The Root DC Live: go-go


Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 05/20/2013

Axel F, D.C.’s classic soul party, to return to the Howard Theatre
By John Murph
REVIEW| With tons of balloons, vintage videos, and other scholastic props, Axel F will transform the posh Howard Theatre into a prom ballroom circa 1986.

By John Murph  |  11:24 AM ET, 05/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:06 PM ET, 05/17/2013

Why I chose to attend a historically black college- as a white person
By Alyssa Paddock
ESSAY| When I was a senior in high school and started considering where I wanted to go to college, racial demographics were never a factor for me. I ended up at Howard University where the majority of students are black and I am among a small minority of white students.

By Alyssa Paddock  |  05:06 PM ET, 05/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:14 PM ET, 05/17/2013

Historically black colleges are seeing an increase in white students
By Alyssa Paddock
 As more African-American students attend majority white institutions, there are more available slots open at HBCUs for non-black students and more possibilities for diversity on the campuses.

By Alyssa Paddock  |  03:14 PM ET, 05/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:26 PM ET, 05/17/2013

Doing away with food deserts in the District
By Michael Shank
It’s hard to believe that so many in America -- over 50 million people -- live in food insecurity.  What’s worse is that this food insecurity is most apparent in our nation’s capital.

By Michael Shank  |  02:26 PM ET, 05/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:32 PM ET, 05/17/2013

State of Equality and Justice in America: The Presumption of Guilt
By John Lewis and Bryan Stevenson
The presumption of guilt follows too many poor and minority children to school, a place where children should be nurtured and supported, not criminalized and incarcerated.  Yet the pipeline from school to jail is so insidious, many parents now fear schools as much as they fear the criminal justice system. 

By John Lewis and Bryan Stevenson  |  01:32 PM ET, 05/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:18 PM ET, 05/16/2013

Food trucks test their pull in the District
By Clinton Yates
Food truck owners and advocates should make sure they don’t wind up arguing against rules that could keep the industry alive.

By Clinton Yates  |  07:18 PM ET, 05/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:39 PM ET, 05/15/2013

Bowie State to hold commencement at UMD: A disrespect to tradition?
By Auburn A. Mann
OP-ED| Commencement marks a collective achievement for a class of scholars advancing to the next chapter in their lives. So let’s embrace this year’s commencement with the same energy, love and Bulldog pride.

By Auburn A. Mann  |  02:39 PM ET, 05/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:08 PM ET, 05/14/2013

Snyder’s “Never” is reminiscent of an ugly past
By Barbara Reynolds
OPINION| “Never” is a terminal sounding word, void of hope, any appeal to reason, de-humanizing and portents a situation that will not change.

By Barbara Reynolds  |  01:08 PM ET, 05/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:59 AM ET, 05/09/2013

Things to do: May 9 -15, 2013
By Jillian S. Jarrett
Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Bobby McFerrin performs at the Kennedy Center.

By Jillian S. Jarrett  |  09:59 AM ET, 05/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:43 AM ET, 05/08/2013

Alicia Keys’ campaign to combat HIV/AIDS
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
OPINION| Taboo subjects like sexually transmitted diseases rarely make their way into hip-hop and pop song lyrics. Keys is trying to change the culture of silence.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  11:43 AM ET, 05/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:16 AM ET, 05/08/2013

D.C.’s separate and (un)equal driver’s license plan
By Michael Shank and Lindsay Schubiner
OPINION| Gray’s new plan to offer special drivers licenses for undoumented immigrants exacerbates discrimination and endangers the community

By Michael Shank and Lindsay Schubiner  |  11:16 AM ET, 05/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:19 PM ET, 05/07/2013

Charles Ramsey: Internet star, hero or both?
By Bethonie Butler
Ramsey’s interactions with the media have led some to ask if his heroism is being overshadowed by Internet memes.

By Bethonie Butler  |  06:19 PM ET, 05/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 05/06/2013

Squabble over restaurant’s liquor license offers close-up on city’s constant change
By Clinton Yates
COLUMN| Dispute over The Islander’s liquor license portends future battles as city continues to change.

By Clinton Yates  |  12:20 PM ET, 05/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:59 PM ET, 05/03/2013

Montgomery County chapter of Jack And Jill celebrates 50 years
By Hamil R. Harris
Festive night celebrates the chapter’s work and legacy.

By Hamil R. Harris  |  05:59 PM ET, 05/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 05/02/2013

Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly Dies, taking a piece of 90’s music history with him
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
One half of the 90s rap sensation KrissKross, Kelly inspired many to be radically different.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  01:56 PM ET, 05/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:06 PM ET, 05/01/2013

Jason Collins comes out: Come Out, Come Out Whoever You Are
By Alfonzo Porter
What struck me is that not long ago, the NBA ball players admission might have ended an athlete’s career.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  02:06 PM ET, 05/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:51 AM ET, 05/01/2013

‘Long Distance Revolutionary’: New film examines the life of Mumia Abu-Jamal
By Eisa Nefertari Ulen
REVIEW| A new documentary takes a look at the life of the famed prisoner, who some believe is a political prisoner and others still believe is a convicted cop-killer.

By Eisa Nefertari Ulen  |  11:51 AM ET, 05/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:16 AM ET, 05/01/2013

Things to do: May 2-May 8
By Jillian S. Jarrett

By Jillian S. Jarrett  |  10:16 AM ET, 05/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 04/29/2013

‘Imagine a Future’ sheds light on black women and internalized racism
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
The documentary portrays an age-old struggle facing African Americans: to believe that “black is beautiful.” 

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  02:33 PM ET, 04/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:47 AM ET, 04/29/2013

DC Public Schools: How to keep kids out of class, not in
By Michael Shank and Allyson Mitchell
OPINION| DC Public Schools’ much lauded reform efforts are still failing to produce positive results for DC’s students, according to a new report. We offer some some solutions to help reverse that trend.

By Michael Shank and Allyson Mitchell  |  09:47 AM ET, 04/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:25 PM ET, 04/26/2013

The Real Housewives of Benning Road: Local satire at its best
By Clinton Yates
Clearly, the ladies of Benning Road are nothing close to their "Real Housewives of D.C." counterparts. But none of that matters.

By Clinton Yates  |  04:25 PM ET, 04/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 04/26/2013

Black Barbie: NYC mother urges Mattel to make diverse party supplies
By Alfonzo Porter
OPINION| While I commend the efforts to put pressure on Mattel, I think our energies as middle class educated African-Americans is better spent forming our own companies to build our own products- not asking a major corporation to do it for us.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  12:15 PM ET, 04/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:44 AM ET, 04/26/2013

State of Equality and Justice in America: It’s time to step it up- we have not arrived
By Melanie Campbell
OP-ED| The task before Black leaders today begins with making sure that those coming behind us understand that even though the Civil Rights Movement forced laws to change, it did not change the hearts and minds of all Americans.

