Trailblazer and Former Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman Remembered for History Making Moves
By Zenitha Prince AFRO Contributing Editor Pioneering civil servant and advocate Alexis Herman, who served as the 23rd and first African American Secretary of Labor, died April 25. She was 77. Herman achieved the historical first when then-President Bill Clinton nominated her for the Cabinet position at the beginning of his second term in the White House. “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Alexis Herman, our friend of nearly fifty years. Alexis was gifted in so many ways. She was a skillful and creative administrator who, at
April Ryan, Black Press Saluted at 2025 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner
This year, the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner looked much different. Without the presence of the President of the United States, an accomplished comedian, or the traditional crowd of politicians and celebrities, the evening instead became a nationally televised celebration of free speech. The black-tie event was also a recognition of the benefit of diversity, a tribute to trailblazing journalists, and a major shout-out and acknowledgment to Black Press USA’s Washington Bureau Chief and White House Senior Correspondent, April Ryan. The event took place under the shadow
Dr. Timothy Lewis is New Director of the Black Studies Program at SIUE; The Effects of Black Studies Can Be Felt, Seen Worldwide
The rich, vast and multifaceted aspects of Black scholarship should be taught, investigated and celebrated inside and outside of the classroom, according to Timothy E. Lewis, PhD, the new Director of Black Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. “I want to take Black Studies out of the classroom, making it the premier unit on campus for implicit Black education, including documentary screenings, symposiums, historical celebrations and more,” said Lewis, interim chair of the Department of Social Work, and associate professor in the Department of Political Science. “I plan to not
Angela Alsobrooks, Lisa Blunt Rochester Make History as Newly Elected Black Senators in 2024 Election
Two years ago, the U.S. Senate did not have a single Black woman. And before that, only two Black women had ever served in the upper chamber of Congress. Lisa Blunt Rochester in Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks in Maryland have changed the math. They both won their races on Tuesday, Nov. 5 — making history while bringing greater representation to Congress and maintaining the Democrats’ hold on the seats. This is also the first time that two Black women will serve as senators together — and they will each take
Illinois Democrats Secure Decisive Wins in Congressional Races
In a decisive win for Illinois Democrats, incumbents Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Danny K. Davis, and Lauren Underwood retained their seats, underscoring the state’s strong blue presence in Congress. According to the Associated Press, Illinois Democrats took 14 of the state’s 17 congressional seats, marking decisive wins in closely watched races. Key victories included incumbents Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Danny K. Davis, and Lauren Underwood, each defeating Republican challengers by solid margins. In a firmly “blue wall” state where these Democratic incumbents were heavily favored, these results, though expected, were
Monroe Nichols Becomes First Black Mayor of Tulsa
Photo: Oklahoma House of Representatives Democratic Oklahoma Rep. Monroe Nichols has made history in the city of Tulsa. On Tuesday (November 5), Nichols was projected to win the Tulsa Mayoral election, besting his challenger, Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, per 2 News Oklahoma. Nichols will serve as Tulsa’s first Black mayor. He delivered his acceptance on Tuesday night in front of images of Black Wall Street, a thriving district in Tulsa that was destroyed by a white mob in 1921. Nichols, who’s served as a State Representative for House District 72 since 2016, will take over for
Melesa Johnson Becomes 1st Black Woman Elected As Jackson County Prosecutor
Voters in Kansas City, Missouri made a historic choice on Election Night. On Tuesday (November 5), Democrat Melesa Johnson was elected as Jackson County prosecutor, making her the first Black woman to hold that office, per KSHB. Johnson defeated Republican Tracey Chappell in the race for Jackson County prosecutor by a large margin. “It’s honestly surreal,” Johnson said Tuesday night. “I’m excited, full, and hopeful, but know we have a lot of work to do.” Johnson will succeed Jean Peters Baker, who has served as Jackson County prosecutor since 2012. Peters Baker was only the second woman to be
Nick Brown Makes History as Washington’s First Black Attorney General
Photo: Nick Brown For Attorney General Democrat Nick Brown made history on Election Night. On Tuesday (November 5), Brown was projected to win the race for Washington attorney general, besting Republican Pete Serrano, per the Associated Press. Brown's win makes him the first Black person to serve as Washington's attorney general. He is succeeding Bob Ferguson, who ran for governor instead of seeking reelection, to become the state's first new attorney general in 12 years. During his campaign for AG, Brown, a former U.S. attorney for western Washington, faced Serrano, a
Civil Rights Icon Dr. Charles Neblett Pioneers Prostate Cancer Awareness Movement for Black Men
Civil rights icon Dr. Charles D. Neblett, MD, is spearheading a powerful initiative to shine a light on healthcare equity in the Black community. Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, Neblett has turned his personal battle into a platform for change with the launch of the #BlackProstateCheckChallenge. This campaign urges Black prostate cancer survivors and patients to share their stories, providing a space for conversation and support through the power of social media. Through the #BlackProstateCheckChallenge, Neblett’s family nonprofit, Community Projects, Inc., seeks to foster dialogue, dispel stigmas,
Melissa L. Gilliam Installed as Boston University’s 11th President
BU President Melissa L. Gilliam sitting in the leather chair that belonged to one of BU’s founders, Isaac Rich. The chair was used in 1869 when BU’s three founders signed a petition to charter BU as a new corporation, and it has been featured at nearly every inauguration since. Photo by Jackie Ricciardi In historic inauguration, she calls for greater investment in student internship opportunities, in faculty interdisciplinary research, and ensuring access for all On Friday, September 27, the Boston University community leapt to its feet to celebrate the historic inauguration