Why Social Media Destroyed Amerie’s New ‘NPR Tiny Desk’ Performance
Michelle Obama Shares Her Honest Take On Her Daughters Finding Independence
A Fan Wanted a Photo With One of His Favorite Rappers, Who Instead Takes Him Hostage
Foolish Black TikTokers Claim Harriet Tubman Wasn’t Real, But Here’s The Truth
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Beyond Fame With Chuck Brown: Godfather of Go-Go
Updated May 17, 2012: Saddened to hear news of Chuck Brown’s death, we at The Root remembered back to the time in early 2011 when he caught up with us to talk about a recent Grammy nod and what went into his iconic sound. The audio of that interview is below (be advised, there will…
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Why Are Blacks 90 Percent of Those Named Washington?
How many writers get to explore the origins of their name for an international audience? You do if you’re Jesse Washington, the Associated Press writer on race and ethnicity, and it’s the weekend of the Washington’s Birthday holiday (also known as Presidents Day). “George Washington’s name is inseparable from America, and not only from the…
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Essence: Don't Judge Us by March Issue
Most Women Pictured Seem to Be Wearing Wigs or Weaves The new issue of Essence magazine, delivered during Black History Month, might as well be renamed “Wigs and Weaves.” The overwhelming number of images show black women wearing hair that isn’t naturally theirs or doesn’t seem to be. The good news is that Essence says…
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The Vine Video Series: Russell Simmons Talks Farrakhan, Success and Hip-Hop
Hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons has reached a point where he may well fit his own definition of success: “The state of needing nothing.” But the founder of Def Jam, Phat Farm and Rush Communications is not resting on his laurels. He’s written a book that is on the New York Times best-seller list, Super Rich:…
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Are You Young, Fabulous and Female in Atlanta?
The latest stop in The Root’s Young, Fabulous and Female series of events is Atlanta, and we’re pleased to announce that on-air personality and journalist Jacque Reid (Tom Joyner Morning Show, Let’s Talk About Pep) will be moderating the discussion! Join The Root and Target for an evening of conversation and cocktails next Tuesday, Feb.…
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Silicon Valley Confronted on Diversity
Black, Latino, Asian Coalition Holds Protest at Google “Saying the Silicon Valley tech industry needs to do a better job of hiring native-born blacks, Latinos and some other minority groups, minority leaders picketed Google’s Mountain View headquarters [Thursday], asking the Internet giant and other large valley companies to disclose their workplace diversity data,” Mike Swift reported…
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Journalists, Bloggers Share Benefits of Egypt's Overthrow
The world will not soon forget the scene in Cairo’s central Tahrir Square on Friday, the day that President Hosni Mubarak announced he was stepping down from his 30-year rule after 18 days of protests. “This is what freedom looks like,” NBC’s Ron Allen shouted from the square, surrounded by celebrants. “This is the moment…
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Magic Johnson to Chair Vibe's Parent Company
NBA Hall of Famer Says, “We Will Redefine Vibe Holdings as the Center of Influence for the Coveted Urban Audience” “Magic Johnson Enterprises and Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos. have agreed to invest in Vibe Holdings LLC, the parent company of Vibe magazine and the music-and-dance TV show ‘Soul Train,’ in a deal that will install…
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The Root Interview: Anna Deavere Smith
In this exclusive interview with The Root, actress Anna Deavere Smith (Nurse Jackie, West Wing) talks about her new one-woman show, Let Me Down Easy, which kicked off its national tour at Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage and will air on PBS later this year. In it she explores health care, illness and death and impersonates…