By Melanie Campbell  |  10:44 AM ET, 04/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:36 AM ET, 04/25/2013

Heroes in our own backyards
By John Gass
ESSAY|While it is easy to be in awe of those who risk their lives of horrific danger, I was reminded of the heroes I met while attending D.C.’s public schools- who in their own way- saved my life.

By John Gass  |  10:36 AM ET, 04/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 04/25/2013

Drug war takes aim at synthetic marijuana
By Riki Lawal
Increasing attention now is being given to synthetic marijuana-- a reflection that the relatively new designer drug has become the latest target in the war on drugs.

By Riki Lawal  |  10:31 AM ET, 04/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:34 PM ET, 04/24/2013

Things to do: April 25-May 1
By Jillian S. Jarrett
Grammy Award-winning soul singer Gladys Knight performs at Strathmore.

By Jillian S. Jarrett  |  05:34 PM ET, 04/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:16 AM ET, 04/23/2013

On MLK’s ‘Letter from a Birmingham City Jail’
By Lonnie G. Bunch III
OP-ED| While we pause in 2013 to remember historic milestones in the tumultuous fight for justice in America, some of those actions and messages of 50 years ago retain clear lessons for today.

By Lonnie G. Bunch III  |  11:16 AM ET, 04/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 04/22/2013

Boston Bombings: Amid the media’s mistakes, officials showed restraint
By Steve Bumbaugh
The responsible response of public officials in Boston---presaging a new, more mature America---allows all of us to collectively grieve.

By Steve Bumbaugh  |  11:10 AM ET, 04/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:46 PM ET, 04/19/2013

Jackie Robinson’s legacy in a changing America
By Lonnie G. Bunch III
OP-ED| Jackie Robinson made so many things possible for athletes – and especially the dreams of African American athletes – but he also was a giant figure for those of us who wanted to research, teach and frame the steps to equality in America.

By Lonnie G. Bunch III  |  04:46 PM ET, 04/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 04/18/2013

Things to do April 18-24, 2013
By Jillian S. Jarrett
Esperanza Spalding, jazz bassist and soul singer performs at the Warner Theatre.

By Jillian S. Jarrett  |  10:31 AM ET, 04/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:53 PM ET, 04/17/2013

Joe Madison leaves WOL
By Hamil Harris
Q&A| The unsparing voice had been a constant on DC radio for two decades.

By Hamil Harris  |  05:53 PM ET, 04/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:06 PM ET, 04/16/2013

Audrie Pott: Sexual Assault, Cyberbullying and Suicide
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
What are we, as a society, instilling in our boys that makes rape so commonplace? How can we untrain them in the ways of rape culture?

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  10:06 PM ET, 04/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:53 PM ET, 04/16/2013

The Central Park Five: Exploring race, rape and redemption
By Eisa Nefertari Ulen
REVIEW| Ken Burns’ new film on the infamous Central Park Jogger Case is a must watch for anyone interested in justice and fairness in the criminal justice system.

By Eisa Nefertari Ulen  |  05:53 PM ET, 04/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:11 PM ET, 04/15/2013

Jackie Robinson’s legacy, sadly, means little today
By Clinton Yates
COLUMN| I don't need to see any more images of No. 42 across the baseball landscape. I'd like to see more faces of people that look like him in the crowd, on the field and in the executive offices.

By Clinton Yates  |  12:11 PM ET, 04/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:23 PM ET, 04/11/2013

Washingtonians, it’s time to ‘Know Your Neighborhood’
By Clinton Yates
OPINION| In a city with quickly shifting demographics, it’s not easy for Washingtonians to know the history of their community. But a seven-part library series is trying to change that. 

By Clinton Yates  |  12:23 PM ET, 04/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 04/11/2013

Arena Stage pays tribute to Elizabeth Keckley, seamstress to Mary Todd Lincoln
By Barbara Reynolds
REVIEW| The theater hosts a play about the remarkable life of the seamstress to Mary Todd Lincoln, who turned out to be much more.

By Barbara Reynolds  |  10:30 AM ET, 04/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:19 AM ET, 04/11/2013

Urban League releases “State of Black America.”
By Hamil R. Harris
The study concluded that for every black that made it to college in 1963 there are now five and the number of blacks living in poverty has decreased by 23 percent. But when compared to whites, blacks progress is still stagnant.

By Hamil R. Harris  |  10:19 AM ET, 04/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:55 PM ET, 04/10/2013

Immigration debate: How DC can move the conversation forward
By Michael Shank and Lindsay Schubiner
OPINION | If the government is going to allow immigrants to stay here legally and work, it makes sense to ensure ample options for legal transport to their place of work.

By Michael Shank and Lindsay Schubiner  |  02:55 PM ET, 04/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:52 PM ET, 04/10/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia April 11-17, 2013
By Jillian S. Jarrett and Jillian S. Sowah
Howard County will host a housing fair for prospective homebuyers Saturday.

By Jillian S. Jarrett and Jillian S. Sowah  |  12:52 PM ET, 04/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:08 PM ET, 04/10/2013

LGBT rights and DC schools: How do we prepare for change?
By Natalie Hopkinson
There has never been greater awareness of the LGBT community. But schools have a steep learning curve when it comes to serving LGBT students and families.

By Natalie Hopkinson  |  12:08 PM ET, 04/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 04/08/2013

Howard Theatre: In a year since its reopening, has it brought the ‘magic’ back?
By John Murph
REVIEW| April 9th marks the first anniversary of the Howard Theatre’s reopening after 32 years of dormancy and decay. With its new interior and exterior renovations, food menus and booked guests,its first year has been a challenging one.

By John Murph  |  12:15 PM ET, 04/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:03 PM ET, 04/08/2013

Building a youth movement from Mississippi lessons
By Allison Brown
An agreement  recently struck in a Miss. school district that makes sure black students are treated fairly in school discipline cases is only the beginning of a long journey towards addressing inequality in the nation’s schools.

By Allison Brown  |  12:03 PM ET, 04/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 04/05/2013

‘American Promise’ and the black student struggle in the nation’s private schools
By Eisa Nefertari Ulen
REVIEW| In the new film ‘American Promise,’ filmmakers Joe Brewster and Michele Stephenson document the journey of their son and his best friend at one of the top prep schools in the country. It’s a tough road for all.

By Eisa Nefertari Ulen  |  07:00 AM ET, 04/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:20 PM ET, 04/04/2013

45th anniversary of MLK’s death: Can today’s online and social media leaders keep up with the aspirations of the past?
By Alfonzo Porter
ESSAY| A new generation of civil rights leader has emerged who is well versed, skilled, and comfortable in the manipulation of digital and social media, and who are also thoroughly schooled in the lessons of the past.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  02:20 PM ET, 04/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:55 PM ET, 04/04/2013

Republican pundit tells MSNBC anchor she doesn’t look black
By Crystal Wright
OPINION| At a time when the GOP is trying to appear more welcoming to all Americans, the off hand comment doesn’t help.

By Crystal Wright  |  01:55 PM ET, 04/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:09 PM ET, 04/03/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia April 4-10, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
The Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright lectures on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at Bowie State University.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  06:09 PM ET, 04/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 04/03/2013

Jay-Z is now more interesting as mogul than rapper
By Clinton Yates
OPINION| As an artist, Shawn Carter will always be one of the most dynamic to ever do it. But as he's branched out, it's become obvious that his personality seems to shine most when he's doing anything other than rapping.

By Clinton Yates  |  02:00 PM ET, 04/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:10 PM ET, 04/02/2013

Gun control debate: Standing by families of the slain shows Obama’s humanity
By Barbara Reynolds
OPINION| Many on the right accused the President of posturing when he met with mothers who lost loved ones to gun violence.The women on the stage and columnist Barbara Reynolds thought otherwise.

By Barbara Reynolds  |  05:10 PM ET, 04/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:28 AM ET, 04/01/2013

Affirmative weapons for education reform
By Allison Brown
In order for mindsets to truly change, federal education policy should follow public will rather than dictate it.

By Allison Brown  |  11:28 AM ET, 04/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:54 PM ET, 03/29/2013

Sorority members help young mentees fight teen dating violence
By Lauren McEwen
A local graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority holds teen dating violence awarness walk with mentees.

By Lauren McEwen  |  02:54 PM ET, 03/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 03/29/2013

Bigger than Rick Ross: an industry that glorifies rape and drug culture
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
The problems hip-hop faces go beyond what artists say and what we are or aren't silent about. Record label executives are complicit as well.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  12:00 PM ET, 03/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 03/29/2013

The state of equality and justice in America: Masters of our own fate
By Marc Morial
If we are to honor Whitney M. Young, one of the unsung visionaries of the Great March and the Urban League's leader from 1961-1971, we must not only be prepared to seize opportunity when it comes, we must be committed to creating opportunity when it does not.

By Marc Morial  |  10:55 AM ET, 03/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:37 PM ET, 03/28/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia March 28-April 3, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
Reggae legend Bob Marley lives with “Three Little Birds” at Adventure Theatre and a tribute concert by Junior Marvin at The Hamilton .

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  03:37 PM ET, 03/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 03/27/2013

Addressing DC's truancy epidemic
By Michael Shank and Allyson Mitchell
With truancy rates soaring in the District’s public schools, some believe that addressing it, with the help of organizations like ACCESS Youth, will help close the educational equity gap in the area.

By Michael Shank and Allyson Mitchell  |  12:50 PM ET, 03/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:31 AM ET, 03/26/2013

Robert Zimmerman’s ugly, dangerous tweets
By Clinton Yates
In a series of tweets over the past few days the brother of George Zimmerman has expressed a number of racially-charged ideals. Is his way of thinking stuck in the past?

By Clinton Yates  |  11:31 AM ET, 03/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:41 AM ET, 03/25/2013

Equal access to education: the federal government must step up
By Wade Henderson
For the last forty years, state-based solutions have failed our kids. Without an established national right to education, we risk seeing more of the same over the next 40 years.

By Wade Henderson  |  11:41 AM ET, 03/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 03/22/2013

‘180 Days’ and ‘American Promise’: Two films that show racial and financial disparities in America’s school systems
By Eisa Nefertari Ulen
Two films scheduled to air on PBS examine schooling in America and feature two vastly different populations. But they both tell a story of how is lived.

By Eisa Nefertari Ulen  |  08:00 AM ET, 03/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:20 AM ET, 03/22/2013

Prince George’s school take over plan: beyond the silver bullet
By Michelle Renée
OP-ED| School take overs are not silver bullets that will radically fix every school district in the nation. Real reform takes real work.

By Michelle Renée  |  07:20 AM ET, 03/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:28 AM ET, 03/21/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia March 21-27, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
Battle of the Beltway: Lady Terp softball team takes on the Howard University Bison.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  10:28 AM ET, 03/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:25 PM ET, 03/20/2013

Rushern Baker’s school take-over plan: Let’s give it a chance
By Keith Harriston
OPINION| Even thought the plan isn’t perfect, trying something bold is a better idea than maintaining the status quo. The current setup is unacceptable.

By Keith Harriston  |  05:25 PM ET, 03/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:14 PM ET, 03/20/2013

Pastor Joel Osteen, Dwyane Wade, Allan Houston, Michael Redd, Soledad O’Brien and Etan Thomas participate in a fatherhood panel to inspire young people to reach for their dreams
By Etan Thomas
ESSAY| As a former professional basketball player, it always amazes me how much hearing that message from an athlete or rapper or actor they recognize resonates with them.

By Etan Thomas  |  04:14 PM ET, 03/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:28 PM ET, 03/19/2013

Reince Priebus and the RNC: Will a $10 million investment really help recruit minorities?
By Joseph Williams
OPINION| If the first step to rehabilitation is admitting that you have a problem, Priebus and the Republicans are still living in denial.

By Joseph Williams  |  01:28 PM ET, 03/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 03/19/2013

Lil Wayne leaves the hospital: time for rappers to take their health more seriously
By Clinton Yates
OPINION| I really hope that recent health scares among rappers aren't becoming some badge of honor in the name of hard work.

By Clinton Yates  |  11:10 AM ET, 03/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Prince William County, Police

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 03/19/2013

Beyonce sabotages her female empowerment efforts with ‘Bow Down’ 
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
OPINION| The singer’s latest anthem cannot go without criticism as it sabotages many of her past female empowerment efforts.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  10:20 AM ET, 03/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:59 PM ET, 03/18/2013

Monday nights at Bohemian Caverns: Young, black and jazzy
By John Murph
REVIEW| One of the most persistent criticisms of jazz is that it doesn’t attract a young black audience. But if you check out Bohemian Caverns on Monday nights, you’ll find a scene that bucks that tired trope.

By John Murph  |  05:59 PM ET, 03/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:50 PM ET, 03/18/2013

The value of education: What is the true cost of a quality education?
By Curtis Valentine
OP-ED| The stagnant expansion of school choice has pushed Prince George’s parents into private schools or new school districts for what they perceive to be a more quality education.

By Curtis Valentine  |  01:50 PM ET, 03/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 03/18/2013

Rushern Baker and political school takeovers: deja vu all over again
By Alfonzo Porter
OPINION| Turning the schools over to folks who have never taught in a classroom and somehow expecting the schools will improve seems terribly counterintuitive.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  01:35 PM ET, 03/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 03/18/2013

Andre Perry: Confessions of a black education reformer
By Natalie Hopkinson
REVIEW| Loyola University’s Andre Perry uses fiction to peel back the curtain on what happens behind the scenes in urban education reform.

