The Root DC Live - A forum for local news about African Americans.

Posted at 11:28 AM ET, 10/29/2012

New generation of black businesses pop up on Georgia Ave.

By Erin Williams

A new crop of black-owned clothing and retail stores are starting to pop up along “The Avenue.”

By Erin Williams | 11:28 AM ET, 10/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/12/2012

The color complex in black communities: It’s time for all shades to unite

By Marita Golden

It was an issue in my generation, and the situation hasn’t gotten better for those coming after me. It’s time for the healing process to begin.

By Marita Golden | 07:00 AM ET, 10/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:08 AM ET, 07/31/2012

Searching for media images that affirm black children

By Amanda Miller Littlejohn

As a child of the 80s, I had the “Cosby Show.” My kids, however, are not as fortunate.

By Amanda Miller Littlejohn | 09:08 AM ET, 07/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:12 PM ET, 07/30/2012

Time for more parent accountability in nation’s schools

By Alfonzo Porter

Opinion| We fool ourselves thinking that searching for ever more exacting methods of evaluating teachers alone can pull our nation out of its 30-year academic decline.

By Alfonzo Porter | 12:12 PM ET, 07/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:47 AM ET, 07/30/2012

Time for more focus on young men of color

By Maisha Simmons

OP-ED| We all should be committed to opening new doors to health and opportunity for young men of color.

By Maisha Simmons | 09:47 AM ET, 07/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:17 PM ET, 07/27/2012

Maximizing love and respect to build strong relationships

By Panama Jackson

Panama Jackson of VerySmartBrothas.com recaps a panel discussion on dating, and challenges readers to figure out what’s keeping them from winning at relationships.

By Panama Jackson | 02:17 PM ET, 07/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:39 PM ET, 07/27/2012

Anacostia Community Museum reopens Monday, readies for 45th anniversary with new exhibition

By Erin Williams

After two-and-a-half months, the Anacostia Community Museum is reopening and will celebrate its 45th anniversary this fall.

By Erin Williams | 01:39 PM ET, 07/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:46 AM ET, 07/27/2012

The Jackson family drama: Why we can’t ignore it

By Tanya Ballard Brown

Unfortunately, their outrageous antics have become a constant source of entertainment.

By Tanya Ballard Brown | 10:46 AM ET, 07/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:40 AM ET, 07/26/2012

Balancing love and respect in modern relationships

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

Mass media’s obsession with depicting a culture of female desperation and unbalanced sexual imagery has a lot of us confused about what “average” men and women want and need.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 10:40 AM ET, 07/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:10 AM ET, 07/26/2012

Colorado theater shootings: Resisting cinemaphobia

By Barbara Reynolds

We must not allow an alleged gunman to imbed another phobia into our mental lexicon.

By Barbara Reynolds | 10:10 AM ET, 07/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:33 AM ET, 07/26/2012

2012 Kids Count: D.C. children show setbacks in poverty

By Gwen Rubenstein

OP-ED| Isn’t it time we started working together to sever the link between a child’s ZIP code and a child’s chances of success in school and in life?

By Gwen Rubenstein | 09:33 AM ET, 07/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:02 AM ET, 07/25/2012

Meshaun Labrone portrays Tupac Shakur in the play ‘Right to Remain’ at Capital Fringe Festival

By Erin Williams

Meshaun Labrone portrays Tupac Shakur in the one-man play.

By Erin Williams | 11:02 AM ET, 07/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:43 AM ET, 07/25/2012

Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, episode 6

By Lauren McEwen

Rasheeda searches for a new label, and Mimi and Joseline discuss the love triangle they’re in with Stevie J.

By Lauren McEwen | 12:43 AM ET, 07/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:54 PM ET, 07/24/2012

Thomas Jefferson H.S., Fairfax schools shut out blacks and Latinos, complaint alleges

By Alfonzo Porter

It’s the job of parents — not the elite TJ high school in Fairfax — to prepare students to compete.

By Alfonzo Porter | 07:54 PM ET, 07/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:27 PM ET, 07/24/2012

Remembering Sherman Hemsley and his portrayal of black church life

By Delece Smith-Barrow

Hemsley removed the cloak and dagger that often surrounds life as Christians.

By Delece Smith-Barrow | 07:27 PM ET, 07/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:41 PM ET, 07/24/2012

Do we need our mayor to be black?

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

I conducted an informal poll of my African American friends who live in Washington about how important it was for DC’s mayor to be black. The answers surprised me.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery | 06:41 PM ET, 07/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:40 AM ET, 07/24/2012

Mayor Gray and the tension in D.C.: Should black residents feel collective shame?

By Marjorie Valbrun

Opinion| Some upper-income black professionals in Washington who are deeply invested in the District’s standing feel an acute sense of shame.

By Marjorie Valbrun | 09:40 AM ET, 07/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:22 PM ET, 07/23/2012

Street harassment: Time for women to talk back

By Lauren McEwen

I refuse to be a victim every time I walk around my neighborhood. So, I vote for women to confront and educate their harassers immediately.

