NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

Communities nationwide continue to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service, faith and advocacy. Today’s leaders and organizations are expanding his vision through action, equity and community-building.
The post AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: How Kaci Patterson advances Dr. King’s legacy through equity-driven change appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture opened a new exhibition, “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs,” celebrating the cultural, intellectual and artistic legacy preserved by historically Black colleges and universities. Featuring collections from five HBCUs, the exhibition highlights rare artifacts, artwork and archival materials before embarking on a national tour through 2029.
The post National Museum of African American History and Culture opens exhibition featuring collections from five HBCUs appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Eddie Blackstone, Baltimore Organizer at the Community Development Network and Albert Turner, Human Right to Housing Attorney at the Public Justice Center, say despite a federal appeals court ruling that says Baltimore’s abandonment law is unconstitutional, the city fails to act more than a year later.
The post Opinion: When eviction means losing everything in Baltimore appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Bernice King says Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers a moral and emotional “saving grace” amid today’s political division, reminding the nation of hope, nonviolence and the ongoing fight against poverty, racism and militarism. She urges Americans to honor her father’s legacy not only through service, but through sustained personal reflection and action toward a more just, humane and peaceful society.
The post Why Bernice King sees MLK Day as a ‘saving grace’ in today’s political climate appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Black Press stood shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the frontlines of the Civil Rights Movement, serving as both a chronicler and catalyst for change. From exposing racial terror to amplifying boycotts and voter education, Black newspapers helped shape the movement from within.
The post From the AFRO Archives: A look at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Press appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Washington, D.C. residents and mayoral candidate Talib Karim Muhammad protested a Washington Gas rate hike approved by the city’s Public Service Commission, which is expected to raise average residential heating bills by nearly 13 percent. While Washington Gas says the increase reflects long-delayed, fully litigated costs and points to assistance programs, protesters and residents argue the higher bills threaten affordability and displacement in the city.
The post DC residents protest rise in Washington Gas bills appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Comedian Druski’s viral skit parodying prosperity-style Black megachurch culture has ignited widespread praise, backlash and reflection, with viewers debating whether the satire critiques exploitation or disrespects sacred faith traditions. Faith leaders and commentators argue the skit resonates because it mirrors real issues of performance, money and hypocrisy that the church must confront internally.
The post Druski’s latest skit parodies Black megachurch culture appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Claudette Colvin, a civil rights activist who challenged segregation as a teenager, is pictured years after her historic arrest that preceded the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Julienne Louis Anderson, a lifelong educator, womanist and a fellow of The OpEd Project in partnership with the National Black Child Development Institute, argues that Colvin’s story, long excluded from textbooks and curricula, reflects the broader erasure of Black women from the Civil Rights Movement.
The post Claudette Colvin, MLK, and the erasure of Black women from civil rights canon appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

More than 50 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the fight for civil rights continues, as advocates and lawmakers work to address persistent inequities and new challenges, including discrimination in emerging AI technologies.
The post A look at the state of civil rights in America appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) recently announced a $3.75 million investment to rebuild and restore 35 homes on the West North Avenue corridor, an area that is historically disinvested.
The post West North Avenue Development Authority receives $3.75M investment to restore 35 homes  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Norwegian Nobel Institute said Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado cannot transfer or share her Nobel Peace Prize with the 47th U.S. president, emphasizing that Nobel decisions are final and permanent. The clarification followed Machado’s public gesture of presenting her medal to the U.S. leader as thanks for his role in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, a move the institute said has no legal standing under Nobel rules.
The post Nobel Institute says Venezuelan leader Machado can’t give Peace Prize to US president appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

As Black Americans face rollbacks of DEI initiatives, attacks on voting rights, economic inequality and efforts to erase history, three activists reflect on what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. might say today. They see his message as a call to organize, resist and use every available tool—votes, voices and collective power—to confront systemic injustice.
The post What would Dr. King say? Three activists weigh in appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Drew Taylor | CBS 42 A new novel set to be released this spring from actress Viola Davis and best-selling author James Patterson will have Alabama at its center. Davis, an Academy Award-winning performer who has appeared in films like “Doubt” and “Fences,” collaborated with Patterson to write “Judge Stone,” a legal thriller set […]

By Shannon Delcambre | WVTM  The United Way of Central Alabama has marked a significant milestone in childcare access. The center is opening a third location in East Pinson Valley, which will serve more than 100 children, addressing the growing childcare needs in the area. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday for the expanded J. […]

