black excellence
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2019 NAACP Image Awards: 'We Have the Gavel and We Know How to Use It!'
There is nothing like celebrating our own and highlighting black excellence amongst our family. The NAACP Image Awards is just that—a family reunion that is black as hell. I appreciate that. This year is a special one—the 50th NAACP Image Awards, once again celebrating the best in film, television, music, literature, and social justice figures.…
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Cheese! 5-Year-Old Unleashes #BlackBoyJoy in Hilarious Picture Day Photo
He came, he saw, he showed out. Because Picture Day is a rite of passage in most black households, 5-year-old Andrew Miles risked life and limb by taking the road less traveled—opting to let freedom ring instead of delivering the same boring portrait as his Woodland Elementary School compatriots. “I’m so mad right now!” his…
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North Carolina State Supreme Court Appoints First Black Woman Chief Justice
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, the first black woman supreme court justice to lead the state Supreme Court, was sworn in this past weekend in front of more than 1,000 people, according to the Fayetteville Observer. Beasley, appointed to the state’s highest court in 2012 by Democratic governor Beverly Perdue, was sworn in by Associate Justice…
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Thanks to Her High School Alma Mater, We Now Have an Athletic Complex Named After Michelle Obama
On the heels of a New York Times best-selling book, coupled with a promotional tour that somehow sold out stadium after stadium throughout Trump’s America, Michelle Obama is returning to her roots of sorts—or at least her namesake. Because on Thursday came the announcement that her high school alma mater—Whitney M. Young Magnet High School—will…
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Oakland, Stand Up! The Black Power Movement Continues With a Panel Discussion and New Exhibits at OMCA
Anyone familiar with the Black Panther Party knows its genesis was Oakland, Calif.—and the area continues to be a locus of activism, attracting some of the country’s most prominent voices. This Sunday, several of those voices will gather at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) to discuss the lasting legacy and impact of the movement…
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With a $10 Million Endowment Plan, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Invests in HBCUs
In its 111-year history, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority has made black excellence its mission. This year, to close out Black History Month, the oldest historically African-American sorority made a major investment in black futures. On Thursday, at the Alpha Kappa Alpha International Headquarters in Chicago, International President Dr. Glenda Glover presented $50,000 each to 32…
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#TBT: So, About That Time Spike Lee and Angela Bassett Teamed Up for the Best Black History Month Tribute of 2019 …
Black History Month 2019 has been one for the garbage books, amirite? Amongst our crew here at The Root, we’ve been wondering if we should ask for an exchange or just cancel the remainder of this year’s subscription. Even the always erudite Michael Harriot, who loves spinning gold out of absolute trash asked, “Can we…
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The 15th Anniversary of Kanye’s 'Fuck Higher Education' Album
On February 10, 2004, Kanye West, aka Yeezy, released his debut album, The College Dropout. The album remains a classic that won multiple Grammys and the certification of triple platinum. Its message also explains why it remains important today. The album was the most popular indictment of the higher education system. West formed a lyrical…
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Oscar-Nominated Costume Design Legend Ruth E. Carter Gets Her Flowers During New York Fashion Week Event
What makes an icon? Is it longevity? Passion? An impressive and unmatched body of work? If so, Ruth E. Carter exemplifies all of its characteristics and then some. In her decades-long career, Carter has solidified her place in black cinema as the costume designer for some of the most prolific films about the black experience…
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Kelly Rowland to Host 2019 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards
Every black woman I know who has graced the room at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards has one thing in common with the others; they’re always beaming at how affirming it is to celebrate their fellow sisters. The 2019 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards will be honoring Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U…