A14 The Afro-American July 18, 2026 - July 24, 2026
Voices for change unite at Let’s Get Free March and Concert By Tavon N. Thomasson Special to the AFRO tthomasson@afro.com Activists and non-profit organizations from across the United States gathered in Crystal City, Va., on July 9 for the Let’s Get Free March and Concert, where participants voiced opposition to the current administration’s ongoing attacks on the 14th Amendment. Initially planned as a march outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., followed by a concert, the event was converted into a rally after organizers shifted both events to the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport due to inclement weather. Prior to the change, numerous protestors had already gathered outside the Supreme Court to make their voices heard.
children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants. Despite this victory, attendees emphasized that significant work remains to protect the 14th Amendment and all constitutional rights against the administration’s persistent attacks. They believe events like this, organized by the Center for Popular Democracy, serve as a vital first step, uniting diverse individuals behind a shared mission. “It’s good to see that there’s a bunch of community members, legislators and officials who are willing to put their words and their toes on the same line that I am,” said Kyle Hobson, poet and member of the Black Male Initiative. Hobson was among the unique talents who took the stage and dance floor during the concert, energizing the crowd while remaining
Khnum “stic.man” Muata Ibomu (right) and Mutulu “M-1” Olugbala, the hip-hop duo Dead Prez, perform for attendees, bringing politically charged music to the stage.
“The bottom line is no one, no regime, no administration has a right to reverse what people have died and sacrificed to keep alive in America.” - Asa Khalif, Activist “The 14th Amendment means a lot to me, as an African American, it’s important how that 14th Amendment affected my ancestors and how it’s affecting us today,” said activist, Asa Khalif. “The bottom line is no one, no regime, no administration has a right to reverse what people have died and sacrificed to keep alive in America.” He continued, “We’re not going to tolerate it. We’re not going away [into] the shadows. We’re not going to be silent. We’re going to take to the streets. We’re going to challenge all of these ignorant people as much as we can. The racism that exists and the corruption in that administration cannot go un unnoticed.” Protesters point to the administration’s actions regarding ICE and the deportation of immigrants as a prime example of that corruption. “Most of these immigrants have not committed a crime. Most of these immigrants are taxpayers. Most of them are children,” said Oscar Thomas. “That’s what has sounded the alarm because they have targeted immigrants with their racist bigotry, all for the pleasure of making them the enemy so people won’t look at their corruption.” While the administration’s perceived corruption continues to draw scrutiny from activists, those concerned with ICE are also tracking a major recent victory. In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order that would have revoked citizenship for
aligned with the event’s theme. Regardless of their artistic medium, the participating artists were all drawn to the movement due to its current importance. “Every time I get a chance to talk about – or dare I say exacerbate – the circumstance, that’s where Dead Prez shows up. That’s why we’re here,” said Mutulu “M-1” Olugbala, one-half of the political hip-hop duo Dead Prez. “They put together a convention of organizers, truth-tellers and I had to be here for that. That’s why Dead Prez is always going to be the music for the movement.” As the music faded from the ballroom and the crowd dispersed as the concert and rally came to a close, those in attendance were left with a shared message that protecting constitutional rights will require continued unity, organizing and different forms of civic engagement.
Using poetry as a tool for community change, Kyle Hobson, a member of the Black Male Initiative, performs during the Let’s Get Free March and Concert at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City on July 9.
Bronx rapper Kemba, who stars in the Emmynominated documentary “As We Speak,” which investigates how prosecutors use rap lyrics as criminal evidence, takes the stage at the Let’s Get Free event.
Shareen Woody, an organizer with the Texas Organizing Project, says large public gatherings help inspire people to get involved in their communities. Singer Maimouna “Mumu Fresh” Youssef performs during the Let’s Get Free March and Concert at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport on July 9.
Young dancers entertain attendees with a breakdancing showcase during the Let’s Get Free Concert, highlighting the event’s blend of music and dance.
Inspired by a week spent alongside activists, musicians and poets, Saadiq Cooper showcases his talents during the concert.