By Natalie Hopkinson  |  12:20 PM ET, 03/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:53 PM ET, 03/15/2013

Superman isn’t coming: Grassroots efforts to end urban violence
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
Instead of "waiting for Superman," we need community-based solutions to gun violence.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  02:53 PM ET, 03/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:29 PM ET, 03/15/2013

How to keep black students out of prison
By Allison Brown
Somehow, we have allowed and enabled a level of criminality to creep into public education, like a serpent hungry only for a select few.

By Allison Brown  |  02:29 PM ET, 03/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:58 AM ET, 03/15/2013

Overcoming the ‘Maternal Wall’
By Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner
Despite comprising half of the paid labor force, only 5 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. The glass ceiling remains solid and a Maternal Wall is blocking the way for many women to even get anywhere near that glass barrier.

By Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner  |  11:58 AM ET, 03/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 03/14/2013

When students are not protected, their potential is wasted
By Natalie Hopkinson
OPINION| Dumping problem kids from your books like a subprime loan may be effective business management, but it’s also a deeply unethical way to operate a system of public education.

By Natalie Hopkinson  |  06:35 PM ET, 03/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:09 PM ET, 03/14/2013

Uzoamaka Maduka’s ‘American Reader’: A literary journal catered to millennials
By Erin Williams
Q&A| Maduka talked with The RootDC about why it’s so important for younger generations to go beyond their Web browsers and keep craving good literature.

By Erin Williams  |  06:09 PM ET, 03/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 03/14/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia March 14-20, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
Bone Thugs at Fillmore, Slick Rick and Rakim at Howard Theater, Bilal at Black Cat and Pink at Verizon Center.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  10:34 AM ET, 03/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:11 PM ET, 03/13/2013

Dennis Rodman: What gives?
By Clinton Yates
Going to North Korea is one thing, but The Worm’s appearance in Pope Town takes the cake

By Clinton Yates  |  03:11 PM ET, 03/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:59 PM ET, 03/13/2013

Sequester set to sock it to D.C.’s poorest
By Michael Shank
The federal budget crisis will wreak havoc for the city’s poor. Mayor Gray should step in and fill the gap.

By Michael Shank  |  12:59 PM ET, 03/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:51 AM ET, 03/12/2013

Diverse Leadership: The White House is doing it. Can the private sector?
By Chloe Drew
OP-ED| While we have made significant strides towards gender and racial equality in hiring, we must remember that corporate America is not close to fully reflecting the country’s diversity.

By Chloe Drew  |  10:51 AM ET, 03/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Winter Storms, Latest, Capital Weather Gang, Humor

Posted at 11:29 AM ET, 03/11/2013

Robert Champion: A drum major for healing?
By Alfonzo Porter
ESSAY| The accused in the Florida A&M hazing case now face manslughter charges. It’s yet another dimension to this tragedy.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  11:29 AM ET, 03/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 03/11/2013

A parent’s battle to “balance” work and life
By Allison Brown
OPINION| As a mom, I have become adept at ignoring those instincts of mine that work an inconvenience in my life.

By Allison Brown  |  10:00 AM ET, 03/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:37 AM ET, 03/08/2013

No easy answers to recent Prince George’s violence
By Keith Harriston
A litany of social ills and economic and class differences in the county mean that it’s not easy to curb recent gun violence.

By Keith Harriston  |  10:37 AM ET, 03/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography, Winter Storms

Posted at 09:20 PM ET, 03/07/2013

Busboys , Poets and change
By Clinton Yates
Busboys and Poets, set to open in DC’s Takoma neighborhood, will likely unify its diverse environs.

By Clinton Yates  |  09:20 PM ET, 03/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:49 PM ET, 03/07/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia March 7-13, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
D.C. United opens its season against Real Salt Lake March 9 at 7 p.m.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  02:49 PM ET, 03/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:42 AM ET, 03/07/2013

Bloody Sunday’s 48th anniversary: What bridges need to be crossed today?
By Marita Golden
ESSAY| While commemorating the historic march from Selma to Montgomery last weekend, I thought a lot about bridges.

By Marita Golden  |  10:42 AM ET, 03/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:12 PM ET, 03/06/2013

Is the sequester a question of race or politics? Or both?
By Barbara Reynolds
OPINION| When you talk to congressional leaders, civil rights activists and others whose constituents are communities of color, the sequestor is about nasty political scenarios and much more.

By Barbara Reynolds  |  02:12 PM ET, 03/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:05 PM ET, 03/06/2013

Oprah Winfrey’s shameful “Blackboard Wars”: Where “Cops” meets “Dangerous Minds”
By Natalie Hopkinson
It is appalling to witness grown-ups exploit some of our nation’s most vulnerable young people for ratings and national school reform cred.

By Natalie Hopkinson  |  12:05 PM ET, 03/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:40 PM ET, 03/05/2013

Unexpected Lessons from Selma
By Nicole Austin-Hillery
Those of us who joined Rep. John Lewis this past weekend in Selma witnessed history and the power of redemption.

By Nicole Austin-Hillery  |  02:40 PM ET, 03/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:09 PM ET, 03/04/2013

The state of equality and justice in America: The pendulum swings between joy and despair
By Laura W. Murphy
As the Supreme Court was set to hear oral arguments in a voting rights case, my emotions wavered between excitement and sadness.

By Laura W. Murphy  |  02:09 PM ET, 03/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:31 PM ET, 03/04/2013

Some inconvenient truths about Prince George’s County
By Mel Franklin
OP-ED | How can we stop the violence in the county? Build stronger family units and provide stricter punishments for offenders.

By Mel Franklin  |  12:31 PM ET, 03/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 03/04/2013

‘Strip Club Queens Atlanta’ to debut March 5
By Delece Smith-Barrow
What happened to the District-based ‘Strip Club Queens’? Turns out it’s still in the works because another city with a strong African American population stole the production company’s attention: Atlanta.

By Delece Smith-Barrow  |  10:50 AM ET, 03/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:03 PM ET, 03/01/2013

School superintendents offer wisdom on school “reform”
By Allison Brown
Our guest superintendents said that it’s less about school reform and more about school “transition”

By Allison Brown  |  02:03 PM ET, 03/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 03/01/2013

DC boxer seeks his own path to glory
By Gautham Nagesh
David Grayton is climbing the DC boxing ranks. Will he have the support he needs to make a serious run?

By Gautham Nagesh  |  10:34 AM ET, 03/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:47 AM ET, 02/28/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Feb. 28-March 6, 2013
By
Naughty by Nature performs at Howard Theatre and the DC Independent Film Festival kicks off.

By  |  10:47 AM ET, 02/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:28 PM ET, 02/27/2013

Civil rights leaders rally at Supreme Court as Rosa Parks’ statue is unveiled
By Hamil Harris
Leaders connect arguments over Voting Right’s Act to Parks’ legacy.

By Hamil Harris  |  06:28 PM ET, 02/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:51 PM ET, 02/27/2013

School reform: Is it really about escaping blackness?
By Natalie Hopkinson
OPINION| Racial and class currents undergird every element of the “choice” movement.

