NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley became the second Caribbean politician to win all the seats in a national Parliament on three occasions as she led the Barbados Labor Party (BLP) to yet another whitewash of her opponents in the Barbados general election.

Raised in the agricultural town of Watsonville on the Central Coast, Mahan says working-class upbringing shaped his views on opportunity and public service. Before entering elected office, he worked in the technology sector and in education, including teaching through Teach For America in East San José.

A new report released by Black Women Organized for Political Action through its Training Institute for Leadership Enrichment (BWOPA-TILE) and Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) is shedding new light on the barriers Black women and Latinas face in California’s health care workforce — and the steps advocates say are needed to close those gaps.

The recent release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poses a challenge for communities and individuals struggling with food insecurity. The new guidelines flip the traditional food pyramid on its head, recommending increased intake of costly red meat, whole dairy products, healthy fats, and whole grains.

The California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) held its annual Legislative Days at the State Capitol to engage in direct advocacy with state policymakers and elevate issues that specifically impact Black communities in California.

Former California State Controller Betty Yee has spent more than four decades shaping fiscal policy and public finance in the Golden State. A San Francisco native and daughter of Chinese immigrants, Yee rose from working in her family’s small business to managing the finances of what is now the world’s fifth-largest economy.

In 1917, A. Philip Randolph and Chandler Owen launched The Messenger, a pro-labor, anti-war magazine that connected racism to exploitation and demanded justice for Black workers. Two years later, the federal government responded with tactics of targeted censorship—surveillance, harassment and threats of prosecution—and branded a small Black labor magazine “the most dangerous” publication in the country simply for encouraging Black workers to organize.

Disparity Study Exposes Oakland’s Lack of Race and Equity Inclusion Part 1

Representative Hank Johnson’s proposed legislation seeks to permanently dismantle the Pentagon’s 1033 Program, addressing long-standing data that correlates the concentration of military-grade weaponry in Black and brown neighborhoods with an escalation in lethal force. By codifying restrictions on battlefield hardware, the bill aims to end a cycle of executive policy reversals and confront the disproportionate tactical burden shifted onto marginalized communities under the guise of public safety.
The post Rep. Hank Johnson re-introduces bill to de-militarize local law enforcement appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Greater Baltimore Urban League has been removed from probation by the National Urban League after addressing governance and financial compliance issues cited in 2025. New leadership, including board chair Kevin Seawright and interim CEO Tershea Rice, implemented a strategic plan and strengthened oversight. The organization is now focusing on rebuilding momentum, including hosting its upcoming Business Summit on April 24 in Baltimore.
The post Greater Baltimore Urban League rebounds after probation, plans April Business Summit appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times Mayor Randall L. Woodfin announced on Monday the City of Birmingham’s 2026 legislative agenda — a package of proposals designed to aid the city in preventing blight, revitalizing neighborhoods, and expanding affordable housing opportunities. “Birmingham’s legislative agenda is about one thing: giving our city the tools it […]

“Today is not just a reveal. Today is a restoration of stories and names of impact that deserve to be seen, honored, and remembered in a way that lives beyond this moment.”
-Dr. Arleana Waller, Founder & CEO, ShePower Leadership Academy

The Obama Presidential Center will hold its grand opening celebration June 18–21, featuring a dedication ceremony, public museum opening and community events highlighting the legacy of Barack Obama and the center’s mission to inspire civic engagement and social change.
The post Obama Presidential Center announces grand opening celebrations: June 18-21 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Payton Aldridge Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming for many families. There’s a lot of unfamiliar terminology, meetings filled with professionals and decisions that directly affect your child’s education. It can sometimes feel like everyone else in the room understands what’s happening – except you.  But it’s important to remember that you […]
The post IEPs made simple: How parents can advocate for their children appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Jennifer Porter GoreWord in Black Roughly 1 in 3 doctors who are enrolled to treat Medicaid patients didn’t treat a single one between 2019 and 2021, according to new research. At the opposite end of the spectrum, a third of enrolled health care providers saw more than 150 Medicaid patients each year, a workload […]
The post ‘Ghost’ Medicaid doctors leave patients in the waiting room appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Zayid Muhammad They were not only wearing their famous orange and black gear on this day. Some had on that gear especially made to honor their fallen friend and colleague, that red and black gear, his smiling face on the front, and a quote of his on the back that bespoke his vibrant personality […]
The post Najee Seabrooks: Still teaching young people how to live three years later! appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

