NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made, and to take responsibility for the future by choosing courage, service, and action over comfort, self-interest, and applause.
The post A new way forward appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

African American veterans, including those in the Inland Empire of Southern California, have returned home from service to face systemic neglect, limited recognition, and enduring gaps in healthcare, social support, and protections, which are compounded by financial and psychological strains.
The post Op Ed: Black History Month at 100: Honoring Service While Confronting Persistent Inequities for the Inland Empire’s Black Veterans appeared first on Black Voice News.

The CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament quarterfinals concluded with the Claflin University Lady Panthers, Bluefield State Big Blue, Fayetteville State Lady Broncos, and Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls advancing to the semifinals on February 27.
The post CIAA Tournament day three update  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Ashland Community Development Corporation hosted its inaugural Black Excellence Awards honoring local community leaders at The Forum Caterers on Feb. 22. The ceremony was hosted by Randall Newsome of WMAR-2 News, with awards presented in athletics, business, religion, education, entertainment and public service.
The post Ashland Community Development Corporation debuts Baltimore Black Excellence Awards appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Compiled by The Birmingham Times As we bring Black History Month to a close here’s a look at some historic Birmingham milestones since the city’s founding. 1871—City of Birmingham founded; now the state’s most populous city, Birmingham was established at the crossing of two rail lines near one of the world’s richest mineral deposits. 1885—Birmingham […]

By Mike Cason | mcason@al.com Gov. Kay Ivey has signed into law a bill to require insurance companies to cover prostate cancer screening at no cost for men who are at high risk of the disease. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, and Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika. The amendment to rename the […]

birminghamal.gov The City of Birmingham is offering opportunities for residents to connect directly with local government through its Academy of Civic Engagement, also called ACE. Since 2019, this city-wide leadership initiative has aimed to empower residents with a deeper understanding of how municipal government works — and how they can serve and lead within their communities. More than 1,400 residents have participated, going on to become […]

After losing two close games on the road to Alcorn State (57-55) and Jackson State (91-86), senior swingman Jakobi Heady’s play helpedfirst-place Bethune-Cookman return home and get wins over Alabama State and Alabama A&M that […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Emerging evidence suggests that compounds in cocoa extract — especially flavanols — may offer meaningful benefits for heart health and inflammation. Researchers have found that these plant-derived molecules help improve blood […]

Day two of the 2026 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball tournament featured close contests and commanding victories, solidifying semifinal spots.
The post CIAA Tournament day two sets semifinal field appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Ward 3 Housing Justice is pushing back against planned upzoning along Connecticut and Wisconsin avenues, saying new developments risk excluding low-income families despite promises of increased housing. The D.C. Office of Planning estimates the changes could add 10,000 new units, including 2,000 affordable under the Inclusionary Zoning Plus program, but community advocates say that doesn’t go far enough.
The post Ward 3 residents call for more affordable housing, raise alarm over upzoning plans appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Democratic leaders, the Congressional Black Caucus and national advocates forcefully rejected the 47th president’s State of the Union address, accusing him of masking rising costs, Medicaid cuts and economic instability with rhetoric. Critics argued that his policies have harmed working families, women and Black Americans, contradicting his claims that the nation is stronger and more prosperous than ever.
The post After 107 minutes, CBC, DNC and advocates reject 47th president’s narrative appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Baltimore Development Corporation has a new senior leadership team, with Jeremy Watson and Roy Broderick joining to help reimagine the city’s approach to economic development. Both leaders emphasized equity as a guiding principle, pledging to advance opportunities and growth for Baltimore’s Black businesses and neighborhoods.
The post New leadership at Baltimore Development Corporation aims to reimagine economic development appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post Sophisticated Settings — Lifestyle — February 27, 2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post Afro e-edition 02_27_2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Almeta Cooper Nothing brings me more joy than spending time with my beautiful five-month-old grandson.  When I am with him, we are in our own special world – the board books, the stuffies, the smiles.  I certainly don’t want him to see the dread I am feeling.  I work in the climate sector and […]
The post Vulnerable communities left to breathe the consequences as EPA repeals endangerment finding appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com For many Americans, life after 60 is often framed as slowing down as one transitions into a new phase of life. But for older adults themselves, life after 60 can look different for everyone.  Joyce Willis Chapman, a 71-year-old caregiver from Baltimore, said being present is key.  “Live in the […]
The post Seniors sound off on what people should know about life after 60 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By: SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS A balanced, plant-forward Mediterranean-style meal emphasizes whole foods that research links to longer life after age 45 New research shows adults over 45 can still significantly improve their health and longevity […]

By Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter This summer, the United States will celebrate 250 years of independence. However, this is not the only anniversary to commemorate. February marks the 50th anniversary of Black History Month as it exists now, and 100 years of this recognition in some form. As we reflect on these milestones, the struggle […]
The post Education is repair: Black history and America at 250  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Through the process of separation and isolation, one can gain clarity, protect their peace, and preserve their contribution to the work of liberation, while also honoring the ancestors who paved the way.
The post A Black Paper: Racial Liberation Ascension Model:  Phase Three appeared first on Black Voice News.

By The Associated Press Tre’ Johnson, the former standout Washington offensive lineman who went on to become a Maryland high school history teacher, died Feb. 15. He was 54. Johnson’s wife, Irene, announced the death in a Facebook post, saying he died during a short family trip. “It is with a heavy heart that I […]
The post Tre’ Johnson, former NFL offensive lineman turned high school history teacher, dies at 54 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Alice Louise Alston Fitts, longtime Baltimore City public school counselor and first lady of First Baptist Church, passed away Feb 2. 2026. She was 80 years old.
The post Alice Fitts, First Lady and longtime educator, dies at 80 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Autherine Lucy Foster became a civil rights pioneer when the University of Alabama rescinded her 1952 admission after learning she was Black. With legal backing from Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP, she won the right to enroll in 1956, but violent protests led to her suspension and expulsion. Decades later, the university reversed its decision, and Foster earned her master’s degree in 1991. She was later honored by Morgan State University for her role in desegregating higher education.
The post Autherine Lucy Foster’s courage opened doors at the University of Alabama appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Aside from the Super Bowl, few things capture America’s passion quite like salt. In fact, Americans consumed an estimated 53 million metric tons of salt in 2020 alone — a staggering […]

As Black History Month is underway, Maryland lawmakers are championing bills to strengthen voting rights and protect minority voters. The proposed legislation aims to safeguard ballots and ensure legal recourse against voter intimidation or suppression.
The post Then and now: Black History Month underscores the ongoing battle to protect the ballot appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Lead investigator Bali Pulendran, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford, said, “That’s been the paradigm of vaccinology for the last 230 years… but this new approach targets the innate […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Former Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle believes he deserves a share of Bryce Young’s 2021 Heisman Trophy — at least jokingly. During a recent appearance on “The Set” podcast, Waddle said […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Alabama A&M and Howard are projected as No. 16 seeds in early NCAA Tournament bracket forecasts as both programs battle for conference titles. (Photo: Alabama A&M Athletics) With conference tournaments approaching, […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The Madison Public Library recently hosted a powerful conversation on civil rights history, welcoming the son of local civil rights leader Sonnie Hereford for a special community event honoring his father’s […]

In a historic display of legislative dissent, a coalition of more than 80 lawmakers bypassed the official presidential address to convene an “alternative union” on the National Mall, framing their absence as a rejection of executive rhetoric. The atmosphere inside the Capitol remained volatile, punctuated by the forced removal of a congressman protesting racial imagery and verbal clashes over the domestic consequences of immigration enforcement.
The post Activists, politicians and celebrities hold alternatives to State of the Union address appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Smokey Bear made a special appearance in Huntsville this week — and he wasn’t alone. Local leaders, students and community partners gathered at the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center to celebrate […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS FBI Director Kash Patel is facing backlash on social media after a video surfaced showing him celebrating with the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team in Milan following their gold medal victory […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Former President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video on social media portraying himself in a physical altercation with a Canadian ice hockey player following Team USA’s gold medal victory in the […]

By Pastor Mario D. Ford Joshua 1: 1-9 records the plight of Israelites on the periphery of the Promise Land.  The Children of Israel having endured four hundred years of slavery in Egypt, crossed into […]

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times (Black History Month Special) For decades, Holy Family Hospital stood in Ensley as far more than a medical facility. For Birmingham’s Black residents—particularly during segregation—it was a place of dignity, access, and compassion at a time when those things were routinely denied elsewhere. “It was really the only […]