By Natalie Hopkinson  |  02:51 PM ET, 02/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:47 PM ET, 02/27/2013

With loss of local gym, Anacostia residents lose more than just a chance to exercise
By Michael Shank
Facility served as a community center, a family of familiar faces and, of course, a place to work out.

By Michael Shank  |  02:47 PM ET, 02/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:05 PM ET, 02/27/2013

Ben Carson for president? Not yet.
By Clinton Yates
The gifted doctor isn’t ready to lead this country until he changes his beliefs on free speech.

By Clinton Yates  |  12:05 PM ET, 02/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:51 AM ET, 02/27/2013

Rosa Parks statue would have embarrassed rather than flattered her, says Parks biographer
By Douglas Brinkley
OPINION | The extremely self-depreciating woman would have pushed for a Harriet Tubman monument instead.

By Douglas Brinkley  |  11:51 AM ET, 02/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:19 PM ET, 02/26/2013

School superintendents speak up
By Allison Brown
Retired superintendents of large school districts divulge secrets to keeping their heads under pressure.

By Allison Brown  |  05:19 PM ET, 02/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:06 PM ET, 02/26/2013

Reflecting on Trayvon Martin’s death in a post-Newtown America
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
We can’t begin to address gun violence prevention until we acknowledge that the criminalization of Trayvon was a mere extension of the racial profiling that millions of black men face every day.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  03:06 PM ET, 02/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:19 AM ET, 02/26/2013

Trayvon Martin, one year later: Charting a new course
By Alfonzo Porter
Teaching our boys how to resolve a dispute might be the perfect starting point to help our sons survive.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  11:19 AM ET, 02/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:17 AM ET, 02/26/2013

Trayvon Martin, one year later: When will black-on-black slayings get the attention they deserve?
By Barbara Reynolds
Just as Trayvon Martin is remembered, we must remember the thousands of other slaying victims.

By Barbara Reynolds  |  07:17 AM ET, 02/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:06 PM ET, 02/25/2013

BrotherSpeak - Fear: The conversation continues
By The RootDC Staff
The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, Urban Cusp and The Root DC hosted a Twitter chat exploring black men and the word "Fear."

By The RootDC Staff  |  05:06 PM ET, 02/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:42 PM ET, 02/25/2013

D.C.’s throwback weekend of go-go and graffiti delivers
By Clinton Yates
The three-day extravaganza started with a gallery opening and ended with a movie screening. In between, it was an incredible reunion.

By Clinton Yates  |  01:42 PM ET, 02/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:02 PM ET, 02/25/2013

Bayard Rustin: A civil rights hero before his time
By Benjamin Todd Jealous and Chad Griffin
Long before it was easy or safe, Rustin lived as an openly gay man because he was an exceptional man.

By Benjamin Todd Jealous and Chad Griffin  |  01:02 PM ET, 02/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:16 PM ET, 02/25/2013

Seth MacFarlane and The Oscars: What’s all the fuss?
By Eisa Nefertari Ulen
A lot of Oscar viewers whined about the host’s performance Sunday night. Me? I got exactly what I wanted.

By Eisa Nefertari Ulen  |  12:16 PM ET, 02/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 02/22/2013

Anacostia totem pole belies Washington’s devotion to Redskins
By Michael Shank
OPINION | A totem pole is going up in Anacostia to commemorate the neighborhood’s Native American past. But the city’s team is still called the Redskins.

By Michael Shank  |  10:52 AM ET, 02/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 02/21/2013

Go-go and graffiti galore: a throwback weekend in Washington
By John Murph
From the tale of its most infamous graffiti artist, to a throwback concert commemorating the city’s rich cultural past, the coming days are sure to remind many about how far the city has come.

By John Murph  |  04:00 PM ET, 02/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:41 PM ET, 02/21/2013

Forest Whitaker falsely accused of shoplifting: How do I explain racism to my son?
By Etan Thomas
ESSAY| After Trayvon Martin’s death, I decided not to have “The Talk” with my 7-year-old. One year later, I’m wondering if I should.

By Etan Thomas  |  03:41 PM ET, 02/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:05 AM ET, 02/21/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Feb. 21-27, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
American Idol finalist Elliot Yamin comes to The Hamilton, and Lupe Fiasco performs at the Fillmore.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  10:05 AM ET, 02/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 02/21/2013

‘Scandal’: The real ‘Scandal’ is the blackout on black actresses on network TV
By Barbara Reynolds
If there were as many black women starring in dramatic roles as there are whites, one sexualized image would hardly matter.

By Barbara Reynolds  |  07:00 AM ET, 02/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 02/20/2013

How many teens must die before Prince George’s County leaders get loud and take action?
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
High-profile elected officials and leaders in Prince George’s County have been too quiet about the string of teen murders.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  12:21 PM ET, 02/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 02/20/2013

How will the Common Core State Standards affect black colleges, teachers and students?
By Marybeth Gasman and Michael T. Nettles
OP-ED | What seems to be least developed in the new era of standards and assessments is a plan for raising performance of disadvantaged children.

By Marybeth Gasman and Michael T. Nettles  |  10:15 AM ET, 02/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:33 AM ET, 02/19/2013

Black gun clubs and the right to bear arms
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
Members of two groups discuss why politicians should focus on those who misuse guns and not the weapons.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  10:33 AM ET, 02/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:59 AM ET, 02/15/2013

The State of Equality and Justice in America:‘Let Us Not Lose Focus on the Justice Issues That Still Loom’
By Elsie Scott
The U.S. incarcerates more of its citizens than any other industrialized country. The fact that a disproportionate number of the persons arrested, convicted and imprisoned are African-Americans is troubling.

By Elsie Scott  |  08:59 AM ET, 02/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:48 AM ET, 02/15/2013

President Obama and Jay-Z: strange bedfellows during gun ban debate
By Keith Harriston
OPINION| I thought it odd that the president was joined by Jay-Z at the Inauguration as the country debates gun violence.

By Keith Harriston  |  08:48 AM ET, 02/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:27 AM ET, 02/15/2013

Why Cool “Disco” Dan matters
By Clinton Yates
For many, the graffiti artist represents a unique part of DC history and culture that many others will never understand.

By Clinton Yates  |  08:27 AM ET, 02/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:52 PM ET, 02/14/2013

Lil Wayne: Is anything sacred to him?
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
The rapper has set social media ablaze once again. But this time, he’s done more than insult the morality police who often take him to task for his controversial rhymes.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  01:52 PM ET, 02/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:41 AM ET, 02/14/2013

Obama’s focus on immigration: ignoring black issues once again?
By Crystal Wright
OPINION| Obama’s focus on immigration shows, again, that black issues are being ignored by the president.

By Crystal Wright  |  10:41 AM ET, 02/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:59 AM ET, 02/13/2013

‘Star Wars,’ the next generation: Who can play a young Lando?
By Clinton Yates
COLUMN | The burden of playing a young Lando is a large one. For kids of my generation, he was the first, and to an extent only, black science-fiction “hero.”

