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

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/03/2012

The Other Believers: Mark D. Hatcher, a black atheist

By Erin Williams

Meet Mark D. Hatcher. The 31-year-old Ph. D. student in physiology and biophysics started the group Secular Students at Howard University.

By Erin Williams | 07:00 AM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:26 PM ET, 09/16/2012

“Wind Me Up, Chuck!” Mondays heading to The Howard Theatre

By Erin Williams

Starting September 17, The Chuck Brown Band will collaborate with various artists who have been connected with Brown, through the course of their careers.

By Erin Williams | 04:26 PM ET, 09/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:10 PM ET, 09/05/2012

The GOP and voter ID laws: How can you not vote?

By Etan Thomas

OPINION| Republicans are working hard to tighten voter registration laws. We can’t let this happen.

By Etan Thomas | 01:10 PM ET, 09/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: dnclive

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 09/03/2012

The Democratic National Convention: What to do and where to go

By Huda Mu’min

See live performances at Carolina Fest and enjoy Southern cooking at King’s Kitchen and Harvest Moon Grille.

By Huda Mu’min | 08:00 AM ET, 09/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 08/31/2012

At Ben’s Chili Bowl, a side of art: The new graffiti-inspired mural

By Clinton Yates

At first sight, you might call it the Mount Rushmore of Half-Smokes. Or maybe the Four Horsemen of the Chili-pocalypse. Personally, I’ll go with the Ben’s Wall of Fame.

By Clinton Yates | 06:00 AM ET, 08/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:50 AM ET, 08/31/2012

The Root DC celebrates one year

By Washington Post Staff

One year ago, The Root DC debuted, and the response from readers has been inspiring. Here are some of the highlights from our inaugural year.

By Washington Post Staff | 05:50 AM ET, 08/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:22 PM ET, 08/30/2012

Paul Ryan and the ‘scary’ future of public education in America

By Ann-Marie Adams

OPINION| Ryan plans to dump more money into defense spending and give “job creators” tax-breaks while taking money for educational programs that help people get ahead.

By Ann-Marie Adams | 05:22 PM ET, 08/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:22 PM ET, 08/30/2012

Chris Lighty, 44, dies

By Stephen A. Crockett Jr.

Lighty literally had a hand in working with, crafting or influencing the sound that is played on radios today.

By Stephen A. Crockett Jr. | 05:22 PM ET, 08/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 08/30/2012

Comedian Tony Woods brings laughter and friends to The Howard Theatre

By Jillian S. Sowah

The gospel choir competition How Sweet the Sound takes place at the Verizon Center at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12.

By Jillian S. Sowah | 10:15 AM ET, 08/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:16 AM ET, 08/30/2012

Howard, Morehouse keep trash talk at a minimum for this year’s Nation’s Football Classic

By Lauren McEwen

Last year the need to prove whose school is “best” — Howard or Morehouse — resulted in the Trash Talk Facebook page and an ugly conversation online.

By Lauren McEwen | 09:16 AM ET, 08/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:55 PM ET, 08/29/2012

Understanding melasma

By Howard Brooks

Advice| Melasma is treatable with several options available to skin specialists.

By Howard Brooks | 09:55 PM ET, 08/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:48 PM ET, 08/29/2012

Mitt Romney and the RNC: Stoking the racial politics of yesteryear?

By Joy Freeman-Coulbary

Opinion| The Romney campaign’s tactics are playing to a racial politics of yesteryear — or what we hope is a bygone era.

By Joy Freeman-Coulbary | 03:48 PM ET, 08/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:08 PM ET, 08/29/2012

Morris Brown College: Its plight, and how it can be saved

By Marybeth Gasman

Morris Brown is a treasured institution established by former slaves and with a rich history of educating and empowering African Americans.

By Marybeth Gasman | 01:08 PM ET, 08/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:11 PM ET, 08/28/2012

Athletes take a stand for President Obama

By Etan Thomas

OP-ED | The fact that so many athletes wanted to be involved in President Obama’s reelection campaign runs contrary to the popular image that today’s professional basketball players are apolitical.

