing stories of Black war heroes who have never been properly awarded for their service, he noted this as a sign of America’s lack of progression. Urging those in the audience to write to the secretary of the Navy about these disparities within the military.

Following the ceremony the AFRO spoke with Davis one-on-one, about the importance of Black veterans and the origins of Memorial Day.

“It’s always important to honor those people who defended the nation. One of the things we need to understand is that Memorial Day was initiated by former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina,” said Davis. “It is important for us to remember all our fathers, mothers and grandfathers who have not been properly recognized–people such as Doris Miller, Charles French and many others who should have received the Congressional Medal of Honor.”

Explaining that the general public can write to the secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, to help combat the racist and resistant mindsets that have prevented veterans like Miller from being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Davis shared they’re going to open the campaign up with Congress and then the White House starting in July.  

“Now is the time on a day like today for us to remember those people who have not been remembered by the broader society,” said Davis.

The post Maryland legislators call for more recognition of Black soldiers killed in action appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

Known for his work as a cardiologist, Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. was much more than the first person to successfully implant an automatic heart defibrillator– he was a pillar of the Johns Hopkins Hospital community. In 1980, he performed the world’s first implantation of an automatic heart defibrillator in a human–introducing a surgical procedure that would save the lives of untold patients experiencing a sudden interruption in the natural rhythm of their heartbeat.

In addition to being a pioneer in the medical field, he was a civil rights activist. An alumni of both Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University, Watkins was the first student to integrate and graduate from Vanderbilt’s school of medicine.

His trail blazed at Vanderbilt would go on to be one of many.  During his tenure at Johns Hopkins Hospital Watkins was the first Black chief resident and later became the first Black full professor.

Having grown up during the civil rights movement, Watkins was extremely passionate about presenting more Black students with the opportunity to further their education and pursue medical careers. 

“His impact at Johns Hopkins and beyond was significant in the area of civil rights. When he was awarded a residency at Johns Hopkins, he saw the Baltimore area [had] a lot of the same discrimination and discrepancies that he was seeing in Alabama and Tennessee,” said older sister, Annie Marie Garraway.  “That motivated him– especially not seeing a lot of [Black] people above the service staff level at the hospital. [It] motivated him to go on a lifelong journey of civil rights– trying to increase the number of African-American medical students admitted to Hopkins. [He wanted] to help them navigate that environment so that they could graduate and go on to be successful.”

Watkins implemented a variety of programs that helped recruit more minority students to Johns Hopkins Hospital and reshape the culture at the institute. The contributions made by the legendary surgeon can still be seen and felt today. Scholarships and programs have been created in honor of Watkins, but Johns Hopkins Hospital is assuring that his legacy is forever recognized by renaming their main outpatient center after him. 

“We had some buildings across the university that didn’t have names and what the university has really been wanting to do is rename these key visible areas on each of our campuses. We want to actually add the legacy of those who really were trailblazers for the underrepresented community, so that they are acknowledged and remembered,” stated Dr. Sherita Golden, when asked how the decision to rename the outpatient center after Watkins came about. 

Golden is a professor in the School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital and also serves as vice president and chief diversity officer for Johns Hopkins Medicine. She first met Watkins in 1989, when she applied to Johns Hopkins University for medical school after having graduated from the University of Maryland-College Park. 

Noting that Watkins was a humble man, she recalled him talking to her about being kind to everyone at the hospital and the importance of creating personal relationships with them,

“He told me when I was an intern ‘don’t get so high on your horse that you stop speaking to all the people that are really supporting the hospital,’” Golden recalls. “He was friends with the environmental service workers, the patients, the transport staff– everybody! When you were talking to him, you felt like nobody else was around, like you were the only person that was important.”

Fondly remembered by many for how personable he was, Watkins was known not only for his work as a medical professional and activist, but as a mentor as well. 

Dr. Damani Piggott is associate vice provost for graduate diversity and partnerships, an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a former mentee of Watkins. Piggott told the AFRO about how much he benefited from the guidance of Watkins.

“I am just one of the very many who benefited from Dr. Watkins tremendous contributions here at JHU,” said Piggott. “I was a beneficiary of all the impactful modalities through which Dr. Watkins created an exceptional community in our space.”

Piggot further described Watkins as “an exceptional physician, outstanding societal leader, and devoted mentor.” 

While working as an associate dean and mentor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, he developed the nation’s first postdoctoral association, continued his advocacy for fairness and diversity, and spearheaded a drive to recruit minority applicants. 

