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Thanks to Chance the Rapper, #BlackBoyJoy Is a Thing
Chance the Rapper is awesome. Not only does he have the kind of music that makes hip-hop exciting again, with his horns, his elastic lyricism and his constant praise of the most high, but he’s also got the kind of personality that can’t be ignored. He’s lovable, humble and hilarious. All of the goodness of…
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It’s Been 11 Years Since Hurricane Katrina Ravaged New Orleans
When the rain started on Aug. 23, 2005, in New Orleans, many residents weren’t worried. The swampy bayou was used to wet weather. However, days later, when the weather didn’t let up and the storm surged from a threat to an absolute promise to ravage the Southern city, those residents were worried … and trapped.…
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The Cast of OWN's Queen Sugar Explains Why Being a Part of This All-Black Production Is Important
It isn’t often that two mystical beings kick it in the same space. You never see a baby unicorn and Idris Elba on the same day. But it happened recently when the mystical black goddess that is Oprah Winfrey and God’s favorite film director, Ava DuVernay, combined their forces to make OWN’s Queen Sugar. Winfrey…
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White Lies: A Brief History of White People Lying About Crimes
Before there was Olympic thug Ryan Lochte, who lied about being robbed in Rio de Janeiro, white people were notoriously known for either committing crimes and pinning them on fictitious black folks or just blaming them for made-up or heinous crimes committed by someone else, because racism. Here’s a brief history of black people being…
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Black on Broadway: Now Is the Time for People of Color to Star in Major Roles on Broadway
Broadway is affectionately known as “the Great White Way” for being one of the first streets in the United States to have electric lights. Given Broadway’s history, one could be forgiven for thinking the nickname referred to race. However, there’s an amazing color correction taking place, with a growing number of roles for people of color…
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How Dare Malia Obama Be a #CarefreeBlackGirl and Miss Hillary Clinton at the DNC?!
Hillary Clinton gave a personal (read: boring) speech at the Democratic National Convention that left the crowd roaring. But Malia Obama wasn’t there! How dare she? Who does the oldest daughter of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama think she is?! This is just a thought, but maybe Malia Obama is just a…
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6 Historic Structures in America That Were Built by Slaves
During the Democratic National Convention Monday, first lady and all-around black girl magician Michelle Obama gave a riveting speech. Honestly, there’s not a Michelle Obama speech out there that’s not inspirational, motivational and spirited. Ask Melania Trump. However, there was a part of Obama’s speech that spoke to the heart of every black person, and…
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Idris Elba Plays a Diabolical Villain in Star Trek Beyond Who Makes Your Skin 'Krall'
I’m going to be all the way honest with you. I was never a huge fan of Star Trek. I remember having to watch the TV series growing up because both my older brother and sister were into it. And in my house, the oldest always controlled the remote. So I watched the show reluctantly,…
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Cast of Survivor’s Remorse Is Proud to Be on a Show That Makes You Laugh, Think and ‘Angry Sometimes’
Season 3 of Survivor’s Remorse on Starz will premiere Sunday at 10 p.m., and personally, I cannot wait! This show is hilarious and has been more than a comedy or even a sitcom. It’s a satire that’s socially and culturally rich and relevant and has a ton of heart. It stars Tichina Arnold (Cassis Calloway),…
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16 of the Sleepiest (Read: Not Woke) Black People We Know
If you’re reading The Root, chances are you at least know what it means to be “woke.” It’s a level of consciousness that questions mightily and refuses to take things at face value. It’s not quite Hotep, but if you’re woke, you’ve allowed yourself to see what’s real: systemic racism and a very strong disadvantage…
