Seattle: The Punch, the Past and the Connection

June 22, 2010

What might be a simple case of police self-defense becomes troubling when you consider the turbulent history of police-minority relations in one of America's most tolerant cities.

The Root Interview: Charles Johnson

The author, scholar and MacArthur “genius” winner charts a new course in post-academic life.

Color-Struck Covers

Is the publishing industry really ready to depict black characters?

Jada Hits Primetime

Hawthorne’ revives a rarely visited subgenre of TV hospital drama. And with Jada Pinkett Smith starring and producing, the show may provide a fresh showcase for black talent.

Why Are Black Folks Leaving San Francisco?

The City by the Bay moves to stop the hemorrhaging of a black population that’s been playing out for generations.

Nat King Cole and Hip-Hop Soul

In its spirited, sometimes brilliant reinvention of classics by Nat ‘King’ Cole, ‘Re: Generations’ re-establishes a link between pop music history and the tastemakers of the minute.

Black Man on Top of the World

One hundred years ago today, a black man was the first to reach the North Pole, but it took a while for Matthew Henson to get the credit for that feat.

Broadsheetless in Seattle?

A major daily paper morphs into an online-only publication; others could follow. How will the changes affect the presence and profile of minority journalists?

Secretary of 'Soul'?

The new administration in Washington brings hope for an American minister of culture. Will Quincy Jones be the first to take up the post?

The End of Black History Month

Black History Month was created to carve out a separate space for recognizing African Americans. But in the Obama era, when it is harder to throw up walls between black history and American history, what’s the rationale for separating them now?