Although Watkins passed away in April 2015, many of the initiatives created by him are ongoing and his mission of bringing more diversity to Johns Hopkins Hospital is still being fulfilled.

In 1982, he launched the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, which is known for bringing renowned speakers and honoring Johns Hopkins employees for their community service.

“I think one of the most impactful things he did was to initiate the MLK commemoration program. We just had the 40th year of it this past year and what he did was bring all those civil rights luminaries to Johns Hopkins, in the flesh to our auditorium. People like Harry Belafonte, Cicely Tyson, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King– just all of these inspirational figures. What that did was it allowed those voices from the civil rights movement to be heard at Johns Hopkins,” exclaimed Golden. 

The renaming ceremony for the Johns Hopkins main outpatient center will be held on June 8, 2023.

The post Johns Hopkins Hospital to rename outpatient center in honor of first Black chief resident, Dr. Levi Watkins appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

Most actors who choose a life on the stage only dream of performing on Broadway. That is not the case with Dayna Marie Quincy, the Morgan State University alum who recently made her life-long dream a reality. 

A native of Detroit, Mich., Quincy got her start as an actress at the East Baltimore historically Black university after earning a role in the institution’s reproduction of  “Ragtime,” a musical that explores the concept of the American Dream and race in the 1920s.  The 2006 play was Quincy’s first time on a stage, but this star has been on the steady rise to Broadway ever since. 

Quincy’s Broadway debut came on April 26, after what she told the AFRO was a surprisingly fast audition process for the show titled “New York, New York.” Since opening night, she has continuously wowed the audience as both a member of the ensemble and a featured character, Josie.

“Auditioning was actually a very fast and furious process. I got cast in about a week, which is not common–it’s crazy!” said Quincy. “I did a self tape audition and then I got a call back.”

“I was actually called back as an understudy for the opera singer in the show and because I have that classical voice degree from Morgan State. I thought, ‘that’s what I’ll be doing.’ However, I also read some lines for this character named Josie,” Quincy explained. “When the offer came in that I had gotten a part in the ensemble it was also for the Josie character, which was completely unexpected to me.”

Known for her charismatic spirit and powerful voice, Quincy’s Broadway debut is seen as something that was bound to happen. 

“I’m really excited for her,” said former castmate Grant Emerson Harvey, a Morgan-trained thespian recently spotted on the Everyman Theatre stage. “Dayna has an amazing voice, and she’s an amazing talent. I always knew that if that was her goal, she would achieve it. This is a great moment for her.”

Harvey and Quincy first met through mutual friends in college, but got the chance to really know one another in 2009, during Morgan State’s reproduction of the musical “Sarafina!,” the apartheid- era stage play based on the cult classic film, released in 1992. 

Quincy’s Broadway debut is the latest achievement added to her lengthy resume of roles and accolades.

Janice Short worked with Quincy during her time at Morgan State and recalled her dedication to her career on the stage.

“Performing was always what made Dayna’s heart beat,” said Short. “She came alive and transformed when she hit the stage. Dayna always knew what she wanted to do and where she wanted to do it,” Short stated. 

Although she has been acting for over 15 years, Quincy said she understands that there is still more to be learned and she’s excited for the opportunity to do so.

“This is my Broadway debut, which is very exciting. Even though I’ve been in the industry so long, I’m taking this production as my chance to really learn some more ins and outs of Broadway,” explained Quincy. “This is the start.”

The post AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: Morgan State University alum Dayna Quincy makes Broadway debut appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

On the evening of May 23 Johns Hopkins University’s (JHU) School of Education (SOE) held their 114th commencement ceremony, celebrating the latest group of alumni to join the network of over 24,000 educators. 

AFRO Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper delivered the commencement speech for the SOE graduates nearly 50 years to the day that she earned her own master’s degree in the science of education.

Sharing the excitement of the evening with the graduates, Draper discussed her experience as an educator during the 1970’s and compared it to the culture of modern day classrooms. She noted that too many students are unfamiliar with historical or modern day Black figures and attributed this to the ongoing debate about the place of Black history in schools.

“Black history is an essential component of a comprehensive and accurate understanding of American history, and is crucial for addressing issues of racial inequality and injustice in the United States,” said Draper. “More importantly, it gives people a sense of who they are historically, why their lives matter, and who they can aspire to be.”

Furthering her point, Draper urged the graduates who are both a part of and responsible for inspiring and educating the next generation of leaders to be mindful of how they engage in this conversation and the role that they have as educators.

