NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

Pope Leo XIV visited the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima in Angola, a Catholic shrine with deep spiritual significance and a painful history as a hub in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. During his visit, he prayed for healing and acknowledged the suffering endured by Angolans over centuries, while scholars and observers reflected on the Catholic Church’s historical role in slavery and the need for further acknowledgment and reconciliation.
The post Pope prays at Catholic shrine in Angola that was a center of African slave trade appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Eight children, ages 1 to 14, were killed in a domestic violence mass shooting across two homes in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 19, police said. The suspect, an adult male believed to be related to the victims, died after a police pursuit. Authorities are still investigating what led to the attack, which is the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in more than two years.
The post 8 children between the ages of 1 and 14 are dead after a mass shooting in Louisiana, police say appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

After being diagnosed with kidney failure at 31, Sharron Rouse navigated years of uncertainty, dialysis, and ultimately a life-saving transplant before discovering her condition was caused by APOL1-mediated kidney disease, a genetic risk linked to African ancestry. Her journey from confusion and guilt to clarity and advocacy underscores the importance of genetic testing, personalized care, and awareness—especially for communities at higher risk.
The post Overcoming the guilt of a medical diagnosis: My kidney disease journey appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Stacy Sneed Nearly a decade after first writing “Sarcoidosis Doesn’t Have to Be a Death Sentence,” I now understand that the truth is far more complex—but still rooted in hope. When I think about sarcoidosis in 2026, I realize how far we have come in awareness, knowledge and medical advancement. Technology has improved, and […]
The post Sarcoidosis revisited: What I’ve learned since ‘Sarcoidosis Doesn’t Have to Be a Death Sentence’ appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The killing of Rev. Tammy McCollum on Easter Sunday, allegedly at the hands of her husband, is a shocking example of intimate partner violence in the church. But a growing number of Black women clergy struggle to break through misogyny and violence inside the church — harm often unspoken, protected by patriarchy, shame and fear of not being believed.
The post Behind the pulpit, Black women battle violence and silence appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Stephanie Cochran, a cancer survivor and Lynch syndrome advocate, shares how investigating her own family health history led to an early diagnosis of endometrial cancer and revealed a hereditary condition that significantly increases cancer risk. She urges Black and Brown communities to document family medical histories, consider genetic testing for Lynch syndrome, and advocate for proactive, informed healthcare to help save lives across generations.
The post Investigating your family health history is an act of love appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

A debate sparked by Erykah Badu’s purported critique of tithing has reignited questions about faith, financial literacy and systemic inequality. At stake: whether a cornerstone of Black church tradition supports community survival — or complicates efforts to close the racial wealth gap.
The post Next lifetime or this one? Eryka Badu ignites a tithing debate appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Learn about Revolve Fund, an impact investing fund that provides affordable capital access for small businesses and tax-exempt organizations led by marginalized entrepreneurs.
The post Q&A: James Wahls on Revolve Fund’s work to boost small businesses and nonprofits appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

After years of anticipation, East Baltimore’s Chick Webb Recreation Center reopens with new amenities and community support.
The post Historic Chick Webb Recreation Center reopens in East Baltimore  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Birmingham Times Birmingham will host a series of events May 3-9 as part of Small Business Week 2026, offering resources, workshops, and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs. For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Birmingham […]

By Abby Haymond | WBRC The Birmingham Stallions joined their fan base for a pep rally Friday night as the team prepares for their home opener Saturday against the Orlando Storm. The energy at the rally made one thing clear: Birmingham is ready for game day. “I need them and the shirtless section and everybody […]

Baltimore native Chinai Routté, now a member of Everyman Theatre’s Resident Company, brings both passion and purpose to the stage as Cassandra in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” while also using her work as an educator to empower young people through the arts. The play is running through April 19.
The post Meet Chinai Routté, the Baltimore‑born performer and educator turned Everyman Theatre resident actor appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s 2025 State of Downtown report highlighted continued momentum in the city’s core, pointing to gains in public safety, residential growth and private investment alongside ongoing shifts in the office market and redevelopment pipeline. City leaders said long-term progress will depend on coordinated public and private efforts tied to the Downtown RISE master plan and a series of new development incentives and projects
The post State of Downtown report points to gains, ongoing transition in Baltimore’s core appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

sewell.house.gov Washington D.C. — During a Thursday House Ways and Means Committee hearing, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about his previous comments suggesting that Black children with ADHD should be “re-parented.” Sewell pressed the Secretary to clarify and account for those remarks, which he now […]

