Crime survivors come together for march in nation’s capital
By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, thousands of victims rallied in the Washington D.C. area for the inaugural “Crime Survivors Speak March on Washington.” The march started out on Capitol Hill, with various legislative leaders, then moved on to the National Mall for a day filled with entertainment, food, a candlelight vigil, the Healing Festival and various speakers.
Survivors came from over 30 states, including the Washington D.C. area for the event. Celebrities were also in attendance. Actor Omari Hardwick took to the stage with the various performing artists who entertained the crowd. Those present were able to enjoy performances from veteran vocalist Ledisi, hiphop legend Doug E. Fresh, Monica, DJ QuickSilva, Lloyd and more. Though the rain poured down, it did not stop the crowd from having a good time.
Romania Dukes, left, founder of Mothers Fighting for Justice, attends the inaugural march for those who have overcome crimes committed against them with Megan Hobson, a gun violence survivor.
Veteran entertainer, Monica, takes to the stage, closing out the Crime Survivors March on Washington in the nation’s capital on Sept. 26.
Doug E. Fresh, American rapper and record producer, shows up to perform some of his hits at the Crime Survivors March on Washington.
Lari Johnson (left,) Minon Bolton and Cree Myatt, serve as back up singers for artist Monica.
Vocalist Lloyd Banks, performs at the Crime Survivors March on Washington.
Participants of the Crime Survivors March on Washington enjoy the show, despite the rain.
John Burns (left) and Mike Burns, executive Producers of the Crime Survivors March on Washington.
DJ QuickSilva (left) and Ryan Kersey take a break from the stage.
JP Chavez, represents Florida Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, as he speaks to the crowd.
AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
National Coalition of 100 Black Women hosts Torchbearer Awards ceremony
By AFRO Staff
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) recently honored several women who have left their mark on the community with the 2024 Torchbearer Awards. Held Sept. 28 at Martin’s West in Baltimore, the event honored AFRO CEO and publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper; Dr. Joanne Martin, cofounder, president and CEO of The National Great Black in Wax Museum; Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, founder and CEO of Root Branch Productions and Film Academy, and Shelonda Stokes, CEO and president of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. With a theme of “advocacy and resilience,” Shavon ArkineBradley, who serves as president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, delivered the keynote address for the breakfast, now it its 33rd year. Vocalist Gabrielle Goodman entertained the crowd and attendees were afforded the honor of being in the presence of Dr. Thelma T. Daley, the educator, civil rights activist and former national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Daley served as chairwoman of the awards breakfast, which attracted local residents and elected officials alike.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum hosts 10th annual Wealth Diversity Summit
By AFRO Staff
On Sept 28 the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture hosted the 10th annual Wealth Diversity Summit. The forum focused on building generational wealth and included an esteemed panel, qualified to engage in the conversation.
The panel consisted of Andrew E. Johnson, CEO of Goode Foods— Canned Beans and Vegetables, Brandon M. Wylie, CEO of Wylie Funeral Homes
P.A.; Selena Britton, vice president of Class Act Catering and CEO of Aura Events and Décor; Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO of the AFRO and Ashley Ivey, executive
director of I-CARE Home Health Care. Perneita Farrar, CEO of Farrar Legal Services, served as a moderator of the discussion, along with Sharif J. Small, CEO and founder of S.J.S Financial Firm. Ahead of the session, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper was highlighted and
honored as a 5th generation leader of the AFRO, founded in 1892. Forum participants spoke on growing wealth through their family businesses, with a focus on how to train up the next generation of descendants to take leadership roles.
Bernice Bradley makes an appearance at the 2024 Torchbearer Awards.
Dr. E. Fran Johnson prepares to deliver the invocation.
Dr. Thelma T. Daley, chair of the Torchbearer Awards Breakfast, speaks to those in attendance.
Vocalist Gabrielle Goodman, performs for the crowd.
Landa McLaurin, past president for NCBW’s Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter, enjoys the ceremony at Martin’s West on Sept. 28.
Members of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter come together to celebrate excellence in the Black community.
Photos by James Fields
Photo courtesy of Instagram / Sharif J. Small Sharif Small (left) presents the Trailblazer Award to AFRO Publisher and CEO Frances “Toni” Draper, as Andre Draper, AFRO director of operations, holds a citation from Gov. Wes Moore.
Photo courtesy of Instagram / Sharif J. Small
Attendees listen intently to the conversation on generational wealth and keeping it all in the family.
AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor
Nathaniel Moseley, a community management consultant, attends the Wealth Diversity Summit in order to help attendees understand resources to help them along the path to homeownership, in turn creating opportunities for generational wealth.
Photo courtesy of Meta (Facebook) / Bianca Wise Wealth Diversity Summit panelists speak on the importance of succession planning and the challenges of business ownership. Shown here, Andrew E. Johnson, CEO of Goode Foods—Canned Beans and Vegetables (left), Brandon M. Wylie, CEO of Wylie Funeral Homes P.A.; Selena Britton , vice president of Class Act Catering and CEO of Aura Events and Décor; Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO of the AFRO; Ashley Ivey, executive director of I-CARE Home Health Care, Perneita Farrar, CEO of Farrar Legal Services, and Sharif J. Small, CEO and founder of S.J.S Financial Firm
AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor
Members of the Maryland Department of General Services prepare to engage the crowd with resources. Shown here, Tierra Ali-Said (left), Sean A. Stinnett and Joseph C. Kimaiga.