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Stokely Carmichael’s Legacy Is Less Recognized Black History
Black History Month is the time to delve beyond the predictable roster of celebrated and increasingly mainstream African-American icons in order to spotlight an undiscovered country of political activists and activism. Going beyond the usual cast of characters celebrated during this time of year allows us to better understand the narrative of struggle that makes…
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Black America’s Stake in Obama’s State of the Union
President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address offered the black community new policy measures—focused on jobs, education, health care and retirement—to close the growing economic gap between America’s rich and poor. Obama’s opening remarks focused on his administration’s accomplishments, including a 6.7 percent unemployment rate, reduced deficits and robust investment. And he acknowledged that…
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A Final Blues Song for Amiri Baraka
Newark Symphony Hall in New Jersey turned into a space of mournful celebration on Saturday for Amiri Baraka, the poet, activist and playwright. In many ways the event represented at once a moratorium and requiem for the Black Arts Movement. Actor Danny Glover and professors Cornel West and Michael Eric Dyson headlined a star-studded lineup…
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MLK Was a Revolutionary, Not Just a Dreamer
Today, on what should have been Martin Luther King Jr.’s 85th birthday, it’s time to reflect on his legacy and reimagine the significance of commemorations attached to his name. King’s outsized iconography towers over contemporary American race relations. Through a hard-won national holiday, hundreds of books, an endowed lecture series and, most recently, a memorial…
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Amiri Baraka: Political Poet and Poetic Politician
The death of Amiri Baraka this past Thursday at age 79 marks the end of both an extraordinary life and an important cultural and political era when poets did not simply write about political upheavals and revolutions, but at times actively participated and led them. His life’s arc, from poet to black power icon to…
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2014’s Golden Globes Spotlight the Spectrum of Black Films
The critically lauded 12 Years a Slave has been nominated in several prestigious categories in this Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards—and the conspicuous presence of black directors, actors and films this awards season offers a chance to reflect on Hollywood’s tortured racial past and hopeful future. The Golden Globes, which are dominated by the more liberal…
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50 Years Later, It’s Time for a New War on Poverty
Fifty years ago today, President Lyndon Johnson gave one of the most important State of the Union speeches in American history. Championing the cause of racial and economic equality, he promised, “This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America.” A half-century later, it’s time for America to declare a new…
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The 2014 Black Agenda: 5 Things to Focus On
As we enter into a new year, the black community should remain focused on five key areas that are vital to the promotion of racial justice and economic equality in 2014. Reducing Violence in Black Communities Nationwide Chicago’s violence-plagued communities have received the most national attention, in part because of President Barack Obama’s ties to…
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For Condi Rice and Colin Powell, They Were ‘Days of Fire,’ Too
Peter Baker’s Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in the White House offers not only an authoritative and nuanced portrait of the Bush administration but also a window into the way in which Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice wielded power during a time of war. The two most senior black Cabinet officials of the Bush…
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Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Was Also South Africa’s
Nelson Mandela’s life contained enough drama, pathos and triumph to make several films based on his story, but the new biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is primarily concerned with revealing the man behind the legend. And it serves as an important reminder of the power of social movements in the face of political and…
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude
