culture
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How Afrofuturism Progressed From Sci-fi Literature to Fashion
Afrofuturism can be credited to literary greats like Octavia Butler and visual artists like Basquiat. These artists used their mediums to explore a revolutionary world where black characters controlled their own destinies. Musicians from the late 20th century like Sun Ra, George Clinton and Afrika Bambaataa melded the themes of space, alter egos and black…
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George Curry, a Fierce Journalist Who Never Backed Down From a Fight
They’re taking George Curry back to Alabama for burial. I assume that’s what he wanted. He died suddenly of a heart attack the other day in suburban Washington, D.C. Alabama—where we were both born, that made us the butt of many jokes because we always regarded “Sweet Home Alabama” with mixed emotions, as do many…
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Nate Parker’s ‘R’ Scarlet Letter Belonged to Mike Tyson 25 Years Ago
Twenty-five years ago this summer, black America had to deal with a very serious allegation: that boxing powerhouse Mike Tyson, in Indianapolis to lend public support to the Miss Black America pageant, raped one of the contestants, Desiree Washington. A late-night encounter between the two in Tyson’s hotel room clearly went the wrong way, and…
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Unique Views Podcast, Episode 8: Mathew Knowles Knows Talent
Like we always do at this time (Kanye voice), we back, y’all! More importantly, I’m back, y’all, with two co-workers who are here because of a court order. I know that y’all don’t care, but they are the Podcast Pips, aka Patti LaDanielle Young (her real name is Danielle Young, and she makes that clear…
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Stunning Photos of the Obamas' Love That Will Melt Your Heart
On Friday, Southside With You hit theaters, and this film is giving us a chance to see the first date between President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama that led to their beautiful love story. And ever since we met the senator-turned-president, we’ve looked on with admiration at him and the love he has…
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Don’t Be So Quick to Blame Tamar Braxton for the ‘Domestic Dispute’ With Her Husband
Earlier this week, Atlanta police received a call about a “domestic dispute” between singer and reality-TV star Tamar Braxton and her husband, Vincent Herbert. Few details are confirmed, but according to the audio of a 911 call that was made publicly available thanks to TMZ, the pair were at the Ritz-Carlton when an argument escalated…
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Let White Leaders Defend Institutional Racism; Let Black Leaders Defend Black Lives
If one looks and listens closely, black reform advocates and charter leaders are responding to the mythology that black people don’t want charter schools or reform in general. For most black folk, however, not liking reform equates to not liking institutional racism, which impacts our communities no matter how many black and brown people an organization hires.…
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Exclusive: Nate Parker's Former Classmates, Penn State Alumni Speak Out in Support
Four Penn State University alumni have come out in support of embattled actor Nate Parker and writer Jean McGianni Celestin, releasing a statement exclusively to The Root late Wednesday night. In the letter, Penn State alums LaKeisha Wolf, Assata Richards, Lurie Daniel Favors and Brian Favors all state their belief in the innocence of Parker…
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As Summer Ends, Tensions Remain High Between Black Community and Police
The third summer of our discontent is almost over. The latest tensions started in Ferguson, Mo., two years ago; then came Baltimore last year, with Milwaukee the latest city to erupt in protests and upheaval as tensions continue to run high across the nation between law enforcement and black Americans living in some of the…