Founded in 1892 by John H. Murphy, Sr., a former enslaved man, the AFRO American Newspapers is the longest-running African-American family-owned newspaper in the United States. For over 130 years, the AFRO has not only served as a trusted source of information but has also played a pivotal role in advancing the interests of Baltimore’s predominantly Black neighborhoods by providing job opportunities, journalist training, and community engagement.
Afro Charities, the non-profit partner of the newspaper since 1963, is now leading the redevelopment of the historic Upton Mansion into the permanent home and research center for the AFRO Archives as a way to preserve this rich history. Originally built in 1838 as a private residence, the Upton Mansion was home to one of Maryland’s first radio stations, the Baltimore Institute for Musical Arts, and finally the Upton School before it was left vacant in 2006. Once construction is complete, the mansion will house both the archives and a new headquarters for the newspaper, providing the public with access to its priceless collection while also supporting educational and artistic programming. With the ambitious goal of digitizing all 3 million photographs in the collection, Afro Charities is ensuring that this history as told from the Black perspective is accessible for future generations, empowering the community and preserving a vital part of American history.
NIIF collaborated with Reinvestment Fund by providing a combined construction lending facility of over $7.7 million. The project also received State and Federal Historic Tax Credits and New Markets Tax Credits as well as support from the State of Maryland, Baltimore City, and several philanthropic partners including the Mellon Foundation.