NNPA hosts State of the Black Press luncheon at National Press Club
By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.comCivil rights leaders, publishers and journalists from across the nation came together at the National Press Club on March 15 to celebrate Black Press Week.
Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC-05) shared remarks via video and National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. presented a powerful State of the Black Press address.
The audience was moved by Chavis’ words, imploring members of the Black Press to do all they can to encourage Black voters in the current election year.
Black Press Week 2024 had a theme of, “Getting Out the Black Vote Across America.” Special guests at the event included Rodericka Applewaithe, director of Black Media at the White House and Dr. Benjamin Talton, director of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University.
By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com
The Greater Washington Urban League hosted the Whitney M. Young Jr. Gala to uplift local leaders, present scholarships and celebrate their president, George H. Lambert Jr. on March 15. Lambert has
been with the organization for 10 years. The event gathered esteemed professionals in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to cultivate legacy through education and conversation. At the annual gala, they honored the nation’s only Black governor, Gov. Wes Moore,
D4 The Afro-American March 23, 2024 - March 29, 2024 To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com
honored at Whitney
Young Jr. Gala
Black leaders
M.
Herb Gray, CEO of Life Enhancement Services; Ashleigh Fields, AFRO assistant editor, and Felicia Gray, systems engineer Bank of America.
The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center welcomes a crowd of Black professionals, to include doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs.
Critically acclaimed actor, Jonathan Slocumb, serves as host of the prestigious event.
Gov. Wes Moore (left) with George H. Lambert Jr., Greater Washington Urban League president and CEO.
Danielle Johnson enjoys the annual gala.
Gov. Wes Moore (left) participates in a fireside chat with Laura Coates after receiving his award.
Chris Turner and Patrice Sulton. Moore also participated in a fireside chat with CNN’s legal analyst Laura Coates.
AFRO Photos / Darrell Stoney Jr.
AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper currently serves as first vice chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., NNPA president and CEO, gives a powerful address referencing the 2024 election.
Benjamin Talton, director of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University, updates the publishers on the university’s archives.
Mark Thompson, NNPA global digital transformation director, ensures the State of the Black Press luncheon flows smoothly as master of ceremony.
Members of the AFRO News and Afro Charities teams celebrate Black Press Week at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Shown here, left, from top to bottom: Deyane Moses, Afro Charities curator of archives; Oyinda Omoloja, an archive assistant for Afro Charities, Alexis Taylor, AFRO managing editor; Andre Draper, AFRO director of operations and Bacarri Byrd, Afro Charities’ gallery assistant. Shown on right, from top to bottom: Diane Hocker, director of community and public relations for the AFRO; Lenora Howze, AFRO executive director; Frances Draper, AFRO CEO and publisher, and Ashleigh Fields, AFRO assistant editor.
The AFRO is just one of the 250 local and regional newspapers that make up the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Founded in 1892, the paper still prints every week with news to inform and celebrate the Black community.
AFRO Photo / Edoghogho Ugiagbe
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church installs Rev. Dr. Tamara E. Wilson as pastor
By AFRO Staff
Prior to moving into her role as pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, Wilson founded and served as pastor of Nu Season Nu Day Church and Ministries. Wilson has been dedicated to her work in the Black community for decades, and served as chair of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture from 2015 to 2019 and again from 2019 to 2023.
B4 The Afro-American March 23, 2024 - March 29, 2024
All photos courtesy of Clyde Johnson
Rev. Dr. Tamara E. Wilson was installed as pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church on March 10. The ceremony, which took place at Ray of Hope Baptist Church, was well attended by family, friends and community leaders.
To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com
The installation choir performs a selection for those gathered for the installation ceremony. Pastor Wilson and husband Deacon Ernest Wilson enjoying the service.
Deacon Ernest Wilson Jr. rejoices with Rev. Dr. Tamara Wilson, moments after she has been officially installed as pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church.
Deacon Michael Isabelle (middle) and Deacon Daniel Whyte (right) present Pastor Wilson with a new robe on behalf of the church.
Rev. Dr. J. Ruth Travis, mentor to Pastor Wilson, delivers the installation message.
Clergy members lay hands and pray over Deacon Ernest Wilson Jr. (center) and his wife, Rev. Dr. Tamara Wilson, ahead of their journey as first family of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church.
Deacon Evelyn Wilson, chairwoman of the search committee calls for the committee to be disbanded and the installation of Rev. Dr. Tamara E. Wilson as pastor to commence.
Dr. Marco Merrick conducts the installation choir.
Rev. Dr. William Johnson presents a Bible as a tool for Rev. Dr. Tamara E. Wilson as she officially steps into her new role.
Rev. Wilson shares her appreciation and gives remarks.