Our programs

Afro Charities hosts a biennial artist commissioning project, inviting contemporary artists to explore the AFRO Archives, and supporting their research and artistic production. Artists’ work is ultimately shown in a public exhibition.

Afro Charities occasionally hosts conversations between artists, researchers, scholars and community members, bringing contemporary perspectives to topics of historical interest.

In 2022, Afro Charities initiated its inaugural Youth Journalism & Multimedia Fellowship. In 2023 and 2024, we partnered with Muse 360 to co-produce their New Generation Scholars program, which they have been organizing since 2005. Through this program, we introduce young people to archival and artistic practices in preparation for a public presentation of their research and original artwork.

With support from the National Historic Publications and Records Commission, Afro Charities launched its first archival processing fellowship in 2023. Through this program, we train fellows in archival processes through work on our collection.

Afro Charities regularly tables community events, and facilitates training for teachers, museum professionals and other curious citizens. If your community could benefit from access to the AFRO Archives, we invite you to visit the archives, join an upcoming event, or reach out to our team for an event you would like to host.

Founded in 1934 by Frances Louise Murphy, I, AFRO Clean Block originated as a program to keep kids busy during the summer, and to keep our neighborhoods clean. Block captains were nominated to organize their neighbors for hyper-local clean up efforts: washing their stoops, painting the trim around their doors, and planting flowers in planters made of recycled tires. After a judging period, the winning block got a neighborhood party, initially sponsored by the AFRO, and eventually by Afro Charities once it was established in 1963.

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Every year, Baltimore families send letters to the AFRO American Newspapers’ office requesting food, clothes and toys for their children. Afro Charities acts as a fiscal sponsor for the annual drive. Since its founding in the 1950s, Mrs. Santa has served thousands of families in the Baltimore area, and has become a holiday giving tradition for people and organizations across the region. If you would like to request aid this holiday season, please send a detailed letter about your family (number of kids, their clothing sizes, etc.) to Afro Charities, c/o Mrs. Santa, 12 W. Madison Street Suite 201 Baltimore, MD 21201 or email mrssanta@afrocharities.org.

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