Today we honor singer, songwriter, pianist and the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin on what would have been her 84th birthday. #Respect

The Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team had its most remarkable season in the history of the North Carolina historically Black university (HBCU).

AmNews Food editor Kysha Harris reflects on shaking off the winter blues and finding renewal through "The Journey"—a stunning 10-course farm-to-table tasting at Lysée in NYC. From spring pea tarts to artisan NY-state breads, it’s a beautiful reminder to "build back better" and savor the season.

As New York’s budget battles wage, legislators are embracing the call to “tax the rich.” This tax hike aims to fill the latest budget gaps, and fund much needed public services without adding to costs for renters and homeowners.

COVER STORY: Who today has ever heard of Rose Meta Morgan? She was the owner and operator of the largest beauty parlor for African American women. She also founded Freedom National Bank, the only commercial bank for African Americans in New York. #WomensHistoryMonth #WHM

EDITORIAL: “On March 18, the nation’s schools faced a deadline to submit data on students’ race and gender.17 states stood against the this, filing a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s attempt to further its partisan policy objectives."

We're proud to announce the debut of our new #podcast, "Solutions That Empower!" Join AmNews reporter Ariama C. Long as she explores the intersection of financial empowerment and racial equity. Go to amsterdamnews.com/solutions to listen.

The 2026 Disney Dreamers Academy officially kicks off at Walt Disney World this Thursday! We are incredibly proud of the students from the NY/NJ area who were selected to participate in this year's event. See more at amsterdamnews.com/dda2026.

#WomensHistoryMonth: Rose Morgan was the owner and operator of the largest beauty parlor for African American women. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/47FIxpc  

The inaugural year for the New York Amsterdam News Readers Choice Awards is underway. We invite everyone in the community to vote and celebrate the businesses that make our area unique. See more at amsterdamnews.com/readerschoice.

“Jamie Allan’s Amaze” definitely lives up to its name. Playing at New World Stages, it is an immersive magic show where Allan shares about his love for #magic since the age of 8, his parents’ support, and his journey to be an international #magician.

Today we honor lawyer, journalist, television personality, fashion designer, author and host /judge on Divorce Court, Star Jones on her birthday!

AmNews Food editor Kysha Harris reflects on shaking off the winter blues and finding renewal through "The Journey"—a stunning 10-course farm-to-table tasting at Lysée in NYC.

Understanding what helps Black families succeed is essential for advocates who want to promote effective policies. The BFF Project wants to highlight the strengths, agency, and diversity of Black families, moving away from deficit-based perspectives.

OP-ED: "Black New Yorkers are already more likely to die from #cancer. Stripping away access to revolutionary testing would resurrect barriers and threaten efforts to ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to be healthy and cancer-free."

Chief Judge Rowan Wilson drew more than a second look for comments made during the Second Look Act Symposium hosted by the Communities Not Cages campaign last month.

EDITORIAL: “On March 18, the nation’s schools faced a deadline to submit data on students’ race and gender.17 states stood against the this, filing a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s attempt to further its partisan policy objectives."

Actress Malia Baker, star of Descendants: The Rise of Red, is named official DREAMbassador for the 2026 Disney Dreamers Academy set to start this week at Walt Disney World. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3PnKKQ1 

EXCLUSIVE: HARLEM WEEK announced the appointment of Marko Nobles, who will serve as chairman, and L. Ade Williams, the son of the late Lloyd Williams, who will serve as first vice chairperson. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4t0i1PP 

With the official advent of the name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy in college athletics in July of 2021, it had a demonstrable effect on the NCAA Transfer Portal, which began on Oct. 15, 2018.

Today we honor singer Yvette Marie Stevens, better known as Chaka Khan, on her birthday! #ImEveryWoman #AintNobody #IFeelforYou

OP-ED: "As we mark Women’s History Month, the work to ensure women and children are safe is ongoing. Nearly a quarter of women in the U.S. have reported experiencing severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime."

Nurses at The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC), represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), took to the streets of Downtown Brooklyn on March 17 to rally and march in protest against the 45-day cutoff of their health insurance benefits.

Graduation rates dipped last year across New York City by just over 2 percentage points to 81.2% — the largest year-over-year decline in more than two decades — as officials have reinstated requirements that were loosened during the pandemic.

As New York’s budget battles wage, legislators aim to fill the latest budget gaps, and fund much needed public services without adding to costs for everyday renters and homeowners.

The Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team had its most remarkable season in the history of the North Carolina historically Black university (HBCU). #basketball #womensbasketball

For Ryan Coogler, who grew up in Oakland and Richmond, California, winning an Oscar was both a career milestone and another chapter in the ongoing story of African American artists at the Academy Awards.

OP-ED: "Rev. Bernard Lafayette was seven years old when he witnessed his first incident of racism. From this experience and attending church where his grandmother was an organizer in civil rights activities, he received lessons that influenced his life."

EDITORIAL: “On March 18, the nation’s schools faced a deadline to submit data on students’ race and gender. But 17 states have taken a stand against the demand and filed a lawsuit last week to block the Trump administration’s attempt to further its partisan policy objectives."

State Sen. Cordell Cleare, who chairs the Aging Committee, introduced a bill to establish a $50 million High Acuity Stabilization Pool to ensure that the Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) can continue to serve its most vulnerable.

In an effort to nearly double the city’s minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030, New York City Councilmember Sandy Nurse recently introduced the “$30 for Our City” Act.

It’s that time of year when some Division I women’s #basketball teams are licking their wounds and clearing out their lockers,while others pack their bags for their next great adventure. As postseason action kicks off, New York and New Jersey teams are eager to see more action.

Michael B. Jordan walked in the press room holding his #Oscar. The room stood. Applause rolled like thunder. It lasted nearly a full minute. Jordan smiled, almost shyly, then adjusted the gold statue. Read what the Oscar winner said in his own voice: https://bit.ly/3NLOIBp 

SPORTS: It’s that time of year when some Division I women’s basketball teams are licking their wounds and clearing out their lockers, while others are packing their bags for their next great adventure.

#WomensHistoryMonth: Rose Morgan was the owner and operator of the largest beauty parlor for African American women. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/47FIxpc 

We're excited to announce our inaugural year for New York Amsterdam News Readers Choice Awards. We invite everyone in the community to vote and celebrate the businesses that make our area unique. See more at amsterdamnews.com/readerschoice.

We're proud to announce the debut of our new #podcast, "Solutions That Empower!" Join AmNews reporter Ariama C. Long as she explores the intersection of financial empowerment and racial equity. Go to amsterdamnews.com/solutions to listen.

Nurses at The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC), represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), took to the streets of Downtown Brooklyn on March 17 to rally and march in protest against the 45-day cutoff of their health insurance benefits.

AmNews Food editor Kysha Harris reflects on shaking off the winter blues and finding renewal through "The Journey"—a stunning 10-course farm-to-table tasting at Lysée in NYC.

Today we honor filmmaker and actor Spike Lee on his birthday!

It can be difficult to keep up with the developments that affect #immigrant families and communities across the United States. Here are several key #immigration developments you should know this week:

BLACK NEW YORKER: Shelton Haynes has held several leadership roles throughout his career. From the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), to President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC).

OP-ED: "We feel called to join in the movement for freedom for incarcerated domestic violence survivors. We invite all women and their allies to connect with campaigns that advocate for sentencing reform for survivors."

#Queens might get the money, but finding a local bank is a challenge for the borough’s predominantly Black ZIP codes. Red tape derails the opportunity for minority-owned banks to open and operate branches through state subsidies in underserved areas. #NYC #NewYorkCity

A UN-backed panel of experts on racial discrimination says racist hate speech by U.S. President Donald #Trump and other American political leaders, along with a crackdown on #immigration in the United States, have led to “grave human rights violations.”

The St. John’s Red Storm men’s #basketball team, piloted by Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino, went 19-1 in their last 20 games, becoming the first team to win back-to-back Big East regular-season and tournament titles.

PARTNERED CONTENT: Karlease Ruddock became a Loan Officer because she wants to help New Yorkers understand and navigate the homebuying process. At FM Home Loans, she helps borrowers find the loan program that best suits their needs. Read more about here story here: amsterdamnews.com/homeloans

#WomensHistoryMonth: Rose Morgan was the owner and operator of the largest beauty parlor for African American women. She also founded Freedom National Bank, the only commercial bank for African Americans in New York. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/47FIxpc 

Chief Judge Rowan Wilson drew more than a second look for comments made during the Second Look Act Symposium hosted by the Communities Not Cages campaign last month.

Today we honor entertainment manager, entrepreneur, actress, singer and Harlem native Yandy Smith on her birthday! We love you, Yandy!