Equipping your child for challenges

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  • Equipping your child for challenges

    Equipping your child for challenges

    Amanda Miller Littlejohn

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  • Why support at home can drive academic success

    Why support at home can drive academic success

    Michael A. Fletcher

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  • Stopping the ‘summer slide’

    Stopping the ‘summer slide’

    Alfonzo Porter

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  • A back-to-school test on black history

    A back-to-school test on black history

    Delece Smith-Barrow

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Glenarden megachurch snags third Hoodie Award

Lauren McEwen

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

Will the real Mitt Romney please stand up?

Will the real Mitt Romney please stand up?

Etan Thomas

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

Protecting our right to vote

Protecting our right to vote

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.

Chad Johnson: The latest victim of fame

Chad Johnson: The latest victim of fame

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.

Volunteering in the D.C. area

Volunteering in the D.C. area

Jillian S. Sowah

Help the Heart of America Foundation arrange and prepare the books in its warehouse, which is used by children who have limited access to books.

Things to do Aug. 16-30

Things to do Aug. 16-30

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.

Photo Galleries

Sorority holds annual community day in Ward 8

A local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority passed out school supplies and offered voter registration at THEARC on Saturday, Aug. 11.

The DC Chapter of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. Hosts ‘La Fiesta del Sol’

The organization hosted a back-to-school fundraiser to benefit local children and families at Hudson Restaurant & Lounge on Thursday, August 2.

New dance production at The Arc

Young dancers from The Washington Ballet@THEARC performed their new dance production, “Be Seen, Be Heard, Be You,” on Friday, July 20.

Urban Cusp celebrates its one year anniversary

The online lifestyle magazine focuses on urban culture, faith and global awareness. Founder Rahiel Tesfamariam moderated a Rap Session panel at Howard University and hosted a rooftop party in Chinatown on July 7th.

Protest against museum builder’s hiring record

Hundreds of people say Clark Construction is not doing enough to hire D.C. residents.

New Community for Children Soirée

Supporters, board members and volunteers came out to support the New Community for Children, a program that provides after school and summer programs for underserved children in D.C.

Ni­ger­ian Barbie wedding

London-based wedding photographer Obi Nwokedi drew inspiration from a similar Barbie-themed fashion shoot in Italian Vogue to create this intricate simulation of a Ni­ger­ian wedding.

Busboys and Poets’ “10 Tongues Multi-Lingual Poetry Slam”

Ten slam poets competed in a two-round poetry slam at Artomatic on June 22. Local teacher Clint Smith took home the $200 grand prize.

June’s Ten Friends Happy Hour

Ten Friends, a collection of 10 professional organizations in the D.C. area, held a happy hour Friday, June 15th, at Eden’s rooftop bar.

Volunteers expand water access

Howard University’s Engineers Without Borders expanded the rainwater harvesting system in Kenya.

MLK memorial inspires Year Up

Year Up led more than 100 people on an inspiring walk to the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.

Suited for Change celebrates 20 years

Suited for a Change, provides low-income women with professional clothing, celebrated their 20th anniversary.

Local high school students honored

The Northern Virginia Urban League hosted its annual scholarship awards dinner.

Photography as social change

Through the help of Critical Exposure, D.C. students use photography to advocate school reform and social change.

D.C. youths attend job fair

Casey Family Programs hosted a job fair for D.C. children in foster care on May 17.

Chuck Brown captivates audience

The legendary ‘Godfather of Go-go’ visited The Gallery at Vivid Solutions in Anacostia in August 2011.

Benefit gala at the Embassy of Nigeria

The Foundation for Combined African Medical Missions honored those making advancements in health.

Graduations throughout D.C.

A look at Howard University’s and the University of the District of Columbia’s 2012 commencements

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

(Library of Congress / LIBRARY OF CONGRESS)

Lauren McEwen

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

Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta, Episode 9

Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta, Episode 9

Lauren McEwen

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

Three college students running for school board in Prince George’s

Ovetta Wiggins

If elected, the students would take office at a critical time as the county seeks a new superintendent.

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

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

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.

Losing 32 before 32

Losing 32 before 32

Leilah Reese

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

D.C.’s Ivy City wants some respect

D.C.’s Ivy City wants some respect

Darryl Fears

The small and poor neighborhood, tired of being the District’s “dumping ground,” is opposing a new proposal for a temporary bus depot.

