John's Articles

Missing the Point on MLK

Our focus on his speeches shows how much we've forgotten the difference -- one Dr. King knew well -- between words and action.

Who Are We Protecting by Censoring 'Huck Finn'?

It's not the kids -- who hear the n-word all the time -- but the adults who are uncomfortable with it.

Why Zora Neale Hurston Was a Conservative

The acclaimed author was skeptical of Democrats, special favors for blacks and the idea of taking racial pride in the achievements of individuals.

Speaking Swahili for Kwanzaa?

Instead, try learning a tongue that the ancestors of black Americans actually used.

'The Scottsboro Boys': A Post-Mortem

Now that the Broadway musical's producers are pushing for a revival just in time for the Tonys, somebody needs to say it: Never mind those much maligned minstrel references … it just isn't very good.

The Myth of the Food Desert

President Obama's new school-lunch law is a good start, but healthy eating begins at home.

Letter to a Young Conservative: Why They Call Us Uncle Toms

Black conservatives like to dismiss criticism from more left-leaning blacks as "they won't let us have our own opinions." But black folks are open to divergent thought -- as long as they know you care about the same things they do.

Black Folks Need to Do Something

Too many African Americans just shake their heads when they run into racism. Let's try protesting, writing letters, organizing a boycott, making phone calls -- anything except sitting on our butts.

So What If It's a Minstrel Show?

The Scottsboro Boys musical, Tyler Perry and rappers have all been accused of promoting modern-day minstrelsy. But with real minstrel shows long gone, can't black performers act dopey these days without an outcry?