By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor Morgan State University alumni gathered at Boeing Headquarters in Arlington, Va. on Nov. 13 to celebrate 75 years of service to their institution. The group hosted historically Black college and university (HBCU) presidents from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tennessee State University (TSU) and Morgan State University (MSU) […]
Author Archives: Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor
A fresh perspective has arrived at The AFRO-American Newspapers. Ashleigh Fields has been named the new assistant editor, bringing new ideas to the oldest Black-owned business in Maryland.
Fields’ passion for Black media is one she’s been pursuing throughout her entire college tenure. The North Carolina native is a graduating senior at Howard University, majoring in journalism with a minor in Afro-American studies. The young writer has served as the editor for “The Hilltop,” the nation’s oldest Black collegiate newspaper founded at Howard, and has previously been featured in Rolling Stone magazine.
“Knowing that there are people across the globe and across the nation that care about what happens to Black students is important to me and I was happy to be able to uplift that during my time at Howard,” Fields stated.
She is a second generation journalist, and noted that seeing her mother interact with the people in their community always inspired her. These interactions showed her that she can make a difference through journalism and that’s exactly what she plans to do at the AFRO.
“I’m hoping to bring a millennial audience to the AFRO and help grow our outreach in the D.C area. I really want to focus on telling human stories, featuring people who are living and working in all aspects of life,” exclaimed Fields when explaining some of the goals she’s looking to accomplish while working at the AFRO. “I also want to include more collegiate writers who are eager to get their work published and eager to learn more about journalism.They have a valuable voice to add to the many conversations we’re having in minority communities.”
Fields explained that she thinks Black media is currently under assault that people both inside and outside of the Black community are beginning to value the Black perspective less. Despite this, Fields noted that Black media and the influence it has is still very essential.
Giving recognition to journalism moguls such as Oprah Winfrey and Cathy Hughes, she’s eager to learn more from the many women who work at the AFRO.
“I’m really excited to learn from Black women in leadership within the media realm,” said Fields. “My goal is to combat the misinformation and disinformation targeted at the Black community via social media and elsewhere.”
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Morgan State Alumni gather to reimagine HBCUs beyond 2024
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com The D.C. metropolitan Area Alumni Chapter of the Morgan State University Alumni Association gathered on Nov.13 to acknowledge 75 years of existence. The group used the occasion to celebrate, network and hold important discussions about the impact and future of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “I would […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Reginald F. Lewis museum hosts AFRO salute to Black veterans
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor The AFRO honored those who have served the country on Nov. 7 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore. Prominent military leaders from around the state of Maryland were in attendance, including Adjutant General Janeen Birckhead, former Adjutant General Linda Singh and Anthony C. Woods, secretary of the […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
AFRO inside look: Sergeant Arthur Martin speaks on his time as a U.S. soldier in Vietnam
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com On the steps outside the Capitol, the place where Congress convenes daily, a significant and selfless hero was honored. The steadfast story of Sergeant Arthur Martin was documented by Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD-4) on Nov. 6. Martin was celebrated for his service in the United States Military Advisory […]
Posted inNews
AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: Maryland Maj. Gen. Janeen Birckhead and her legacy of service
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com Along the beaten path that lays on the stretch of land between two exits off Route 113 lives one family’s long-lasting legacy of service. The road measures at two miles and carries the namesake of Fannie Birckhead. A local leader who cultivated the side plot of greenery that […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
DC Council confirms Police Chief Pamela A. Smith
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com The AFRO sends congratulations to Pamela A. Smith for being selected as the permanent Police Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. Smith is the first Black female police chief in the organization’s 162 year history. She was unanimously confirmed by the DC Council on Nov. 7. “Our community […]
Posted inNEWS
Thousands participate in 48th Marine Corps Marathon
By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor Members of the U.S. Marine Corps gathered in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 29 to support veterans and honor members of the community at the 48th annual Marine Corps Marathon (MCM). The mission of the MCM is to promote physical fitness, generate goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Prince George’s County breaks ground on new state of the art health facility set to open in 2025
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com Executives in Prince George’s County are expanding access to medical resources through a new state of the art health center set to open in 2025. The property located at 9001 Edmonston Road off Kenilworth Avenue in Greenbelt will be renovated and remodeled to replace the County Health Department’s […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Silence and stillness: achieving serenity in a world of distractions
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor A sound mind and a sound body comes from a sound soul. To achieve the highest form of serenity, I believe it takes a multitude of silence and solitude. Sometimes your thoughts can be your greatest detriment and the voices around you can be a deterrent to your success. […]
Posted inBUSINESS
How JA Biztown is teaching financial literacy to students
Ashleigh FieldsAFRO Assistant Editorafields@afro.com Parents across the country often wonder what they can do to educate their children about finances in the early stages of life. While many rely on books, online saving games and budgeting spreadsheets few are aware that there are other options. The Junior Achievement non-profit organization’s finance park and “JA Biztown” […]
Posted inNational News
Crisis temporarily averted, Congress reaches short-term funding agreement
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com With the threat of a government shutdown looming, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) finally caved on the Democrats’ demands to drop large spending cuts from a temporary funding bill and the Senate signed off on the measure in order to successfully pass a 45-day continuing resolution. “It has […]
Posted in!Front Page
The effects of a potential government shutdown
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com Government officials are tracking a potential shutdown in less than 48 hours if Congress does not pass the 12 necessary appropriations bill to fund federal operations. Democrats and Republicans have struggled to reach common ground on spending levels ahead of the 11:59 p.m. deadline on Sept. 30 ahead […]