“Graduates of the Johns Hopkins School of Education, as educators, scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers, administrators and health professionals, you must decide how and to what extent you engage in and act on this important conversation,” said Draper. “You are the ones seeking and receiving funding for innovative, scientifically-sound research projects. You are the ones writing the scholarly papers and advocating for change.” 

Draper reminded the graduates that the potential of their class is unlimited. 

“You are the sought after thought leaders of today, and who knows, there may be among you the next Dean of the School of Education, the next CEO of a local school system, the next state superintendent or the next Secretary of Education for the United States or whatever country you call home,” she said. “Most importantly, many of you are the in-demand, highly prepared, deeply passionate and committed classroom teachers of eager elementary, middle, high school or university student[s] who [are] counting on you to help them become the fully informed and prepared leaders of today and tomorrow.”

In addition to speaking at graduation, Draper was awarded a medal that celebrated the 50th anniversary of SOE graduation. 

Dean of students, Christopher Morphew, Ph.D, spoke about the responsibilities of making a commitment to the field of education.

“In celebrating your achievements, we are renewing our common commitment to help individuals, schools, communities and organizations adapt and thrive, more safely, effectively and equitably,” said Morphew. “From what I’ve seen of your work from your doctoral dissertations, to the connecting across ideas conference, from your collaboration and innovative research projects to your active engagement in communities across the city and across this country– you are up to the task and you’re in good company.”

Learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, has taught the class of 2023 how to work through adversity and adapt to change. Niko Feliciano, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., spoke with the AFRO after earning his degree.  a member of Urban Teachers residency program and an ELA  teacher at Harlem Park Elementary School in Baltimore. Feliciano started teaching in 2021 and noted that the effects of the pandemic are definitely still seen in classrooms. 

“There were still residual effects of pandemic learning and there will continue to be residual effects, unfortunately. I think the biggest thing that I’ve noticed, being in the classroom, is the socialization aspect,” said Feliciano, speaking of how students lost important social skills learned in the classroom– in addition to academic losses. 

Sharing similar sentiments to Draper, Feliciano discussed the importance of bridging the gap for students of color, noting that many Black and Brown students are in need of a positive male figure that looks like them. 

“I think because so many of our students are Brown and Black and because so many of our students come from single parent households, where they’re being raised by their mothers most times– they lack that male presence in their lives. I think Black male teachers can help bridge the gap. That is so necessary–for both boys and girls– but especially for boys.”

Terrance Neill Johnson, also a 2023 graduate of the School of Education and a teacher at Whittier Elementary in Northwest, Washington, D.C. Johnson, spoke to the AFRO about how vital it is for Black students to have Black, male teachers. 

“I’m proud to be a part of the two percent! That’s a large part of what I love about teaching– that I am a Black man. I am in front of Black children, they’re seeing themselves in me as a Black man– especially now,” stated Johnson 

Although their time in this program has ended, the time to really learn and teach is just beginning.

“Commencement means beginning,” stated Morphew. “This is the beginning of your path to success and I can’t wait to see what you do along the way.”

The post AFRO CEO and Publisher Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ Draper speaks at commencement ceremony for Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

The term “Young, gifted and Black” is the phrase to describe 22-year-old Mariah Campbell. 

The Clarksville, Md. native is a recipient of the Fulbright scholarship for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. After completing her degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, (UMD) majoring in agricultural and natural resource economics, she will head to Taiwan to complete her graduate degree in agricultural economics at National Taiwan University. 

The Fulbright scholarship is a very prestigious, internationally funded scholarship that many students seek when studying internationally. The application requires several essays and can take multiple months to complete.

The young scholar explained her application process to be strenuous but not intimidating. 

“Go in with the expectation that you’re going to get the scholarship because I definitely went in knowing that this is exactly what I wanted to do,” said Campbell. “I was well qualified for this scholarship and I was a competitive candidate. I went in with full confidence and the mindset that this is for me.”

Confidence is something that has always come naturally for the soon-to-be graduate, according to her parents, Marlene and David Campbell. Known for marching to the beat of her own drum, she is a socially-conscious, trailblazer with a passion for activism. 

“She’s very conscious about the environment and doing whatever she could to not hurt the environment and animals. She doesn’t drink out of plastic water bottles or use straws! From a very early age–before we even realized it was a thing–she was aware of these issues,” said Marlene Campbell. “She’s always been interested in her community in terms of decisions that impact women like her. She’s totally tapped into that.”

