Afro LifeStyle 01-19-2024

B4 The Afro-American January 20, 2024 - January 26, 2024

Congressional Black Associates serve as staffers for elected officials in the House of Representatives.

Yolanda King (left), Arndrea King and Martin King III speak during the ceremony alongside Rev. Al Sharpton.

National Action Network honors Martin Luther King Jr. at annual breakfast

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com

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rominent leaders from around the country joined forces to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. during the National Action Network’s annual breakfast at the Mayflower Hotel on Jan 15. Members of the King family honored Donovan Woodberry represents the youth organization, “A Celebration of Us,” during the Washington, D.C. event.

Maryland Gov. Wes since the passage of the Moore (D-Md.), actress Civil Rights Act of 1964 and producer Taraji P. Henson and Phylicia Rashad, the film, stage and television star who captured hearts decades ago.

The honorees received awards for their work towards making Dr. King’s dream of equality a present reality.

This year’s celebration also recognized 60 years

and the difference it has made for voting rights.

AFRO Photo / James Fields

Recipient of the MLK Day Visionary Award, Gov. Wes Moore, sits next to Phylicia Rashad, who was selected to receive the MLK Day Lifetime Service of Excellence in the Arts Award.

Georgette Anderson (left) and Rev. Dr. George E. Holmes celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

Brandon R. Cahee (left), of the National Education Association, attends NAN’s MLK Jr. breakfast with Paige Galloway.

Rev. Al Sharpton addresses the crowd as president of the National Action Network, which he founded in 1991.

Erica Ford, an activist from New York, celebrates Martin Luther King Day at the annual National Action Network breakfast on Jan.15, hosted by the Washington D.C. Bureau of the organization.

Deyona Burton stands proudly with her MLK Day Youth Award.

Dy Brown (left) and Janaye Ingram celebrate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s founders day at the breakfast while engaging with community leaders.

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com

D4 The Afro-American January 20, 2024 - January 26, 2024

Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with wreath laying ceremony

By AFRO Staff

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he Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (LBCM) commemorated the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Banneker- Douglass Museum in Annapolis, Md. on Jan. 15, the day the civil rights leader was born in 1929. Led by Chanel Johnson, executive director of the museum, the event included remarks from Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Md.-20), who currently serves as LBCM chairwoman, and Dr. Edwin T. Johnson, chair of the Maryland Commission on African American history and Culture.

Shown here, the plaque that sits at the base of a tree near the Maryland State House, planted 40 years ago in honor of Dr. King.

Members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (LBCM) celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Annapolis, Md. on Jan. 15, at the Banneker- Douglass Museum.

“The highlight was the largest Black caucus in the U.S. marching and singing from the Banneker-Douglass Museum to the state capital to lay the wreath at the MLK tree that was planted 40 years ago,” Haki Ammi, LBCM parliamentarian board member, told the AFRO. With former Sen. Larry Young leading the way, activists, community members and legislators, convened at a memorial tree to honor King. They were joined by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the first Black man to lead the state. Once the wreath was placed, Sen. Anthony C. Muse (D-Md.-26) delivered a closing prayer as snow softly fell on each bowed head.

Photos by Randy Opong

Del. Kent Roberson (D-Md.-25) speaks to those gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and former Sen. Larry Young march to the memorial tree from the BannekerDouglass Museum.

Those present heard a call to action from Del. Melissa Wells (D- Md.-20) and Del. Kym Taylor (D-Md.-23), who implored those gathered to become activists in their own way. Together, the two legislators encouraged audience members to partner with an organization working to push their communities forward or volunteer where possible to make change. Del. Jamila Woods (D-Md.26) and Del. Jeffrie Long Jr (D-Md.-27B) then lent their musical talents to the occasion. Still there was more to come.

LBCM Executive Director Ufuoma O. Agarin prepares to help lay a wreath at the tree planted in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Annapolis, Md.

Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Md.-40) shares a moment with Prince George’s County Councilwoman Wanika Fisher (D-Md.-02) and Jheanelle Wilkins, LBCM chairwoman.

Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts (BHCLA) kicks off 2024 programming with spotlight on Black culture

BHCLA founder and director, Lawrence Jackson, Ph.D, speaks to those gathered on Jan. 12 to celebrate the beauty and impact of jazz.

BHCLA Artist-in-Residence Jamal Moore performs for the crowd.

Former WEAA radio host and deejay, “Doc” Manning, participates in a roundtable discussion, organized by the Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts (BHCLA) at Johns Hopkins University.

Photos by Stephen Hopkins

By AFRO Staff

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Designer Jody Davis makes an appearance at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center for a roundtable discussion and the “Birth of Baltimore Jazz” archival exhibit.

embers of the Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts (BHCLA) at Johns Hopkins University began 2024 with a roundtable discussion and performance on Jan. 12. The event took place at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Center in Baltimore, located at 847. N. Howard St., and served an offering of the Helena Hicks Speaker Series. BHCLA Artist-in-Residence Jamal Moore, spoke during the roundtable and performed for the audience, which also enjoyed an archival exhibit, “Birth of Baltimore Jazz” and a catered reception.

Michele Blu (left) enjoys an evening of Black culture at the Eubie Blake Center along with musician, Bashi Rose.

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com