By Clinton Yates  |  11:59 AM ET, 02/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:59 AM ET, 02/13/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Feb. 14-20, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
Celebrate Washington’s 281st birthday with a parade featuring bands, historic reenactment units, youth groups and more.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  08:59 AM ET, 02/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:07 PM ET, 02/12/2013

My Haley, wife of Alex haley, releases her first novel
By Lauren McEwen
“The Treason of Mary Louvestre” is loosely based on the true story of Mary Louvestre, a black woman who became a spy for the Union Army.

By Lauren McEwen  |  12:07 PM ET, 02/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 02/12/2013

President Obama: He must address causes of inner city gun violence in Chicago speech
By Eisa Nefertari Ulen
ESSAY| We sat down and talked with The Black Youth Project, which launched a Change.org petition asking President Obama to speak out against gun violence

By Eisa Nefertari Ulen  |  12:04 PM ET, 02/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:13 AM ET, 02/11/2013

Jay-Z’s takedown at the Grammys: Did he go too far?
By Clinton Yates
COLUMN | I don’t think anyone in the rap industry owes anyone else anything by default, but Jay-Z’s quip just felt unnecessarily nasty.

By Clinton Yates  |  11:13 AM ET, 02/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:48 AM ET, 02/11/2013

Instead of Gray’s Raise D.C., Michelle Rhee’s book: Let’s take a truly radical approach to school reform
By Michael Shank
OPINION | To address student achievement, the mayor needs to look far beyond the classroom.

By Michael Shank  |  10:48 AM ET, 02/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 02/08/2013

Why won’t Obama stand up for Chicago’s slain youth?
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
Obama has not demonstrated leadership regarding gun violence in Chicago, and many are challenging him to begin to do so.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  10:52 AM ET, 02/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:05 PM ET, 02/07/2013

What parents can do in the wake of a child’s murder
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
Grieving with the community is one way parents and grandparents of slain youths learn to cope.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  01:05 PM ET, 02/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:54 AM ET, 02/06/2013

Gray’s State of the City address: Swing and a miss
By Clinton Yates
Mayor’s speech was chock full of sports metaphors but lacked anything to really rally citizens about.

By Clinton Yates  |  10:54 AM ET, 02/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:19 AM ET, 02/06/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Feb. 7-13, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
Watch Avant perfrom at Howard Theatre, and get funky with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at the 9:30 Club.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  08:19 AM ET, 02/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 02/06/2013

Searching for affordable housing in Anacostia: For some, that’s asking too much
By Michael Shank
OPINION | It’s amazing that in the world’s richest country, people can live in a rundown home with no water. It’s also unacceptable.

By Michael Shank  |  07:00 AM ET, 02/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 02/05/2013

Renee Robinson, of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, begins farewell performances
By Lonnae O’Neal Parker
After more than three decades with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Robinson begins her farewell performances in D.C. Ailey’s 21-city U.S. tour runs through May 19.

By Lonnae O’Neal Parker  |  07:00 AM ET, 02/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:49 AM ET, 02/04/2013

Blacks disproportionately disciplined in the nation’s schools: Students respond
By Alfonzo Porter
In June I called out black students for being disrespectful and disengaged at school. Now, they’ve asked me to defend my beliefs.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  10:49 AM ET, 02/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:46 AM ET, 02/04/2013

The state of equality and justice in America: ‘America stands at a crossroads’
By Jesse Jackson Sr.
OP-ED| America stands at a crossroads, says Jesse Jackson Sr., but “our union has been in the process of perfecting itself throughout its entire existence.”

By Jesse Jackson Sr.  |  09:46 AM ET, 02/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:03 AM ET, 02/04/2013

Missing the mark on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at MLK Avenue
By Michael Shank
OPINION | The civil rights leader would not approve of the changes coming along his street in Anacostia.

By Michael Shank  |  09:03 AM ET, 02/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:50 AM ET, 02/01/2013

Hadiya Pendleton and gun violence: When “black problems become white”
By Eisa Nefertari Ulen
ESSAY| The nation did not respond to gun violence until to problem reached the suburbs and the kids who lived there.

By Eisa Nefertari Ulen  |  11:50 AM ET, 02/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:41 AM ET, 02/01/2013

Betty and Coretta: Debunking the drama in Lifetime’s TV movie about the two widowed legends
By Barbara Reynolds
For those who believe biopics of famous people should adhere to a truthful story line, there are problems with the movie that tells a story of the two widowed, civil rights legends.

By Barbara Reynolds  |  11:41 AM ET, 02/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:17 AM ET, 02/01/2013

Whither Black History Month? The problem isn’t the month, it’s the history
By Clinton Yates
The problem with Black History Month is not the month — it’s the history.

By Clinton Yates  |  11:17 AM ET, 02/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:34 PM ET, 01/31/2013

Chris Brown, Rihanna and Generation ‘You Only Live Once’
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
Brown and Rihanna tell us a lot about the millions of young men and women who idolize them — many of whom make up Generation YOLO.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  01:34 PM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:09 PM ET, 01/31/2013

RNC’s minority outreach plan: more of the same
By Crystal Wright
The same people who insisted Mitt Romney be anointed the GOP 2012 presidential nominee are the same people now in charge of the party’s image makeover and recruiting voters of “color” to the party.

By Crystal Wright  |  01:09 PM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:35 AM ET, 01/31/2013

Uptown XO, on the rise and shining
By Clinton Yates
The D.C. native, one of the most authentic artists in the local hip-hop game, has plenty more to say.

By Clinton Yates  |  11:35 AM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 01/31/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre returns to D.C. with “Revelations,” a tribute to African American heritage.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  10:20 AM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 01/30/2013

BrotherSpeak: Dream- The conversation continues
By The RootDC Staff
The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, Urban Cusp and The Root DC hosted a Twitter chat exploring black men and the word "Dream".

By The RootDC Staff  |  03:24 PM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 01/30/2013

An undocumented immigrant’s hope for immigration reform
By Gabrielle Jackson
One of the 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States sizes up Obama’s plans: “...they sound like something we’ve heard before.”

By Gabrielle Jackson  |  12:36 PM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:09 AM ET, 01/30/2013

Healing a legacy of slavery one community at a time
By Teresa Ann Willis
Countless African American girls and boys, men and women, young and old have been fed the lie that because their skin is dark they are less human.

By Teresa Ann Willis  |  09:09 AM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 01/28/2013

The problem with technology in schools
By Alfonzo Porter
Nearly 90 percent of teachers believe that digital technologies are creating an easily distracted generation with short attention spans.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  11:10 AM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 01/25/2013

State of Equality and Justice in America: Another Side of the Debate on Affirmative Action
By Yvette D. Clarke
OP-ED| We need to have other voices in the conversation - voices that explain the importance of affirmative action for every student and for our society as a whole.

