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

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 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)

Posted at 09:26 AM ET, 12/21/2012

Amel Larrieux to perform at Howard Theatre Dec. 21

By Lauren McEwen

The former member of 90’s R&B group Groove Theory is working on a new album called "Ice Cream Everyday.”

By Lauren McEwen | 09:26 AM ET, 12/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:07 PM ET, 12/20/2012

A reduction in crime is no reason to celebrate

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

It’s great that crime is down in Prince George’s County, but the region’s leaders have a ways to go.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery | 02:07 PM ET, 12/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:27 PM ET, 12/20/2012

Protecting the rights of convicted criminals: Ban the Box Act of 2012

By Rep. Hansen Clarke

OP-ED| Rep. Hansen Clarke (D-Mich.) on why he introduced a bill to ban employers from asking job applicants about arrest or conviction records until they have made a conditional job offer.

By Rep. Hansen Clarke | 01:27 PM ET, 12/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

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

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Dec. 20-26

By Jillian S. Sowah

Enjoy a special holiday performance by Step Afrika! through Sunday at Atlas Performing Arts Center.

By Jillian S. Sowah | 12:05 PM ET, 12/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:16 AM ET, 12/20/2012

‘Black Dynamite’: a perfect gift for the holiday

By Clinton Yates

If you’re looking for a fun holiday gift, check out the way-out- there “Black Dynamite”.

By Clinton Yates | 11:16 AM ET, 12/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:33 AM ET, 12/20/2012

Keeping Christ in Christmas

By Barbara Reynolds

Opinion| I am upset about the push-back of celebrating the birth of Jesus.

By Barbara Reynolds | 09:33 AM ET, 12/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:58 AM ET, 12/19/2012

Sandy Hook shootings: gun outrage in black and white

By Crystal Wright

We don’t see media or presidential outrage or calls for more rigid gun control laws when young black kids are heinously murdered.

By Crystal Wright | 11:58 AM ET, 12/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:26 AM ET, 12/19/2012

Robert Griffin III: If he’s a “cornball”, give us more

By Alfonzo Porter

Opinion| When African Americans don’t follow the prescribed behaviors we inevitably get vitriolic hate from our own people.

By Alfonzo Porter | 09:26 AM ET, 12/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 12/19/2012

Holiday shopping guide: Supporting black-owned businesses

By Huda Mu’min

Whether you’re looking for a perfect floral arrangement, specialty item or other gifts, we have you covered with our Black-Owned Business Holiday Shopping Guide.

By Huda Mu’min | 07:00 AM ET, 12/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:44 PM ET, 12/18/2012

Sandy Hook teachers: Heroes all teachers can admire

By Nathan Saunders

OP-ED| They taught the greatest lesson that could be taught — how to lay down your life for your fellow man.

By Nathan Saunders | 02:44 PM ET, 12/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:56 PM ET, 12/18/2012

Darrel Green, Trey Chaney and other celebrities discuss the challenges of fatherhood at Reid Temple

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

Professional athletes, actors and pastors discussed the challenges of fatherhood Saturday.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery | 12:56 PM ET, 12/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:19 AM ET, 12/18/2012

Sandy Hook shootings: Time for more attention to school security

By Alfonzo Porter

Even after Columbine, students remain practically unprotected from the type of violence seen Friday.

By Alfonzo Porter | 11:19 AM ET, 12/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:36 AM ET, 12/18/2012

Facing the scale: 32 before 32

By Leilah Reese

About four months ago, I started a weight-loss journey. Now I’m checking the scale to see if I met my goal.

By Leilah Reese | 10:36 AM ET, 12/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 12/18/2012

Charter schools give choice, but at what cost?

By Alfonzo Porter

The Brookings Institution ranked D.C. third among school districts that provide parents with options. But are all of these options really helping students?

By Alfonzo Porter | 07:00 AM ET, 12/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:11 PM ET, 12/17/2012

Newtown shootings: Focus on mental illness first

By Barbara Reynolds

Column| Discussions about gun control are meaningless unless the focus is also on mental illness.

By Barbara Reynolds | 03:11 PM ET, 12/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:49 PM ET, 12/17/2012

Newtown shootings: Unraveling the culture of violence

By Clinton Yates

Column| Until we decouple the notion that freedom and owning as many powerful guns as we want are inextricably linked, we’ll be willingly putting ourselves at risk.

By Clinton Yates | 12:49 PM ET, 12/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:04 PM ET, 12/16/2012

Sandy Hook shootings: Too Many Shades of Gray

By Jennifer Gore

The issues of gun control and access for the mentally ill are hard to solve.

By Jennifer Gore | 02:04 PM ET, 12/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 12/14/2012

Gospel artist Yolanda Adams leads toy collection in Largo

By Hamil Harris

The nationally acclaimed recording artist lead an early morning tent crusade to collect toys for needy children at Christmas.

By Hamil Harris | 05:07 PM ET, 12/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 12/14/2012

Making nice with Prince George’s County police

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

Giving away gift cards and coats for the needy is a step in the right direction. But the police have a way to go to improve community relations.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery | 11:32 AM ET, 12/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:19 AM ET, 12/14/2012

Yes Organic Market needs more than a name change

By Clinton Yates

Yes Organic Market location east of the Anacostia to be called Healthy Gourmet Market.

By Clinton Yates | 07:19 AM ET, 12/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:55 AM ET, 12/14/2012

Taking back the mic: Hip-hop as a STEM learning tool

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

There are countless benefits to using hip-hop to engage young people in a multitude of academic disciplines.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 06:55 AM ET, 12/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 12/13/2012

Gifts of good news: Share your stories

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

2012 hasn’t been a year without flaws, but for every misstep there’s also a good deed quietly happening. Share with us your stories of good faith.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery | 01:48 PM ET, 12/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Love, Etc.

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 12/13/2012

Confessions of a Kwanzaa dropout: Why I don’t celebrate the holiday

By Kathryn O’Neal

My son and I celebrated the holiday for years, but we don’t need Kwanzaa in our house anymore.

By Kathryn O’Neal | 07:00 AM ET, 12/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

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

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Dec. 13-19

By Jillian S. Sowah

New York Times reporter Rachel L. Swarns discusses her book “American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama.”

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

Posted at 05:18 PM ET, 12/12/2012

Meteorologist Rhonda Lee: I was fired for responding to Facebook comments about my hair

By Lauren McEwen

Black women and hair: The saga continues. This time Rhonda A. Lee tries to fight back against her hair critics.

By Lauren McEwen | 05:18 PM ET, 12/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:48 PM ET, 12/11/2012

Redskins players give away free coats at Macy’s (VIDEO)

By Hamil Harris

Alfred Morris and Joshua Morgan were among the Redskins players participating at a coat giveaway in the District.

By Hamil Harris | 06:48 PM ET, 12/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:38 PM ET, 12/11/2012

Why Morgan State needs David Wilson

By Marybeth Gasman

OP-ED| The board of regents’ ousting of the historically black university’s leader is a short-sighted decision.

By Marybeth Gasman | 01:38 PM ET, 12/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:17 AM ET, 12/11/2012

Through dance, a newfound confidence and comfort in my own skin: 32 before 32

By Leilah Reese

Joy of Motion is about dancing for enjoyment and doing so no matter your shape, size or ability.

By Leilah Reese | 11:17 AM ET, 12/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:30 AM ET, 12/11/2012

Katt Williams needs a timeout

By Clinton Yates

The comedian needs help. For the sake of his family, I hope he can find it somewhere.

By Clinton Yates | 09:30 AM ET, 12/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:28 PM ET, 12/06/2012

The ‘black agenda’: how will civil rights leaders get it past a reluctant Congress?

By Etan Thomas

Opinion| Black leaders need a realistic strategy to combat a reluctant GOP-led House of Representatives.