By Etan Thomas | 07:11 PM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:56 PM ET, 08/28/2012

Michael Steele at the RNC: ‘We have work to do’ to attract blacks to the GOP

By Hamil Harris

In a quick interview with TheRootDC, Steele shared his thoughts on the convention, what the GOP needs to do to be more racially inclusive and how Romney can win in November.

By Hamil Harris | 02:56 PM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:50 PM ET, 08/28/2012

Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta, Reunion Special (Part 1)

By Lauren McEwen

In the first part of the reunion special, Stevie and Scrappy discuss their fight and K. Michelle and Rasheeda almost come to blows.

By Lauren McEwen | 02:50 PM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:42 PM ET, 08/28/2012

The Republican National Convention: bringing people together

By Crystal Wright

OPINION|The two conventions varying ideas on networking and socializing mirror the two presidential candidates’ diametrically different campaigns.

By Crystal Wright | 12:42 PM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:28 PM ET, 08/28/2012

The Baltimore Afro-American celebrates 120 years in print

By Lauren McEwen

A month-long celebration of the paper’s founding climaxes with a 128-page commemorative edition.

By Lauren McEwen | 12:28 PM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:56 AM ET, 08/28/2012

Lupe Fiasco’s “B---- Bad” and the ongoing fight to protect the B-word

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

Lupe doesn’t always get it right, but I appreciate his meaningful, politically charged contributions to hip-hop.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 11:56 AM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 08/28/2012

Republican National Convention: Where are the African Americans?

By Raynard Jackson

Opinion| The lack of significant numbers of blacks in attendance at the Republican National Convention is alarming.

By Raynard Jackson | 11:01 AM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 08/28/2012

Labor Day weekend: Where to go for dining, music and cultural activities

By Shari Sheffield

Here are a couple of activities for cocktail lovers, music aficionados, museum goers and everyone in between to try during the holiday weekend.

By Shari Sheffield | 11:00 AM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:01 AM ET, 08/28/2012

After months of dodging the gym, a commitment to exercise is made

By Leilah Reese

I have access to four gyms. I use none. How can I get myself to take advantage of these places and work up a sweat?

By Leilah Reese | 10:01 AM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:01 AM ET, 08/28/2012

Nike, with the LeBron X shoes, is a sneakerhead’s pusherman

By Stephen A. Crockett Jr.

ESSAY| Nike’s marketing of its expensive LeBron James X basketball shoe is reminiscent of a drug dealer pushing products on an addicted clientele

By Stephen A. Crockett Jr. | 10:01 AM ET, 08/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:11 PM ET, 08/27/2012

Students can learn more about running the city by applying for the DC Youth Advisory Council

By Erin Williams

Members of the Council will have the opportunity to bring to the table the ideas and issues surrounding youth who live in the city, as well review youth programs in the area and partner with other community youth-focused organizations on both a national and international level.

By Erin Williams | 04:11 PM ET, 08/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:27 PM ET, 08/27/2012

Back to school: Rethinking America’s global education rankings

By Alfonzo Porter

The real problem for our public schools is the low achievement of poor students and the impact that their test scores have on the nation’s report card as a whole.

By Alfonzo Porter | 02:27 PM ET, 08/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 08/27/2012

Fire at Tyler Perry Studios

By Lauren McEwen

Atlanta news outlets are reporting that a fire started on the roof of one of the studio’s three-story buildings.

By Lauren McEwen | 01:04 PM ET, 08/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 08/27/2012

Celebrating Labor Day: How to throw an inexpensive party

By Tanya Ballard Brown

There are several options for financially challenged hosts and hostesses. With a little bit of creativity you can feed, water and fete folks at least one last time before fall.

By Tanya Ballard Brown | 11:24 AM ET, 08/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:03 PM ET, 08/24/2012

Melanie Fiona on Stage with Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo at Verizon Center

By DeNeen L. Brown

Two-time Grammy-winning Melanie Fiona performs in The Liberation Tour with Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo Aug. 26, 2012, at Verizon Center.