Never one to step away from a challenge, Campbell is extremely determined and this is clear to everyone she meets. 

Her unwavering focus and follow through helped lead her to this path of success. Francis Duvinage, Ph.D is the director of the national scholarship office at UMD and served as Campbell’s advisor throughout her application process. He spoke to the AFRO about her character and what she’s like as a student.

“From the very beginning she was really focused on her objectives. She’s really passionate about her field of study–agricultural economics– and she was really eager to gain an international perspective on that by studying abroad. I would describe her using three adjectives: focused, passionate and eager,” stated Duvinage.

To say her parents are proud would be an understatement, but the biggest emotion they feel amidst this very exciting time for the bright, young lady is happiness. 

“I was very happy that she got what she had been seeking. Yes, I’m very proud of her but I’m careful in saying that. People say ‘Oh you must be proud,’ but I would be proud of her even if she didn’t receive the scholarship” said David Campbell. “I’m proud of her no matter what. I’m more so happy for her because this is something she wanted and she really worked hard for it.”

Undoubtedly, the future is very full and bright for Campbell.

The post AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: UMD student earns Fulbright scholarship appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

Though educators of all races, creeds and colors can and do connect with scholars of different backgrounds each day, the feeling of familiarity is an unmatched sentiment when it comes to the experience of having your first Black teacher. 

Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen for Black young men in the classroom. Only two percent of America’s teachers are both Black and male, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. With numbers this low, there’s a lack of representation in classrooms across the nation. Being taught by a Black man is a privilege few have experienced–but all deserve. 

“It was really interesting to see someone who looked like me, especially because I spent the first seven years of my educational career without a Black teacher and that cuts deep,” exclaimed Jarred Brent, when recalling his first impression of his first Black, male teacher. 

“I had Asian teachers, women teachers, White male teachers– but to have a Black male teacher–that was cool.”

Brent’s first time being taught by a Black man occurred in 2006, after having transferred to a series of middle schools. In seventh grade Brent met Donte Goosby. Brent recalls Goosby teaching lesson plans and life lessons from his heart.

“He taught me how to carry myself and how to be mindful of how I talk to people. He didn’t want me to be a statistic and he always pushed me to be better. He encouraged me to be myself and to embrace my differences,” Brent said. 

The influence Goosby had on Brent is one he hasn’t forgotten. It was his first time seeing a Black man in an educational setting and it showed him a whole new side of school and possibilities in education. The AFRO spoke with Goosby, who said he had a similar experience in middle school with a Black man, who he remembers as “Mr. Hill.”

“He was the first Black man with a white collar job I had met. Most of the strong Black men in my life had blue collar jobs and worked industrial jobs. He influenced me in regards to knowing that Black men can have ‘fancy jobs,’” stated Goosby when discussing the influence Hill had on him.

Today Goosby is a tenth grade history teacher at Centennial High School in Columbus, Ohio. He is the only Black male teacher in the school and is very aware of his presence. Goosby gives credit to Hill for indirectly influencing him to become a history teacher. 

When Black men step into the classroom space to serve as teachers, they standout. Often, their reputations precede them.

“Oh everybody knew Mr. Brown!” exclaimed Alexander Johnson, recalling his Black, male sixth grade math teacher. “When you finally got to have him as a teacher, you were definitely happy. First, because you didn’t have any other teachers that looked like you. Second, because he was ‘the cool teacher!’”

“He looked like us but he also talked like us and he was a football coach at a college,” said Johnson. “There were a lot of things that we as Black males were interested in, that he was also interested in and we felt like we could talk to him.”

Johnson explained that a Black man teaching math was a new and exciting experience for him because of how uncommon it is. 

“It’s important that Black men work as teachers because representation is important,” Goosby said. “Black boys need someone to look up to and connect with–someone who has a similar experience to them.”

Brent was lucky enough to have two Black, male teachers that made a significant impact on his life. In ninth grade he met his humanities teacher, Sidney Jones Jr., Ed. D. 

When Brent met Jones, he met a Black man that had the same interest as him. 

“That man means the world to me and everytime I see him I’m proud to tell him that. He taught my first period class, my freshman year of high school,” Brent fondly told the AFRO. “He was a six foot-five, Black man from Louisiana wearing Retro Jordans and a jumpsuit. He taught me about history and books and the way to process allegories, socratic seminars and debates.” 

