Alabama Senator Aims to Shield Confederate Monuments with $1.8M Annual Fine
By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS In a renewed push to protect Confederate monuments across Alabama, State Senator Gerald Allen has re-filed legislation that would drastically increase financial penalties for cities and counties that remove them. The […]
Huntsville Police welcome 72nd Academy graduates to the force
The Star of Alabama The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) proudly celebrated the graduation of its 72nd Police Academy Session on Thursday, July 3, recognizing a new generation of officers ready to serve and protect the Rocket City. […]
Did You Know? Celebrating the Rich Legacy of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Did you know there’s a remarkable place in California dedicated to honoring the resilience and legacy of African Americans? Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, located in Earlimart, CA, was founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth—a visionary and the highest-ranking Black officer of his time in the U.S. Army. This unique town symbolizes Black determination, self-sufficiency, and cultural pride.
A “New Direction”: West Coast Black News Publisher, Dr. John Warren, Elected Board Chair of NNPA
Dr. John Warren of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint made his mark at the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) annual convention in Savannah, Georgia when he became the third person from the West Coast to lead the 85-year-old organization, whose members are mostly from the East Coast, South and Midwest.
California’s New Landscaping Rules: You May Soon Be Required to Fire-Proof Your Yard
Legislation could go into effect by the end of this year, changing the way Californians landscape their homes.
Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
News You Might Have Missed
UAW Files to Unionize Huntsville Powertrain Plant, Faces Employer Pushback
Union drive targets 220 Huntsville workers as part of national push to organize 40,000 Southern autoworkers by 2026. By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The United Auto Workers (UAW) has filed a formal petition with the National […]
Power in Action: Delta Sigma Theta hosts 57th National Convention
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is hosting its 57th National Convention from July 8–13, 2025, in Washington, D.C., gathering over 20,000 members in person and 13,000 virtually to celebrate more than a century of sisterhood, service, and social action. Events include community service projects, scholarship awards, entrepreneurship competitions, and a keynote address by Senator Cory Booker at the Social Action Luncheon.
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Target Looks for Love in All the Wrong Places as Black Leaders Reject Corporate Spin
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Boycotts and other actions began against the chain after Target quietly pulled back from its $2.1 billion diversity, equity, and inclusion pledge—announced after the murder of George Floyd—to expand Black-owned brands, diversify leadership, and improve the shopping experience for Black customers. Instead, organizers and clergy say the company has attempted to buy goodwill through marketing campaigns and donations, while avoiding meaningful accountability.
A ‘New Direction’: West Coast Black News Publisher, Dr. John Warren, Elected Board Chair of NNPA
SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT — In his new leadership role, Dr. John Warren of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint plans to bring a “new direction” to the Washington, D.C.-based organization that represents more than 230 African American-owned newspapers and media companies across the United States.
OBSERVER Awarded Grant to Expand to Stockton
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — “We’re honored to be selected, and excited to begin planning the next chapter for The OBSERVER,” said Publisher Larry Lee. “Stockton has a vibrant Black community and a real need for reliable, culturally relevant news. We see this expansion as both a responsibility and an opportunity to do what we do best — listen deeply, report thoughtfully, and build trust.”
Medicaid Enrollees Targeted for Forced Farm Work Under Trump Immigration Crackdown
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The remarks echo proposals President Donald Trump himself has floated in recent months, including a plan to compel farmers to house and supervise migrant laborers to avoid ICE raids directly
L.A. Dodgers Owner’s Ties to Private Prisons and Surveillance Spark Backlash from Latino Fans
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — As thousands of Latinos and immigrant families pack Dodger Stadium night after night, the team’s billionaire owner has faced growing scrutiny over financial connections to companies profiting from the detention and surveillance of immigrants.
Early Childhood Educators at Head Starts and Other Programs Say They’re Facing Even More Challenges
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — “As costs rise, more early childhood educators will leave the field, and more programs will shut down — deeply impacting communities and threatening the stability of our economy.”
Planned Parenthood of Illinois Vows to Stay Open After Trump Defunding Bill
CHICAGO DEFENDER — Almost 30,000 PPIL patients rely on Medicaid for birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, prenatal services, gender-affirming care, and abortion. Tonya Tucker, Planned Parenthood of Illinois’ interim president and CEO, said those services will continue “with little to no disruption” in the months ahead.
Prop 36 Is Triggering an Arrest Surge in California, Hitting Black Communities Hard
Prop 36, a law passed by California voters in November 2024, has led to a rise in arrests, disproportionately affecting Black communities, while also causing a burden for the largest county in the state.
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Trump Hosts African Leaders After Past Insults and Controversial Claims
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — in the first six months of this second Trump administration, there have been conversations with African leaders, including South Africa’s president, where Trump showed a video from upheaval in the Congo, saying it depicted an uprising against white Afrikaners in South Africa.
Keeping it Real: Former RSD Captain Exposes Bianco–Alleges Corruption and Unconstitutional Conduct
Victoria Flores, a former Riverside County Sheriff Department employee, has filed a lawsuit against Sheriff Chad Bianco alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, and civil rights violations, including corruption, unconstitutional conduct, and a lack of accountability within the department.
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Shorna-Kay Richards, Jamaica’s Ambassador to Japan, Calls for Global Nuclear Abolition
NY CARIB NEWS — “Even as a small island developing state, Jamaica has never been silent,” Jamaica’s Ambassador to Japan, Shorna-Kay Richards declared. “Our history of slavery and colonialism has shaped our moral compass—we know what it means to fight for life, for dignity, for peace.”
