culture
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Writer Bryan Edward Hill Explains Why Black Representation in Comics Matter and Why Michael Cray Is Out to Kill Aquaman and the Flash
Comic books have struggled with diversity since Famous Funnies was released in the United States in 1933. However, the past few years have finally seen some cracks in the proverbial glass ceiling as black culture has permeated into the mainstream of the comic book universe. From Marvel’s reimagining of classic rap album covers as comic…
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Robert E. Lee Beads Bring Mardi Gras’ Historic Racism Full Circle
The ongoing national debate over race and Confederate monuments reared its ugly head during this year’s Mardi Gras. Some of the infamous beads thrown into the crowds reflected the image of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee to protest the removal of his statue from New Orleans’ most prominent traffic circle, which has been a symbolic…
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10 Things I Know About You if You Didn’t Cry Watching Drake’s ‘God’s Plan’ Video
Earlier this month it was reported that Drake, aka Canadian Screech, walked into a Miami grocery store and announced over a bullhorn that the patrons could get whatever they wanted and it was on him. It was a moment. What no one knew was that Drake had actually taken the money that was supposed to…
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We Went to Opening Night of Black Panther and Now We Want to Live in Wakanda Forever
When tickets for Black Panther went on sale late last month, we here at The Root just knew it was our duty, as the unofficial news source of Wakanda, to be there on the first night. Luckily, our editor-in-chief, Danielle Belton, was able to score tickets so that we could be there to give you…
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Tracing Your Roots: Why Free Virginia Blacks Looked Over Their Shoulders
Finding Virginia forebears who lived uncertain lives in the shadow of the Nat Turner rebellion. Dear Professor Gates: I believe I have just about every record and newspaper clipping on my fourth great-grandmother Rebecca Howlett of Chesterfield County, Va. However, I haven’t been able to find out who her parents were. She was born in…
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An Open Letter to White People Who Are Upset Because Black Panther Is So Racist
Dear Chads and Beckys, I admit that I have been reluctant to write this letter. It has nothing to do with my dislike for you or your people. In fact, some of my best friends are white. Well … one of my best friends is white. OK, I’ll be honest, all of my best friends…
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Black Panther Is Finally Here; Before You ‘All Hail the King,’ Here’s Some Background
Let’s face it: This, to quote former Veep Joe Biden, is a big effin’ deal. Black Panther, the motion picture, is by all accounts a watershed event soon to be upon us, starting Thursday night with early screenings. He is the very first mainstream black superhero ever to appear in and receive his own comic…
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Watch: Here’s an Exclusive Clip From Atlanta’s ‘Robbin’ Season’
Atlanta is back Thursday, March 1, on FX. We were all reeling from excitement and wanted more when the new trailer for the show dropped recently; luckily, The Root has an exclusive clip in celebration of the highly awaited second season! With an innocent and almost chilling cover of Rae Sremmurd’s hit “No Type,” this…
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The Other Black Wall Streets
On June 1, 1921, white rioters looted and burned the all-black Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Okla., known as Black Wall Street. Angry at the economic success of blacks in the area (which became known as “Black Wall Street” because of the number of successful businesses and wealthy black inhabitants), white Tulsans accused a black man…
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Why Black People Are Always Bringing Up Old Stuff, Explained
Hey, bruh, I’m back again for our weekly explainer. I thought we might talk about Black History Month this time. Sure! I always enjoy our talks. In 1915, black Harvard historian Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History with minister Jesse Moorland. So … Because haters gonna hate,…