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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/john-mahama-african-union-50th-anniversary-575lw.jpg "[title-raw]")
In Africa, a Renewed Sense of Potential
Your Take: The African Union is finally living up to its promise, 50 years later, writes the president of Ghana.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/roslyn-brock-52413-575lw-.JPG "[title-raw]")
It's Not Your Grandmother's NAACP
The 104-year-old organization is working to dispel myths that it's black-only and mired in the past.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/AfricanUnionAU-524-575-ga.jpg "[title-raw]")
Will There Ever Be Unity in Africa?
On the African Union's 50th anniversary, ethnic strife and economic competition remain barriers to peace.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/Orkney575x52413lc.jpg "[title-raw]")
How Did Vikings End Up in My Family Tree?
Tracing Your Roots: A black reader wonders about a DNA test that turned up Orcadian roots.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/childrens-defense-fund-freedom-school-575jdh.jpg "[title-raw]")
What Can We Learn From Freedom Schools
If the public education system can't or won't serve black kids, we have to come up with alternatives, says the Children's Defense Fund.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/mariah-carey-gma-52513-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
Watch This: Mariah Carey's Mini-Meltdown on 'GMA'
From a wardrobe malfunction to early morning grogginess, the American Idol judge struggled.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/Na-Cola-Franklin-killer-bride-52513-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
Bride Sentenced for Killing Groom on Wedding Day
Na Cola Franklin was given life behind bars without parole for stabbing her fiance.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/cub-scouts-52313-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
How the Boy Scouts Are Still Discriminatory
On the America Blog, writer John Aravosis dissects the Boy Scouts' recent verdict to admit gay Scouts but continue the ban on LGBT adults as leaders. He likens their aversion to racism.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/smiling-black-woman-52413-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
A Plan for Finding and Keeping Self-Love
Keeping up with the Joneses is foolish, writes Jamilah Lemieux at Clutch magazine, and she's found her way to self-support and personal pride.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/black_male2_090712_400jdh_0.jpg "[title-raw]")
Time for a Moratorium on School Suspensions?
A sociologist has urged the NAACP to push for this change to school discipline policy.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/banning-ex-offenders-food-stamps-52413-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
Senate Accepts Proposal to Keep Food Stamps From Ex-Cons
Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana presented the amendment, which will largely affect blacks, and received bipartisan support.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/habla-espanol-52413-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
Spanish Teacher Files Lawsuit Over Firing for Saying 'Negro'
Petrona Smith says she was dismissed for using the Spanish word for "black" in language class.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/barack-obama-war-on-terror-speech-52413-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
Obama: Sexual Assault Threatens Military Trust
During a U.S. Naval Academy commencement speech, the president spoke about violence in the ranks.
![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/QODAlice_Walker575x52413lc.jpg "[title-raw]")