By Lauren McEwen | 03:22 PM ET, 07/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:20 AM ET, 07/23/2012

International AIDS Conference: Continuing the fight

By Caressa Cameron

Although it might seem like we are closer than ever to an AIDS-free generation, the facts tell a different story.

By Caressa Cameron | 09:20 AM ET, 07/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:07 PM ET, 07/20/2012

International AIDS Conference: Time for black church leaders to break the silence

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

As the 19th International AIDS Conference comes to Washington, it’s the perfect time to challenge black church leaders to talk about the disease to their congregations.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 07:07 PM ET, 07/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:14 PM ET, 07/20/2012

Things to do July 19-Aug. 2: Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, Ledisi and Eric Benet perform at DAR

By Jillian S. Sowah

Watch the Washington Nationals take on the Philadelphia Phillies July 31 through Aug. 2.

By Jillian S. Sowah | 12:14 PM ET, 07/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:47 PM ET, 07/19/2012

Vincent Gray: Slowly losing his base

By Marjorie Valbrun

Some residents of Washington’s famed Gold Coast neighborhood are taking a wait and see approach on whether Mayor Vincent F. Gray should step down.

By Marjorie Valbrun | 04:47 PM ET, 07/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:42 PM ET, 07/19/2012

Ms. Melodie, old school rapper, dies

By Chris L. Jenkins

Ms Melodie often used her words to challenge what was becoming an increasing trend of violence in the rap industry.

By Chris L. Jenkins | 04:42 PM ET, 07/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 07/18/2012

William Raspberry: A mentor, even from afar

By D.A. Lovell

There will never be another William Raspberry, but his mentorship leaves the treasures of his mind behind for our generation.

By D.A. Lovell | 11:24 AM ET, 07/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:34 PM ET, 07/17/2012

Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: 5 reasons to watch and 5 reasons to consider changing the channel

By Lauren McEwen

There are so many reasons to watch, and just as many reasons to change the channel.

By Lauren McEwen | 03:34 PM ET, 07/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 07/17/2012

Putting education first to live the American dream

By Delece Smith-Barrow

Summertime in the household of immigrant parents meant reading, writing and arithmetic all day long.

By Delece Smith-Barrow | 03:30 PM ET, 07/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:58 PM ET, 07/16/2012

Minorities fall victim to predatory lenders

By Barbara Reynolds

Column| Hit hard by high unemployment, foreclosures, lack of cash and credit, African Americans are suffering from more than an economic crisis.

By Barbara Reynolds | 06:58 PM ET, 07/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:47 PM ET, 07/16/2012

Mayor Gray: Fight or take flight?

By Chris L. Jenkins

We ask the local Twitter -verse: Should Vince Gray stay or go?

By Chris L. Jenkins | 02:47 PM ET, 07/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:12 PM ET, 07/16/2012

Leela James to perform at the Birchmere Monday; New album pays homage to Etta James

By Erin Williams

James is set to release her new “Loving You More...In The Spirit of Etta James” this summer.

By Erin Williams | 02:12 PM ET, 07/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:58 PM ET, 07/13/2012

Morris Day: Cool at the Howard Theatre

By DeNeen Brown

The suave, conceited, funny, pretty-man vocalist for “The Time” brought the crowd at the Howard Theatre to its feet Thursday.

By DeNeen Brown | 05:58 PM ET, 07/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:20 PM ET, 07/13/2012

The importance of God in our lives as black women

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

Black women are among the most religious people in the United States. I can understand why.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 03:20 PM ET, 07/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:06 AM ET, 07/13/2012

Sixth annual ‘East of the River’ exhibition continues to bring culture and change to Anacostia

By Erin Williams

The exhibition opens Friday at Honfleur Gallery.

By Erin Williams | 10:06 AM ET, 07/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:26 AM ET, 07/13/2012

Mayor Vincent Gray: An embarrassment to The District

By Clinton Yates

A generation of Washington politicians has officially been outed for their selfish acts.

By Clinton Yates | 06:26 AM ET, 07/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:20 PM ET, 07/12/2012

Paul Mooney “The Godfather of Comedy:” “Know Your History--Jesus Was Black... So Was Cleopatra”

By DeNeen Brown

Mooney returns to D.C. for shows Friday and Saturday at the Howard Theatre, where he has no plans on holding back on jokes that explore the complexities of race in America.

By DeNeen Brown | 05:20 PM ET, 07/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: comedy, howard theatre, paul mooney, deneen brown

Posted at 11:42 AM ET, 07/12/2012

A lesson for Mayor Vincent Gray and other politicians: Somebody must hold the line

By Sonsyrea Tate-Montgomery

Candidates and campaign workers can get excited about winning. Overzealous even. Somebody on the inside has to have the courage and temerity to hold the line.

