NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

By Mia Watkins | This is Alabama Like many startups, the founders of VirtuOwl began with a glaring need in the community. “Our schools are really struggling right now,” VirtuOwl General Manager Bo Morgan said. “Our students are really struggling. There’s been a 40% increase in mental health issues in schools since 2020. School counselors […]

The Rev. Gina Stewart delivered the keynote sermon at the Joint National Baptist Convention in January, sparking a social media firestorm and highlighting the obstacles women in Christian ministry face as they carve out leadership space within the patriarchal culture of the Black Church in America.
The post Obstacles remain as women seek more leadership roles in America’s Black Church appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Gabby Douglas, the first Black woman to win the Olympic all-around title, competed for the first time in eight years at the American Classic, and qualified in multiple events for the U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, next month.
The post 2012 Olympic champion Gabby Douglas competes for the first time in 8 years at the American Classic appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Dominican Republic is experiencing an increase in racist deportations and harassment of black-skinned people due to the election year, with the current president and leading presidential candidate Luis Abinader promoting anti-Haitianismo and empowering the police to round up and investigate any Haitian or Haitian-looking person for possible detention and deportation.
The post Internet access may end for 23M Americans if Congress fails to extend Affordable Connectivity Program appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the University of Oxford to establish a CBCF Alumni Scholarship, a transformative initiative aimed at closing the financial gap for Black students aspiring to pursue master’s degrees at the prestigious institution.
The post PRESS ROOM: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation announces new partnership with the University of Oxford appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Donald Trump’s campaign has struggled to transition into the general election due to staffing issues, legal troubles, and the “Make America Great Again” movement’s disdain for identity politics, leaving the GOP with little organization to show for its ambitious plans to reach minority voters.
The post Trump promised big plans to flip Black and Latino voters. Many Republicans are waiting to see them appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.), who was formally targeted for defeat by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), won her primary challenge on April 23, garnering 61 percent of the vote to the contender’s 31 percent.
The post Freshman CBC member Rep. Summer Lee wins big after being targeted by Israeli lobbying giant appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

City of Birmingham The City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity will once again host its city-wide happy hour event series, Magic City Sips. The aim of this initiative is to highlight Birmingham’s thriving hospitality industry by encouraging residents and visitors to support area restaurants and bars throughout the summer months. Sips officially […]

A petition calling on President Joe Biden to grant a full pardon to former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who is facing 40 years in federal prison for fraud charges, has gathered over 2,700 signatures, with notable figures like the National Congress of Black Women backing it.
The post Petition calls on Biden to grant pardon to former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Baltimore Ravens selected Nate Wiggins from Clemson University with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, a speedy cornerback with the potential to add versatility to the Ravens’ defense.
The post Ravens select Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round of NFL Draft  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City and its partners will celebrate the completion of Phase One of the Perkins, Somerset and Oldtown Transformation (PSO) project, which includes 103 mixed income housing units and 48 units for former residents of Perkins public housing units.
The post Housing Authority of Baltimore City celebrates completion of phase one in Perkins, Somerset and Oldtown Transformation appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Donald Payne Jr., a beloved lawmaker and advocate for racial justice, equal rights, reproductive freedom, free college tuition, and public transportation, died of a heart attack at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy and commitment to service that New Jerseyans and our country will not soon forget.
The post CBC member Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

South Africa is celebrating 30 years of freedom and democracy, but many of the challenges faced by the country have subsided, with the Black majority still living in poverty and the ANC facing a fiercely contested election in May.
The post South Africa will mark 30 years of freedom amid inequality, poverty and a tense election ahead appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

  Birmingham City Schools, SkillsUSA Birmingham’s Wenonah High School last week won its third straight Cosmetology SkillsUSA Contest in Mobile, Alabama and will represent the state in June at the National SkillsUSA conference in Atlanta. The team is made up of Shuntasia Williams (school’s Valedictorian) LuKeiyah Johnson (senior) Marietta Barnes (junior), Kaitlyn Amison (junior), Zahvia […]

By Brianna Hoge | UAB News The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categorizes nicotine as a chemical compound that is highly addictive. Nicotine can be found in a variety of products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and most e-cigarettes, and is the reason those who use these products can find themselves dependent on them. […]

