Strong Black Identity in a White-Looking Town

By: Jenée Desmond-Harris | Posted: January 7, 2013 at 7:40 PM

A resident of Pike County, Ohio, who identifies as black (State of the Reunion)

Strong black identity in a white-looking town: NPR's State of the Reunion visited a tiny town in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio, where, for the past 100 years, residents have identified as African-American despite the fact that many would say they appear to be white. One reporter who spoke to residents calls it "the one-drop rule taken to the absolute extreme." Listen to their curious, historically rich and uniquely American story.

Bev Kearney resigns: The Hall of Fame coach has resigned from her position as women's track-and-field coach at the University of Texas after admitting to a past affair with one of her athletes. Kearney's attorney said that he believes she has been treated differently from her male counterparts.

Candidates line up to replace Jesse Jackson Jr.: The Huffington Post reports that on Monday, the last day that candidates could formally file petitions to run in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District, 22 did so, including former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds.

Nine black-focused nonprofits that might inspire you: You know about the NAACP, the Urban League and the United Negro College Fund, but have you heard about the important work these lesser-known groups are doing?

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