Frances "Toni" Draper

Frances Murphy Draper, CEO and Publisher of the 132 year-old AFRO-American Newspapers, is a dynamic and seasoned moderator with a natural gift for engaging audiences across diverse topics. Her background enables her to navigate conversations seamlessly, drawing out insights and perspectives that captivate and inspire. Whether facilitating panels, leading discussions, or delivering keynotes, she brings depth, clarity, and enthusiasm to every engagement, making complex subjects accessible and sparking meaningful dialogue.

Like her grandfather Carl J. Murphy, Draper began her career in education—teaching Spanish in Baltimore City Public Schools. Known as "Toni," she earned a bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University and served 25 years on its Board of Regents. Draper holds advanced degrees in education, business, pastoral counseling, and leadership.

In 2023, she was elected first vice chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and chairs wordinblack.com, a public benefit news collaborative. In addition to being a respected speaker, she has co- authored the book Life Happens, But You Can Finish and authored No Ordinary Hookup: The Courtship of Carl and Vashti Turley Murphy. Her third book, Prayer and Pen, is set for release in January 2025.

Her other accolades include LMA’s “Content and Audience Innovator of the Year,” NNPA’s “Publisher of the Year,” the Baltimore Museum of Industry’s “Industrialist of the Year,” Baltimore Business Journal’s 2023 Power 10 CEOs, Maryland’s 2024 “First Citizen” award, and the 2024 Featherstone Foundation’s Changemaker Award. Draper is an Executive Alliance and Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member.

After 20 years as senior pastor at Freedom Temple AME Zion Church, she retired in 2022. Draper and her husband of 50 years, Andre, have four children, 12 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.