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Why Michelle Obama's Africa Trip Matters
For young women emerging from apartheid, a highly successful woman is an inspiration.
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Gay Black Men and the Women Who Love Them
When Don Lemon and Rashad Taylor blamed homophobia in the black community for their reluctance to come out, they threw black women under the bus.
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VIDEO: Poet Elizabeth Alexander Explores Family History
Rewind: In an episode of Faces of America that aired on PBS in 2010, the poet talks about her grandfather's immigration from Jamaica to Harlem, N.Y., and how he influenced his community.
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Gannett Wanted No Group 'Adversely Impacted' by Layoffs
From Journal-isms: The National Association of Black Journalists received reports that there are now fewer or no people of color working as reporters, columnists or editors at some Gannett newspapers. Plus: Emerge Magazine re-emerges, and Sharpton-West rematch to take place.
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Let's Stop Blaming the Bible for Our Homophobia
After all, the Good Book was once used to justify slavery.
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The Italian Job
The Root's Rebecca Walker hangs out with renowned artist Kara Walker in Turin, Italy, and on Facebook, where they talk about everything from salty dark chocolate to their kids to why Kara's no apologist for anti-black racism.
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GALLERY: Top One-Hit Wonders of the 1990s
It's Black Music Month, so we've compiled a list of da bomb joints. Whoomp, here they are!
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Enter the 'Find Your Roots' Sweepstakes
We're offering our readers a chance to win a free DNA-tracing kit and a personal message about your family's history from The Root's editor-in-chief, Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Not Your Typical Guide to Black New York
The Black Bucket List heads to New York, where we discover there's so much more to black history than the Harlem Renaissance -- like Do or Die Bed-Stuy circa 1838.
Black Caucus Wants to Get You a Job
Frustrated by inaction from Capitol Hill, the CBC is trying a new line of attack on unemployment: a traveling job fair with a twist.
NAACP Suit Is Latest Salvo in Fight Over Schools
The lawsuit is ground zero in a battle splitting advocacy groups over whether charter schools can help our children succeed.
Why Do They Hate LeBron So?
Miami's flop in the NBA Finals was reason for many to celebrate. But the venom toward basketball's most hated star also reflects the uneasy ties between white fans and black athletes.
Wal-Mart: Too Big to Discriminate?
The Supreme Court's decision struck a blow against class actions by rejecting the concept of modern workplace bias.
Obama's Wrong About Congress and Libya
The president's end run on the War Powers Act is a missed opportunity to define his foreign policy and put congressional rivals on the spot.
Review: 'Is Marriage for White People?'
An upcoming book instructs black women to marry outside of their race to solve their relationship woes.
Blacks: Having the Most Homophobic Month Ever
From athlete David Tyree's anti-marriage-equality stance to rapper Tyler, the Creator's slurs to Tracy Morgan's rant, June has been full of anti-gay outbursts.
We Must Educate All Our Young Men
America can't reclaim its standing as a global leader unless young men of color also get a shot at academic success.
Handicapping the GOP 2012 Field
RightWatch: Our take on who's for real and who's not in the Republican presidential race.
The Trials of Single Fatherhood
At 21, Mason Jamal planned to become a big-time music producer. Instead, he became a dad -- and is better for it.
In Modern Slavery, Sad Echoes of Juneteenth
As African Americans celebrate the June 19 anniversary of the delayed emancipation of enslaved Africans in Texas, human bondage continues in our time -- and on our shores.
Black Fathers Say They Get a Bad Rap
The Root's Father's Day survey finds that African-American dads are positive about their kids but blame the media -- and themselves -- for how they're perceived.
Welfare, Fathers and Those Persistent Myths
Confronting the common belief that public assistance undermines the family structure, new federal efforts are designed to engage fathers and dispel myths.
Millennial Fathers: Will the Reality Be Televised?
One writer laments the invisibility of complex black-father characters on television.
Good Night, Moon. Good Night, Gil
Here's one father who made unusual use of Gil Scott-Heron's work -- as a lullaby for his daughters.
A Fair Trade on Drugs
The creator of The Wire recently told U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder that he'd give him another season of the HBO show for an end to the war on drugs. Sound like a deal?
Diversity for the USA's Biggest Protestant Group?
The election of a black vice president to the mostly white Southern Baptist Convention could be a sign of change. Or not. Here's what he told us.
Rep. Weiner and the Rise of Full-Frontal Texting
Single-Minded: Just about every woman has been on the receiving end of a sext. Note to sender: They're not welcome. Really.
Tupac at 40: What Could Have Been
On June 16, Tupac would have turned 40. Friends say the late star would be very different today from the person he was when he died at 25. Tupac for president?
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Daily Job Lead: New York Investment Firm Seeks Bookkeeper
Can you keep track of the numbers for this global financial company?
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The Root Recommends: 'Artificial Afrika'
A multimedia performance that investigates popular notions of Africa.
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Candorville: The Best Man
Lemont asks Clyde if he could be the best man at his wedding.
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Michelle Obama Tells Young South Africans They Are 'Really Cool'
In this FLOTUS pool report: The first lady spoke with students at the University of Cape Town, stressing the importance of hard work in order to achieve success.
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Jackson Kids Get Motorcycles Dedicated to Michael, and More
In today's link roundup: Paris and Prince Michael get customized bikes honoring their dad. Plus: the story of black spies, and what ever happened to African-American baseball players?
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White Babies Now a Minority in US
Nation is younger and browner and increasingly being raised by unmarried moms, census data shows.
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Michelle Obama Reflects on Apartheid
In this FLOTUS pool report from Africa: The first lady and her family visited a Cape Town museum and spoke with a former political prisoner.
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Egyptians Who Fled Libya Struggle at Home
They are struggling emotionally and financially and say the government doesn't care to help.
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T.D. Jakes on Eddie Long: Just Pray
The Potter's House pastor says it's for Long's church to deal with the sex-scandal fallout.
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Alcee Hastings Sexual Harassment Allegation: Panel Investigates
Please don't let them uncover any Twitter pics!
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Missy Elliott Shares Struggle With Graves' Disease
The rapper-producer was diagnosed with thyroid condition in 2008.
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Sean Kingston Released From Hospital
He went from being in critical condition after a Jet Ski accident to tweeting fans from his hospital bed. Now the singer is well enough to go home.
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VIDEO: Midwest Rappers Revive Indigenous Language
Listen to the Native American group Point of Contact.
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Daily Job Lead: Firm Seeks Canadian French Speaker for Call Rep
Assist callers in resolving their computer and electronics woes.
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Candorville: Put a Ring on It
Lemont gets some advice while ring shopping for Roxanne.
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Obama Family Meets Mandela, Tiki Barber Talks Football and More
In today's link roundup: Michelle Obama and the girls meet South Africa's first black president, and Tiki Barber explains why he needs the game. Plus: Lifelong social reformer David Epperson dies at 76.
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TRANSCRIPT: Obama's Afghanistan Troop-Withdrawal Speech
He announced plans to bring 33,000 troops home by September of next year.
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First Lady Pays Homage to Slain 13-Year-Old
In this FLOTUS pool report from Africa: First lady Michelle Obama visited the memorial site of Hector Pieterson, a youth martyr.
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Bachmann: Obama 'Failed the African-American Community'
We had no idea she was so concerned.
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Michelle Obama to Young African Women: Yes, We Can!
In this FLOTUS pool report from Africa: The first lady visits makes remarks at a church in Soweto, South Africa.


















































