NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s commencement addresses to both Howard University (HU) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) on May 9 seemed like a page out of a Charles Dickens classic: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”  That’s because […]
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By National Association of the Advancement of Colored People The NAACP announces that Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown, longtime civil rights leader, pastor, and tireless advocate for justice, will be honored with the 111th Spingarn Medal this July at the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to civil rights, social justice […]
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Primaries: Part 3 of 4 By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times Democratic Candidates for Alabama State House of Representatives District 52 Kelvin Datcher Datcher currently represents Alabama House District 52 and is seeking re-election. As a representative he’s served on the Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee, House County and Municipal Government Committee and […]

Special to The Times A new multimedia exhibition celebrating the history, memories and everyday lives of residents in Birmingham’s historic Ensley neighborhood will open Friday, May 15, at the First Floor Gallery inside the Birmingham Public Library’s Central Location. “The Ensley Childhood Project” will remain on display through July 25 and features homemade family photographs, […]

By David A. Lieb, Kim Chandler and Mark Sherman | Associated Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday set the stage for Alabama to get rid of one of two largely Black congressional districts before this year’s midterm elections, creating an opening for Republicans to gain an additional U.S. House seat in a partisan […]

By Delaware State University More than 130 people gathered on May 2 to celebrate Susan Young Browne’s 108th birthday with a special dinner at Whatcoat United Methodist Church of Dover, Del. Attendees included Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, and Levy Court Commissioners Joanne Masten and Terry Pepper. Those present expressed profound amazement and heartfelt admiration for […]
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By Bill Curtis If, today, say, I was born, say, after the period of 1989 to 1995, then I would find it difficult to even think, believe or imagine that Black people lived such conviction like an Angela Davis in the quote where she says, “Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about […]
The post From revolution to distraction: What changed? appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Voting Rights Act: Part Four of a Five-Part Series The federal path is largely closed. The maps are being redrawn right now. Here is what’s left, who is already fighting, and what it is going to take. By Portia WoodSpecial to the AFRO I’m a lawyer. I’m not going to tell you there are […]
The post What we do now appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Jeremy Gray | jgray@al.com Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said he will not sign an amended ordinance that would have required enhanced safety plans from bars and clubs open late at night. The city council on Tuesday unanimously passed the first reading of the amended Kelvyn Felder Ordinance. The second reading is expected this week. […]

Special to the Times NBA legend, philanthropist and global business leader Earvin “Magic” Johnson delivered a keynote address to Stillman College graduates this weekend that was both uplifting and practical. Johnson was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration during the ceremony, which was held Saturday, May 9, and marked a significant milestone for […]

By Steve Crocker | WBRC The future of Alabama’s primary election now rests in the hands of the U.S. Supreme court. Friday, a federal court in Alabama denied Secretary of State Wes Allen’s emergency request for a stay in a congressional redistricting case, saying they lack the authority to intervene while the case is appealed […]

Black women’s church hats have been a symbol of faith, dignity, creativity, and resistance for generations, reflecting a tradition of reverence, self-expression, and cultural pride.
The post In the Black Church, Women’s Hats Still Testify appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant says many Black churches have made progress on domestic violence — but too many still pressure women to stay, forgive, and protect the institution instead of protecting survivors.
The post ‘Pray and stay’ is still hurting Black women in church appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The U.S. State Department will begin revoking passports on May 8 for Americans who owe $100,000 or more in unpaid child support, affecting about 2,700 people initially. Officials say the policy will soon expand to include anyone owing more than $2,500, using passport revocation as a tool to pressure parents to settle overdue child support debts.
The post US will start revoking passports for thousands of parents who owe child support, AP learns appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Candidates for D.C. mayor and delegate laid out their priorities at a debate focused on the District’s future, including housing affordability, education and economic opportunity. The May 2 event brought together contenders for both offices as they outlined differing approaches to statehood, economic growth and addressing inequality in the city.
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Discover the challenges faced by Black women in the American workforce and the systemic barriers hindering their employment and entrepreneurship.
The post Black Women built the workforce. Why are we locked out of it? appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Jacqueline Holloman and Dr. Marionette Butts say their decision to become foster moms was rooted in care and commitment. This Mother’s Day, the AFRO salutes the women who open their hearts and their homes to provide stable, supportive environments for children in need.
The post A different kind of motherhood: Foster moms reflect on care and commitment  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Maryland Sen. Antonio Hayes reflects on the enduring influence of his mother, Sonia Hayes, and grandmother, Mildred Frisby, in a heartfelt Mother’s Day commentary about resilience, sacrifice and public service. Drawing from his upbringing in West Baltimore’s Penn North community, Hayes connects his legislative work to the struggles and hopes of the women who shaped his life and inspired his commitment to improving Baltimore neighborhoods.
The post The unfinished business of Sonia Hayes and Mildred Frisby appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Viral AI-generated Lego rap videos tied to Iranian propaganda networks are flooding social media, using hip-hop, memes, and anti-White House humor to reach Americans already exhausted by war fears, inflation, and political chaos.
The post How Iran turned trap and hip-hop into viral war propaganda appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