By Yvette D. Clarke  |  01:56 PM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:29 PM ET, 01/25/2013

‘Chappelle’s Show’ 10 years later: Catching up with Ashy Larry
By Clinton Yates
Donnell Rawlings reminisces about time on the influential comedy show.

By Clinton Yates  |  12:29 PM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:11 PM ET, 01/25/2013

Pr. George’s County residents rally for slain teen at meeting
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
Parents and community members were out in full force this week, pushing for police answers.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  12:11 PM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:50 AM ET, 01/24/2013

RNC winter meeting: GOP must chart a path to win back urban America
By Kevin Williams
Rank-and-file Republicans have little sense that the GOP has learned the lesosns of Nov 8. Here’s a roadmap on how they can.

By Kevin Williams  |  11:50 AM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 01/24/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Jan. 24-30, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
Big Daddy Kane performs live at the Howard Theatre on Friday.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  10:52 AM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:22 AM ET, 01/23/2013

Seeking good health through African American churches, yoga classes and food companies
By Lottie Joiner
Soulful Flow Yoga and Raw!, an African American owned catering company, are some of the health-based initiatives attracting African Americans in the D.C. area.

By Lottie Joiner  |  09:22 AM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:12 AM ET, 01/22/2013

NAACP and PTA council presidents weigh in on Prince George’s school board bill
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
COLUMN| The bill would create a nine-member task force to study and make recommendations on methods for selecting a board.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  10:12 AM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:58 AM ET, 01/22/2013

Who’s got next? Carving a path for the next black president
By Thomas Reed
OPINION | History suggests that if black voters simply wait for the next political superstar to rise out of obscurity, we will be twiddling our thumbs for a very long time.

By Thomas Reed  |  09:58 AM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:36 AM ET, 01/22/2013

Mark Tillmon: giving back to tomorrow’s basketball stars
By The RootDC Staff
A former Georgetown hoops standout wants to help a new generation of basketball players prepare for the real world

By The RootDC Staff  |  09:36 AM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:23 AM ET, 01/21/2013

Second time around: A different inauguration, but no less special
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
Days before Barack Obama is sworn in for a second time, I spent time with my granddad, reflecting on African American progress he has seen and experienced in his 92 years.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  11:23 AM ET, 01/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:18 AM ET, 01/21/2013

President Obama and his impact on The District’s next generation
By Clinton Yates
Imagine living in a world in which a black president was all you knew. For many American students, that's exactly how life is.

By Clinton Yates  |  11:18 AM ET, 01/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:31 AM ET, 01/18/2013

State of equality and justice in America: ‘It is the best of times and the worst of times’
By Charles J. Ogletree Jr.
OP-ED|In looking at the overall state of race and justice in America, clearly a lot of progress has been made.

By Charles J. Ogletree Jr.  |  11:31 AM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:17 AM ET, 01/18/2013

Critiquing Obama not as a black president, but as president of all America
By Marita Golden
It’s time for the unquestioning hallelujah chorus to wind down and start demanding more of our president.

By Marita Golden  |  10:17 AM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:03 AM ET, 01/18/2013

Reflecting on the Emancipation Proclamation this Inauguration Day
By Lonnie G. Bunch III
OP-ED| I hope that remembering the Emancipation Proclamation isn’t just a solemn look backward at a milestone in American history but an energizing guide for today’s challenges.

By Lonnie G. Bunch III  |  10:03 AM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:05 PM ET, 01/17/2013

PBS host gives the president a “D” in waging “War on Poverty”
By Hamil R. Harris
Tavis Smiley convened a panel of experts Thursday at George Washington University entitled “A Future Without Poverty.”

By Hamil R. Harris  |  08:05 PM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:14 AM ET, 01/17/2013

Breaking hip-hop’s silence: Kid Cudi speaks on mental health
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
Rapper discusses his use of antidepressant medication in Complex magazine article.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  10:14 AM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Inauguration Day: 50 Years of moving America toward justice
By Barbara R. Arnwine
OP-ED| We must honor the year 1963 which launched the modern civil rights movement.

By Barbara R. Arnwine  |  12:54 PM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:51 AM ET, 01/16/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Jan. 17-23, 2013
By Jillian Sowah
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor discusses her memoir, “My Beloved World,” and Smokey Robinson performs at the Kennedy Center.

By Jillian Sowah  |  11:51 AM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:35 AM ET, 01/16/2013

‘All My Babies’ Mamas’: ColorofChange.org scores a victory against negative images
By Alfonzo Porter
OPINION| Widespread outrage from the black community sent a clear message that the new reality show was unacceptable.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  11:35 AM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:54 AM ET, 01/16/2013

Obama to allow ‘taxation’ plates to grace White House limo fleet, but why the change of heart?
By Clinton Yates
Why a reversal from POTUS?

By Clinton Yates  |  10:54 AM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:03 PM ET, 01/15/2013

‘Pullman Porter Blues’ reveals America’s racially-charged past and present
By Avis Matthews Davis
A heavy hand is sometimes needed to remind us that we have yet to live in a post-racial society.

By Avis Matthews Davis  |  01:03 PM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:26 PM ET, 01/15/2013

BrotherSpeak: Exploring the lives of black men
By The RootDC Editors
In the second installment, we ask: what does love mean to you?

By The RootDC Editors  |  12:26 PM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:20 AM ET, 01/15/2013

At King of Congas battle, go-go leaders aim to unify the community
By Delece Smith-Barrow
The first King of the Congas Battle brought together players and go-go lovers of all ages at La Fontaine Bleue.

By Delece Smith-Barrow  |  09:20 AM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:09 AM ET, 01/15/2013

Inauguration week: How to enjoy the festivities after dark
By Nikita Stewart
For some, there’s a desire to party during Inauguration weekend like it’s 2009. But at what price and at what hassle?

By Nikita Stewart  |  09:09 AM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:07 PM ET, 01/14/2013

“Girls”: Taking a real step towards diversity or just answering critics?
By Lauren McEwen
With the addition of Donald Glover, is “Girls” answering critics or making a real effort at diversifying?

By Lauren McEwen  |  12:07 PM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:33 AM ET, 01/14/2013

Inauguration Week: Be nice to the tourists
By Clinton Yates
Tourists walk slow and ask questions. But let’s be decent to out-of-towners leading up to the inauguration.

By Clinton Yates  |  10:33 AM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:43 PM ET, 01/11/2013

Celebrating the folklore of Trinidad and Tobago on stage
By Donna Britt
REVIEW| “Callaloo”, a new play at the Ellington Theater, offers a nod to the culture and traditions of the African Diaspora.

By Donna Britt  |  05:43 PM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:35 AM ET, 01/10/2013

Reconsidering school safety policies after Sandy Hook shooting
By Allison R. Brown
Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, one thing that has been absent from public discussion is how new safety policies will impact communities of color.