As leaders and communities across the United States prepare to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Americans from coast to coast are questioning the fabric of a nation that appears to be torn at the seams over race and capitalism.
The post Reflecting on history, power and the future of the U.S. democracy appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Menopause is clinically defined as “12 consecutive months without a menstrual period,” according to Dr. Ngozi Wexler, an OB-GYN and chief medical officer at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. But advocates like Omisade Burney-Scott, founder of  The Black Girls’ Guide to Surviving Menopause, say the transition carries a deeper significance. While […]
The post Menopause and the power of becoming: advocates, doctors push for more inclusive conversations appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO It lasted more than 400 days, but on March 11, the nationwide boycott of Target initiated by Black leaders was brought to an end. During a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the Rev. Jamal Bryant, along with former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner […]
The post Rev. Jamal Bryant’s announcement ending Target boycott met with fierce criticism appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Standing on the Dolby Theatre stage before his mother, father and all of Hollywood, actor Michael B. Jordan accepted the Oscar award for Best Actor in a Leading Role inside of the Dolby Theatre on March 15. “God is good,” said Jordan, before acknowledging his parents, siblings and the people […]
The post Cast, crew of ‘Sinners’ win big at 2026 Academy Awards appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times A Birmingham nonprofit dedicated to helping residents maintain access to one of life’s most essential resources marked a milestone this week. On Thursday, March 12, the Help to Others (H2O) Foundation celebrated 22 years of service to the Birmingham community with a gathering at House Eleven. The Woodlawn […]

By Cassandra Mickens | Coca-Cola UNITED Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED) has placed its longtime campus off East Lake Boulevard on the market as the company prepares to relocate to its new corporate headquarters and sales center, which is currently under construction in Birmingham’s Kingston community. Coca-Cola UNITED has operated at 4600 East Lake […]

Wells Fargo is modernizing 130 branches in the Washington, D.C., area as part of its District-by-District Branch Transformation program, a multi-year effort to revamp 4,000 branches nationwide. The initiative blends technology upgrades with in-person services, aiming to strengthen branches as hubs for financial guidance, relationship-building and community engagement.
The post Wells Fargo modernizes 130 D.C.-area branches through District-by-District Branch Transformation program appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Stacy M. BrownBlack Press USA senior correspondent (NNPA Newswire) – Thousands of financial disclosure documents filed by officials serving under President Donald Trump reveal a far-reaching web of financial relationships linking powerful policymakers to the industries their agencies regulate, raising new scrutiny about conflicts of interest across the federal government. An investigation by ProPublica […]
The post Financial records raise conflict questions for president’s top leaders appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Dr. Regina Davis Moss is a narrative strategist, cultural leader and reproductive justice advocate whose research examines how stories shape public belief and influence policy as president and CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice. In this piece, she discusses the importance of Black women controlling how their stories are told.
The post Opinion: For Black women, the Oscars are about more than Best Picture appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Hospice care offers comfort, dignity and emotional support at the end of life, but it remains underused in Black communities due to misconceptions, limited access and historical distrust of the healthcare system. Advocates say education, community outreach and culturally sensitive care are key to helping families better understand hospice and use its services earlier.
The post Demystifying the end: Hospice care impact on the Black community appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

United Way of Central Maryland and Wellpoint Maryland recently partnered for a Read Across America Month event with scholars from Curtis Bay Elementary and Bay-Brook Elementary/Middle Schools in Baltimore City. More than 900 titles were donated, allowing students to choose which books they wanted to take home.
The post United Way of Central Maryland, Wellpoint Maryland celebrate Read Across America Month with Baltimore scholars appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

A U.N.-backed panel says racist rhetoric by U.S. leaders and strict immigration enforcement have contributed to serious human rights violations, urging the U.S. to review its policies and halt enforcement near schools, hospitals, and churches.
The post UN panel says racist hate speech by US leaders has led to human rights violations appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Each year in March amyloidosis is recognized with an awareness month. Jonathan L. Dotson serves as executive director of Friendship That Gives, a health advocacy organization. This week, he urges the Black community to learn more about the condition, which is caused by abnormal protein deposits that damage vital organs.
The post The silent crisis in our community — why amyloidosis awareness matters now appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.