To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com
A11 The Afro-American July 18, 2026 - July 24, 2026
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. launches service projects in lead up to 2027 national conference in Baltimore By Andrew Hall AFRO Intern ahall@afro.com As part of their yearlong journey to the 88th Grand Chapter Meeting in 2027, the Baltimore Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., hosted Kappa Week July 8-17.The celebration kicked off a series of community outreach initiatives designed to leave a lasting impact ahead of the fraternity’s return to Baltimore next year. The Baltimore Alumni Chapter built and unveiled a playground at Dr. Nathan A. Pitts-Ashburton Elementary/Middle School on July 11. Partners for the project included KABOOM!, Baltimore City Public Schools, Maryland General Assembly and the Pimlico Community Development Authority. “It’s important to have these events because we
don’t want to just come to Baltimore and have a couple events then go home. We want Baltimore to feel the impact of Kappa Alpha Psi,” said Devron Dickens Sr., polemarch of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter. “Our fraternity’s slogan is ‘achievement in every field of human endeavor,’ – achievement not just so we can brag or boast, but achievement so that we can make the world, our neighborhoods and communities a much better and safer space.” Over the next year, William S. Baer School, Thomas Johnson Elementary Middle School and Sinclair Lane Elementary School will all welcome a new playground built by the men of Kappa Alpha Psi and members of the community. Nakia McLeod, principal of Dr. Nathan A. Pitts-Ashburton Elementary/Middle School, explained the
importance of having the new space for her students. “We are very excited. Building this playground is important because learning doesn’t stop at the classroom. Some of the most important lessons in life came through playing,” said McLeod. “Our kids having a safe place where they can grow, play and learn, it means the world to us.” According to McLeod, students at her school played a pivotal role in the development process. “They’re very excited because they were a part of the process. We had representation from each grade level come up and they made posters of what they wanted to see in the playground,” she said. “I can’t wait until they come back so I can show them.” More than providing a play space for kids, KABOOM! Chief Executive
The Baltimore Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., partners with KABOOM! to build a playground at Dr. Nathan A. Pitts-Ashburton Elementary/Middle School on July 11. Shown here, Lysa Ratliff (left); Catherine Pugh; Jermaine Dawson; Nakia McLeod; Devron Dickens Sr.; Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Md.-District 40) with his children, Antonio and Amaryllis Hayes; and James Torrence.
Chris (left) and Christian Hill volunteer during the playground build. The father and son duo were among more than 125 volunteers who supported the project.
Brothers of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. mix cement for the playground.
Officer Lysa Ratliff says the project sends them an important message. “Our kids seeing all of us together like this for them … it tells them that they matter. That sends them a message that they are special. That sends them a message that so often, they do not hear. Specifically, our Black kids who are told that they are not enough,” Ratliff said. Through the intense heat and thundering rain, over 125 volunteers from the Baltimore Alumni Chapter, KABOOM! and the community remained committed to finishing the playground. Ted Carter, a spring 2026 initiate of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter, described the event from his perspective. “It’s one of Black love and Black community,” Carter said. “People giving of themselves to create for the next generation. Just a beautiful moment of fellowship and community.” All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall
Nakia McLeod, principal of Dr. Nathan A. PittsAshburton Elementary/Middle School, poses outside of her school’s new playground.
Craig Talley (left) shares a moment with fraternity brother Edwin Avent. Talley is chairman of community service and engagement for the Baltimore Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Derrick Dixon serves as senior project manager for KABOOM! The organization builds playgrounds across Baltimore City.
Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. bury time capsules that will be opened in 2046. Shown here, Sen. Antonio Hayes (left); Dwayne M. Murray, 31st grand polemarch; Richard B. Mattox, Eastern Province polemarch; Thomas L. Battles Jr., 33rd grand polemarch; William “Randy” Bates Jr., 32nd grand polemarch and Devron D. Dickens Sr., Baltimore Alumni Chapter polemarch.
Everett Jordan (left), Allen Bennett and other members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., create picnic tables at Dr. Nathan A. Pitts-Ashburton Elementary/Middle School.
Volunteers pour cement for the playground build.
To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com