Dr. Frances Murphy Draper is Chair and Publisher of the AFRO-American Newspapers (a publication founded by her great grandfather in 1892). The AFRO is the oldest continuously published black newspaper (by the same family) in the United States. Dr. Draper also served as president, chief operating officer, voting trustee, treasurer and board member. In addition, she is a four-term gubernatorial appointee (1995-2019) to the Morgan State University Board of Regents where she most recently served as vice chair and a member of the executive committee.
A native Baltimorean, Dr. Draper graduated magna cum laude from Morgan State University (Spanish/Education) and holds master’s degrees from the Johns Hopkins University (Education), the University of Baltimore (Business Administration), and Loyola University Maryland (Pastoral Counseling). She also studied theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and University. In May 2006, she received a Doctor of Ministry degree in Preaching and Leadership from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Her dissertation title was: “Relationship Theology: A Model for Producing Healthy Marriages in the African American Context”.
Dr. Draper is also a member of the Baltimore-based Executive Alliance whose mission is to “accelerate the success and leadership of accomplished women by expanding their impact and influence through advocacy, education and mentorship”.
A national certified counselor, Dr. Draper has received numerous awards including the International Alliance for Women’s 21st Century Award and Loyola University’s Carroll Award for outstanding community service. In 2014, Dr. Draper and Dr. Pamela Love Manning co- authored the book Life Happens...But You Can Finish. Her second book, No Ordinary Hook- Up: The Courtship of Vashti Turley and Carl Murphy, 1915-16, was released in September 2016.
For nearly 45 years, Dr. Draper has been married to Andre Draper. They have four adult children and 12 grandchildren.