By Allison R. Brown  |  10:35 AM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:46 PM ET, 01/09/2013

Bigger than boycotts: Django slavery toys and Oxygen’s ‘Babies’ Mamas’
By Rahiel Tesfamariam
OPINION | Instead of boycotting action figures inspired by “Django Unchained,” we should work toward reforming the media.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam  |  01:46 PM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:14 PM ET, 01/09/2013

RG3, Shanahan: Lack of outrage over Joyner’s comments shows media bias
By Crystal Wright
The media would likely have been in an uproar if a conservative pundit made racist comments about RG3.

By Crystal Wright  |  12:14 PM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:27 AM ET, 01/09/2013

Artificial turf bill divides Pr. George’s residents
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
Are new athletic surfaces the best use of money when classrooms are overcrowded?

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  11:27 AM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 01/08/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Jan. 10-16, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
Eric Benet performs at The Howard Theatre on Jan. 16.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  05:00 PM ET, 01/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:13 AM ET, 01/08/2013

Tom Joyner on RGIII, Shanahan and ‘Django’
By Alfonzo Porter
Instead of advancing a constructive conversation about commitment and resilience, the radio host appealed to our most base instincts.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  11:13 AM ET, 01/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:48 PM ET, 01/07/2013

Robert Griffin III: An open letter
By Etan Thomas
I certainly understand the desire to be a gladiator but that attitidue is not more important than your health.

By Etan Thomas  |  02:48 PM ET, 01/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 01/07/2013

‘Best Funeral Ever’: Most frightening reality TV show to date?
By Clinton Yates
There’s nothing funny about exploiting how people mourn.

By Clinton Yates  |  01:35 PM ET, 01/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:23 PM ET, 01/04/2013

Thinking about making some bucks on the inauguration? Think twice.
By Clinton Yates
Lots of Washingtonians are offering up their homes for weekend rentals, but is it worth it?

By Clinton Yates  |  01:23 PM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 01/04/2013

What politicians won’t tell you about the ‘fiscal cliff’
By Terry Neal
How would people react if politicians actually told us the truth about our fiscal hardship and how to resolve it?

By Terry Neal  |  10:55 AM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/04/2013

Process slows access to $10M in aid for Pr. George’s foreclosure crisis
By Keith Harriston
It could be three years before funds leave the coffers of the state office of the attorney general.

By Keith Harriston  |  07:00 AM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:29 PM ET, 01/03/2013

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Jan. 3-9, 2013
By Jillian S. Sowah
Commemorate the Emancipation Proclamation with the Loudoun branch of the NAACP.

By Jillian S. Sowah  |  05:29 PM ET, 01/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  All We Can Eat, Markets This Week

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 01/03/2013

Branchville firefighters fight to save jobs
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
With the number of fires that rage throughout Prince George’s County, cutting four career firefighters may be a bad decision.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  10:55 AM ET, 01/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:43 PM ET, 01/02/2013

Can the International Baccalaureate program save black students?
By Alfonzo Porter
Forcing all Montgomery County’s black students into IB, as some suggest, would be disastrous.

By Alfonzo Porter  |  02:43 PM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:45 PM ET, 01/02/2013

The end of a journey: 32 before 32
By Leilah Reese
It’s been four months since I started working out and eating better to lose 32 pounds before my 32nd birthday. Here’s how I did.

By Leilah Reese  |  12:45 PM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:08 PM ET, 01/02/2013

Resolutions everyone in the D.C. region can share
By Clinton Yates
Here are three things that everyone living in the D.C. region should work toward in the new year.

By Clinton Yates  |  12:08 PM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:52 PM ET, 01/01/2013

Resolving to play less in 2013
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
With the passing of Question 7 and expanded hours at Maryland Live, I will not let games — at the casino or on the Internet — take over my life.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  12:52 PM ET, 01/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 12/31/2012

Redskins fans ecstatic over Cowboys defeat and upcoming playoffs
By Carl Little
RGIII Chronicles | For fans at Bar Louie, the Redskins win gives hope for a shot at the Super Bowl.

By Carl Little  |  12:30 PM ET, 12/31/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:41 PM ET, 12/28/2012

‘All My Babies’ Mamas’: Perhaps a not so dysfunctional show about a rapper and his family
By Clinton Yates
Atlanta rapper Shawty Lo, along with his 11 children and their 10 mothers, will show the world how they live.

By Clinton Yates  |  03:41 PM ET, 12/28/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 12/28/2012

Will less art and music in the classroom really help students soar academically?
By Tyleah Hawkins
As school districts cut arts budgets, students aren’t guaranteed better performance in math and science.

By Tyleah Hawkins  |  11:38 AM ET, 12/28/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 12/27/2012

Woman to woman: the joys of female friendships
By Macy Freeman
Despite the bickering displayed on reality TV, it’s often a circle of female friends that keep women grounded.

By Macy Freeman  |  03:50 PM ET, 12/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 12/27/2012

Woodridge residents look to spark retail development in their neighborhood
By Erin Williams
The Northeast D.C. neighborhood is ready for business — but retailers aren’t as accommodating.

By Erin Williams  |  10:30 AM ET, 12/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:24 AM ET, 12/27/2012

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Dec. 27-Jan. 2
By
Enjoy R&B at the Howard Theater, and swing by the DC Blues Society New Year’s Eve Celebration. Proceeds from the party will benefit the annual DC Blues Festival.

By  |  10:24 AM ET, 12/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 12/27/2012

Finding the real gifts to share during the holiday season
By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery
The best present I ever received could not be bought, wrapped or mailed. And it took me years to realize this fact.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery  |  07:00 AM ET, 12/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:55 PM ET, 12/26/2012

John Forte’s attempt to save youth from the prison-path he once walked
By Clinton Yates
Since his presidential pardon, the forward-thinking rapper has embraced many things, but his dedication to saving at-risk youth has been consistent.

By Clinton Yates  |  02:55 PM ET, 12/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:54 AM ET, 12/24/2012

Redskins beat Eagles as RGIII shines and fans hold their breath
By Carl Little
The RGIII Chronicles| As Griffin shined, fans held their breath

By Carl Little  |  09:54 AM ET, 12/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:12 PM ET, 12/21/2012

Tuskegee Airman was a family man first
By Eric Thomas and Robyn Carter
Appreciation| More than just a Tuskegee Airman, Thomas was a much beloved family man.

By Eric Thomas and Robyn Carter  |  08:12 PM ET, 12/21/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:16 PM ET, 12/21/2012

Newtown shootings: With our black boys, curbing gun violence is just the first step
By George L. Garrow
OP-ED| Will new gun control laws be enough to really protect America’s black boys?

By George L. Garrow  |  12:16 PM ET, 12/21/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:51 AM ET, 12/21/2012

Sandy Hook shootings: We need to focus on more than just gun control
By Michael Shank
OPINION | At the root of gun violence is poverty and inequality.

By Michael Shank  |  10:51 AM ET, 12/21/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)