It's A Calling with Dr. Toni Draper

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Dr. Toni Draper's Bio

CEO and Publisher, The AFRO-American Newspapers

Dr. Frances Murphy Draper is CEO and Publisher of The AFRO-American Newspapers, the nation's longest-running Black-owned family newspaper. A fourth-generation publisher from Baltimore, she continues the legacy of founder John H. Murphy Sr.

She holds degrees from Morgan State University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Baltimore, Loyola University Maryland, and United Theological Seminary. A former pastor for over 20 years, she now leads The AFRO's digital expansion, including the AFRO Digital Billboard Network and Afro Table newsletter.

Her many honors include NNPA's "Publisher of the Year," the Maryland Senate's First Citizen Award, and an honorary doctorate from Johns Hopkins in 2025. She chairs Word in Black, serves as first vice chair of the NNPA, and is on the board of Associated Black Charities.

Dr. Draper is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She and her husband, Andre, have been married for over 50 years. They have four children, twelve grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.