NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

After more than a decade leading one of the South’s most recognizable collegiate marching bands, Carlton J. Wright is retiring as director of bands at Alabama A&M University, closing a remarkable chapter in the history […]

Alabama A&M University students earned top honors at the 2026 CODE Student Symposium hosted by the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, a Huntsville-based nonprofit genomic research institute, standing out among competitors from colleges and universities across […]

Alabama A&M University students are gaining national exposure in advanced research after presenting their work at the inaugural SCALE-Con, hosted by Purdue University as part of the Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE) program, a national […]

BY SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The long-anticipated move of U.S. Space Command to Huntsville crossed a meaningful threshold this month, with the first group of operational personnel from the command’s J2 Intelligence Directorate arriving at Redstone […]

At 100, Andrew Billingsley is celebrated for a lifetime of groundbreaking scholarship and leadership that reshaped understanding of Black families and strengthened higher education, particularly at Morgan State University. Honored at Hampton University with a new endowed scholarship, his legacy reflects a journey from the son of sharecroppers to a nationally influential sociologist and educator.
The post From sharecroppers to scholar: Andrew Billingsley at 100 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

A whole bunch of people in this debate over Montgomery aren’t interested in actually solving the problems. They’re only interested in the public fight. Josh Moon The cost of ignorance can be quite high—deadly, in fact.  […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Alabama’s entrepreneurs just gained a powerful new ally. Innovate Alabama announced the launch of its $15 million Capital Access Fund on April 16, 2026 — a statewide initiative designed to help […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The City of Madison officially launched its modernized transit scheduling and reservation platform today, April 20, 2026 — a milestone move that brings transportation scheduling, dispatching, and reservations fully in-house for […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS North Alabama has landed another major win. Japan-based JST Corporation, a global leader in electronic connector design and manufacturing, announced plans to invest $500 million in a state-of-the-art facility at Conners […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Montgomery’s Therapeutic Recreation Center (TRC) officially reopens today, April 20, 2026, following a $5 million renovation of its permanent facility. The TRC has served residents with disabilities since the 1970s, offering […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Baldwin County residents near Mobile got a win today. The Robertsdale Central Annex — home to Probate and Revenue services at 22251 Palmer St., Robertsdale — officially reopens Monday, April 20, […]

On Easter Sunday morning, Vassie Lee Jackson, believed to be Bakersfield’s oldest living resident, took her leave. She was 105 years old, just three months shy of 106.
By her pastor’s account, she had been ready for some time.

By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO The Board of Directors of the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) recently appointed Dr. Faith Gibson Hubbard as interim president and CEO. Hubbard replaces George Lambert, who retired earlier this year after 10 years of stellar service to the organization. Under Lambert’s tenure, GWUL expanded education and empowerment […]
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Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) wants business owners in her community and across the state to know that LA28 is committed to directing procurement spending in the Greater Los Angeles region toward small businesses for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The future of work is no longer a distant idea — it’s here. Automation, artificial intelligence, remote work, and the green economy are redefining the workforce, and at breakneck speed. For the communities we serve and partner with, this moment presents both a challenge and a huge opportunity. The question is: will we be passengers or drivers of this transformation?

The number of babies born in the United States fell again last year. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3.6 million births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024. The fertility rate dropped to 53.1 births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44, down 23% since 2007.

As California heads into the 2026 election cycle, all four elected seats on the State Board of Equalization are up for grabs, with voters in each of the agency’s four geographic districts choosing a representative. The board—which handles tax appeals, property tax oversight and equalization, and other key functions tied to California’s revenue system — has taken on renewed visibility as debates over affordability, business climate, wildfire recovery and state revenues intensify.

Homeownership has long been one of the most dependable ways for everyday families to build wealth—not through speculation, but through the steady accumulation of equity in a place they call home. For Black Californians, this path has always been narrower because of historical barriers to wealth building.

Today across the United States of America in some of the largest urban cities, Black Americans are having renewed nightmares about being taken for granted, ignored and being erase in history and in the public square.