By DeNeen L. Brown | 07:03 PM ET, 08/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:57 AM ET, 08/24/2012

Ruth Petit-Homme: ‘Without having a goal, a dream...you’re pretty much lost’

By Washington Post staff

Ruth Petit-Homme graduated from Parkdale High School and will attend the University of Maryland, where she plans to take pre-med courses.

By Washington Post staff | 09:57 AM ET, 08/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:50 AM ET, 08/24/2012

Bladensburg High School valedictorian looks forward to attending Dartmouth

By Washington Post staff

Tramon McZeal graduated from Bladensburg High School and will attend Dartmouth College, where he plans to major in economics.

By Washington Post staff | 09:50 AM ET, 08/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:45 AM ET, 08/24/2012

Darnell Lisby, Suitland High School valedictorian, looks ahead to a future of striving and giving

By Washington Post staff

Darnell Lisby graduated from Suitland High School. He will attend St. John’s University, where he plans to major in history.

By Washington Post staff | 09:45 AM ET, 08/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:42 AM ET, 08/24/2012

Toni Hinton: ‘My inspiration is . . . my curiosity’

By Washington Post staff

Toni Hinton graduated from Largo High School and will attend Morgan State University, where she plans to major in actuarial science.

By Washington Post staff | 09:42 AM ET, 08/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:45 PM ET, 08/23/2012

Paul Ryan and his black girlfriend: What’s the fuss?

By Crystal Wright

Ryan dating a black woman in college shows me he’s just as audacious in his personal life as he is in his approach to governance.

By Crystal Wright | 05:45 PM ET, 08/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 08/23/2012

A local beekeeper brings honey to Anacostia

By Erin Williams

Charlie Wilson has spent much of his life as a lawyer and community leader. He’s also in the honey-making business, and he may be the only black beekeeper in Washington.

By Erin Williams | 05:07 PM ET, 08/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:58 PM ET, 08/23/2012

Amber Stanley, Prince George’s honors student, slain in her bed

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

Amber Stanley was a role model. We have to carry her torch rather than instinctively feel defeated.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery | 04:58 PM ET, 08/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 08/23/2012

‘Hot Cheetos and Takis:’ Kid rappers we can support

By Bethonie Butler

Y.N.RichKids have a hit with “Hot Cheetos and Takis.” But music from other child rappers is cause for concern.

By Bethonie Butler | 12:15 PM ET, 08/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:30 AM ET, 08/23/2012

Todd Akin and Augusta National: Two sides to the same sexist coin

By Barbara Reynolds

Opinion | Akin’s comments and Augusta’s token actions return us to the scene of the often over-looked crime of gender abuse and domination.

By Barbara Reynolds | 06:30 AM ET, 08/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:19 PM ET, 08/22/2012

Divas in drag at the Howard Theatre

By James Buck

The Howard conjured famous divas back to its historic stage with its first drag show since the 1960s.

By James Buck | 08:19 PM ET, 08/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 08/22/2012

‘Red Hook Summer’: Spike Lee talks about his latest joint

By DeNeen L. Brown

Lee’s latest in his “Chronicles of Brooklyn” series, examines the ties between a teenager and a church.

By DeNeen L. Brown | 07:00 AM ET, 08/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:13 PM ET, 08/21/2012

Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta, Season Finale

By Lauren McEwen

Benzino shows Karlie a ring, and Joseline meets Stevie’s new artist.

By Lauren McEwen | 01:13 PM ET, 08/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:34 PM ET, 08/21/2012

Mitt Romney: Victim of a race-baiting Democratic strategy

By Crystal Wright

The last several days have not been good for the integrity of the Obama campaign and the president’s supporters. Instead, it’s been race-baiting at its worst.

By Crystal Wright | 12:34 PM ET, 08/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: toure, mitt romney, paul ryan and budget, paul ryan and mitt romney, joe biden, vice president joe biden, niggerization, president obama, obama, msnbc, toure and msnbc, washington post and mitt romney, washington post and president obama

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

Megaxe and bike tours: Making cardio workouts fun

By Leilah Reese

Let’s face it: Sometimes working out can be flat-out boring. I’m happy to say these two exercises are not.

