Karen Grigsby Bates

is a Los Angeles-based correspondent for NPR News and co-author, with Karen Elyse Hudson, of The New Basic Black: Home Training For Modern Times (Doubleday).

About Come Correct

Manners and mores in modern life? It's about way more than where the fork goes.

All JUNE POSTS (11)

Affirmative Action Assumptions

Why can't people assume "black" AND "qualified" is the norm, instead of an oxymoron?

Dying Under Complicated Circumstances

How Do You Eulogize People Who Led Complicated Lives?

My House, Your Kids: Whose Mama Rules?

When Someone Else's Children Are Under Your Roof: Your Rules Rule

A Day For Fathers--and Father Figures

Some black men have no biological children, but have been fathers nonetheless.  We love them for that.

About Your Crack Habit: Pull Those Pants UP!

They're young, gifted, black--and baggin.'  Enough already!

Thanks So Much--I Hate It!

How Do You Say Thanks For A Present You Hate?  Can You Ask For Money Instead of a Present?

Short and Sweet: When and What You Say--And How

Texting and e-mail are great for a lot of things--but not ALL things....

When A Friend Is Seriously Ill

Getting A Sick Friend What She Needs When She Needs It

Going To The Chapel of Love (Not)

The cake is ordered, the invitations are mailed and then you break up.

Who do you call when you call it off?

Guess Who's Coming To (Your Wedding) Dinner?

You've whittled down the guest list to what you can afford.

Then the Rsvps come pouring in--with extra folks.  Uh-oh.

Here Comes The Bride, All Dressed In.....What?

It's Your Second or Third Wedding" What Do You Wear?