By Ameera Steward | The Birmingham Times After completing his 2025 collection, fashion designer and celebrity stylist Perry Varner wanted to throw a party to celebrate the release of his clothing line. But as word got out and more men wanted to be involved, Varner — an Alabama native, author, and all-around socialite — felt […]

By Riley Conlon | WVTM The city of Birmingham is again pressing a Jefferson County judge to order Central Alabama Water to restore fluoride to its drinking water system, arguing in a new court filing that the utility violated state law, created a public health risk and concealed the removal from the public. The filing […]

Friends and family are mourning the deaths of former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife, Cerina. Police say Justin Fairfax killed his wife before turning the weapon on himself.
The post Police say former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax killed wife, then turned gun on himself appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade returns Sophisticated Settings — Lifestyle — April 17, 2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post Afro e-edition 04_17_2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

A federal court ordered members of Patriot Front to pay over $470,000 for vandalizing a mural honoring Arthur Ashe in Richmond, finding the act was driven by racial animus. The lawsuit, brought by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, underscores the harm to the local Black community and marks a significant victory for civil rights accountability.
The post Judge orders individuals associated with Patriot Front to pay punitive damages in civil rights case for destroying mural of Arthur Ashe in Richmond appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Obituary for Mrs. Annie Jewel Foutz, a devout member of the Central Church of Christ Baltimore, who passed away at the age of 89.
The post Mrs. Annie Jewel Foutz dies at 89 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS  As more Americans focus on healthier eating habits, experts say one simple change in the kitchen can make a major difference: choosing the right cooking oil. Not all oils are created […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Across the United States, access to popular weight-loss medications like Ozempic is shrinking as several states begin cutting or restricting Medicaid coverage, citing rising costs. The changes, which began rolling out […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Peanut allergies, once thought to be unavoidable for many families, may now be preventable thanks to groundbreaking research that is changing how doctors approach early childhood nutrition. In recent years, studies […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Type 2 diabetes continues to impact millions across the United States, with higher rates in Black communities due to a mix of health, economic, and social factors. The good news: prevention […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS After a brief separation, Judge Greg Mathis and his wife, Linda Mathis, are back  together, ending their divorce proceedings and reaffirming their decades-long  marriage.  Court records confirm that Linda Mathis has […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Åpurchase limited all-you-can-eat wristbands for  unlimited crawfish throughout the day or choose individual two-pound servings  with sides. A variety of food trucks and specialty beverages will also be available  for purchase.  […]

ERIC MARABLE JR., CO-FOUNDER OF THE FLOURISH ALABAMA, THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES, APRIL 8.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A new law signed by Governor Kay Ivey is bringing renewed  attention to the role of history, faith, and education in Alabama classrooms.  Senate Bill 99, sponsored by […]

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times On any given day, inside the Birmingham Business Resource Center, the work doesn’t announce itself. It hums. A phone call about a loan application. A quiet conversation about a business plan that isn’t quite there yet. Someone walking in with an idea — and walking out with direction. […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS For generations, the Philistines have been known as powerful adversaries in biblical history—most famously, Goliath, the towering giant defeated by David. But beyond the stories, one question has remained: Where did […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS MOBILE, Ala. — A new chapter in Alabama healthcare leadership is underway as Dr. Nina Ford Johnson, a Mobile pediatrician, steps into her role as president of the Medical Association of the […]

By Cody D. Short | For The Birmingham Times More than 6,000 women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated will gather in Birmingham this month for the organization’s 94th South Eastern Regional conference, which will also bring political leader Stacey Abrams to the Magic City. Members from across Alabama and neighboring states Tennessee and Mississippi […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Crestwood Medical Center is entering a new chapter in leadership, announcing longtime healthcare executive Kyle Buchanan as its new president—bringing experience, community roots, and a vision for continued growth […]

As Alabama heads into a critical election season, a new federal proposal—the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act)—is raising serious concerns about access to the ballot and the future of voting rights, especially for […]