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A Journey Through 500 Years of African-American History
This fall, my colleagues and I completed work on Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s documentary series The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross, which began airing nationally on PBS in October. In six one-hour episodes, the series traces the history of the African-American people, from the 16th century—when Juan Garrido, a free black man, arrived on…
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Moms and Sons: Redefining 'Momma's Boy'
Over the years, I’ve reminded Drew of what my expectations are. It warms my heart when, after every meal I place on the table, he automatically and authentically says, “Thank you, Mom.” Sometimes, just before my lips part, he says: “I know, Mom. Make sure I tell my wife I appreciate her cooking.” And although…
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Jennifer Hudson on the Power of Faith and Family
Black Nativity, the highly anticipated movie musical inspired by Harlem Renaissance author Langston Hughes’ original stage musical of the same name, opens in theaters on Thanksgiving Day. The musical, which debuted off-Broadway in 1961 with an all-black cast, retells the traditional story of the Nativity. This year’s release is a modern twist on an iconic…
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Quote of the Day: Michael Jackson on His Purpose
Read how the quote is referenced here. Henry Louis Gates Jr. is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and founding director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. He is also the editor-in-chief of The Root. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Like The Root on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
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The Era of the Black Woman
Editor’s note: For those who are wondering about the retro title of this black-history series, please take a moment to learn about historian Joel A. Rogers, author of the 1934 book 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro With Complete Proof, to whom these “amazing facts” are an homage. Amazing Fact About the Negro No. 56:…
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Cops: Connecticut High School Football Star Slays Male Lover
A high school football star who tried to end a relationship with his older lover, reportedly fatally stabbed the man during a struggle outside the teen’s home, the Daily News reports. Tarence Mitchell, 18, reportedly stabbed Ronald Taylor Jr., 27, five times with a steak knife—including at least once in the back—during an argument Thursday…
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120-Year-Old Recording of Black Vocal Group Auctioned Off
An 1893 recording of the song, “Mama’s Black Baby Boy,” by the New York-based Unique Quartet, was sold at auction Saturday, the Associated Press reports. The earliest known recording of a black vocal group in the U.S. sold for $1,100 and was contained in a wax-covered cylinder, the AP reports. The recording, one of only…
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Obama and Cornel West Make GQ’s Least Influential List
The sharp differences between Cornel West and President Barack Obama have been well-documented in the media. But now one publication has decided that they have at least one thing in common. GQ magazine has lumped them together on its list of “The 25 Least Influential People of 2013.” President Obama is ranked at No. 17. “He…
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The Daily Show Offers Tips for ‘Shopping While Black’
Just days before the arrival of Black Friday, The Daily Show added a touch of humor to the harsh reality of racial-profiling allegations that have dominated headlines in recent weeks. In the segment, correspondent Jessica Williams doles out tips for black people trying to, ahem, shop on Black Friday because it’s hard to take advantage…
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Baltimore Jail Officers Accused of Taking Bribes, Peddling Drugs
A cadre of Baltimore corrections officers reportedly worked with members of a notorious prison gang to peddle drugs, phones and sex inside the city’s jail and have been indicted, CNN reports. Saying the indictment reads like a script from the canceled HBO crime drama The Wire, CNN reports that prosecutors announced charges against 14 additional…
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude
