by Global Circle for Reparations and Healing Global action produces global results as Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical acknowledges the Church’s relationship to enslavement and offers an apology Chicago, Il — May 26, 2026 — The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing is being recognized and congratulated for its historic vision, courage, and strategic leadership […]
Author Archives: Special to the AFRO
Posted inCommentary
‘Under Babied’: Alarming new language and double standards around the politics of birth
By Crystal Coache Picture this: after hours of contractions, listening to the sound of multiple beeping heart monitors, the breathless he-he-whhhhooooo’s, and constant poking and prodding from nurses, you finally give birth and your doctor looks up at you and says, “Congratulations! You’ve just been babied!” Actually, you don’t need to use your imagination. Recently, […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to headline MMTH’s 30th anniversary event in Baltimore
(Baltimore, Maryland, May 26, 2026) — For three decades, Mentoring Male Teens in the “Hood” (MMTH) has stood in the gap for underserved youth in Baltimore—investing in boys and building strong men ages 8–18 through mentorship, enrichment, educational exposure and life preparation. The Baltimore-based mentoring organization will commemorate this milestone with their 30th Anniversary Celebration […]
Posted inOPINION
Rising hardship withdrawals signal financial stress among US workers
Hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts are increasing, with 6% of U.S. workers affected, and disproportionately impacting Black and Hispanic households due to the racial wealth divide.
Posted inObituaries
Crystal R. Emery, director, author and advocate dies at 65
Filmmaker, disability rights leader, and comedian celebrated for a life’s work championing equity, STEM, and the power of the human spirit By Cheryl Duncan & Company Crystal R. Emery, an award-winning producer, director, author and nationally recognized STEM and disability advocate whose work championed equity and inclusion across film, theater, publishing and education, died May […]
Posted inOPINION
Extraordinary power of Black America: What the evidence actually shows
Black Americans have demonstrated remarkable political power in recent American elections, shaping two Democratic presidential nominations and resulting presidencies, and this power can be further amplified by investing in educational achievement, family stability, and economic self-determination.
Posted inCommentary
Uncovering the legacy of Maj. Charity Adams and her all-Black battalion
By Dante R. Brizill In 2024, many Americans were introduced to the legendary “Six Triple Eight” for the first time through Tyler Perry’s movie of the same name. The inspirational story of these amazing women who sorted the mail during World War II, captured the attention and imagination of millions. Within the story we met […]
Posted inENVIRONMENT
Executive challenged the Sierra Club’s racial practices. Then he was fired.
Dr. Angelo A. WilliamsThe Observer EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in The OBSERVER’s series examining the departures of Black leaders from the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation. The first installment documented a pattern of exits from board and staff roles between 2023 and 2025. The second featured an interview with Aaron Mair, […]
Posted inHBCU
Susan Young Browne, DSU’s oldest living graduate celebrates 108th birthday
By Delaware State University More than 130 people gathered on May 2 to celebrate Susan Young Browne’s 108th birthday with a special dinner at Whatcoat United Methodist Church of Dover, Del. Attendees included Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, and Levy Court Commissioners Joanne Masten and Terry Pepper. Those present expressed profound amazement and heartfelt admiration for […]
Posted inOPINION
From revolution to distraction: What changed?
By Bill Curtis If, today, say, I was born, say, after the period of 1989 to 1995, then I would find it difficult to even think, believe or imagine that Black people lived such conviction like an Angela Davis in the quote where she says, “Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about […]
Posted inOpinion
The unfinished business of Sonia Hayes and Mildred Frisby
Maryland Sen. Antonio Hayes reflects on the enduring influence of his mother, Sonia Hayes, and grandmother, Mildred Frisby, in a heartfelt Mother’s Day commentary about resilience, sacrifice and public service. Drawing from his upbringing in West Baltimore’s Penn North community, Hayes connects his legislative work to the struggles and hopes of the women who shaped his life and inspired his commitment to improving Baltimore neighborhoods.
