NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times When Leisure League founder, Elizabeth “Liz” Southern first thought about creating the Birmingham, AL-based hobby club, she said she knew immediately it would be fun. “Whenever I first moved home [from college], University of South Alabama I only was like hanging out with my sister and my friend Morgan. […]

pennyfoundation.org The Penny Foundation will host the second annual Penny Games: HBCU Debate + Esports Invitational in Birmingham, Alabama, from October 1–3. The three-day event will bring together students from more than 16 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), more than 500 local high school students including Woodlawn, Wenonah and Parker, and over 100 colleges. Designed to […]

By Ameera Steward | The Birmingham Times Perry Varner, 52, likes to describe himself as a full-time designer, stylist “and somewhat of a socialite in Birmingham.” Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Varner has always been an artist: “I did all the flyers and yearbook stuff at Verbena High School, in Verbena, Alabama.” He added, “I can […]

After facing his own challenges with reintegration following incarceration, Foster Sellers found purpose in supporting others through the reentry process. Now a project coordinator with the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, Sellers works to empower returning citizens and support family reunification through employment programs, outreach, and community engagement.
The post The long path home: A look at reentry and family reconnection after serving time appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Des Moines Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested by ICE on Sept. 26 for allegedly living and working in the U.S. illegally, shocking the community. A respected educator and Guyana native, Roberts also has a prior weapons infraction, raising questions about his employment and legal status.
The post ICE arrests leader of Iowa’s largest school district, says he was living and working in US illegally appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Healing from family trauma starts with breaking cycles of secrecy, shame and emotional suppression. Life coach Nijiama Smalls urges open conversations, setting boundaries, and—even when needed—creating distance to protect peace and begin true healing.
The post Addressing family toxicity: How to move forward after trauma appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Graduate school can open doors—but only if you’re prepared for the demands. Admissions officers from Coppin State University and Morgan State University share their best advice on funding, time management and finding support before the first day of class.
The post Admission experts share tips for graduates continuing their education appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

California leaders and health advocates are urging Republicans to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, which are set to expire on Oct. 1, or face a potential government shutdown on Sept. 30.
The post Millions at Risk of Losing Health Coverage as ACA Tax Credits Near Expiration appeared first on Black Voice News.

The FBI has fired roughly 20 agents who were photographed kneeling during a 2020 racial justice protest in Washington after the death of George Floyd, according to people familiar with the matter. The FBI Agents Association condemned the firings as unlawful, calling on Congress to investigate and accusing Director Kash Patel of violating employees’ rights amid a broader purge that has already fueled declining morale within the bureau.
The post FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest, AP sources say appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Sylvia Ghazarian, executive director of the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project, says that National Voter Registration Month, designated by the National Association of Secretaries of State in 2002, serves as a reminder that democracy depends on participation. Ghazarian stresses that reproductive freedom, LGBTQIA+ rights, climate justice, disability rights and racial equity are all tied to voter turnout.
The post Our voices and our votes matter appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Motor House, a creative hub in Baltimore’s Station North Arts and Entertainment District, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a free public celebration featuring live performances, food tastings, a documentary short premiere, and a dance party.
The post Baltimore Arts Realty Corp. hosts 10-year anniversary celebration for Motor House appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Jesse Bennett, a two-time prostate cancer survivor and Morgan State University health education graduate, uses his journey to inspire other men to take charge of their health by learning their PSA numbers and speaking up when something feels wrong.
The post Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: A Black family’s journey  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference brings together Black legislators and community members to address key issues.
The post Congressional Black Congress Foundation draws attendees from all walks of life appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Assata Shakur, the former Black Panther and Black Liberation Army member who escaped a U.S. prison and lived in exile in Cuba for more than four decades, has died at 78. To some she was a fugitive and convicted killer, but to many worldwide she remained a symbol of resistance, liberation, and defiance against oppression.
The post Many mourn death of Assata Shakur, exiled Black liberation activist and global symbol of resistance appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Thousands of people attended the H Street Festival in Washington, D.C. to enjoy music, food, art, fashion shows, and health resources.
The post H Street Festival returns with full display of D.C. culture appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Metropolitan United Methodist Church, a historically Black institution in Baltimore, celebrated its 200th anniversary on September 13, marking two centuries of faith, resilience, and purpose.
The post Metropolitan United Methodist Church celebrates 200 years  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Baltimore school nurse Mary Caudle is working to destigmatize sickle cell disease and ensure students receive individualized care plans, legal accommodations and classroom support so they can safely access education and thrive.
The post How Baltimore schools support students living with sickle cell appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The D.C. Council passed major measures on stadium funding, housing, policing and youth curfews Sept. 17. The decisions will impact public safety, housing affordability and economic development across the city.
The post D.C. Council advances key bills on RFK Stadium, housing appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times It was an elegant morning affair on Friday as Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School hosted its 95th Anniversary Breakfast Celebration inside the school’s Willie Scoggins Gymnasium. Alumni, students and supporters commemorated the historic moment with presentations, dance and vocal selections from the schools dance and choir ensembles. Angela Abdur-Rasheed, […]

