NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

Despite Baltimore’s high investment in public schools, student outcomes remain below average, indicating a need for greater accountability and transparency from the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners.
The post Baltimore is investing—now our children deserve the results appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Help Howard University students graduate! Donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser and support seniors with outstanding bills. Every contribution counts!
The post Local professor uses GoFundMe to help Howard University students reach finish line appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post Thousands celebrate culture with ‘Around the World Embassy’ Tour Sophisticated Settings — Lifestyle — May 08, 2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post Afro e-edition 05_08_2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS In a city where nearly three out of four residents identify as Christian, the Huntsville Islamic Center has spent decades doing something quietly extraordinary — building a home for hundreds of […]

Redistricting efforts in South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and Louisiana aim to redraw majority-Black congressional districts, impacting minority voters and Republican lawmakers.
The post Southern states push for redistricting after US Supreme Court ruling on minority districts appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The U.S. Army Garrison at Redstone Arsenal is proposing to implement corrective measures at RSA-291, Underground Storage Tank at Former Building T-3162 (Steam Plant), located in an outlying parcel just north of Marvin Shields Road […]

Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies argues that while the Voting Rights Act of 1965 dramatically expanded Black political representation in Congress, those gains remain fragile amid weakened federal protections and growing partisan gerrymandering. He warns that recent legal and political shifts threaten decades of progress and stresses that preserving equitable representation is essential to advancing policies that impact Black economic and social well-being.
The post Representation at risk: The fragile progress of Black political power appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

WASHINGTON (April 30, 2026) — John Wall, a five-time NBA All-Star and former standout with the Washington Wizards, has been named President of Basketball Operations for Howard University Men’s Basketball, Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney announced. Wall will work alongside Blakeney […]

KULTURECITY CO-FOUNDER DR. JULIAN MARA. THE BIRMINGHAM-BASED NON-PROFIT, RECENTLY OPENED UP ITS 1,000TH SENSORY ROOM GLOBALLY AT THE BCRI (BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE), BHAM NOW, MAY 4.

Primaries: Part 1 of 4 By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times Mark Pettway made history in 2018 when he was elected Jefferson County’s first Black sheriff. After besting three opponents in the Primary, he retained his seat when he ran for re-election in 2022. Now Pettway will face two challengers in the May […]

The collapse of Spirit Airlines has sparked emotional reactions from travelers and former employees who say the airline created opportunities that extended far beyond low-cost flights. As thousands lose their jobs and budget-conscious flyers brace for rising airfare prices, many are reflecting on the company’s unique role in providing accessibility, mobility and representation within the airline industry. The shutdown has also raised broader concerns about what the future of affordable air travel could look like without one of the nation’s most recognizable budget carriers.
The post Spirit Airlines shutdown leaves Black travelers and workers mourning loss of affordable skies appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times The courtroom at the Jefferson County Courthouse took on a different tone Friday as middle school students from i3 Academy and Legacy Prep Charter School stepped into the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors during the Law Day celebration hosted by the Birmingham School of Law (BSOL). Observed […]

By Evan Milligan | Special to the Birmingham Times Since 2021, a case bearing my family name has been winding through our federal court system. Allen v. Milligan asked whether Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act could still be used to challenge racial bias in how voting districts get drawn. I joined this lawsuit […]

by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Your body’s nutritional needs shift with the seasons. Understanding which vitamins to prioritize in summer versus winter can help you maintain optimal health throughout the year. Winter vitamins focus on immune […]

Washington, D.C. transparency laws governing the Metropolitan Police Department’s interactions with federal officers have been extended through November, amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity and debate over accountability, oversight and public trust in policing throughout the District.
The post D.C. Council extends federal transparency laws appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Choosing between body butters and oils depends heavily on your age and skin’s changing needs. Understanding what works at each life stage can help you maintain healthy, resilient skin from your […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Picky eating affects between 13 and 50 percent of children, with peak incidence between ages two and six, according to a comprehensive review published in the journal Nutrients in December 2025. […]

Schools and community organizations in Washington, D.C. are bringing voter registration and civic education directly to students as the District prepares for upcoming elections and ranked choice voting.
The post D.C. schools bring voter registration to students ahead of elections appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS When work, school, or life gets too busy, your sex life may take a back seat. But research shows that prolonged periods without sexual activity can affect both your physical and […]

