• Revealing the Role of Black Barbers in the Underground Railroad

    Left of Black host Mark Anthony Neal is joined by professor Quincy T. Mills to discuss his book, Cutting Along the Color Line: Black Barbers and Barber Shops in America. Professor Mills teaches history at Vassar College. Watch:

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  • First Family Commemorates MLK Day at Soup Kitchen

    President Obama and his family chose a Washington, D.C., soup kitchen to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to service on this Day of Service. The president, first lady and daughters Malia and Sasha helped prepare meals at the DC Central Kitchen. Take a look:

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  • Racist Rants About Seattle Seahawk Richard Sherman

    Seattle Seahawk Richard Sherman woke up this morning to an avalanche of racist attacks on social media after the biggest game of his NFL career. Sherman is arguably the best defensive back in the NFL. He’s also a man with a communications degree from Stanford University who is working on his master’s. Last night, after…

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  • Watch Out for the Ladies of Late Night 

    Sasheer Zamata is set to debut on Saturday Night Live this weekend. It’s been five years since an African-American female was part of the cast. But Zamata will have some company in the halls of NBC’s Rockefeller Center. Take a look at the new ladies of late night. Amber Ruffin is an alumna of Second…

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  • Michelle Obama Through the Years

    In honor of first lady Michelle Obama’s 50th birthday—she’ll be celebrating it at a White House bash this Saturday—The Root decided to take a look back at her early years. Michelle LaVaughn Robinson was born on Jan. 17, 1964, in Chicago. She was a student at Bryn Mawr Elementary School. Here she is at Princeton…

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  • A Single Dad Sees Race Through His Children’s Eyes

    Left of Black host Mark Anthony Neal sits down with David Ikard to discuss Ikard’s new book, Blinded by the Whites: Why Race Still Matters in the 21st Century. Ikard is a visiting associate professor at the University of Miami. Watch the interview:

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  • Notable Members of Zeta Phi Beta

    On Jan. 16, 1920, five women founded Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at Howard University. In honor of the organization’s 94th anniversary, we’ve gathered a list of some of its most notable members. 1. Zora Neale Hurston Alpha chapter Author 2. Sheryl Underwood Zeta Tau Zeta chapter Comedian, 23rd International president of Zeta Phi Beta 3.…

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  • Lupita Is Fabulous. But You Already Knew That

    Lupita Nyong’o has been nominated for several awards, including an Oscar, for her performance as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave and is quickly becoming a fashion icon. Here is a list of more of her fabulousness: 1. She was born in Mexico City but raised in Kenya. 2. Her father is a prominent Kenyan…

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  • Our Playlist for Michelle Obama’s 50th Birthday

    Michelle Obama is celebrating her 50th birthday Jan. 17 with a dance party Saturday night at the White House. The Root offers up a playlist. ‘I’m Every Woman,’ Whitney Houston Because the first lady truly does represent every woman. ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered,’ Stevie Wonder It was no accident that the Obama team selected the song…

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  • Notable Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha

    Founded in 1908 at Howard University, the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha marks its 106-year anniversary today. Here are some notable members. 1. Phylicia Rashad Alpha chapter Actress 2. Toni Morrison Alpha chapter Author 3. Alicia Keys Honorary member Entertainer 4. Maya Angelou Honorary member Author 5. Kamala Harris Alpha chapter First African-American and South Asian…

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