By Leilah Reese | 12:08 PM ET, 08/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:12 AM ET, 08/21/2012

Robert Griffin III: A target of Skip Bayless’s reckless race-bait

By Clinton Yates

COMMENTARY | An ESPN commentator degraded Griffin amid debate over the starting QB.

By Clinton Yates | 11:12 AM ET, 08/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:07 PM ET, 08/17/2012

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan: Debunking the “flip-flopping” myth

By Crystal Wright

Opinion| Supporters of President Obama looking to create a wedge between Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan keep coming up short.

By Crystal Wright | 04:07 PM ET, 08/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 08/17/2012

‘Sparkle’: The 2012 remake portrays black women in a more ambitious light

By Lauren McEwen

It will speak better to a generation of black women taught to get their own.

By Lauren McEwen | 12:00 PM ET, 08/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:53 PM ET, 08/16/2012

Back to school: Equipping your child for challenges

By Amanda Miller Littlejohn

Should black parents worry about things that other parents don’t? In my experience, the answer is a resounding yes. Here are three tips from Washington area parents and experts for helping our kids thrive this school year.

By Amanda Miller Littlejohn | 07:53 PM ET, 08/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:22 PM ET, 08/16/2012

A back-to-school test on black history

By Delece Smith-Barrow

Take our quiz on local people and institutions that made a powerful impact on the African American community.

By Delece Smith-Barrow | 07:22 PM ET, 08/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 08/16/2012

Back to school: Stopping the summer slide

By Alfonzo Porter

By the end of summer vacation, the average student loses approximately a month’s worth of learning acquired from the previous year.

By Alfonzo Porter | 03:45 PM ET, 08/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:37 PM ET, 08/16/2012

Back to school: Supporting children at home to help them excel in the classroom

By Michael A. Fletcher

The conundrum of black underachievement in school complicates the already difficult question on the mind of every parent: How do I ensure my child’s success?

By Michael A. Fletcher | 03:37 PM ET, 08/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 08/16/2012

Things to do Aug. 16-30: ‘Securing the Blessings of Liberty,” a presentation about African Americans and Slavery, Aug. 20 in Alexandria

By Jillian S. Sowah

Enjoy the wine and music festival, Uncorked, on Aug. 25. Wine lovers can sample Maryland wines, participate in a cooking demonstration and wine seminars, and hear live music by Melodime and the Big Chimney Band.

By Jillian S. Sowah | 12:50 PM ET, 08/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:13 PM ET, 08/16/2012

Miss Black USA 2012 Selena Watkins on staying motivated, success and sisterhood

By Erin Williams

Thirty young women competed for the title of Miss Black USA. Selena Watkins won the crown.

By Erin Williams | 12:13 PM ET, 08/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:42 PM ET, 08/15/2012

Glenarden megachurch snags third Hoodie Award

By Lauren McEwen

Comedian Steve Harvey and broadcast producer Rushion McDonald created the awards ceremony, which celebrates black organizations and people with community impact.

By Lauren McEwen | 05:42 PM ET, 08/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:34 AM ET, 08/15/2012

Voter ID laws: Threatening our right to vote

By Joe Briggs

Op-Ed| Recently, we have seen a movement to restrict voting rights. It’s happening right before our eyes, in our own backyards.

By Joe Briggs | 09:34 AM ET, 08/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:54 PM ET, 08/14/2012

Mitt Romney: What does he really believe about the Ryan plan?

By Etan Thomas

Opinion| By choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate, Mitt Romney has muddled his ticket’s message on taxes and spending.

By Etan Thomas | 02:54 PM ET, 08/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:54 PM ET, 08/14/2012

Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta, Episode 9

By Lauren McEwen

Scrappy keeps on lying, and Joseline has a one-on-one with Dr. Jeff.

By Lauren McEwen | 02:54 PM ET, 08/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:39 AM ET, 08/14/2012

Losing 32 before 32: A weight-loss journey

By Leilah Reese

Leilah Reese, a news aide at The Washington Post, chronicles her weight-loss journey.

