culture
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President Obama and Hillary Clinton Are the Most Admired Americans
Don’t let the health care rollout or the reported drops in approval ratings fool you. According to a newly released Gallup poll, President Obama is still the most admired man in America. The six-time consecutive winner in that category was joined by his former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, who was the most admired woman.…
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Beyoncé Called ‘Insensitive’ by NASA Community
Looks like not everyone is happy with Beyoncé’s new album. Some current and former NASA astronauts have labeled the songstress “insensitive” for using audio of the space shuttle Challenger at the beginning of her video for “XO,” ABC News reports. Jan. 28, 1986, the nation watched live as the space shuttle exploded 73 seconds…
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Man Arrested in Killing of Alabama Rapper
A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in the fatal shooting of rapper Doe B. and a woman at an Alabama bar, the Associated Press reports. Jason Quan McWilliams surrendered to police Sunday evening and is being held without bond. The 22-year-old rapper, whose real name is Glenn…
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Duck Dynasty Couple to Ring in the New Year With Fox News
Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson, son of the outspoken Phil Robertson, will help Fox News ring in the New Year and will discuss his father’s brief suspension from the family’s hit A&E reality series, according to the Associated Press. No word has been given on whether or not Willie Robertson will address directly the homophobic…
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Family of Brain-Dead Teen Given Until Jan. 7
The doctors at Children’s Hospital Oakland had cleared the family out of Jahi McMath’s hospital room on Monday evening. The time to take the brain-dead teen off the ventilator was approaching. Then the phone rang, and a prayer was answered for the family, who have been desperately looking for another hospital to care for the…
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NY Urban League Supports Common Core Standards
As we prepare for 2014, our thoughts turn to the events that shaped our year, from the acquittal of George Zimmerman to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington to the recent passing of Nelson Mandela. Indeed, it has been a year of great loss, remembrance and, yes, hope. Hope that in honor of…
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Bride’s Story a Cautionary Tale of the Mistakes Some Black Women Make
Over the weekend, the New York Times published “A Reluctant Bride Conquers Her Fears” in its Weddings section. The story focused on a black couple who said “I do” on Dec. 14. It was a celebratory tale with a happy ending, but some women found themselves in tears before they finished. “I’m crying over this Demetria,”…
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Black Men Who Won in 2013
Black men triumphed in 2013. From film to politics and music, here’s a look at how they captured America’s hearts and minds. Steve McQueen The British auteur scored seven Golden Globe nominations—including one for best picture-drama—for his groundbreaking film, 12 Years a Slave, based on the memoir of Solomon Northrup. More than one critic described…
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A Year of Race Advice: Mixed Kids, Miley and ‘My Ghetto Name’
When it comes to race, racism and just plain old decency, there’s no doubt that there are plenty of people in dire need of a little guidance. But it’s a shame that these “teachable moments” so often come after a misstep, misunderstanding or controversy. (See Paula Deen, Duck Dynasty, that friend who yelled at a…
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Ani DiFranco Cancels Retreat Scheduled at Slave Plantation
Feminist folk singer Ani DiFranco has canceled her “Righteous Retreat,” an expensive songwriting workshop, after black Twitter bashed the singer for the choice of venue. That’s because the gig was to be held at Nottoway Plantation in Louisiana, where hundreds of slaves were held under brutal conditions and which is now owned by the conservative…