#NNPA BlackPress
Celebrities, Politicians and a Host of Dignitaries Help Celebrate the AFRO’s 130th Anniversary
NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Throughout the years, the AFRO has been a leading voice in the Black community, serving as a reliable source of news and information while providing insight to generations of families in an ever-evolving society,” said Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott. “In times when mainstream media may have forgotten about the Black community, the AFRO was – and remains – steadfast in ensuring that the community is covered thoroughly and fair.”

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
With its vision, legacy, culture, and story on full display, the AFRO celebrated its 130th anniversary in style with a gala at Martins Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Comedian Tommy Davidson served as the night’s host, while Temeka Moore and Absolute Music performed various hit songs.
The sold-out crowd capped the evening with a dance party as famed DJ Kid Capri worked his magic on the turntables.
National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Chair Karen Carter Richards, NNPA Executive Administrator Claudette Perry, Houston Forward Times Associate Editor Jeffrey Boney, attorneys Billy Murphy and J. Wyndal Gordon, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott counted among the many dignitaries in attendance.
CBS Mornings Host Gayle King, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, National Urban League President Marc Morial, Georgetown Professor Michael Eric Dyson, Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), Maryland Democratic Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and White House Correspondent April Ryan, were among those sending videotaped greetings to the AFRO.
NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. presented AFRO Publisher and CEO Dr. Toni Draper with the John B. Russwurm Award for Journalist Excellence and the NNPA’s Publisher of the Year.
“Throughout the years, the AFRO has been a leading voice in the Black community, serving as a reliable source of news and information while providing insight to generations of families in an ever-evolving society,” Mayor Scott stated.
“In times when mainstream media may have forgotten about the Black community, the AFRO was – and remains – steadfast in ensuring that the community is covered thoroughly and fair,” Scott asserted.
Mfume, representing Maryland’s 7th District, thanked the AFRO for “being the eyes, ears, and voice of our community.”
“We remain indebted to John H. Murphy, Sr., a formerly enslaved man, and his wife, Martha Howard Murphy, for founding the AFRO platform 130 years ago,” Mfume offered.
“From the earliest days until now, the AFRO has chronicled our lives from the end of Reconstruction through the Jim Crow Era, the Niagara Movement, World War I, the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the first Black U.S. president and vice president, a global health and economic pandemic, and our path forward.”
Dr. Draper, who called on AFRO board members, supporters, and employees to stand, said for the past 130 years, hundreds of dedicated men and women have worked tirelessly to realize the vision of the AFRO’s founder.
“Today, we are still championing social and political change, still crusading for equal opportunity and access for all – still being the forceful voice for Black Americans in Baltimore, Washington, and beyond. Still chronicling the joys and sorrows of our community,” Dr. Draper stated.
“In this age of social media and news on demand, we have exceeded great grandfather’s desire for the AFRO to eventually become a daily as we are constantly posting to AFRO.com, as well as to Instagram, Twitter, and Meta, where we have more than 650,000 followers,” Dr. Draper continued.
“We’ve even ventured into something called Tik Tok. And, with the help of AFRO Charities, we are working hard to preserve our rich archives so that more people can know about our rich history and legacy.
#NNPA BlackPress
Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.
Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”
The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”
#NNPA BlackPress
Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”
But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”
Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”
#NNPA BlackPress
WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event
Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed
May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.
But what has happened since?
Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?
This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.
Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:
Panelists:
- Medaria Arradondo – Former Minneapolis Police Chief
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil Rights Activist & Attorney
- Dr. Yohuru Williams – Racial Justice Initiative,
- UST Mary Moriarty – Hennepin County Attorney
- Fireside Chat with Andre Locke – Father of Amir Locke
Special Guests:
- Kennedy Pounds – Spoken Word Artist
- Known MPLS – Youth Choir bringing purpose through song
This podcast episode looks at the past five years through the lens of grief, truth, and hope—and challenges us all to do more.
Subscribe to Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real wherever you get your podcasts or follow @mnspokesmanrecorder for more.
Visit https://spokesman-recorder.com for more coverage and stories from Minnesota’s trusted Black news source.
#GeorgeFloyd #BlackPress #SpokesmanRecorder #Minneapolis #BlackHistory
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