Frances L. Murphy (lower right) launched AFRO Clean Block in 1934 to beautify the city of Baltimore, and to engage schoolchildren throughout the summer. Photo courtesy of AFRO Archives

Photo of group of children that were members of "Afro Clean Block"

The AFRO American newspapers documented the nuptials of Black people from across the US, including Mr. Alvin Gibbs and Mrs. Helen Smith. December 18, 1948. Photo courtesy of AFRO Archives

Wedding photo of Alvin Gibbs and Helen Smith

Credit: Yael Malka for Mellon Foundation.

Headshot of Savannah Wood

I think about how difficult it can be to get into some archives, and that is the exact opposite of what we want for our collection.

The Mellon Foundation is supporting the redevelopment of the Upton Mansion to be a research center and the permanent home of the AFRO Archives.

AFRO Archives

Constructed in 1838 and now being restored as the future home of the AFRO Archives, the Upton Mansion is the last example of a Greek revival country house in the city of Baltimore. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Photo courtesy of AFRO Archives

In black and white, a historical home in Baltimore 

A Homecoming for the AFRO Archives of Black News and Culture

Artists as Catalysts

Artists as Catalysts Navigation Image

Beyond Incarceration

A side profile of a Black poet who is wearing glasses and a hat with a feather hat pin.

Borderlands Cultures

In portrait orientation, an aerial view of a major highway running parallel to a large border wall set on a hilly landscape

Civic Engagement

A man in a brown jacket stands in front of blue bulletin board that is covered with papers and advertisements  

Evolving Higher Education

A vertical image of an Indigenous person who is sitting on a chair in front of a backdrop.

Expanding Public Knowledge

An interior room filled with audio and video equipment 

Monuments and Memory

A multicolored painted totem pole set in front of a foggy forest landscape

Multivocality

Five people stand together in a group photo. They are laughing and smiling.

Power of the Word

Five colorful neon signs hang on the wall with messages that include, "Freedom cannot wait," "Brown owned," and "America is for Dreamers."

Public Places‚ Public Stories

A group of Indigenous Maskoke people stand and sit in the wooden frame of a structure in a woods

Puerto Rico and Its Diaspora

In a vertical image, a black leather vest is adorned with colorful pins across the front of it. Embroidery on the vest reads: "Felícitas "La Prieta" Méndez" 