E96: Prayer and Pen with Toni Draper of the Afro News

E96: Prayer and Pen with Toni Draper of the Afro News

Author: MDDC Press Association December 4, 2024 Duration: 46:29

In this episode, Rebecca Snyder welcomes Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher of the Afro-American Newspapers, to discuss her upcoming book Prayer and Pen, set to release in January 2025. Toni shares the deeply personal and historical journey behind this unique collection of prayers written by her grandfather, Carl Murphy—a prolific writer, journalist, and former editor of the Afro. Together, they explore how these prayers, scribbled on everything from napkins to envelopes, offer insights into Carl Murphy’s spiritual and professional life as he navigated pivotal moments in history, from the March on Washington to his editorial work. 

Toni also dives into the Afro’s storied legacy, touching on its archival treasures, its connection to the Black church and civil rights movement, and the family's remarkable contributions to journalism, community building, and justice. This heartfelt episode highlights the timeless relevance of Carl Murphy’s prayers and proverbs, while celebrating the Afro’s dedication to preserving Black history and culture. 

Join us as we reflect on the power of prayer, the importance of legacy, and the enduring impact of the Afro on generations past, present, and future. 


Ever wonder how a major local story really came together, or what a reporter was thinking when they asked that tough question? Five Dubs Podcast pulls back the curtain on the newsrooms across Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C. Hosts Rebecca Snyder and Kevin Berrier, through the MDDC Press Association, sit down with the journalists themselves to explore the how and why behind the headlines you read each day. This isn't just a recap of the news; it's a conversation about the process, the challenges, and the sometimes surprising human stories that unfold during the pursuit of a story. In each episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts of what it takes to cover communities in this dynamic region, from the initial tip to the published piece. The Five Dubs Podcast offers a unique, insider perspective on the function and future of local media, making the landscape of regional journalism more accessible and understandable. It’s for anyone curious about the mechanics of news gathering and the people dedicated to telling our local stories.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Five Dubs Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E133 - This is local news now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:05
In this episode, we explore the critical role of local news in sustaining communities and democracy. Rebecca speaks with Melissa Milios Davis, network manager of Press Forward, and Darryl Holliday, co-founder of Commoner…
E132: Rewind - Navigating a PIO Lawsuit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:13
Paula Knudsen Burke, an attorney with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and Brittany Hailer, Director of Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism and an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsbu…
E131: Rewind - Be the Best mentor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:22
Join Rebecca Snyder as she hosts Alexander Pyles, the Associate Dean at the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Pyles, who also serves as the mentor coordinator for the MDDC internship program,…
130: Rewind - New News in DC: 51st Newsroom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:00
MDDC Executive Director Rebecca Snyder sits with Abby higgins and Eric Falquero of The 51st Newsroom, a worker-led nonprofit dedicated to transforming local journalism in Washington, DC. Hear firsthand from the passionat…
E129: Rewind - Local Journalism Initiative [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:49
Rebecca joins Allison Taylor Levine, the passionate Executive Director of the Local Journalism Initiative in Delaware. Allison shares her journey from a journalist to leading a nonprofit organization aimed at strengtheni…
E128: How AI Became a Personal Assistant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:31
In this episode, Kevin Berrier talks with Jason Whong of Whong Community Media about building a lean, community-focused publishing business and how he’s using AI to streamline operations without losing the human touch. J…
E127: Rewind - Local News Network [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:55
In this episode, Jerry Zremski of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism takes center stage for an in-depth conversation on the current state of local journalism. Jerry shares his unique insights on covering politics a…
E126: Rewind - Coastal Point [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:04
In this special episode, Rebecca sits down with Darin McCann and Sue Lyons, the dynamic duo behind Coastal Point, a gem in the heart of Ocean View, Delaware. As they mark the 20th anniversary of their beloved publication…
E125: Rewind - Anti-SLAPP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:59
Rebecca Snyder welcomes Max Mishkin with Ballard Spahr for an in-depth discussion on the evolving battle against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) within the Maryland General Assembly. Max, an attor…
E124: RAK Brewing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:01
In this episode, Kevin interviews Joe Gatewood, co-founder and co-owner of RAK Brewing Company in Frederick, Maryland. The conversation dives into the business journey, community impact and entrepreneurial philosophy beh…