NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, was honored as the “Father of the Environmental Justice Movement” at the Mississippi Statewide Environmental Climate Justice Summit. Recognized for his groundbreaking 1987 study “Toxic Waste and Race” and his leadership during the 1982 Warren County protests, Chavis was celebrated for linking environmental issues to civil rights and inspiring global climate activism.
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Congresswoman Lauren Underwood has launched Lifting Up All Families (LUAF), a new organization focused on improving maternal health through equity-driven policy and community partnerships. LUAF addresses the social and systemic barriers many mothers face, especially Black women and veterans. Grounded in real stories and supported by legislation like the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, LUAF aims to ensure every mother receives the care and respect she deserves.
The post A look at Congresswoman Underwood’s maternal health push to ‘change lives for generations’ appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Baltimore-based Shaping Health Equity (SHE), founded by Tanya Myers and Ashley Price in 2020, empowers Black women and girls to navigate the health care system and advocate for themselves. The organization provides educational workshops, referrals to vetted providers and storytelling opportunities to address gaps in culturally responsive care and systemic inequities.
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A Baltimore police officer has been indicted after a viral video showed him attempting to hit a man with his patrol car following a brief verbal confrontation. Officer Robert Parks faces multiple charges, including second-degree attempted murder and misconduct in office, and could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
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A new generation of Black social innovators is reshaping Baltimore’s future through the Drs. Elmer & Joanne Martin Social Impact Fellowship, a six-month program by CLLCTIVLY that nurtures collaboration, cultural leadership and community wealth across the city’s arts, education, health and technology sectors.
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Baltimore police recently raided two convenience stores, uncovering illegal marijuana operations and multiple arrests. In this commentary, Michael Eugene Johnson condemns the betrayal of community trust when local businesses become drug hubs and calls for strict legal and financial accountability to protect neighborhoods.
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By Chianti MarksAFRO Interns D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced Christopher Albert as the District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Bowser called it one of her favorite annual celebrations.  “It is an incredible experience to hear an auditorium of students erupt in cheers when their teacher is announced and to see the other educators just […]
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The Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue hosted a panel on child well-being and juvenile justice reform, emphasizing prevention over punishment. Panelists highlighted racial disparities, science-based solutions and culturally sensitive programs to support and empower youth.
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Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston is president of Norfolk State University, chairwoman of the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and a member of the Board of Governors for the NCAA; and Dr. Tony Allen is president of Delaware State University, vice chairman of MEAC, and the chairman emeritus of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In their joint commentary, the pair celebrates the spirit and legacy of HBCU homecomings as more than festive gatherings—they are affirmations of cultural pride, resilience and unity.
The post Homecoming and the spirit of unity: What HBCUs teach America appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Holliday Woodard and Peter Riccio Three weeks into the government shutdown, travelers have mixed feelings about flying in and out of the nation’s capital.  Most interviewed by Capital News Service said they worry the ongoing shutdown could make conditions worse, even as they have faced only slight delays so far.  “I think it’s a […]
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RENEE KEMP-ROTAN, AN URBAN DESIGNER AND MASTER PLANNER, AT THE HOMEGOING CELEBRATION OF CASSANDRA GRIFFEN, RENOWNED DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER WHO DIED ON OCT. 23. SHE WAS 75.

By Kay Wicker | The Grio From Kamala Harris to Terrance J, HBCUs have been fostering talent across fields and industries for generations. Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been producing top talent for generations. From Hollywood starlets to fashion icons to world-altering scientists and once-in-a-lifetime politicians, these campuses have long been the breeding grounds of some […]

By Kay Wicker | The Grio From Kamala Harris to Terrance J, HBCUs have been fostering talent across fields and industries for generations. Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been producing top talent for generations. From Hollywood starlets to fashion icons to world-altering scientists and once-in-a-lifetime politicians, these campuses have long been the breeding grounds of some […]

 SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS WASHINGTON — On Veterans Day, Alabama’s entire U.S. House delegation stood together in a rare show of unity to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering African American pilots whose […]

By WBRC Digital Staff Birmingham senior citizens looking for affordable housing will soon have a chance to apply. The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) will open its voucher program waiting list for Southtown Senior Tuesday, Nov. 18, through Friday, Nov. 21, with an 8:00 a.m. submission deadline. The $42M affordable facility opened in […]