FBI searches Virginia state Senate leader’s office and cannabis shop in corruption investigation. Sen. Lucas calls it politically motivated.
The post FBI searches Virginia Senate leader’s office as part of corruption probe appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Attorney Portia Wood traces a six-decade legal campaign to dismantle the Voting Rights Act, arguing that Supreme Court decisions from Shelby County v. Holder to Louisiana v. Callais systematically weakened protections against racial discrimination in voting and redistricting. She contends that the erosion of the law was deliberate, not accidental, and highlights the AFRO’s long-standing role in documenting the ongoing struggle for Black voting rights.
The post The 60-year project to kill it appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Family and friends are still mourning the loss of Leon Bridges Sr., who has died at age 93. A celebration of life for Leon Bridges Sr. took place Monday, April 27 at his home church in Baltimore, Douglass Memorial Community Church.
The post Celebration of life held for legendary architect Leon Bridges Sr. appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By M.K. Bryant | CBS42 MONTGOMERY — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1. These bills would allow the governor to call a special election in congressional and state senate districts if ongoing redistricting legislation passes. “With this special session successfully behind us, Alabama now stands ready to quickly […]

In the second installment of The OBSERVER’s series, former Sierra Club president Aaron Mair argues that recent departures of Black leaders reflect deeper issues of governance, power and institutional culture. He describes a “pattern of disposal,” where Black leadership is elevated publicly but undermined internally, raising broader concerns about authenticity and accountability within the environmental movement.
The post Aaron Mair, Sierra Club’s first Black president, says internal crisis is about governance, power appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Ralph Chapoco | Alabama Reflector The Alabama House of Representatives Friday abruptly recessed during a debate over a primary bill after protests erupted in the House gallery. Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, was about to take the podium to begin speaking on SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, when people began yelling in […]

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times A free, educational brunch event designed to spark conversation, raise awareness, and improve health outcomes in minority communities is set to return to downtown Birmingham on Saturday, May 16. Hosted by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, the program — part of its national “MyIBD Connections” initiative — will […]

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, leaders of the faith community and other state officials came together on May 6 to unveil a new highway marker recognizing the boys who died while in custody at the former House of Reformation for Colored Boys, now the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center.
The post Gov. Moore dedicates historical marker to children who suffered at former Cheltenham facility for Black boys appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Legal professionals and concerned Americans gathered on May 1 to reaffirm the importance of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the independence of the legal profession, and to protect democracy and justice for all.
The post Legal professionals gather on steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to defend rule of law and judicial independence  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

A former Ohio sheriff’s deputy was convicted of reckless homicide in the 2020 shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr., a 23-year-old Black man who was entering his grandmother’s home with sandwiches when he was killed. Jurors deadlocked on a murder charge against ex-deputy Jason Meade, whose second trial renewed scrutiny of police shootings of Black Americans and demands for accountability in Ohio.
The post Ex-deputy found guilty of reckless homicide in shooting of Black man entering grandmother’s home appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Dr. Otis Eldridge is officially the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). Eldridge, a band director and music teacher at Hamilton Elementary Middle School, learned of the honor on May 7 via surprise visit by City Schools CEO Dr. Sonya Santelesis.
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Dr. Otis Eldridge is officially the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). Eldridge, a band director and music teacher at Hamilton Elementary Middle School, learned of the honor on May 7 via surprise visit by City Schools CEO Dr. Sonya Santelesis.
The post Dr. Otis Eldridge takes 2026 Teacher of the Year title for Baltimore City Public Schools appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times Tourism delivered unprecedented economic impact for Jefferson County in 2025, according to a newly released report from the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB). At its annual meeting Thursday, May 7, at Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, the GBCVB announced that tourism in Greater Birmingham generated a […]

Primaries: Part 2 of 4 By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times When Lashunda Scales was elected as the Jefferson County Commissioner for District 1 in 2018, she became the first woman to represent her district. She continued her historic tenure when she was reelected in 2022. Now Scales will face Birmingham City Councilor […]

By Scott Minshall | CBS42 New regulations are coming for Birmingham nightclubs, bars and entertainment venues. The Birmingham City Council passed an amendment Tuesday to the “Kelvyn Felder Ordinance,” which regulates bar safety. City Councilor Hunter Williams explained what the updates look like. “It includes everything from ingress and egress of typically what one would […]

Tennessee Republicans approved and enacted a new congressional map that dismantles the state’s lone majority-Black district in Memphis, sparking protests, legal challenges and accusations of racial gerrymandering. The move follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling weakening Voting Rights Act protections and is part of a broader Republican-led effort across Southern states to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The post Tennessee enacts new US House map carving up majority-Black district in Memphis appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.