By Leilah Reese | 10:39 AM ET, 08/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:43 PM ET, 08/13/2012

How Chad Johnson fell to the pressure of fame

By Michael Livingston II

Johnson’s arrest and subsequent release from the Miami Dolphins is a reminder that people can become so engulfed in chasing fame that they forget who they are.

By Michael Livingston II | 05:43 PM ET, 08/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:34 AM ET, 08/13/2012

Chad Johnson’s arrest and Kanye West’s “Perfect B----”: Enough is enough

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

Opinion| This song is an insult to Kim and a slap in the face to the rest of us.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 08:34 AM ET, 08/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:26 PM ET, 08/10/2012

Thomas Jefferson High School and the search for equity in the nation’s schools

By Ann-Marie Adams

ESSAY| Sadly, many people theorize that the paucity of black students at top high schools is because of black pathology.

By Ann-Marie Adams | 02:26 PM ET, 08/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:42 PM ET, 08/09/2012

‘Invisible Man’ play on its way to D.C.

By Lauren McEwen

The first stage adaptation of Ralph Ellison’s 1952 novel hits the Studio Theatre in September.

By Lauren McEwen | 01:42 PM ET, 08/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Invisible Man, Studio Theatre

Posted at 09:44 AM ET, 08/09/2012

Katherine Jackson: Vigilance could be key for her, Michael Jackson’s children

By Barbara Reynolds

It is not clear who the major culprits are in this family drama, but it is wishful thinking that all the bad blood will disappear.

By Barbara Reynolds | 09:44 AM ET, 08/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:23 AM ET, 08/09/2012

Keep your head up, Gabby Douglas

By DeNeen L. Brown

Essay| Little critics behind computer screens have missed the real definition of black beauty.

By DeNeen L. Brown | 05:23 AM ET, 08/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:45 PM ET, 08/07/2012

Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta, Episode 8

By Lauren McEwen

Stevie, Mimi and Joseline go to therapy. Let the drama begin.

By Lauren McEwen | 02:45 PM ET, 08/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:57 PM ET, 08/07/2012

Black Olympians: Should we label them as Black Americans or African Americans? Does it matter?

By Tomi Obaro

Black American? African American? A label is just a label. At the end of the day, it’s a preference. To wholesale insist on one term over the other is futile.

By Tomi Obaro | 01:57 PM ET, 08/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:32 PM ET, 08/07/2012

‘Swagger-jacking’ U Street: The conversation continues

By Stephen A. Crockett Jr.

Essay | Many online commenters thought my piece on the ‘swagger jacking’ of U Street was ignorant and racist. But really it was about missing a home that once was, while being torn over what it is becoming.

By Stephen A. Crockett Jr. | 01:32 PM ET, 08/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 08/07/2012

Estelle, Grammy-winning singer, celebrates a ‘Wonderful Life’ at the Park at 14th

By DeNeen L. Brown

Review| British Grammy Award-winning singer Estelle performs at the Park at 14th.

By DeNeen L. Brown | 10:15 AM ET, 08/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:24 PM ET, 08/06/2012

D.C. boxer, hoping for an upset on the national stage, falls short

By Gautham Nagesh

The fight was Barnett’s biggest opportunity — his first televised bout after seven years as a pro.

By Gautham Nagesh | 01:24 PM ET, 08/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Boxing

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 08/06/2012

Gabby Douglas and her ponytail: what’s all the fuss about?

By Lauren McEwen

Opinion| The chatter about Gabby Douglas’ hair on twitter is upsetting but hardly shocking.

By Lauren McEwen | 10:55 AM ET, 08/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:14 PM ET, 08/05/2012

Serena Williams and the Crip Walk

By Clinton Yates

With a rhythmic celebratory bounce in front of millions worldwide, Serena Williams inadvertently set off a firestorm that is misguided and dripping with racist, patronizing overtones.