By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO By her own admission, the Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, struggled against accepting the call to ministry for most of her life.  But you couldn’t tell, based on the reactions of worshipers at Asbury United Methodist Church (UMC) on Sunday, April 2, […]
The post Reverend Nontombi Tutu speaks at Asbury UMC’s annual Women’s Day Service appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The House is moving toward a bipartisan vote to expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.-20) after a committee investigation proved 25 ethics violations. While a federal judge has delayed the Florida Democrat’s criminal trial for the alleged theft of $5 million in FEMA funds until 2027, congressional leaders indicated that the chamber is prepared to act as early as next week.
The post Lawmakers move to oust Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick for alleged ethics violations appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Trusts allow individuals to control how their assets are managed and distributed, both during life and after death. This Financial Literacy Month, learn from experts who say trusts can provide flexibility and protection in certain situations.
The post Trusts explained: What they do, what they don’t and why they matter appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott is now president of the African American Mayors Association. Read more about the selection and the organization’s recent conference in Washington, D.C. on AFRO.com.
The post Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott named president of African American Mayors Association appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

birminghamal.gov To align city resources with educational outcomes and expand opportunity for Birmingham’s children, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan today announced the formation of the Birmingham Children and Youth Commission, an initiative designed to create a coordinated, citywide strategy that drives economic mobility through a unified cradle-to-career (C2C) […]

Life-changing events—from divorce to a serious illness to natural disasters—can upend not only daily routines but financial stability. Certified financial planner Zaneilia Harris shares strategies to help households prepare, protect and recover when the unexpected happens.
The post Navigating life’s big changes: Expert advice on finances, divorce and disasters appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Alexis LaRueAFRO Internalarue@afro.com Morgan State University’s Center for Urban Violence and Crime Reduction hosted its inaugural Intimate Partner Violence Symposium on March 24. The event served as a platform for experts, advocates and survivors to address the issue of domestic violence, share solutions and offer resources as a way of prevention.  Attendees gained valuable […]
The post Morgan state hosts inaugural Intimate Partner Violence Symposium appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO More than 100 years ago, on April 16, 1862, the Compensated Emancipation Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. On that day, slaves in the District of Columbia gained their freedom. More than a century later, the residents of D.C. gather on an annual basis to honor and celebrate […]
The post District leaders, residents and visitors celebrate Emancipation Day appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea will be held April 25 at Martin’s West from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each year the event serves as a time to celebrate the Black community and bring together the best of Baltimore. Shown here, 2025 attendees Jade Madden (left), Michelle Johnson and Dikesha Robinson.
The post The AFRO’s Baltimore Tea returns with spotlight on women in the C-suite appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Roy L. Williams | Birmingham Public Library The A.I. x Library Project, presented by Dream Machine and Operation HOPE, will bring cutting-edge artificial intelligence learning opportunities to the downtown location of the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) on Friday and Saturday, April 24–25. This free, two-day conference is part of a nationwide tour visiting libraries […]

Dr. Jermaine Dawson has been announced as the new CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools.
The post Philadelphia’s Jermaine Dawson named new CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III is an author, nonprofit executive and now, CEO of Marula Wellness Dispensary. This week, he shares his inspiration for pursuing and opening his own marijuana dispensary.
The post Cannabis, justice and religion: My journey to leading a dispensary appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Baltimore Shines, a program led by Civic Works and the city’s housing department, is helping low-income homeowners access free solar panel installations, cutting energy costs and promoting environmental sustainability. Participants report significant savings on utility bills, though seasonal fluctuations affect output. Despite funding challenges, the program aims to expand to 170 installations by the end of 2026 while continuing to educate residents about energy efficiency.
The post Bringing solar power — and savings — to Baltimore City residents appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

____________________________ EMPLOYMENT ____________________________  Ticketing Manager   BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) Ticketing Manager for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530. BT4/16/2026   ________________________________ 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. BT4/16/2026   ________________________________ Marketing Coordinator – Content & Social BJCC, is […]

By Fae Fox | ABC 33/40 Birmingham Fire Department says too many homes across the city still do not have working smoke detectors — even though they are available for free. The warning comes in the aftermath of a triple-fatal house fire, where officials confirmed the home did not have a working smoke detector. “There […]

By Brianna Hoge | UAB News Families of students in pre-K through fifth grade are invited to an evening of reading, learning and family fun at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The UAB School of Education and Human Sciences will host a free Family Literacy Night on Thursday, April 30, from 5-7 p.m. The […]