NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

Authorities say Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old California man, is accused of attempting a politically motivated attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25, after sending writings to family expressing grievances against the 47th president’s administration. Investigators believe Allen acted alone, legally acquired multiple weapons, and intended to target administration officials before being subdued by security, prompting a chaotic scene and the evacuation of the president, who was unharmed.
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By Matt Windsor | UAB News Three faculty members in UAB’s J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Department of Criminal Justice have joined forces to give bright undergraduates the opportunity to get real-world experience while serving the surrounding community. The Community Solutions Collaborative brings together UAB labs focused on digital forensics, law and data science “to serve […]

Denise Jones Gregory has been selected as the 14th president of Jackson State University following an eight-month national search. A longtime academic leader at the university who served as interim president since May 2025, Gregory brings experience as provost and vice president of academic affairs, along with a strong background in chemistry and higher education leadership.
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Michael Eugene Johnson is creator of the Pikes Studio Cinema and cofounder of Black Men Unifying Black Men. This week, he argues that new development near transit needs to include ownership opportunities for average residents in order to foster distributed, generational wealth.
The post Opinion: Baltimore and Maryland are investing billions in transit—so why aren’t residents building wealth along the way? appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

With renovations complete, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Parkway Theatre is launching an artist residency program to support local creatives, including Wordsmith, who will present original works blending youth theater, music and storytelling. His productions, including “Uncle Bey’s Will” and “Network to Freedom,” center Black storytelling, history and community, while aiming to uplift Baltimore’s young and emerging artists.
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Nearly 1,200 guests gathered in Baltimore for the AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea, celebrating Black excellence and honoring women leaders across corporate, nonprofit and civic spaces. The annual sold-out event highlighted the achievements of Black women in executive roles while fostering community, tradition and intergenerational connection.
The post ‘Hats, gloves and brilliance’: Black community shines at the AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Voters in Washington, D.C. will have a chance to hear directly from candidates for mayor and congressional delegate during the DCision 2026 debates on May 2 at George Washington University. Hosted by a coalition of civic and media organizations, the event will spotlight key issues including public safety, housing, economic recovery, education, and D.C.’s push for full congressional representation.
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Churchill Downs Inc. has agreed to acquire the intellectual property for the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes from 1/ST Racing’s Maryland department for $85 million, subject to customary closing conditions.
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U.S. Rep. James Clyburn says some right-wing Republicans have told him directly that slavery was “a good thing,” warning that elements within the movement could push the U.S. toward modern versions of Jim Crow–style segregation.
The post ‘Slavery was a good thing,’ Black leader says right-wing Republicans told him appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

A senior aide to Mayor Brandon M. Scott has asked city ethics and oversight boards to review Inspector General Isabel Cumming’s online conduct following a Facebook post that included a YouTube video with an AI-generated image of the mayor. The request comes amid an ongoing legal dispute between the mayor’s office and the inspector general over access to city records and the scope of the OIG’s investigative authority.
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birminghamal.gov Applications are open through April 28 for the annual Summer Youth Apprenticeship at Sloss Furnaces. The Summer Youth Apprenticeship was founded on the importance of passing on the history of Sloss and the many techniques and traditions of metal art. This paid, 8-week program employs 10-15 high school students, aged 16-19, to work and […]

By Tolly Carr | HBCU Buzz Alabama State University has named Dr. Derrick Smith as its new Director of Bands, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of the most recognizable HBCU marching band programs in the country. The Mighty Marching Hornets announced the hire on social media, welcoming Smith back to campus […]

The Baltimore County NAACP is raising $30,000 to send local high school students to the NAACP’s national ACT-SO competition at its annual convention in Chicago. Through the yearlong enrichment program, students advance from local contests to a national stage where they showcase work in fields ranging from the arts to STEM, while organizers say the experience builds confidence, community and opportunity.
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“For Black mothers in Bakersfield, a doula can be the difference between being heard and being ignored — between a birth plan honored or overridden. Between a mother who comes home, and one who doesn’t.”