“He was into poetry and hip-hop,” continued Brent. “To see someone that also read comic books and was into hip-hop and sneakers meant alot to me. It was a glimmer of hope that I could be something more.”

The post Black men recall their first time having Black, male teachers appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

Within the last few years there has been a lot of awareness regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and what neurodivergence is. As people grow more aware of what “being on the autism spectrum” means, more family members and friends are learning how to care for the neurodivergent.

To understand common behaviors one might notice about a neurodivergent individual, the AFRO spoke with Sharnita Harris, Ph.D, director of psychology services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Toledo, Ohio.

“We have to note that no two children with autism are the same– just like no two people are the same. Symptoms may present differently from one child to the next, considering that we are thinking about a spectrum,” stated Harris. “Overall with the diagnosis of autism, it’s characterized by difficulties establishing and maintaining social relationships, difficulties with social emotional reciprocity and limitations with sharing interest or no showing of interest at all.”

With her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion and a background in neurodevelopmental disabilities, she has been able to shine a light on how to create inclusive and well rounded spaces fit for both neurodivergent and neurotypical students. 

Autism is a very personal disorder that needs specialized treatment for every single person who deals with it. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) , “about 1 in 36 children” are identified as being on the autism spectrum. “ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups” and “is nearly 4 times more common among boys than among girls.”

Although there isn’t a copy and paste formula, there are things that are guaranteed to make students with autism feel seen and cared for. Here’s five ways to support neurodivergent students. 

1. Do not isolate them 

Providing inclusive and safe spaces for autistic students is important. Some students may not participate in academic or social settings in a traditional way, but creating an environment where they feel comfortable enough to be themselves is vital. 

“Creating safe and inclusive environments starts by educating school personnel, students and parents about ASD and then celebrating all types of diversity–including neurodiversity! No two students with autism are the same, so therefore it’s important that teachers and staff be familiar with the needs of each individual student so that we can foster a positive educational experience for that student.“ 

2. Learn their communication style 

Some students with autism communicate in a traditional way by using their voices. Others are non-verbal and communicate with the help of an aid. Regardless of how they communicate, know that students with ASD can understand you and communicate with you when equipped with the proper resources. 

Rayona Dawson- Spencer is the mother of seven-year-old Jael Gray, who is non-verbal but very communicative.Though Jael has trouble verbally expressing himself by talking, he does very well with receptive language and understands what is being said to him. 

Spencer noted just how important other variations of communication such as body language are when communicating with non-verbal people. 

“Autism is technically more of a social communication disorder, than it is a cognitive disorder. Jael, and most autistic individuals who are non-verbal or introverted and to themselves, are associated with the idea of not being able to communicate at all. However, communication mostly relies on body language or eye contact– a lot of it is non-verbal,” said Spencer. “Your tone of voice and inflection fall kind of low on the list when it comes to communication.”

3. Bring awareness to ASD

Although ASD is receiving more attention and people are becoming more informed about it, many still don’t know how to interact with autistic people. Educating community members and those who come into contact with someone on the spectrum is a great way to bring awareness and positive messages to the ASD community. Harris suggests getting involved with programs that focus on pairing neurodivergent and neurotypical students together, affording opportunities for more exposure and first hand interactions with autistic students. 

4. Empathize with their perspective 

Being mindful of the perspective of those in the ASD community is vital to the support and empowerment of them. 

“Lots of people only seem to view things through their own perspective, failing to realize that multiple perspectives can exist at once,” Spencer noted. “Whether it be a difference in communication styles or an academic struggle they’re facing, empathizing with the difficulties they face on a daily basis helps.”

 This not only allows you to further understand them as a person but it can also help you build a strategy to help them overcome these challenges. 

5. Make sure they have a support team

Building partnerships between parents, schools and medical teams are essential to the support of students with autism. Making sure that everyone is on one accord. The student should be included as much as possible when identifying the needs of the student. 

“I can not emphasize enough—the collaboration between caregivers, teachers and members of the medical team! I feel like that wrap around approach helps set the student up for success,” said Harris. “When everybody can get on the same page, in the best interest of the child, so many opportunities and doors open and that’s the space where the magic really happens!”

The post Five ways to support neurodivergent students appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

Jared Perry is still riding on the wave of emotions that come with being named the 2023 Teacher of the Year Award for the Baltimore City Public Schools System. 

Perry is the band director and arts team lead at the historic Booker T. Washington Middle School for the Arts. Still speechless at points, he spoke with the AFRO just days after receiving the honor.

