AFRO American Newspapers is the oldest Black-owned business in Maryland, and the third-oldest in the United States. John H. Murphy, Sr., a former enslaved man, founded AFRO News over 130 years ago with $200 from his wife, Martha Howard Murphy. Together, they created a platform to feature and celebrate images and stories that advance the Black community. AFRO News has also created multiple digital livestream shows, including The ChickenBoxx and AFRO News at Noon.
By digitizing the AFRO archives, AFRO News makes Black history more accessible for its community. The paper has also made its present-day reporting more accessible to the community through tools like Everlit, which enables visually impaired audiences to listen to AFRO News stories. The paper also runs an internship program with students from Baltimore’s HBCUs, including Morgan State University and Coppin State University.
Company Information
- City
- Baltimore
- State
- Maryland
- Website
- http://www.afro.com
- Growth Rate
- 20.26%
- 2023 Revenue
- $2MM - $5MM
- Leadership
- BIPOC-Owned/Led, Woman-Owned/Led