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Updated 2025-09-15 09:18
Mom of Three Creates App With Black Moms in Mind
There is no shortage of parenting apps in the digital universe. It’s not hard to find a place to get advice on everything from diapers to discipline. But if you’re a Black parent or caregiver, you may feel like the content just isn’t for you. A Black entrepreneur and mom of three hears you loud and clear and has…Read more...
California Task Force on Reparations Votes to Limit Compensation to Descendants of Slaves [UPDATED]
The California task force on reparations voted Tuesday that compensation will only go to descendants of free and enslaved people who were in the United States during the 19th century. The proposal to include all Black people in the country regardless of ancestry was rejected, according to the Associated Press.Read more...
Wanda Sykes Says Chris Rock Apologized to Her After Oscar Slap
Chris Rock hasn’t said much about his onstage altercation with Will Smith at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony on March 27. But according to Wanda Sykes, the comedian did issue a personal apology to her for what took place on stage that night. “I hope he doesn’t mind me saying this, but I saw Chris at Guy [Oseary’s]…Read more...
Rhode Island Senator Gives Up Re-election bid, Puts Black Lives Matter Leader in the Race
Warwick Sen. Kendra Anderson has decided not to run for reelection but instead to endorse a leader of Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee to replace her, reported The Providence Journal. Harrison Tuttle, 23, was announced Tuesday to be her successor.
Is the Race-Wealth Gap About To Get Worse? Part Deux
Last month, I wrote about the very real possibility that the race-wealth gap–maybe the most important byproduct of the country’s legacy of institutional racism as practiced via economic policy–might be poised to grow.
Toni Braxton Speaks Out in 1st Interview Since the Death of Her Sister, Traci
Grammy Award-winning artist Toni Braxton is opening up about how she’s been dealing following the death of her sister Traci earlier this month.
Adam Shakoor, Attorney who Represented Rosa Parks and the Nation’s First Muslim Judge, Dies at 74
Adam Shakoor, a civil rights advocate, an attorney who represented Rosa Parks, the former deputy mayor of Detroit and the first Muslim to be judge, died at 74.Read more...
The Real Housewives of Atlanta Set to Return for Season 14 on May 1
One of Bravo’s most popular series is set to return for Season 14, when The Real Housewives of Atlanta premieres Sunday, May 1 at 8/7c. According to a press release provided to The Root, Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Shereé Whitfield and Drew Sidora return, alongside familiar face Marlo Hampton and newcomer, four-time…Read more...
Brian Flores' New Employer (Almost) Admits He Shouldn't Have Had A Shot At Hiring Him
The Pittsburgh Steelers should’ve never had the chance to hire Brian Flores as a defensive coaching assistant, according to the team’s owner.
Exonerated Black Man in Kentucky Dies Before Wrongful Conviction Suit Goes to Trial
William “Ricky” Virgil, a Kentucky Black man who spent 28 years in prison for murder was released after DNA evidence exonerated him in 2016. He then sued the city of Newport, Kentucky and the police for a wrongful conviction shortly after. Unfortunately, Virgil died before he ever got the chance to confront the police…Read more...
Oscars 2022: Formal Review of Will Smith Slap Incident 'Will Take a Few Weeks' Says The Academy
On Monday, we told you how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced they’d be launching a formal review into the Will Smith slap incident that transpired at this year’s Academy Awards.Read more...
Silk Sonic to Open Grammys
Don’t be late to the party at this year’s 64th Annual Grammy Awards because according to Variety, R&B superstars Silk Sonic are set to open the show. It seems only fitting since the duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak made their debut at last year’s show.Read more...
Alabama Artist Honors Enslaved Women Subjected to Medical Experimentation
Medical experimentation on the bodies of Black women is among the many horrific atrocities of slavery. Enslaved women were forced to participate in painful procedures at the hands of white doctors without anesthesia because they were believed at the time to not experience pain in the same way whites did. But an…Read more...
Lawyer Representing Family of Youngest Astroworld Victim Argues Travis Scott Violated Gag Order
Earlier this month we told you how Bob Hilliard, the lawyer representing Treston Blount—father of the late Ezra Blount, Astroworld’s youngest victim— filed an emergency motion against Travis Scott’s announcement of his new Project Heal initiative alleging that it violated a gag order.
GOP Sen. Susan Collins' Yes Vote All But Guarantees Ketanji Brown Jackson's Confirmation
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said today that she plans to vote “yes” on confirming Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court; guaranteeing that confirmation has at least minimal bipartisan support and making it it all but a lock that Brown will take her place as the first Black woman justice in the court’s history.
