AFRO team members reveal reasons to be thankful in 2023

By AFRO Staff

This week, members of the AFRO team highlighted all of the reasons why they are thankful in the year 2023. Through the ups and downs, there are plenty of reasons to be “grateful,” which is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as being “appreciative of benefits received.” From family and friends to good health, read below to see why the people who keep the AFRO going each week are happy to give thanks this year.

“I’m thankful for my church family. They truly mean a lot to me. I’m also thankful for the opportunities I’ve had while at the AFRO. I’ve traveled throughout Maryland and even out of state to cover important stories that are impacting Black Americans and it’s been amazing to be a part of that. I’m excited to cover even more significant stories.”

Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Reporter

********** ********** **********

“For the first time in several years, I will be able to spend Thanksgiving with my godmother and her family, who moved to New Hampshire when I was in high school. I’m thankful that we finally get to celebrate the holiday together in person instead of through a screen.”

Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer

********** ********** **********

“God has blessed me with amazing family and friends. We have enjoyed time with each other all year long and this year we will enjoy food from the family garden. I am thankful for good health, the land we live on and the spirit that keeps us all pushing through the holidays and well beyond.”

Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor

********** ********** **********

“I am thankful God is healing my husband’s body and keeping my mother for 93 years and counting!”

Diane Hocker, AFRO Community Relations Director

********** ********** **********

“Of course my family, my health– but I’m going to shout out my friends this year. I’m fortunate to have some very wonderful, caring friends. Friends who I consider family and consider me as such. I don’t take that for granted.”

Denise Dorsey, AFRO Production Manager

********** ********** **********

“I’m so thankful for my family and for my therapist who helps me remain thankful for them.”

Taryn Atkinson, AFRO Executive Assistant

********** ********** **********

“What I’m most thankful for this holiday season is that I have my health and that I’m able to spend time with my immediate family, reflecting on the goodness of God!”

Craig Talley, AFRO Media Sales Consultant

********** ********** **********

“I am Thankful for my family and friends, good health and continuous blessings.”

LaTasha Owens, Senior Billing Specialist

********** ********** **********

“When I was a foster child, I always asked God for a large family. Little did I know he would answer that prayer by allowing me to be the mother of that family, alongside my husband, Oscar, of 55 years. For Toni, Adrian, Paula and Wanda; for their children, Janiyah, Jourdyn, Jasmine, Jaime and Trenae– and her sons, Arlen Jr. and Ayven–I’m thankful.”

Dorothy Boulware, AFRO Special Projects Editor

********** ********** **********

“I’m thankful for love. I’m surrounded by so many types of love and it has kept me uplifted. I pray that everyone finds a love that encourages them to grow themselves for the better.

Ama Brown, AFRO Editorial Assistant

********** ********** **********

“I’m thankful that this year my birthday falls on Thanksgiving. I’m a turkey baby!”

Bonnies Deanes, AFRO Finance Manager

********** ********** **********

“I’m thankful for my family and friends.”

Chakya Brown, Billing Specialist

********** ********** **********

“I’m thankful for my loved ones. They always support my endeavors and are constantly pushing me to my best self. I’m also thankful for Amazon Prime— it helped me out alot this year.”

Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer

********** ********** **********

“I’m grateful for the love and support of family, the warmth of cherished friendships, and the opportunities that have shaped my journey in my career. But to say all of this, I’m very grateful for God keeping me under his wing to allow me to be everything I need to be in this world.”

Wesley Robinson, AFRO Social Media Consultant and Producer

********** ********** **********

“I’m thankful for the ability to say ‘Thank you Lord’ on a daily basis. I’m grateful for the grace God gives me and my family!”

Kevin “MPeckable” Peck, AFRO VP of Marketing and Technology

********** ********** **********

“I’m forever thankful for the opportunity to curate stories for the Black community. I am grateful to everyone who reached out with requests for coverage, tips, comments and yes— even complaints, which help us grow and become better. I count it a blessing to wake up everyday and be able to curate the stories that ultimately build the AFRO archives, an invaluable resource and record of Black history and culture.”