By Sonsyrea Tate-Montgomery | 11:42 AM ET, 07/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:53 PM ET, 07/11/2012

James Ammons, president of Florida A&M University, resigns

By Delece Smith-Barrow

James Ammons submitted his letter of resignation Wednesday, July 11. He will leave his position in October.

By Delece Smith-Barrow | 05:53 PM ET, 07/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:30 PM ET, 07/11/2012

Romney shows some fight in his speech to N.A.A.C.P.

By Crystal Wright

Romney made the case why black Americans should give him a shot in 2012.

By Crystal Wright | 04:30 PM ET, 07/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:41 PM ET, 07/11/2012

Kanye West and his ‘New God Flow’: A self-made throne

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

West’s boasts are fueled not only by who he believes himself to be but also what he has overcome.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 01:41 PM ET, 07/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:34 PM ET, 07/09/2012

Patti Labelle, other soul greats coming to Verizon Center: What are your favorite summer jams?

By Erin Williams

With the arrival of summertime soul greats such as Patti LaBelle and The O’Jays coming to Verizon Center on July 29, we want to know: What’s on your summer playlist?

By Erin Williams | 12:34 PM ET, 07/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:03 AM ET, 07/09/2012

National Museum of African Art hosts ‘Africa Underground’

By Erin Williams

After-hours event at National Museum of African Art includes cosmic art workshop, henna tattoos, African food buffet.

By Erin Williams | 11:03 AM ET, 07/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 07/06/2012

1989 classic ‘Steel Magnolias’ gets a facelift with all-black cast in starring roles

By Erin Williams

The Lifetime movie will feature Alfre Woodard, Jill Scott, Queen Latifah and more.

By Erin Williams | 12:15 PM ET, 07/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 07/06/2012

Neo-soul singer Musiq Soulchild is ready to change the station

By Erin Williams

The neo-soul crooner has a new LP and a new book titled “1-4-3”. He performs at the Howard Theatre on Monday.

By Erin Williams | 10:13 AM ET, 07/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:14 PM ET, 07/05/2012

Albert ‘Butch’ Hopkins: An Appreciation

By Philip Pannell

Appreciation| We in Anacostia will be reaping Butch Hopkins’s harvest for years to come.

By Philip Pannell | 03:14 PM ET, 07/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:25 PM ET, 07/05/2012

William Hite: An open letter

By Alfonzo Porter

Being superintendent of the Prince George’s County Public Schools has become the best school job in the nation that no one seems to want.

By Alfonzo Porter | 01:25 PM ET, 07/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:56 PM ET, 07/05/2012

Frank Ocean comes out as bisexual: A game-changer for hip-hop?

By Bethonie Butler

Rising R&B singer Frank Ocean received mix reactions from fans after he came out as bisexual in a Tumblr post Tuesday evening.

By Bethonie Butler | 12:56 PM ET, 07/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 07/05/2012

Things to do July 5-19: Seal and Macy Gray perform live at Wolftrap’s Filene Center Tuesday

By Jillian S. Sowah

At Capital Fringe Festival, zany, shockingly original plays take up residence at theater spaces throughout the city. The event takes place at Wolf Trap until July 29.

By Jillian S. Sowah | 12:00 PM ET, 07/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:20 AM ET, 07/03/2012

‘Obamacare’: Just what the doctor ordered

By Barbara Reynolds

President Obama’s prescription may not be a cure-all for the nation’s health-care problems, but for millions of black, elderly and poor Americans, it’s a lifesaver.

By Barbara Reynolds | 09:20 AM ET, 07/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:34 PM ET, 07/02/2012

Star-studded BET Awards Show pays tribute to Whitney Houston

By DeNeen Brown

When Cissy Houston, the mother of the late Whitney Houston, walked on stage, the star-studded crowd in the Shrine Auditorium in Hollywood, rose in a quiet respect.

By DeNeen Brown | 05:34 PM ET, 07/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:06 PM ET, 07/02/2012

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. applauded at Carter Barron

By Marjorie Valbrun

Opinion|If the reception he received at a weekend concert at Rock Creek Park on Saturday is any indication, lots of local regular folk aren’t buying the political attacks against him.

By Marjorie Valbrun | 05:06 PM ET, 07/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 07/02/2012

#BETAwards gets it right

By Clinton Yates

For all the awkward or potentially low-brow moments, three things in particular shined last night and they all involved legends in their respective games.

By Clinton Yates | 01:35 PM ET, 07/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:25 PM ET, 07/02/2012

‘Strip Club Queens,’ a D.C. reality show, slated to air this fall

By Delece Smith-Barrow

Stadium, D.C.’s glitzy strip club in Northeast, is about to get its first primetime national spotlight.

By Delece Smith-Barrow | 01:25 PM ET, 07/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

UniverSoul Circus| Capital Plaza Mall, MD

DC-7: The Roberto Clemente Story| Gala Hispanic Theatre at Tivoli Square, DC

James and the Giant Peach| Imagination Stage, MD

The Root DC Live: October, 2012