Black Man Stopped Twice by London Police for Wearing a Coat
Walking or driving while Black wasn’t enough of a risk it seems. A Black London man has been stopped twice now by police for simply wearing a coat in warm weather, reported The Independent. Both times he was stopped, officers searched him for drugs.
New Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Teaser Highlights Cadet Uhura
You don’t need to tell Black Star Trek fans what a certifiable badass Uhura is. Even on The Original Series when all she did was work the ship’s comms, we knew she was so much more than they were letting her be. Now, the latest entry into the Star Trek universe, Strange New Worlds, is introducing us to Celia Rose…Read more...
Alopecia: Jada Pinkett Smith & Her Hair Loss Disorder Explained
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246 Years Later, Lynching Is Finally A Federal Hate Crime
More than two centuries into the American experiment, lynching is finally, officially a federal hate crime. President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act into law in a ceremony at the White House, assigning enhanced penalties for a heinous act that defined the height of racialized violence in…Read more...
New DonorsChoose Survey Finds Black Male Educators Have High Engagement but Low Retention
A DonorsChoose survey found that Black male educators take on a disproportionate amount of work to support their students inside and outside the classroom. This is the largest-ever survey examining the Black male educator experience from their decision to teach to the impact they make in communities.
Jackie 75: ESPN Honors 75th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson Breaking the Color Barrier with Special Coverage
ESPN is going all out to honor the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the MLB color barrier. Per a press release provided to The Root, the sports network will launch Jackie 75, a season-long project that will “honor Robinson’s lasting legacy, as well as showcase the continued work of Robinson’s wife Rachel…Read more...
Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Brooks to Star in Broadway Revival of August Wilson Play The Piano Lesson
The Piano Lesson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, will be making its grand return to the Broadway stage after over 30 years.Read more...
Federal Judge Says Trump "More Likely Than Not" Committed A Crime
Who, exactly, was Donald Trump talking to while the U.S. Capitol was under attack by his supporters on Jan. 6? Did he call Ginni Thomas on a burner phone in the West Wing or Steve Bannon on a secure line in the residence?Read more...
Canada Coalition has Helped Hundreds of Black Students in Ukraine Escape War
“Global Black Coalition,” an Ottawa-led coalition, has been able to help hundreds of Black people and international students escape Ukraine since Russia invaded the neighboring country one month ago, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.Read more...
Data Shows Major Reading Gap between Black and White Florida Students
Data from Florida’s Department of Education found that Black Florida students fall lower in reading levels compared to white students, reported News4Jax. The data shows a gap of 29 percent between the two groups statewide, however, the gap is even larger in local districts.
Black Herstory: Tammy Williams to Become First Black Woman to Own $135 Million Production Studio in Atlanta
Just as Women’s History Month (aka Black HERstory Month) comes to a close, film producer and director Tammy Williams has just cemented her own unique place in the history books.Read more...
NYC Officials Begin Crackdown On Homeless Encampments Around the City
In an interview with the New York Times on Friday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams had announced a city-wide initiative to get rid of homeless encampments from streets and parks. This is in addition to his “subway safety” plan announced last month, saying that people are not allowed to sleep on subway cars. More than…Read more...
BeBe and CeCe Winans, Mary Mary Lead Upcoming Verzuz Schedule
Verzuz is getting fans ready for spring and summer by revealing dates and some of the artists for upcoming battles. According to Complex, the next batch of battles kicks off April 17 on Easter Sunday with a gospel supercard featuring Mary Mary vs. BeBe and CeCe Winans. We don’t get a lot of gospel battles, so this…Read more...
FDA Approves Another Pfizer and Moderna Booster for People 50 and Older
Looks like another COVID-19 booster is coming down the pike as the Food and Drug Administration has authorized another COVID-19 booster for people 50-years-old and older, according to the Associated Press.Read more...
Conservative Group Finds Teachers are Renaming CRT as "Social Emotional Learning"
A conservative group found teachers in anti critical race theory states have been working around the laws by renaming their curriculum, reported Newsweek. Per an investigation by Accuracy in Media (AIM), school administrators from Idaho and Tennessee admitted to “rebranding” the lessons so they could teach the same …Read more...
Controversial 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Signed Into Florida Law
Despite immense pushback from high school students, LGBTQ+ parents, advocates, and celebrities from Gabrielle Union and Raven Symone, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed HB 1557, titled the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, into law. This is also in conjunction with his “opposition” to Critical Race Theory in…Read more...
Did the NFL Just Hint That It Will Finally Have Black Ownership?
I’ve written about the ineffectiveness of the NFL’s Rooney Rule for so long that many of the older pieces have disappeared from digital archives. That’s a shame, because like all writers, I love to point out when I was right, years in advance.
