By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor Members of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church welcomed leaders from the National Council of Churches (NCC) during their impact week for “A Call to Action” reception on June 15. Amidst shape shifting conversations with narratives that furthered the faith perspective in politics, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was duly recognized for
Photo: Mark Bowden via 123RF Electricity and gas bills are necessary expenses for most households. But what if you feel like your bills keep increasing, and you’re looking for ways to cut costs? In many cases, more than one company provides services in your community. Switching your utility provider may be one of your best
By Dandrea V. James Cut 1: “That’s the Way of the World” was released in 1975 by Earth, Wind & Fire. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Cut 2: “Wake Up Everybody” is a classic by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, released in 1975. Photo: Courtesy of Spotify Cut 3: In 1974, The O’Jays crooned about
The Baltimore City educator and former principal of Walbrook Senior High School died on June 12. Arrangements for Dr. Samuel Billups are as follows: June 23, 2023 Union Baptist Church 1219 Druid Hill Avenue Baltimore, Md. 21217 Family hour/viewing: 10:30 a.m. Funeral service: 11:30 a.m. Vaughn Greene Liberty Road Pavillion 8728 Liberty Road Randallstown, Md. 21133 Funeral Repast: 2
By Stephanie Harper Special to the AFRO Summer doesn’t officially start in Baltimore until the AFRAM Festival kicks off, bringing residents and visitors from the entire region to enjoy all things related to African-American culture. The 46th annual AFRAM festival is currently taking place, celebrating today’s hottest artists, Black culture and Black businesses. This year, the
By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com The Black community has truly mastered the art of storytelling. Using art as a form of communication and documentation is nothing new— we tell our stories with the written word, songs, dance— and yes, even via the very hair on our heads. Whether it be a voluminous Afro
By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com Black history is more than oppression and suffering. Throughout Black history we have seen moments of joy, liberation and innovation. Though traditional, White media may not have accurately recorded Black history, griots have been protecting and telling the stories of African people and their descendants— long before 1619.
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Juneteenth only became a nationally recognized holiday in 2021, at the direction of President Biden. The most recent federal holiday to be created commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. Though the recognition is now at an all-time high, the benefit of being a full-fledged federal
By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, msayles@afro.com Since its inception in 1948, the Morgan State University (MSU) Bear Battalion, has graduated nearly 1,800 graduates. In 1979, George M. Brooks became the first general officer in the U.S. Army to graduate from the historically Black institution’s program. Today, the Bear Battalion is one of the top
By Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO Publisher and CEO This year we celebrate Juneteenth National Independence Day for the 157th time, and the third time as a national federal holiday. Many Americans are still learning about Juneteenth’s importance, and we must recognize the significance of its history, and the joy in celebrating our freedom as