“I’m just glad to see Booker T. in a positive spotlight. To have this and to see the students smiling.”

In addition to teaching, Perry works with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra via the OrchKids program, a school-based youth orchestra program for Baltimore City youths. Perry is a brass teaching artist. In this position, he leads various ensembles, mentors teachers and works with kids from across the district.

Perry spoke with the AFRO about his biggest motivation for the work.

“The students– you just fall in love with them and what they’re capable of,” said Perry. “You fall in love with the fact that they go through so much and they persevere and come back everyday.” 

Perry said he takes pride in developing not only the musical ability of his students, but their character as well. Inside of his classroom, students learn ways to cope and reduce stress with their musical instruments. 

“They’re not adults, but you’re training them to be an adult. They face the same things- they face hunger, they face financial issues, they face all different types of things,” he said. “It’s not a Baltimore City thing– it’s a world thing. Everyone’s growing up and learning how to be. So we’re just helping them in the process and giving them the wisdom that we’ve been given.”

With a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music and a master’s degree in the art of teaching from Morgan State University, Perry is no stranger to hard work. Now, he’s also helping develop the next generation of music teachers. For the last six years he has been allowing students from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to observe and learn from his teaching practice.

Perry’s impact as a musician and teacher is widely recognized by his students, peers and administrators. Johawn Heughan is one of Perry’s students and explained why he enjoys learning from the band director.

“Band allows me to make songs, learn new songs [and] make rhythms– there’s a whole bunch of new things you can learn. Mr. Perry is a great teacher,” Heughan told the AFRO.

Craig Alston, a popular musician in the region in his own right, has worked with Perry at Booker T. Washington for more than a decade, watching him evolve as an educator.

“It’s not just about the music, he cares about each one of the students individually as people and he meets them where they are,” Alston said. “That’s why he’s able to connect with everyone. Mr. Perry is not just a teacher, he influences almost everything that happens in this building.”

Principal of Booker T. Washington Middle School for the Arts, Rashida Ford, highlighted the importance of having dedicated, Black male educators like Perry in the classroom– especially in a field like music, which she says is dominated by White teachers. 

“The most important thing is representation–it matters,” said Ford. “Our kids are consistent with music because he’s consistent. They are advancing in ways that are unimaginable. You have kids who come into this program who are not reading any music at all–never had any formal experience playing the instrument. These students are not only creating or reading music now, but they’re also conducting and composing their own music.”

Band student Shaniya Pittman joined the band so she could make her own beats and instrumentals for her rap lyrics. She said she sees Perry as a role model. 

“He’s like an uncle to me or a father figure. He makes me push through even when I’m having rough times,” said Pittman. “Music takes it off my mind and makes me happy- I can see what I did.”

Perry is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. In fact, the latest award seems to have given him a fresh wave of energy to fulfill his purpose. 

“I’m still grasping the enormity of the situation–the enormity of this responsibility, this role and this honor,” said Perry. 

Standing in his classroom, surrounded by instruments, Perry thanked the students he continues to serve. 

“If students don’t enroll in this program, they’re going to bring something else. They’ve consistently chosen band–they’ve consistently come back,” he said. “Thank you.”

The post Local band director Jared Perry named Baltimore City Teacher of the Year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and celebrations have been happening all across the nation. Whether it be live performances, exhibits or parties, hip-hop is getting its rightful due in 2023. 

More than just a genre of music, hip hop has thoroughly blended into the daily happenings of American life and cultures around the world.

Started in the Bronx, N.Y. in 1973, hip-hop has become an international phenomenon, influencing everything from fashion and food to college course offerings and legal arguments. Hip-hop is not only heard, but felt. 

“It’s life. It’s a way of thought. It’s the way we communicate–it’s the way we dress,” said Kariz Marcel, an internationally-recognized, Baltimore-based music producer.

“To me, hip-hop is an ongoing lifestyle. Hip-hop is the root of a lot of my creative choices,” said Marcel, the certified “hip-hop head” who recently held a workshop at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

The event was part of the museum’s celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, and showed people how beats were made using turntables, cassette tapes and vinyl records when hip-hop was first getting started. 

The style of beat making he displayed was first created by DJ Kool Herc, born Clive Campbell, who is considered the “Father of Hip-Hop.”

