AFRO year in review: A look at the highs and lows of 2023

By Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO The year 2023 was a year for the books, from celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop to the premier of Rihanna’s second baby bump at the NFL’s 2023 Superbowl Halftime show. After a year of highs and lows, this week, the AFRO takes a look at the past 12 months of Black community, culture and entertainment.& 1. David Balogun, 9, graduates from Reach Cyber Charter School in Pennsylvania David Balogun became one of the youngest people in the country to complete highschool and receive his high school diploma in Pennsylvania in January. The young scholar looks forward to becoming an astrophysicist. Balogun is currently enrolled in Bucks County Community College. David Balogun  Credit: Courtesy of Chepp.org 2. American Sign Language takes the main stage& In February, Justina Miles, an ASL interpreter and student at Bowie State University, became the first Black, deaf woman to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” with Emmy Award Winner Sheryl Lee Ralph during the pregame of Super Bowl LVII. She also translated for Rihanna’s legendary halftime performance, which also debuted the singer’s second baby bump.  Justina Miles  Credit: Courtesy of Bowie State 3. Fisk Gymnastics team makes history...