-
Obama: Pass This Jobs Bill Now
In his Thursday-night jobs speech, a pumped-up President Obama — sounding more like the inspirational, powerful political force that we haven’t seen in a while — put forward his much-anticipated plan for economic growth and job creation. “The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus…
-
Ron Kirk Responds to Free Trade Skeptics
As President Obama’s chief trade adviser and negotiator, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk also has the tricky task of promoting free trade at a time when soaring unemployment has Americans anxious to protect U.S. markets. The challenge doesn’t rattle Kirk, who empathizes with public suspicion — even arguing that “people have reason to be angry”…
-
Live Tweet Tonight: GOP Debate
It’s that time again: Eight Republican presidential candidates take the stage tonight for the fourth GOP debate. MSNBC will broadcast the debate, co-hosted by Brian Williams of NBC News and Politico editor-in-chief John F. Harris, live from the Reagan Library at 8 p.m. ET. Join The Root’s Washington reporter, Cynthia Gordy, on Twitter @TheRoot247 (hashtag:…
-
Environmental Justice: What's EPA's Plan?
In a cavernous ballroom at Washington, D.C.’s convention center last Friday, nearly 2,000 guests gathered for the “Women Who Dare to Dream” luncheon honoring women of the civil rights movement. Originally planned as a lead-up to the postponed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial dedication, the glittering affair featured remarks and performances from civil…
-
The Good News About HBCUs
John Silvanus Wilson Jr., executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, knows the value of HBCUs — even if it seems these days that too many others don’t. Amid growing doubts about their relevancy and benefits, and fears that black colleges could be facing extinction, Wilson has the task…
-
The MLK Memorial's Complicated History
The National Mall, a wide expanse in the heart of the nation’s capital, is home to numerous monuments honoring U.S. presidents and military sacrifice. This week, the setting’s latest commemorative work opens to the public: the long-awaited Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. Bordering Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin between the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials, a…
-
Obama's Piecemeal Jobs Fix
Among the many criticisms of President Obama’s leadership style is an admonishment that he doesn’t use the bully pulpit enough to take his case to the people. Running counter to that argument, this week the president embarked on a three-day bus tour through the Midwest with a laser focus on the nation’s flagging economy and…
-
Guess Who Donated to the King Memorial?
On Aug. 28, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial makes its debut on the National Mall with a star-studded concert and dedication ceremony featuring President Barack Obama, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx. The 30-foot granite sculpture, enclosed by a wall etched with 14 of King’s most notable quotes, is a…
-
MLK Memorial Events Calendar
Update: Please note that the dates of the dedication and a number of the preceding events have been postponed due to weather forecasts. We’ll bring you the latest details as they unfold. Earlier: The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, more than 15 years in the making, finally opens to the public on Aug. 22.…
-
Water Shortage: 6 Things to Know
Most Americans take drinking water for granted, turning on the tap and getting a fresh, clean supply. That’s not the case in every region, however, and dwindling resources make access to potable water an emerging, coast-to-coast problem. The Root spoke with organizations that are addressing the H2O shortage about why it’s happening, whom it most…
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude
