Malia Obama's trendsetting style: Madamenoir says the Obamas' older daughter is following in her mom's footsteps by "solidifying herself as a style star." Check out a gallery of pictures of her and see if you agree.

Newt Gingrich's long history of controversial comments: Gingrich has a habit of making what some have characterized as patronizing, bigoted or outright racist public remarks about minorities, women and the LGBT community. If you're in the mood to be offended, the Huffington Post has compiled many so you can read them all at once.

African-American film critics award Tree of Life, The Help: The Tree of Life, Terrence Malick's 1950s-set drama that ruminates on questions of family, faith and the universe, was named best picture of the year Monday by the African-American Film Critics Association. The group also awarded two prizes to the stars of the civil rights period piece The Help, declaring Viola Davis best actress and Octavia Spencer best supporting actress.

Fantasia welcomes a baby boy: Sources say the mother is resting comfortably after giving birth to the healthy baby at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C. The new addition is Barrino's first child with boyfriend Antwaun Cook.

Like The Root on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.