Mikayla Salmon: Jamaican Designer Makes Global Mark with Shein Collection
NEW YORK CARIB NEWS — What began as a passion nurtured in high school took an extraordinary leap last November when Shein unexpectedly contacted Salmon to partner on a collection. Initially, she was skeptical.
Bowser moves to formally repeal D.C.’s ‘sanctuary city’ status
By Martin Austermuhle It was five years ago that Mayor Muriel Bowser called D.C. a “proud sanctuary city,” but now she’s trying to scrub the designation and protections it offers some immigrants. As part of her proposed budget for 2026, Bowser is pushing to repeal a 2019 law that limits how and when city agencies […]
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NEWS BRIEF: In July and Beyond: Honoring Bebe Moore Campbell’s Legacy
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — As the nation marks Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) honors the lasting impact of the late author, advocate, and NAMI Urban Los Angeles co-founder.
Report identifies need for new jail in the District of Columbia
By DaQuan LawrenceSpecial to the AFROdlawrence@afro.com According to a recent report issued by the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor (ODCA), the nation’s capital is overdue for a new jail. The extensive report, titled “Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail,” outlines deteriorating conditions at the current jail facility. Authors of the report say the […]
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Birmingham Opens BOLD Funding Which Has Provided $5.4 Million to Dozens of Local Groups
birminghamal.gov The City of Birmingham on Monday began inviting proposals for its 2026-2027 Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) funding program. Established in 2018, BOLD provides financial support to organizations dedicated to advancing economic development within the city through initiatives focused on five key focus areas, small businesses, workforce development, eliminating barriers, creative placemaking, and […]
Birmingham’s Kenya Buchanan: A Creative Pioneer with a Heart for Giving
By Jordyn Davis | For The Birmingham Times If you were to visit local fashion designer Kenya Buchanan’s website or Instagram, you’d be immediately greeted with adjectives like “custom,” “luxury,” “elegant,” and “intricate.” But if you were to strike up a 10-minute conversation with the visionary behind the wording, you would find more than just […]
Youth-Focused Restore Games Scheduled for July 11 at Birmingham CrossPlex
The Birmingham Times The City of Birmingham and the law enforcement community are gearing up for the Restore Games July 11 at the Birmingham CrossPlex from Noon to 4 p.m. which will include a youth-focused resource fair, gaming zones led by business leaders, and a conflict resolution panel featuring Jefferson County Judge Kechia Davis, District […]
At the intersection of mental health and drug abuse
Black Americans are disproportionately affected by mental health issues and substance abuse, with untreated mental health struggles leading to substance use and the stigma surrounding mental health care making it difficult to seek help.
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Supporting moms: The vital role families play before, during and after birth
Pregnancy is not a solo journey—it’s one that families can profoundly impact by offering emotional, structural and hands-on support. From helping navigate healthcare systems to simply showing up with a warm meal and open ears, loved ones play a vital role in a mother’s health before, during and after birth.
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Following the illegal bombing in Iran, impeachment is the only answer
By D.C. Representative Oye Owolewa President Donald Trump carried out an unconstitutional act of war on June 21 without Congressional approval. For this reason, Congress must launch an impeachment inquiry. We Americans have been lied to for the past couple of decades. We have been told that the United States couldn’t afford free college education […]
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How Bipolar disorder impacts families and what support can look like
Bipolar disorder can deeply affect family dynamics, especially in Black households where stigma and lack of culturally competent care can intensify the challenges. Experts stress the importance of early recognition, open communication and supportive environments to promote healing for both individuals and their loved ones.
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The Number of National Black Conventions That Are ‘NOT’ Inviting President Trump Continues to Grow
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — NABJ President Ken Lemon spoke by phone to Black Press USA, expressing, “at this point, there is not a reason to invite President Trump this year.” Last year was a hard-fought presidential campaign year, she added, where “journalists had the opportunity to vet the candidate. I don’t see the need to do that this time around,” emphasized Lemon.
AFRAM 2025 offers star studded line up and fun for the whole family
The AFRAM Festival, a celebration of African-American culture, returned to Baltimore on June 21-22, featuring international artists such as Amerie, Patti LaBelle, Juvenile and Teedra Moses, and offering fun, food, and more for the whole family.
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Annual ‘Daddy and Me Tea’ returns to Baltimore
By Ali Halloum The Women’s Challenge Inc., in conjunction with Live Inc., recently hosted their annual Daddy and Me Tea. On the afternoon of June 21 men of all ages arrived at 25 W. Preston Street in Baltimore for an afternoon of fun with their daughters. This ball provided an opportunity for Black fathers and […]
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MAGA Turns on Trump’s DOJ After Epstein Records Vanish: ‘Is He Hiding His Own Name?’
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — But after the Justice Department under Donald Trump declared there is no Epstein client list and promised “no further disclosure,” some in Trump’s base might be asking an unthinkable question: Was their own hero’s name among the records they fought to expose?
Baltimore’s A Taste of Summer offers community and culinary adventure
Baltimore’s “A Taste of Summer” Long Table Dinner Series, founded by Nailah Queen and James Dickey, uses food, fashion and fellowship to celebrate community, culture and local entrepreneurship. With a vibrant outdoor dining experience and spotlight on Black and minority-owned culinary talent, the event transforms a shared meal into a powerful symbol of connection and creativity.
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