Authorities say a former North Carolina law enforcement officer, Christopher Gillum, was arrested in Florida after allegedly planning a racially motivated mass shooting targeting Black people at a major New Orleans festival, believed to be the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Law enforcement recovered a handgun and ammunition, and the FBI is coordinating a multi-state investigation as Gillum faces extradition to Louisiana.
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By Scott Minshall | CBS 42 The City of Birmingham is taking steps to create career opportunities and remove work barriers for its residents. That announcement came today during a news conference where the city unveiled its Reinvest Workforce Initiative. The program will include coordinated components aimed at expanding economic opportunities across the Magic City. […]

Birmingham City Schools Huffman High School senior Carlos Smith, Jr. is the AHSAA Class 1A-7A Spring Esports State Champion for Madden ’26, the first in school history. Smith bested Maximus Murrah of Sheffield High School by a score of 49-42 for the championship. Playing as the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith scored a touchdown in with less […]

By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times In May 2024, Naila Jackson launched Network Navigator as a one-day event designed to connect Greater Birmingham-based small business owners with the resources they needed to grow their companies. But she couldn’t stop there. Today, Network Navigator is an independent nonprofit organization serving local entrepreneurs year-round with […]

At Taxpayers’ Night on April 22, Baltimore residents weighed in on Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and called for new investments across senior services, housing and community programs. Several speakers focused on long-needed repairs to the Forest Park Senior Center, while others urged greater support for grassroots organizations and worker cooperatives.
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Special to The Times YMCA of Greater Birmingham has received a $15,000 grant from Spectrum as part of the company’s digital education program. “The YMCA is committed to making sure that regardless of age, our community members have access to technology and opportunities to develop the digital skills needed for success in today’s world,” said […]

As Cherry Hill prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary, Raheem Brown stands out as a driving force behind its youth and community stability. Through the Cherry Hill Eagle Foundation, he continues to build opportunity and mentorship.
The post Spotlight on Cherry Hill leadership: Raheem Brown appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

____________________________ EMPLOYMENT ____________________________   Booking Administrator   BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) Booking Administrator, for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530. BT4/23/2026   ________________________________ Marketing Coordinator – Content & Social BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) 1. Marketing Coordinator – Content & Social, for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530.   BT4/23/2026   […]

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While “Jr.” and “Sr.” traditions have long defined lineage through men, these stories show how women preserve family history in their own ways. Across generations, they describe names as a lasting link to identity, ancestry and legacy.
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BIRMINGHAM MAYOR RANDALL WOODFIN, ASU WILL KICK OFF THE 2026 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON AT LEGION FIELD ON AUGUST 29TH AGAINST SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, BHAM NOW, APRIL 20.

Low turnout in local elections limits representation, even as decisions by school boards and central committees directly shape daily life, from education policy to political leadership. Experts and community members say increasing awareness and participation is critical to ensuring communities have a voice in decisions that affect them.
The post Low turnout, high impact: Why local elections matter more than many think appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. | For the Birmingham Times Milton Jones took the prize as the most valuable player, leading Fairfield High Preparatory School to the Class 4A boys state basketball championship. The senior forward could have also taken the prize of having the most siblings among players of the Fairfield athletics program, with 11 […]

By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. | For the Birmingham Times Maurice Ford was walking from the office of Fairfield High Preparatory School when he pondered the journey he’s taken the past17 years. “This is a long way from Parker,” said Ford, the Tigers’ athletic director and head boys basketball coach. In truth, Ford’s trip from legendary […]

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 class includes many Black creatives, such as Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross, Sade and more. The honorees span multiple genres and eras, with additional awards recognizing artists like Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti and MC Lyte. The induction ceremony will take place Nov. 14 in Los Angeles, with a television broadcast set for December.
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By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times The crack of the bat, the echo of history, and the weight of untold stories filled the air on Saturday, April 18, as the Negro Southern League Museum hosted its annual Jackie Robinson Day — an event that continues to grow in both meaning and impact. Held every […]

David Scott, a longtime member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died April 22 at age 80 after more than two decades in Congress, where he became the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Known for championing rural communities, disadvantaged farmers and economic equity, the Georgia Democrat leaves behind a legacy of advocacy spanning both state and federal government.
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By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS  A recent analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that Americans who regularly eat watermelon — both children and adults — have noticeably higher-quality diets than those […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS A study out of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, published April 6 in the journal Innovation in Aging, is turning heads among researchers […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Emily Johnston, Ph.D., a research professor at NYU Langone who specializes in healthy aging and nutrition, is out with a list of nine fruits that the science says belong in every […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS April is Autism Acceptance Month, and the 2026 theme — “Celebrate Differences” — is an invitation to every Alabama family, church, and school to move beyond awareness and into real support […]