NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

The African American Civil War Memorial Museum (AACWM) held its annual Reading of the Names on Nov. 11, honoring more than 200,000 United States Colored Troops. While the event marked a major moment of remembrance for Black veterans and descendants, the museum’s long-awaited official reopening remains delayed due to the government shutdown and supply chain challenges.
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Alicia McKenzie, a mother of five from McLean, Va., has written a children’s book, “These ABCs Belong to Me!,” to help kids reclaim negative labels and turn them into positive traits. Drawing from her own multicultural upbringing and parenting experiences, McKenzie aims to show how words can shape children’s confidence and self-identity.
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The dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency — the nation’s only federal agency dedicated to supporting minority and other disadvantaged entrepreneurs — threatens millions of small businesses that rely on its technical assistance and capital access. As the 47th president’s administration hollows out the agency’s remaining staff and infrastructure, experts warn that its loss would deepen economic inequities and undermine U.S. competitiveness.
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By Ayron Lewallen | WVTM  The city of Birmingham announced a $50 million renovation project more than two years ago, but some residents said they aren’t seeing much progress. The city hosted a meeting to give neighbors an update on the Community Choice Neighborhood Initiative on Wednesday at Legion Field. The project is expected to […]

By Maddie McQueen | WIAT The City of Birmingham is partnering with AmFirst and CBS 42 to collect toys for children in the city. “A lot of people depend on this toy drive to provide the joy and support for their families during this season,” said Austin Sledge, project manager with the Department of Youth […]

By William Thornton | wthornton@al.com For a generation of Magic City dwellers, the December holiday season was a rose-tinted time downtown. Holiday decorations in department store windows. Seasons’ carols. Christmas sales wars for the perfect present. All were ingredients to lure shoppers and revelers to Birmingham’s sidewalks. Now a slate of events being planned by […]

Suicide remains a serious public health issue, with 2 percent of young adults and 20 percent of high schoolers reporting suicidal thoughts or attempts. In Baltimore, leaders are working to expand mental health resources in underserved communities.
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A federal bankruptcy judge said he will approve Purdue Pharma’s revised $7 billion opioid settlement, a deal that would require the Sackler family to give up ownership of the company and contribute billions to governments and victims. The ruling could close a major chapter in nationwide litigation over an opioid crisis tied to more than 900,000 U.S. deaths since 1999.
The post Judge greenlights Purdue-Sackler family’s $7B opioid settlement, opening door to payments for victims appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Randallstown NAACP branch recently held a town hall for those looking to take on the role of Baltimore County executive. Those throwing their hats in the race answered questions about their campaigns and plans to help the community.
The post Randallstown NAACP hosts community town hall for leaders looking to become Baltimore County executive appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The 42-day government shutdown deepened an already growing crisis for minority- and women-owned small businesses, erasing billions in economic output and halting critical programs that support SEDI entrepreneurs. Eric Morrissette argues that reopening the government must now serve as a broader act of renewal, rebuilding trust and restoring the agencies essential to inclusive economic growth.
The post Investing in entrepreneurship after the government shut down  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times Success starts in Birmingham City Schools (BCS) but administrators are determined not to let it end there. BCS on Thursday reported earning a 77, its highest-ever grade on the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Report Card for 2025. The 77 represents a three-point increase over last year and […]

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times When you meet Gwendolyn Brown, you are greeted by warmth and determination that radiates from every word. As the mom of 26-year-old Erech, who is autistic, and 19-year-old Jakkob, who lives with sickle cell disease, Brown’s life is a testament to resilience, advocacy, love, and caregiving. “Every day […]

birminghamal.gov The City of Birmingham, in partnership with the United Way of Central Alabama, is now accepting pre-registration forms for residents affected by the recent delay or suspension of their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. The House on Wednesday adopted a plan to reopen the government and sent it to President Donald Trump, which he signed. […]

