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

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 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 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)

Big Nate| Adventure Theatre MTC, MD

The Submission| Olney Theatre Center, MD

Stupid F---ing Bird| Woolly Mammoth Theatre, DC

The Root DC Live: January, 2013