By Etan Thomas | 04:28 PM ET, 12/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:01 PM ET, 12/06/2012

Things to do for the holidays

By Lauren McEwen and Jillian Sowah

Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa, how slaves celebrated the holidays and more.

By Lauren McEwen and Jillian Sowah | 01:01 PM ET, 12/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 12/06/2012

Will the FBI relocate its headquarters to Prince George’s County?

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

Rep. Donna Edwards, Exec Rushern Baker and other county leaders are trying to convince the feds.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery | 12:02 PM ET, 12/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:08 AM ET, 12/06/2012

Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Dec. 6-12

By

Catch Babyface at the Howard Theatre and Gaylord’s annual “Christmas on the Potomac” featuring renderings of scenes from the animated film “Shrek”.

By | 09:08 AM ET, 12/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Love, Etc.

Posted at 09:47 AM ET, 12/05/2012

Marion Barry’s quest to help ex-offenders

By Michael Shank and Lindsay Schubiner

OP-ED| The D.C. Council member’s effort is needed across America.

By Michael Shank and Lindsay Schubiner | 09:47 AM ET, 12/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:39 PM ET, 12/04/2012

Basketball Wives, LA: Episode 13

By M.T. Wiseman

On this episode of Basketball Wives, LA, Jackie raps and Bambi and Gloria do some West coast bangin’.

By M.T. Wiseman | 05:39 PM ET, 12/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:53 AM ET, 12/04/2012

Bowie counselor gives tips on managing grief during the holidays in wake of teenagers’ slayings

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

For the family, friends and neighbors of Markel Ross and Amber Stanley, this season may not be so jolly.

By Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery | 11:53 AM ET, 12/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:16 AM ET, 12/04/2012

Redskins beat Giants: Robert Griffin III has fans thinking big

By Carl Little

Win over the Giants was the first meaningful December home game in a long time for Washington.

By Carl Little | 11:16 AM ET, 12/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:33 AM ET, 12/04/2012

Gabourey Sidibe’s ‘weight loss’: A Photoshop prank gone wrong

By Leilah Reese

A Photoshopped, slimmer image of the Oscar-nominated actress went viral. Some may say Sidibe should aim to look like the false photo, but let’s remember that beauty comes in all sizes.

By Leilah Reese | 09:33 AM ET, 12/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:56 PM ET, 12/03/2012

Column| Greg Hall, Pr. George’s school board illustrate a continued crisis of leadership

By Keith Harriston

Expectations for what happens in the nation’s premier majority-black jurisdiction must be higher

By Keith Harriston | 12:56 PM ET, 12/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:43 AM ET, 12/03/2012

Understanding the root causes of black-on-black violence

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

The killing of a young man for his Helly Hansen jacket is part of a long trajectory of black-on-black violence.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 11:43 AM ET, 12/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 12/03/2012

A part of WPFW died over the weekend

By Clinton Yates

A part of ‘jazz and justice’ radio had died by Monday morning. And you could hear it on the air.

By Clinton Yates | 11:24 AM ET, 12/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:33 AM ET, 12/03/2012

Helen Oyeyemi wins fiction award

By DeNeen L. Brown

Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation gives its 2012 fiction prize to “Mr. Fox” author.

By DeNeen L. Brown | 10:33 AM ET, 12/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 PM ET, 12/02/2012

Life-size portrait of Colin Powell to be placed on public view: A Q&A with the former secretary of state

By Erin Williams

On Monday, a life-size portrait of Powell, commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, will be placed on public view at the museum.

By Erin Williams | 08:00 PM ET, 12/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:05 PM ET, 11/30/2012

Beyonce gets a new doc; a 15-year-old engineering prodigy from Sierra Leone: This Week in Black Awesomeness

By Lauren McEwen

Self-taught inventer, Kevin Doe, built batteries and generators using scraps found in the trash.

By Lauren McEwen | 05:05 PM ET, 11/30/2012 | 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: January, 2013