Prayers are pouring in from across the country for civil rights giant Rev. Jesse Jackson, who is currently hospitalized and fighting progressive supranuclear palsy
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Amid rising utility costs and economic uncertainty, many Central Maryland households are struggling to manage bills. The BGE Customer Relief Fund provided immediate financial assistance to more than 30,000 families this summer.
The post United Way, BGE ease rising energy costs for 30,000 families with fund appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced new funding for local entrepreneurs through the District Capitalized Revolving Fund Program, offering micro-loans and credit lines to help small businesses expand, hire and strengthen their operations.
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By Evelyn CarterSpecial to the AFRO On Oct. 25, 2025 at 7 p.m. Trojan supporters gathered at the Delta of Marriott Hotel in Colonial Heights, Va., to honor the distinguished achievements of the Class of 1976. The event aimed to foster excitement for the upcoming Golden Reunion, scheduled for May 2026. Registration commenced at 6:30 […]
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____________________________ MERCHANDISE ____________________________ _____________________________ EMPLOYMENT ____________________________       Senior Public Safety Manager   BJCC is recruiting for a 1) 1. Senior Public Safety Manager for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530.           BT11/13/2025               ______________________________               […]

Only 5.2 percent of U.S. physicians are Black, despite African Americans making up nearly 14 percent of the population. The Howard University Medical Alumni Association is working to close this gap through its Need More Black Doctors campaign, providing scholarships, emergency grants and mentorship to aspiring Black physicians.
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By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. has been named recipient of the prestigious 2025 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) announced this morning. The award represents BCRI’s highest honor, bestowed upon national and international leaders advancing justice, equality, and human dignity. […]

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Jo Ann Jolivet will be honored by the Army Women’s Foundation on March 12, 2026, for her trailblazing service in the military and her post-military work in Maryland.
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Childcare advocates are warning that D.C.’s early learning system could face a major setback after the D.C. Council voted to reduce salary minimums for educators supported by the city’s Pay Equity Fund. Lawmakers said the change was necessary to sustain the program after Mayor Muriel Bowser declined to provide additional funding amid ongoing budget challenges
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The Birmingham Times Over the course of the next week, there will be several opportunities for residents to receive free food boxes at events organized by Birmingham City Councilors. Even as federal government shutdown ended Wednesday the impact is still being felt by over 23,000 households in Birmingham that rely on SNAP benefits, many families […]

By Geoff Mulvihill | Associated Press The House on Wednesday adopted a plan to reopen and sent it to President Donald Trump. which he signed. One provision calls for restarting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but even that doesn’t resolve when the benefits will be loaded onto the debit cards beneficiaries use to buy groceries. […]

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times Asked a question most students get while in elementary or middle school — “What do you want to be when you grow up?” — Jeremy Cutts remembers saying he “wasn’t really sure.” But that would soon change in a major way. “My dad was an electrical engineer, so I […]

Birmingham City Schools Last week, Birmingham City School​s​ unveiled the new ​Verizon Innovative Learning Lab​s​ at L.M. Smith Middle School​ and WJ Christian K-8 School​​. The new Verizon Innovative Learning Lab​s​ give​s​ students and teachers access to emerging technology such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI). The two schools […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Alabama A&M started strong but couldn’t hold off a relentless Prairie View A&M offense as the Panthers scored 48 unanswered points to claim a 48–5 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) win on Saturday at […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Marcus Harris II powered the Alabama State Hornets to a dominant 42–24 victory over Texas Southern on Saturday night, finding the end zone three times as the Hornets improved […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Food addiction is real — and science shows that certain foods can hijack your brain’s reward system in the same way addictive substances do. Here are six of the most irresistible […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS More young adults are facing serious dental issues — and it’s not just because they skip flossing. Experts say a mix of stress, diet, and access to care is putting smiles […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Eyelash extensions have become a beauty must-have — giving the appearance of fuller, longer lashes without mascara. But while they can enhance your look, experts warn that they can also come […]

The House of Representatives voted 222–209 to end the nation’s longest government shutdown, sending the bill to the Oval Office after 43 days of halted services, unpaid workers, and widespread economic strain. The compromise measure funds several government departments through January but leaves unresolved partisan battles over health care tax credits that Democrats had sought to extend.
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By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS High blood pressure doesn’t just harm your heart — it can quietly damage your brain, too. Over time, hypertension can weaken blood vessels, disrupt circulation, and even trigger strokes or memory […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Long dismissed as a common weed, the humble dandelion is actually a powerhouse herb packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. From detoxing the liver to improving digestion, this versatile plant has been used […]