By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editordbailey@afro.com Leaders at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the nation have declared an initiative to invest in the future of research and discovery.  Fifteen of America’s HBCUs high-capacity research institutions have announced the Association of HBCU Research Institutions. The umbrella organization has a mission to expand world-class research, […]
The post HBCU presidents announce collaboration to expand research and innovation appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Coppin State University brought together elected officials, business leaders and community advocates for its 2026 Economic Inclusion and Innovation Research Conference, focusing on strategies to expand economic mobility and investment in West Baltimore. Panelists highlighted ongoing revitalization efforts along the West North Avenue corridor, including housing redevelopment, small business support and workforce development initiatives aimed at strengthening neighborhood wealth-building opportunities.
The post Coppin State hosts economic inclusion conference, highlights West Baltimore revitalization efforts appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

____________________________ EMPLOYMENT ____________________________ Director of PRACP and Senior Manager BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) Director of Public Relations and Community Partnerships and 2) Senior Manager-Performing Arts Venues for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530. BT5/7/2026   ________________________________   Senior Applications Systems Analyst/Programmer  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama seeks a Senior Applications Systems […]

Following the Supreme Court’s Feb. 20 ruling to strike down the current administration’s tariffs, Rep. Steven Horsford is leading an effort to demand corporate accountability regarding the distribution of $175 billion in refunds.
The post Black leaders demand corporate accountability for $175 billion in tariff refunds appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Jonathan Landrum Jr. Drew “Druski” Desbordes will host the 2026 BET Awards, becoming the youngest emcee in the show’s history. BET announced April 30 that the 31-year-old comedian and digital creator will lead the ceremony, which airs live June 28 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Druski surpasses Kevin Hart, who previously held […]
The post Druski tapped to host BET Awards, becoming youngest emcee in show’s 25-year history appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO On May 2 the 19th annual Around the World Embassy Tour was held in Washington, D.C., with over 69 Embassies welcoming over 50,000 people. The University District of Columbia (UDC), a historically Black institution, hosted several of the embassies.  The Embassy Tour is one of the biggest events in […]
The post Thousands celebrate culture with ‘Around the World Embassy Tour’ appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

In front of a filled to capacity crowd at Harvey Auditorium on the campus of Bakersfield High School, fifty-one seniors from the Kern High School District were honored at the 47th Annual African American Graduate Awards Program. Hosted by the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation (BILF) and the Kappa Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ®, the event celebrated academic excellence by awarding over $41,000 in scholarships. The evening’s theme, “Uplifting Brilliance, One Scholar At A Time,” captured the spirit of recognition and support for these accomplished students.

By Dr. Angelo A. WilliamsThe Observer EDITOR’S NOTE: Between 2023 and 2025, a cluster of departures across the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation — including routine board turnover, resignations, a discrimination lawsuit and the firing of former Executive Director Ben Jealous — fueled a debate over who holds power inside one of the […]
The post Inside Sierra Club’s pattern of Black leadership departures appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS On a warm Saturday afternoon in one of Huntsville’s most storied neighborhoods, the front porches of Five Points became stages — and the streets became a festival. PorchFest returned to the […]

by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Atop Monte Sano Mountain, beneath a canopy of azaleas and Japanese maples, Huntsville’s Asian American community gathered on May 3 to celebrate a tradition that has grown from one man’s backyard […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS (L-R): Researchers UAH Associate Professor of Marketing Dr. Yongchuan (Kevin) Bao. and UAH Assistant Professor of Management Science Dr. Yi Tan. (Michael Mercier | UAH) New research from The University of Alabama in […]

  SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville officially launched Historic Preservation Month on Thursday with a renewed commitment to honoring the region’s Indigenous history and preserving the culturally significant landscapes that existed long before […]

By Columnist Josh Moon Columnist Josh Moon State lawmakers arrived in Montgomery on Monday afternoon, greeted by a throng of protesters, as they got set to waste everyone’s time and money.  Democrats arrived, rightfully, angry. […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Governor Kay Ivey has called Alabama lawmakers back to Montgomery for a special legislative session on redistricting — and for communities across the state, the stakes extend well beyond politics. Governor […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The atmosphere inside Virginia University of Lynchburg’s 136th Commencement Ceremony was filled with celebration, pride, and accomplishment as graduates from across the nation gathered to mark one of the most important milestones […]