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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/lauryn-hill-51113-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
Lauryn Hill, Girl, Stop It!
Michael Arceneaux couldn't believe his ears when Hill told a judge that she was the descendant of slaves, and that's why she couldn't pay her taxes on her healthy income. At Ebony, Arceneaux begs the troubled singer to come back to reality -- you know, where people pay their bills and such.
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Is Janelle Monae Revealing Her Sexuality on New Song?
Some are speculating that Janelle Monae might be talking about her own sexuality in her new song, "Q.U.E.E.N." But writer Andreana Clay of Queer Black Feminist writes that she'd rather focus on Monae's self-proclaimed status of being an oddball.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/racism-keys-51113-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
Hey, White People, Here's How You're Racist
On the York Daily Record, attorney Dawn Cutaia says that white folks don't have to be part of the KKK to be racist. It can be as easy as laughing at a black person's ethnic name or not hiring them because of it.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/gerald-murphy-trenton-51213-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
NJ Hostage Situation Is Over, Suspect Dead
In Trenton, N.J., a man who fatally shot his girlfriend and teen son, then held three other children hostage, has died.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/rick-ross-reebok-protestors-51013-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
How Lil Wayne and Rick Ross Lost: When Hip-Hop Polices Itself
How rap fans demanded more of artists and their lyrics by attacking their branding deals.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/aretha-franklin-51113-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
Aretha Franklin on Possible Biopic Casting of Audra McDonald, Jennifer Hudson
The Queen of Soul weighs in on those in the running.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/abercrombie-fitch-51113-575hc.jpeg "[title-raw]")
Abercrombie & Fitch Hates Fat People?
The clothing retailer refuses to offer XL and bigger clothing.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/meagangood-deception-cancelled-0510-575-jc.jpg "[title-raw]")
Meagan Good Drama 'Deception' Canceled
NBC gives the ax to its only drama with an African-American lead.
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![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/mom-money-lessons-575jdh.jpg "[title-raw]")
Lessons Mom Can Teach About Money
Tiffany Aliche, writing at the Huffington Post, highlights everyday parenting messages that can be translated into financial advice.
![[title-raw]](http://www.theroot.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blurb-image/QOTD-Toni_Cade_Bambara-575se.jpg "[title-raw]")