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Jennifer Johns on hip-hop, food activism

Jennifer Johns on hip-hop, food activism

Bay Area-born artist Jennifer Johns sits down with The RootDC’s Erin Williams to discuss how she combines art and activism, as well as what not to miss at this weekend’s Hip-Hop Theater Festival.
Remembering Chuck Brown, creator of go-go music

Remembering Chuck Brown, creator of go-go music

The Washington Post’s Chris Richards remembers Chuck Brown. Richards highlights the 75-year-old musician’s devotion to D.C., early years in prison where he is said to have learned music, and how Brown created the go-go sound.
Robert Griffin III: ‘By no means was my upbringing normal’

Robert Griffin III: ‘By no means was my upbringing normal’

In an exclusive interview with The Washington Post, Robert Griffin III discusses his unique childhood and how his interpretation of “fun” differed from his friends.
Obama’s support for same-sex marriage could boost his campaign

Obama’s support for same-sex marriage could boost his campaign

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza discusses the political pitfalls and benefits of President Obama’s decision to come out in support of same-sex marriage.
‘Before I die’ chalk wall inspires DC residents

‘Before I die’ chalk wall inspires DC residents

At the corner of 14th St NW and Q St NW, there is an outdoor chalk wall titled, “Before I die.” DC residents explain what goals they listed.
Words of 1861 resound at Frederick Douglass home (1:56)

Words of 1861 resound at Frederick Douglass home (1:56)

The winners of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site's oratorical competition performed their speeches at the 194th birthday celebration on the grounds of the Douglass home. Brayden Wood, 8, of Upper Marlboro, Md., delivered Douglass's 1861 speech, "Fighting Rebels With One Hand." (Feb. 16)
Michelle Obama's uneasy road to popularity (1:32)

Michelle Obama's uneasy road to popularity (1:32)

Michelle Obama is seen very favorably among black women, according to a new poll conducted by the Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation. The Washington Post's Krissah Thompson talks about the first lady's uneasy path to popularity, and how it may help her husband's re-election campaign. (Jan. 23)
Metrobus mishaps: Failure to yield (0:12)

Metrobus mishaps: Failure to yield (0:12)

(Editor’s note: May contain graphic language.) This video, obtained by a request from WTOP, shows a traffic incident caught by a Metrobus dashboard camera.
Aquille Carr: 'Crimestopper' is basketball's next big thing (1:50)

Aquille Carr: 'Crimestopper' is basketball's next big thing (1:50)

Patterson High School junior Aquille Carr--a basketball phenom--has grown into an inner city legend, garnering the nickname 'Crimestopper' because admirers say crime stops in Baltimore during his games at Patterson. An undersized guard, Carr has set out to disprove his doubters. (Jan. 11)
Mitt Romney criticizes Obama's leadership

Mitt Romney criticizes Obama's leadership

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney campaigns in Conway, South Carolina. The state holds its Republican primary on January 21st. (Jan. 6)
3 FAMU students charged with hazing

3 FAMU students charged with hazing

3 Florida A&M Marching Band members are charged with hazing a fellow student, sending her to the emergency room. The alleged hazing occurred three weeks before another Florida A&M student died after a suspected hazing on board a marching band bus. (Dec. 14)
Pro boxer Lamont Peterson down, but never out

Pro boxer Lamont Peterson down, but never out

Professional boxer Lamont Peterson grew up on the streets of Washington D.C. and in foster care as a child. On Dec. 10, he'll fight for a world title.

Editor's Choice

Time for more parent accountability in our schools

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.

Should black residents feel ashamed about Mayor Gray?

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

Why are we obsessed with the Jacksons?

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

Felicia Boswell on her debut

Q&A | The Montgomery, Ala., native talked about staying energized on the road and her activist spirit.

Erykah Badu’s music video turns heads

ESSAY | Badu has fallen prey to sensational props to showcase what used to be effortless.

Learning from our losses

COLUMN | The South Capitol Street massacre led to dozens of questions about who and what was to blame for the tragic shooting.

Michelle Obama’s life chronicled

Allison Samuels takes readers through Michelle Obama’s path to becoming the first lady.

Fans react with racist tweets

Joel Ward’s overtime winning score for the Capitals ended the Boston Bruins' season and sparked negative reactions.

My hoodie and me

In the wake of Trayvon Martin’s death, my first hoodie takes on a greater meaning than a casual act of defiance.

Diversity needed in schools

For some, the way to narrow the achievement gap is through more black, male teachers.

The faces of kidney disease

A patient, a donor and a survivor share their tales of shock, strength and hope.

Energizing black voters

The Empower Movement hopes to register one million African American voters this year.

The future of D.C. schools

OPINION | Whether its public or charter, the quality of the school is what matters.

The rewards of giving back

OPINION | African-American parents should encourage their children to volunteer.

Exploring sartorial style

The ‘Dandy Lion’ exhibition in Baltimore explores young, black men redefining their fashion identity.