Herc was the first person to use turntables with two vinyl records to focus on the “breakdown” part of a crowd’s favorite songs– the part where people could really dance. He debuted his style of going back and forth between vinyl records to play popular dance breaks back-to-back at a party hosted by his sister, Cindy Campbell. The event was a back-to-school event that came about when Campbell decided to raise additional money for school clothes. Fifty years later, what the two Jamaican immigrants began in the Bronx has become so much more than an elongated dance break. 

The AFRO was at the Baltimore Museum of Art when Herc attended the opening of “The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century.”

During the event, which included a celebration of hip-hop complete with breakdancers, Herc explained that he always knew what he created would catch on with the public.

”We expected it to go far and it’s reached the NFL now,” he said, referencing the hip hop tribute that took place during the Super Bowl halftime show this year. “I knew where I wanted it to go.

Campbell spoke on her own expectations for hip-hop to go far. She also expressed that as the movement grew more popular, a certain level of security came along with it. 

“I knew where it was going to go and that’s why I stayed with it. In a way, I protected it and guided it. There’s a timeline and when following the timeline–yes, I did expect hip-hop to reach this point,” said Cambell. “When other artists from different states started to get involved I said, ‘Wait a minute this thing is growing, it’s traveling’ and I expected it to be where it is.

Despite hip-hop being enjoyed across the world, it has a special place in the heart of the Black community. It was started in a Black neighborhood, by Black people, in an era that was all about Black liberation. 

“It’s important that we don’t lose grip of why hip-hop exists culturally. Music is one thing, but culturally it was created as a peaceful genre to bring people together to celebrate,” Marcel told the AFRO, when explaining how vital it is that we continue to honor hip-hop. “It wasn’t really about jewels or how much money you’ve got and things like that. It was more of a revolution for Black people coming from ghettos. We were able to connect with something that brought us all together. I think the importance of keeping that story alive is knowing that hip-hop is used to heal.” 

Just as everything does, hip-hop has evolved and matured. 

Throughout the last 50 years hip-hop has managed to sew itself into modern American history and culture. Hip-hop has become a juggernaut and is far removed from its origins of block parties. Campbell recalled when it truly became a business for them, and another cultural icon– Harry Belafonte– gave them sound advice in the middle of negotiations for a movie deal.

“Harry said to me ‘Cindy, are you an attorney?’ I tell him ‘No Mr. Belafonte,’ he says, ‘well you need to go out and get one!’” said Campbell, fondly remembering the moment. “He gave us good advice so we weren’t just there doing day-to-day [business] as it came along,” stated Campbell.

Although hip-hop has been around for a half-century it seems that this is just the beginning. People have high hopes for hip-hop. 

“I hope hip-hop continues to be treated like fine art. I hope we appreciate it more as a form of expression and not just as a way of getting money,”  expressed Marcel. “I think it’d be great for hip-hop to be treated like a school of thought. I hope that there’s more awareness on the cultural and societal impact of hip-hop as opposed to the monetary gain.”

The Baltimore Museum of Art will host the exhibit “The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century,” until July 16. 

The museum has set up multiple days for the public to enjoy the exhibit and unique celebrations of hip-hop. 

On May 18 DJ Fly Guy will host the Hip Hop Vinyl Lounge. The museum will also offer free admission for all on May 21. 

A screening of Nia June’s video The Unveiling of God / a love letter to my forefathers will take place on May 25, followed by a discussion. Another free admission day will be held on June 18, followed by the Art After Hours event on June 30. 

For more information, please visit artbma.org.

The post Baltimore Museum of Art celebrates 50th anniversary of hip-hop music appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

The Maryland, Delaware and DC (MDDC) Press Association announced winners of the annual editorial and advertising contest, with a total of 16 awards going to the AFRO. 

Team AFRO showed up and showed out, with several awardees attending the ceremony in person in Annapolis, Md. Some of the categories the publication found success in were education reporting, best event, best editorial cartoon, best custom publication and best use of interactive media and featured video. 

Having been around for more than 130 years, the AFRO is no stranger to winning awards, but no matter how often it happens it is always an honor to have the hardwork and talent of team AFRO recognized. 

Nicole D. Batey, a freelance writer for the AFRO took first place in the religion reporting category for her article “Call for Environmental Human Rights Grows Louder.” The judges were impressed. Batey said that the well being and livelihood of the African-American community is something she’s passionate about. She explained that she wrote this article with hopes of drawing in readers and getting them invested in the topic of environmental justice.

