's Articles
'Roots': More Than Just a Miniseries
Thirty-five years later, the slavery epic's influence is everywhere.
'Pariah': Small Film Exposes Big Truths
The coming-of-age coming-out drama highlights a segment of black life not often seen on film.
Qaddafi's Dead. Did You See the Photo?
From images of Emmett Till to snapshots of deceased dictators, publishing death photos is a practice with a complicated history.
'30 Americans' and the Meaning of Black Art
The artists whose works are displayed in the "30 Americans" exhibit prove that it can be anything.
'The Help': Served by Huge Talent
The best-seller stirred up debate about white people telling black stories. Does the movie put the controversy to rest?
The Root's Black Bucket List
You don't need to travel the world to find yourself. There's a treasure trove of black history and culture right here in the U.S. The Root explores the places you've got to see in your lifetime.
Meet Vera Stark: Domestic Ambiguity in Hollywood
Lynn Nottage's latest play tackles the hypocrisy and stereotyping that engulfs the black actress playing a maid in American film.
Sweeping Through the Rom-Com Clichés
Jumping the Broom plays it by the numbers in this "rich girl meets working-class guy" romance. But lots of sins can be forgiven in a movie that includes Angela Bassett and Mike Epps. Cue the laughs.
Why No Black Films Were Nominated
Yes, a decade-long winning streak for black folks at the Oscars came to an end this year. But this doesn't signal a trend or anything nefarious -- it just means that this was no banner year for black film.
Feminism's Vital Role in Rebuilding Liberia
As a female president tries to address the nation's myriad postwar problems, regular women find their voice -- and the strength to move on.