By Philip Marcelo | Associated Press Assata Shakur, a Black liberation activist who was given political asylum in Cuba after her 1979 escape from a U.S. prison where she had been serving a life sentence for killing a police officer, has died, her daughter and the Cuban government said. Shakur, who went by Joanne Deborah […]

Members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland visited an overgrown, unmarked cemetery in Prince George’s County holding the remains of at least 230 Black children who died 150 years ago. The visit highlighted the stark racial disparities in Maryland’s juvenile justice system and served as a call to restore the cemetery and pursue reforms that keep youth out of adult court.
The post ‘They Were Never Given a Chance’: Graves of imprisoned Black children inspire reform in Maryland appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By AFRO Staff Memorial services for Dr. Earl Richardson, ninth president of Morgan State University, will be held Sept. 26-27 in Princess Anne, Md. Richardson, who served at Morgan State’s helm for 26 years, is widely regarded for the institution’s transformation from an undergraduate liberal arts institution into a doctoral research university and for his […]
The post  Homegoing services announced for Dr. Earl Richardson appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Philip Marcelo The Associated Press Assata Shakur, a Black liberation activist who was given political asylum in Cuba after her 1979 escape from a U.S. prison where she had been serving a life sentence for killing a police officer, has died, her daughter and the Cuban government said. Shakur, who was born Joanne Deborah […]
The post Assata Shakur, Black liberation icon and US fugitive, dies in Cuba at 78 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Beyond Impact 2025 brought together organizers, advocates and community leaders from across the country in Baltimore to exchange strategies for advancing social justice, from defending voting rights and fair redistricting to economic empowerment and criminal justice reform. Panelists highlighted the power of grassroots organizing and community-led solutions, drawing lessons from Baltimore’s response to Freddie Gray’s death to show how local and national collaboration can drive accountability, resilience and long-term change.
The post Grassroots power and civic action take center stage at Beyond Impact 2025  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Greater Baltimore Committee marked its 70th anniversary on Sept. 12 with a gathering of business, community and elected leaders at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. The event celebrated the organization’s legacy while outlining its vision for the region’s economic future.
The post Greater Baltimore Committee celebrates 70 years of civic and economic leadership appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Birmingham Times  The Southbound Food Festival in Birmingham will conclude this weekend with the festival’s cornerstone, Food & Fire on Sat. Sept. 27, a daytime tasting event that celebrates the barbecue community, live-fire cooking, and Southern tailgate culture. Regional and national chefs and pitmasters will put an open-fire spin on signature bites and tailgate […]

By Ameera Steward | For The Birmingham Times Ian Rashaud is a wardrobe stylist, minister, and founder of Faith and Fashion, a fashion show and presentation that aims to “merge two worlds that are often separated,” he said. “Being younger and called into ministry but still having a passion for fashion, it was like, ‘Wait, […]

Wide receiver Glen Williams leads Miles College with 10 receptions for 187 yards and one TD. (Ta’Ron Williams, Miles College) " data-medium-file="https://www.birminghamtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF8741-300x200.jpg"...

After losing their children to police violence, Maryland mothers Marion Gray-Hopkins and Rhanda Dormeus turned their grief into a fight for justice. Through the Coalition of Concerned Mothers, they support other impacted families and push for reforms, like ending qualified immunity.
The post After losing their children to police violence, these mothers are fighting for change  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Graduate school can open doors—but only if you’re prepared for the demands. Admissions officers from Coppin State University and Morgan State University share their best advice on funding, time management and finding support before the first day of class.
The post Admission experts share tips for graduates continuing their education  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Dent Education empowers Baltimore youth ages 14 to 24 through paid, hands-on entrepreneurship programs. With up to 320 hours of immersive learning, students gain skills in business, design thinking and leadership. The nonprofit helps students turn ideas into real ventures while building confidence, community and long-term impact.
The post How Dent Education is building the next generation of innovators appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Small business owners often point to limited access to capital as one of their biggest hurdles, a challenge that can be even steeper for entrepreneurs of color. Nationally, public and private programs are working to expand funding opportunities and provide resources to help these businesses grow.
The post Bridging the funding gap: A look at grants for small businesses  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post Afro e-Edition 9_26_2025 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

  _____________________________     EMPLOYMENT   ____________________________       Guest Experience Coordinator       BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) Guest Experience Coordinator, for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530.   BT09/25/2025 ______________________________       Senior Data Scientist   Shipt, Inc. seeks a full-time Senior Data Scientist. Responsible for using […]

Each year the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) hosts legislators, community leaders, students, activists and interns looking to make change. This year, the organization held its 54th Annual Legislative Conference inside of the Walter E. Washington, with a goal of addressing issues facing the community, drafting solutions and creating opportunities for Black people of all walks of life.
The post Congressional Black Caucus Foundation hosts 54th annual legislative conference in nation’s capital appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.