By H. Lewis Smith – On February 13, 2012, renowned actor Laurence Fishburne will narrate a PBS documentary, Slavery By Another Name. The documentary will show that slavery in America did not end in 1865 with the Emancipation Proclamation as the majority of people have been led to believe. Rather, with the federal government’s quiet […]
Commentary
The Republican Party Needs A Cadillac – by Raynard Jackson
Recently, I had lunch with a very powerful Republican elected official who is a good friend of mine. We have extremely candid conversations, especially about race (he is white). Out of nowhere he asked me what was the reason Blacks have a historical affinity for Cadillac automobiles (named after the French explorer who founded Detroit […]
Getting at the Root of Black “Homophobic” Speech – By Cleo Manago
I’ve received an overwhelming response to my recent piece about The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation’s (GLAAD) demand for CNN to fire Roland Martin due to what they perceived as homophobic tweets. Most people agreed with my position, but, for those who questioned my view that GLAAD is not in a position to complain […]
Roland Martin Is Not GLAAD – by Raynard Jackson
I originally had absolutely no intention of writing about the recent flap surrounding TV personality Roland Martin, but because of the unfair treatment he has received; and his seeming inability to defend himself, I feel compelled to speak out. Martin is a syndicated newspaper columnist, a political analyst for CNN, and host of his own […]
Don Cornelius – Love, Peace, Soul! – by Marc Morial @nul
To Be Equal #6 – In 1970, a groundbreaking TV show, created and hosted by a suave, impeccably-dressed black man, literally danced its way into the soul of America and built a cultural bridge that we are still crossing today. Soul Train was the show and Don Cornelius was the man. In recent years, he […]
Young Brothers Built To Last – by Lazone Grays
President Obama delivered a State of the Union address that will surely resonate in my mind; and hopefully others for a very long time. It was a speech of vision, providing a reason for hope, and it was also an issuance of a call to action. That’s about all a President can do; on top […]
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address
Washington, DC – Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable Public Policy Network issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address: “Last night President Obama eloquently delivered a State of the Union Address that provided […]
President’s State of The Union Address Embraces National Urban League
Washington, DC – President Obama’s vision for “An American Built To Last,” as described in tonight’s State of the Union address, stands firmly upon National Urban League policy proposals for job growth, education and economic empowerment, Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President and CEO, said tonight. The President’s focus on the importance of job […]
Red Tails” Shoots Down Stereotypes – by Marc Morial
(To Be Equal #3) – Last week, I attended the New York premiere of a new George Lucas film about the heroic exploits of the all-black fighter pilot squadron that helped America defeat the Nazi’s in World War II. I am not in the business of promoting new movies. But, there are several reasons that […]