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer, msayles@afro.com American Publishing has filed a class action lawsuit against the owner and manager of the Dali cargo ship, which struck the Francis Scott […]
The post Baltimore company files class action lawsuit against Dali ship owners appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Rajah Caruth, a 21-year-old student at Winston-Salem State University, has become the third Black driver to win one of NASCAR’s three national series, after winning the 2024 Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200.
The post Rajah Caruth finds victory lane as NASCAR profile grows appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

At least 70 people have died due to flooding and heavy rains in Kenya since mid-March, with 15,000 people displaced and thousands of houses and schools damaged or destroyed.
The post At least 70 people killed by flooding in Kenya; more rain expected appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Dominican Republic is experiencing a rise in anti-Haitianismo, with the current president and leading presidential candidates promoting the demonization and criminalization of anything Black, and a 250-mile wall being built to deter Haitian immigrants.
The post In the Dominican Republic presidential elections are fueled by anti-Blackness appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

_____________________________ Employment ____________________________ SALES COORDINATOR BJCC, is recruiting for a Sales Coordinator, for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530. BT04/25/2024 _____________________________ DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY BJCC, is recruiting for a Director of Public Safety, for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530. BT04/25/2024 _____________________________ SENIOR APPLICATION SYSTEMS ANALYST/PROGRAMMER […]

Flora and Alton James Joubert, a Black couple from Jurupa Valley, California, shared their memories of the rodeo lifestyle and the legacy of Alton’s late husband, Al, who passed away a decade ago from a horseback accident.
The post Legacy of a Black Cowboy: Remembering Al Joubert’s Life and Love for Rodeo appeared first on Black Voice News.

April Hurley is suing Eden’s Homes, Property Pals and Jason Billingsley for compensatory damages after he allegedly sliced her throat, tortured her and sexually assaulted her before setting her and her guest on fire in her Upton home on Sep. 19.
The post Baltimore woman sues Jason Billingsley and his former employers for violent attack  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Birmingham Times Thirteen-year-old Blake James is back home. And he can be seen in area theatres starring in “We Grown Now” playing at AMC Summit 16 in the Summit in Birmingham and the Regal Trussville in Trussville. The film debuted in September 2023 at the Toronto International Film Festival and won the Changemaker Award. […]

The Birmingham Times Opera Unveiled: A Concert of Greatest Hits will take place at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater at Alabama School of Fine Arts on Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 at 2:30 p.m. featuring selections from iconic composers such as Puccini, Verdi, and Mozart. The concert will showcase some […]

The rising cost of childcare is causing concern for parents, with experts calling for more funding of childcare as a public good to benefit young children, their families, and the economy.
The post The importance of cost effective childcare services appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Roberta’s House hosted its annual Elijah Cummings Leadership Awards and Dinner, honoring U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), philanthropists Dr. Freeman and Jacqueline Hrabowski, and renowned artist Larry Poncho Brown for their dedication to uplifting others and fostering mental wellness.
The post Roberta’s House hosts annual Elijah Cummings Leadership Awards and Dinner: Honoring community leaders and advocates appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Howard County NAACP is hosting its annual Freedom Fund Jazz Luncheon, featuring Grammy-nominated poet, human and civil rights activist, journalist and author Kevin Powell, to raise awareness and funds for advocacy activities.
The post Howard County NAACP to host Freedom Fund Jazz Luncheon appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post Sophisticated Settings — Lifestyle — April 26, 2024 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post Afro e-Edition 04-26-2024 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

NEW ORLEANS, La.- Madalena Andrade won at No. 3 singles to seal a 4-3 win for Alabama State over Florida A&M in the SWAC Women’s Tennis Championship on Sunday here at the Pepsi Center. The […]

By Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson | The Birmingham Times Maria Manuel, a ninth-grade student at Huffman High School, wants to be an ultrasound technician. “The most interesting thing I learned in this program is about the diet, what people are not supposed to eat, what they can eat, and what’s not healthy for them,” Manuel said. Jasmyne […]

Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson | For The Birmingham Times Given recent staffing shortages that have caused challenges in recruiting and retaining talented nurses, the Birmingham Black Nurses Association (BBNA), is doing what it can to advocate for quality health care and attract more to the profession. “The best way (for this profession to thrive) is for current […]

By Hannah Echols | UAB News Shaundra Blakemore, M.D., and Brian Sims, M.D., Ph.D., were once students in the Birmingham City Schools system who had a passion for science. After college, they transformed their passions into a career by attending medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Fast forward, and they are returning to […]