By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action in college admissions shattered fifty years of legal precedent, citing the policy as a violation of the 14th Amendment which provides “equal protection under the law.” As the nation reacted with outrage, Howard University announced plans to launch the 14th […]
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
D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee retires from Metropolitan Police Department
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor, afields@afro.com After 30 plus years of service, D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee III effectively retired on June 3. As a native to the District, he shared that his experiences in the Carver Langston neighborhood inspired him to become a cadet at 17 years old. Contee became a member of […]
Posted inReligion
Bishop Vashti Mckenzie jumpstarts NCC leadership with a call to action
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 […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Public safety a top issue for Maryland legislators at federal priority meeting with Governor Moore
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor Governor Wes Moore and members of his cabinet met with Maryland legislators at the U.S. Capitol to discuss top priorities for the state on June 12. Although future plans for transportation, regulation and funding were discussed, gun violence was a major topic with the recent mass shooting in Annapolis. […]
Posted inNational News
Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVII Champions visit White House
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor The White House welcomed the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time ever on June 5. The visit came after the professional football team’s 38-35 Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 12. The team has earned the title of Super Bowl champions a total of three […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
#FreeBlackMamasDMV: a movement to liberate mothers
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor Several women’s rights organizations from around the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area have come together to free Black women who are jailed before trial or serving time in prison. Life After Release, Out for Justice, Harriet’s Wildest Dreams and many others that collectively work under “#FreeBlackMamasDMV” are meeting the […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Kevin Kelley’s Kitchen + Kocktails catapulting soon into D.C.
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor Culinary connoisseur Kevin Kelley is set to open Kitchen + Kocktails on I street later this month. The serial entrepreneur is looking forward to bringing his latest endeavor to the D.C. area. “We want our customers to feel like kings and queens when they walk in the restaurant,” Kelley […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ben Vinson III, Ph.D, to serve as 18th president of Howard University
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor Author, histographer and visionary Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., was recently selected as the 18th president of Howard University, effective Sept. 1. Vinson previously served as a faculty member at Barnard College and Pennsylvania State University before moving to Johns Hopkins University, where he helped found their Center for Africana […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
White House Correspondents’ Dinner underscores the importance of Black press
By Ashleigh Fields, Special to the AFRO Each year the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD) honors the top journalism and media professionals in America who continue to break the mold. “The free press is a pillar– maybe the pillar of a free society–not the enemy,” said President Biden in his remarks at the dinner. “Tonight, […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Vice President Harris speaks on 2024 re-election bid, reproductive rights at Howard University rally
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor President Joe Biden announced his 2024 re-election bid on April 25 with Vice President Kamala Harris as his running mate. Throughout their time in office, the pair has been focused on foreign relations, abortion rights and reducing hate crime. “Every generation has a moment where they have had to […]