By Clinton Yates | 02:14 PM ET, 08/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:29 PM ET, 08/03/2012

Snoop Lion and the struggle to find spirituality in hip-hop

By Michael Livingston II

Changing his stage name to Snoop Lion is how Calvin Broadus Jr. has chosen to publicly acknowledge his personal and spiritual growth.

By Michael Livingston II | 03:29 PM ET, 08/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 08/03/2012

Gabby Douglas: Hope and inspiration for black girls everywhere

By Tomi Obaro

Every time I watch Douglas — skin as dark as mine, nose as broad — I feel intensely, irrationally proud.

By Tomi Obaro | 01:45 PM ET, 08/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 08/03/2012

Moving toward a culturally dexterous Washington

By Sheryll Cashin

By 2020, I suspect the rising cultural dexterity that occurs in spaces where no one group is dominant will be the city’s new storyline.

By Sheryll Cashin | 07:00 AM ET, 08/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:30 AM ET, 08/03/2012

The Brixton: It’s new, happening and another example of African-American historical ‘swagger-jacking’

By Stephen A. Crockett Jr.

ESSAY | The hip, upscale bars that pack gentrified U Street aren’t celebrating our culture and history. They’re exploiting it.

By Stephen A. Crockett Jr. | 06:30 AM ET, 08/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:33 PM ET, 08/02/2012

Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson on his new memoir “Yes, Chef!” and his love of berbere

By Shari Sheffield

The Food Network star explained his love of berbere Saturday night when he took the stage at the Howard Theatre.

By Shari Sheffield | 04:33 PM ET, 08/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:37 PM ET, 08/02/2012

Lupe Fiasco and the hip-hop rebel’s emotional breakdown

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

Lupe Fiasco’s tearful MTV interview offers a powerful glipse into the makings of a modern hip-hip rebel.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 02:37 PM ET, 08/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 08/02/2012

Things to do Aug. 2-15: Riseband & Show, the nine-member R&B/Funk/Jazz/Motown ensemble performs in Bel Alton

By

The Hawaiian-themed UkeFest features Hula Honeys, Keola and Moanalani Beamer at Strathmore on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m.

By | 11:30 AM ET, 08/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:57 AM ET, 08/02/2012

At Politics and Prose, turning off tunes at ‘Chocolate City’ book signing never should have happened

By Clinton Yates

It’s disturbing that a song about the black existence in America apparently had no place in Politics and Prose, a relatively otherwise whitewashed bookstore — even for a short time.

By Clinton Yates | 10:57 AM ET, 08/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:08 PM ET, 08/01/2012

Oprah’s natural ’do: A salute to our culture

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

Thank you, Oprah — for just being naturally you.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery | 05:08 PM ET, 08/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 08/01/2012

Chick-fil-A Day: State power run amok?

By Barbara Reynolds

Opinion | The first amendment guarantees the separation of church and state. What gives politicians the right to use their offices to threaten to punish one group over another?

By Barbara Reynolds | 01:15 PM ET, 08/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 08/01/2012

20 Questions to Help You ‘Define the Relationship’

By Roland Warren

OP-ED| At a time when marriage rates across the country are down and out-of-wedlock birthrates are at all-time highs, especially in the African American community, we must stop to consider how this trend of equating marriages and “relationships” is affecting children.

By Roland Warren | 10:34 AM ET, 08/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:39 AM ET, 08/01/2012

Love & Hip-hop: Atlanta, Episode 7

By Lauren McEwen

This week’s episode felt like a dull rehashing of the same old conflicts, without any magnificent Momma Dee or K. Michelle quotables.

By Lauren McEwen | 12:39 AM ET, 08/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:27 PM ET, 07/31/2012

NAACP Lawsuit: readers respond

By Alfonzo Porter

The dozens of comments to our column on the suit filed by the Fairfax County NAACP illustrated a boiling cauldron of distress regarding school admissions criteria

By Alfonzo Porter | 04:27 PM ET, 07/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

The Personal(s)| Signature Theatre, VA

Portrait Story Days: Anna May Wong| National Portrait Gallery - Smithsonian Institution, DC

UniverSoul Circus| Capital Plaza Mall, MD

The Root DC Live: October, 2012