By WBRC Digital Staff Birmingham senior citizens looking for affordable housing will soon have a chance to apply. The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) will open its voucher program waiting list for Southtown Senior Tuesday, Nov. 18, through Friday, Nov. 21, with an 8:00 a.m. submission deadline. The $42M affordable facility opened in […]

BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY | Special to the Birmingham Times MARANDA & JAMES KELLEY Live: Forestdale Married: Jan. 14, 2024 Met: Nov. 11, 2018, at James’s father’s church, Rising Star Baptist Church in Dora, Alabama. The church threw a Musician’s Appreciation in James’s honor, and Maranda was invited to sing along with his friends’ then girlfriend, […]

BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY | Special to the Birmingham Times MARANDA & JAMES KELLEY Live: Forestdale Married: Jan. 14, 2024 Met: Nov. 11, 2018, at James’s father’s church, Rising Star Baptist Church in Dora, Alabama. The church threw a Musician’s Appreciation in James’s honor, and Maranda was invited to sing along with his friends’ then girlfriend, […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A powerful partnership between business and education leaders in Huntsville has resulted in a $1 million campaign to help 500 local teachers earn National Board Certification — a move […]

By Speakin’ Out News HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As the federal government shutdown stretched into its sixth week, the City of Huntsville proved how once again why it’s known for resilience, resourcefulness, and community spirit. Mayor […]

By Speakin’ Out News Washington, D.C. — The political divide in Washington took center stage again this week as Alabama’s two most influential women in Congress found themselves on opposite sides of a controversial plan […]

City Council Advances Key Projects, Unveils $240 Million North Huntsville Retail Development SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A booming economy. A city on the rise. And a community determined to make sure everyone shares […]

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Huntsville, Alabama as follows: Section 1. Fiber Utility Network, Inc., d/ b/ a. Alabama Fiber Network, Inc., an Alabama corporation, (” Alabama Fiber”) may […]

WHEREAS, certain property has recently been annexed to the City of Huntsville, Alabama; and  WHEREAS, said property is now legally part of the incorporated municipality of the City of Huntsville, Alabama, and as such is […]

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Huntsville, Alabama, has given consideration to an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, a synopsis of said amendment being as follows:  (1) The rezoning of certain land lying […]

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Huntsville, Alabama, as follows: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Huntsville, Alabama, finds that an application has been presented to the […]

WHEREAS, the City of Huntsville, an Alabama municipal corporation (” City”), is the owner of certain real property situated in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama, containing approximately 10. 562 acres, more or less, as more particularly […]

WHEREAS, the City of Huntsville, an Alabama municipal corporation (” City”), is the owner of certain real property situated in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama, containing approximately 24. 48 acres, more or less, as more particularly […]

WHEREAS, the City of Huntsville, an Alabama municipal corporation (” City”), is the owner of certain real property situated in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama, containing approximately 1. 095 acres, more or less, as more particularly […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Just days before Veterans Day, city leaders, veterans, and community members gathered in John Hunt Park to celebrate the groundbreaking of a major expansion to the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum. The new […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville’s thriving music community is closing out a landmark year with celebration, connection, and creativity. The Huntsville Music Office will host its final Quarterly Music Meetup of 2025 on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6–8 […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS MONTGOMERY, Ala. — With a potential federal government shutdown looming, clergy and community leaders gathered Monday on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol to protest proposed funding cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program […]

Public comments are solicited on the Army’s recommendation for corrective measures for contaminated groundwater at sites RSA-156 and RSA-157 on Redstone Arsenal.  The sites are being investigated as a consolidated groundwater unit referred to as RSA-156/157.

By Chianti Marks and Victoria MejicanosAFRO Intern, AFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com While the Trump administration and lawmakers in Congress played political brinkmanship over the budget, leaving the well-being of millions hanging in the balance, organizations, local government agencies and corporations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., have been offering support to furloughed federal workers and residents impacted […]
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On Nov. 10, ReBUILD Metro celebrated the opening of the Hammond at Greenmount Park, as well as the new Johnston Square Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
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