Founded by four women in 2025, the Baltimore Community Fridge Network has rapidly expanded from four refrigerators to more than 20 sites across the city, providing free food through community-supported fridges, pantries and pet pantries. Run entirely by volunteers, the network relies on donated food and grassroots participation to address food insecurity and foster care, dignity and connection across Baltimore neighborhoods.
The post Grassroots fridge network delivers food — and care — across Baltimore appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Though he is no longer physically present, the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lives on through the federal holiday in his honor and the work of activists across the world. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 will offer a variety of events for people of all ages and backgrounds on Jan. 19.
The post Tradition and change usher in 2026 MLK celebrations appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Kevin Epps murder trial in San Francisco has revealed a troubling pattern of racial bias in the justice system, with an all-white jury, suppressed evidence, and a forensic narrative built on convenience rather than empirical certainty, leading to calls for a more equitable justice system.
The post Part 3 The Kevin Epps Murder Trial appeared first on Black Voice News.

D.C. lawmakers are urging city leaders to end Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a council report found federal immigration enforcement has eroded trust in immigrant communities.
The post D.C. Council questions the District’s cooperation with ICE appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

  ____________________________               MERCHANDISE       ____________________________       _____________________________   EMPLOYMENT ____________________________   Assistant Ticketing Manager BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) Guest Service Ambassador, 2) Assistant Ticketing Manager and 3) Setup Supervisor for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530.   BT1/15/2025 ______________________________    Assistant […]

Learn how community organizations in Baltimore are promoting nonviolence and conflict resolution, inspired by the principles of Martin Luther King Jr.
The post From mediation to citywide strategy, Baltimore puts MLK’s nonviolence into practice appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

California legislators have introduced bills to hold federal ICE agents accountable for their actions, including allowing individuals to sue for violations of their constitutional rights, prohibiting police officers from moonlighting for ICE, and preventing ICE agents from making unannounced arrests at court appearances.
The post California Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Hold ICE Agents Accountable appeared first on Black Voice News.

By Bryce Oselen | WVTM Students from Booker T. Washington K-8 School in Birmingham traveled to Montgomery to attend Gov. Kay Ivey’s final State of the State address, where the school was be recognized for its remarkable improvements. “It feels like a very good experience that we are going to have in our lives,” said […]

The Birmingham Times As we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Day on Monday January 19 here’s a look at some of his stirring and inspiring words which remain as relevant and inspiring today as when he lived. “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can […]

ussoccer.com ATLANTA – U.S. Men’s National Team defender Chris Richards has been voted the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year after an outstanding year in which he started 11 of 12 matches for which he was available for the USMNT and all six matches leading to the 2025 Gold Cup Final, a tournament in […]

The Baltimore City Public School Board decided on Jan. 14 to not renew the charter of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys. The all-boys public charter school also faced closure in 2023 with reported concerns about financial management and low test scores.
The post School board decides to shut down Baltimore Collegiate after 2026 school year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Most people reach for juice when swallowing pills because it tastes better than water. But health experts warn that certain juices — especially grapefruit, orange, apple, and cranberry — can dangerously […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS For generations, men have been taught that standing to urinate is natural and efficient. Few question it. But growing medical evidence suggests that sitting down to pee may actually be better […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Let’s be honest — when it comes to belly fat, most people want results fast. While exercise matters, what you eat between meals can make just as much difference. Small snack […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS After the holiday season of celebrations and champagne toasts, many people welcome January as a chance to reset. One growing tradition is Dry January — a monthlong break from alcohol that […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Diabetes continues to affect millions of Americans, often without warning. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, more than 34 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and an estimated 7.3 million don’t know they have […]

Mike Tomlin’s 19-year tenure as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers comes to an end after a disappointing playoff loss. A look at his legacy.
The post Mike Tomlin steps down as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Sheila Dixon, former mayor of Baltimore, currently serves as marketing director for the Maryland Minority Contractors Association. This week, she weighs in on what the city’s project labor agreement for water pumping stations could mean for Black contractors and their employees.
The post How Baltimore City’s project labor agreement harms local workers, risks higher future water bills appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

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Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus at age 15—months before Rosa Parks—has died at 86. Though her arrest did not immediately spark a boycott, her courage helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement, including her pivotal role as a plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle, the Supreme Court case that ended bus segregation in Alabama.
The post Claudette Colvin, who refused to move before the nation was ready, dies at 86 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.