“These are really important issues that sometimes get overlooked because we have some many challenges that we face in the African-American community,” said Batey. “We tend to focus on things like gun violence and education. However, when it comes to the environment I think sometimes that can take the backseat. We’re not realizing that the environment around us has just as much impact on us.” 

Another member of the AFRO team who took home an award was Kofi Tyus. The veteran artist has been working as an editorial cartoonist for the AFRO for about five years. He shared that he was honored to be able to help the AFRO and get recognition. Tyus received first and second place awards for his editorial cartoons. He also took home the grand prize of “best in show” for his editorial cartoons. 

Much like Batey, the topics he discusses through his art are relevant to the African American community and dear to him. Tyus said that his work as an editorial cartoonist has been a pleasurable challenge compared to his other artwork. 

“It’s a challenge that I get a lot of pleasure out of. One of the things that fascinates me, especially about the AFRO, is that working with them shifted the focus of my comics,” said Tyus. “I used to feature comics about Donald Trump, criticizing his foolishness until I realized I was wasting my time. I needed to focus on Black people and how we can develop and organize. That’s more important than criticizing Trump. If anything we should criticize ourselves and try to inspire ourselves.”

Several of the AFRO’s events and digital programs were awarded as well such as the weekly live-streamed show Chicken Boxx, AFRO Cooking Live, and the annual AFRO’s High Tea events in Baltimore and D.C.

“Being a part of the oldest Black owned, family business in Maryland and being a part of such a historic newspaper is important to me. I really believe that our stories need to be preserved– they need to be told and nobody can do that better than us,” shared Batey when explaining what her award meant to her. 

“To have our work constantly being recognized, I know it’s not easy but, it’s so worth hearing others acknowledge who we are and the contributions we have made and continue to make,” said Batey. “I feel like the AFRO is one of those institutions that people need to do whatever they can to protect. We need to keep Black press going so that our voices don’t get lost.”

If there was every any question, the AFRO team’s success at this year’s MDDC awards prove that the publication is still relevant, still needed and absolutely “still here.”

The post AFRO Team wins big at MDDC editorial and advertising contest appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer

After a lifetime of accolades, Brig.Gen. Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse is not done succeeding. 

Throughout his life he has had many accomplishments. The 96-year-old is documented as an original Tuskegee Airmen, a graduate of Yale University and a legal professional who opened his own law practice in 1960. Although Woodhouse is up in age, his most recent achievement makes it clear that he is not ready to slow down just yet. 

Out of the 15,000 original Tuskegee Airmen, it’s estimated that fewer than 75 of them are still living, however both Woodhouse and the impact he’s made are standing strong. His legacy in the U.S military is rich and undeniably patriotic. So much, that it has led him to being awarded an honorary doctorate from Norwich University, the oldest U.S private military college in the country.

“He is much beloved. He has a great military heritage, and he’s one of the original Tuskegee Airmen,” stated Mark Anarumo, Ph.D, president of Norwich University, when explaining how Woodhouse was chosen for this honor. “He’s just an incredible gentleman that owns every room he is in.”

Woodhouse’s journey in the military wasn’t one that was always pleasant. Enlisting in the military at age 17, he joined the armed forces at a time when segregation was well and alive. Despite the obstacles he faced due to racism, Woodhouse continued to flourish as a Tuskegee Airman. Brig. Gen Woodhouse was not a pilot but served as paymaster for the Tuskegee Airmen. His hard work has not gone unnoticed. 

Woodhouse was one of the many Tuskegee Airmen that received the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush in 2007. In addition to this, in 2022 at the reveal of a Tuskegee Airmen mural in the Boston Logan International Airport, Woodhouse was named Full Colonel, as the attache to the militia of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, by Gov. Charlie Baker. Soon following this he was promoted to Brigadier General– something that rarely happens after a service member has retired.  

Known for his intellect and charm, Woodhouse speaks German, French and has an affection for classical Italian literature. With degrees from both Yale and Boston University’s school of Law, he is both well cultured and educated.

Anarumo spoke to this point, exclaiming “I could tell 100 stories about being in his presence and how he’s elevating without being condescending. He’s approachable and charming. But as I said, he is still at this moment– at 96– one of the most intelligent human beings I have ever interacted with. He’s extremely well read and one of the few people I think on the planet anymore that can speak not modern Italian, but classical Italian.” 

It seems that Woodhouse can be described in many ways; well read, well accomplished but most importantly, well deserving of this honor.

The post Tuskegee Airman receives honorary doctorate from Norwich University appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.