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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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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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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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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.
The Vine: Black Leaders Know Obama's Color Boxes Him In
Ellis Cose, author of the upcoming book The End of Anger, says African-American leaders understand that some things are harder for President Obama to do because he is not white. He spoke to The Root's Omar Wasow in the latest installment of The Vine video series.
The Vine: Harvard's Linda Hill Shatters Myths About Leadership
Prof. Linda Hill tells Henry Louis Gates Jr. that leaders are self-made, not born. And that thing about finding a mentor? Think again.
Beyond Fame With Radio Host Bev Smith
Syndicated radio host Bev Smith recently won the prestigious Max Robinson Award for her work to combat HIV/AIDS. In an audio interview, the talk-radio queen goes "beyond fame" with The Root's Anji Corley, discussing modern courtship rituals, whether the NAACP is still relevant in 2011 and how to use what you have to get what you want.
Beyond Fame With Chuck Brown: Godfather of Go-Go
The late Chuck Brown, a pioneer of go-go music, had his ups and downs -- he was once a homeless alcoholic -- but after decades in the business he received his first Grammy nomination in 2011. Fresh from the Grammy Awards, Brown talked to The Root about how he discovered his own sound, his favorite rappers and the one thing he couldn't pass up.
The Vine Video Series: Russell Simmons Talks Farrakhan, Success and Hip-Hop
In the latest segment of the Vine series on African-American power and leadership, Russell Simmons tells The Root's editor-in-chief, Henry Louis Gates Jr., what he says to his Jewish friends about his close relationship with Louis Farrakhan. He also reveals the moment he first knew that he had made it, and his views on the enduring appeal of hip-hop.
The Root Interview: Anna Deavere Smith
In this exclusive interview, Nurse Jackie actress Anna Deavere Smith talks about her new one-woman show, Let Me Down Easy. In it she explores health care, illness and death and impersonates everyone from Lance Armstrong to a retired boxer to Eve Ensler.
Beyond Fame With Common
Contributing Editor Anji Corley goes "Beyond Fame" with rapper and actor Common about how old he was when he wrote his first rap, whether or not a reality show is in his future and his ideal woman.
Young Futurist Video: Benjamin Mensah
Massachusetts Institute of Technology student Benjamin Mensah has worked hard to promote computer literacy in Africa.
Young Futurist Video: Daquan Chisholm
Baltimore high school student Daquan Chisholm invented a bulletproof helmet to protect police officers in the line of duty and hopes to patent it one day.
Young Futurist Video: Thais Francis
A drama student at NYU, Thais Francis wants to use her joy of acting to promote appreciation of the theater in the Caribbean and Africa.