Senate Judiciary Committee Moves Closer To Vote On Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court Nomination
The confirmation hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nominations are done, and the Senate Judiciary Committee is looking to move the process along. Yahoo News reports the committee has announced the following steps: the panel will reconvene on April 4 at 10 a.m. ET for a vote that will advance Jackson’s…Read more...
Anthony Anderson’s Wife Alvina Stewart Files for Divorce a Second Time
After 22 years of marriage, Black-ish star Anthony Anderson’s wife Alvina Stewart has filed for divorce a second time. According to People, the papers were filed Friday, March 25, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason. The pair are college sweethearts who have been married since 1999 and have two adult…Read more...
Will Smith Issues Official Apology to Chris Rock: 'I Was Out of Line and I Was Wrong' [UPDATED]
Updated as of 3/29/2022 at 12 p.m. ET: Jada Pinkett-Smith has issued a statement of sorts following the slap incident at the Oscars. On Tuesday morning, the Gotham star seemingly responded to the ordeal in a post on Instagram which read: “This is a season of healing and I’m here for it.”Read more...
Historically Black Catholic School in Mobile, AL to Stay Open
A 120-year-old historically Black Catholic school in Mobile, AL, was on the verge of closing its doors for good until an online fundraiser and a pledge of support from the school community made it possible for the school to stay open.Read more...
Grammys 2022: John Legend to Be Honored With Recording Academy Global Impact Award
Grammy-winning artist John Legend is set to be awarded a special honor soon.
New Study Reveals Prediabetes Rates Have Doubled in American Children
A new study has revealed that rates of prediabetes among children have more than doubled over the past 20 years. The study, published March 28 in JAMA Pediatrics, looked at children between the ages of 12 and 19 from 1999 to 2018. During that time, the rate of prediabetes among the teens in the group went from 11.6 to…Read more...
2022 Oscars: The Academy Launches Formal Review Into Will Smith and Chris Rock Incident
On Monday, both the Academy and the 2022 Oscars producer Will Packer responded to the slapping incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock during Sunday’s award show.
Black Georgia Teenager Accepted to Almost 50 Colleges and Receives $1 Million in Scholarships
Makenzie Thompson, a Georgia high school senior, has been accepted to attend 49 colleges and has received more than $1.3 million in scholarship offers. But she did not originally plan to apply to over 50 universities, according to CNN.Read more...
Why Every Black Law School Dean Stands Behind Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
If there is any group of people who understand the challenges Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson faced upon her nomination, it is Black people in law. In solidarity to support Jackson, every single Black law school Dean in the U.S. signed a letter to the U.S. Senate to see to her confirmation.
Will Smith at the Oscars: Was He Protecting Black Women or Displaying Toxic Masculinity?
“Manhood,” a friend texted me after Will Smith’s Chris Rock slap at the Oscars, “often comes down to weighing the moment against the future.”
Oscars 2022: Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes Fix The Academy’s Host Problem
For the first time since 2018, the Academy Awards had hosts–and boy did they pick the right year to return.Read more...
Pandemic Universal School Meals Program Is Set To End in June If Extension Is Not Reached
The expanded child tax credit reached 61 million children by the end of 2021 and cut child poverty by 30% ended in January. Since that expiration, Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy reported almost four million children have fallen into some food insecurity. The child poverty rate rose from 12.1…Read more...
Alvin Ailey's Second Company Returns to Stage With New Artistic Director
After being forced to pause their performances due to the COVID pandemic, the dancers of Ailey II are taking the stage once again with a new artistic director in a highly-anticipated season of performances. Ailey II returns to The Ailey Citigroup Theater for a special two-week season featuring ten performances from …Read more...
Oscars 2022: On Will Smith, Chris Rock, and the 'Slap Heard Around the World'
Now, this is a story all about how, part of Oscar’s night got flipped, turned upside down; and I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there, I’ll tell how Will Smith and Chris Rock became the talk of the town everywhere.
George Floyd Protesters in Denver Awarded $14 Million
A jury found that Denver police violated constitutional rights and used excessive force against protesters during the demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd in 2020. The city will now pay $14 million in damages to the 12 people who sued, according to the Associated Press.Read more...
Oscars Slap: Tiffany Haddish, Jaden Smith, & Black Twitter Respond
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What is Alopecia? Jada Pinkett Smith’s Hair-Loss Condition is the Center of Oscar Night Controversy
By now, you’ve heard all about the slap heard around the world at last night’s Oscar ceremony. This year’s Best Actor winner, Will Smith, was not acting when he rushed the stage to take a jab at comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock’s joke, “Jada, I love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can’t…Read more...
President Biden To Propose More Money For Policing In 2023 Budget Plan
The “Defund the Police” movement has been a hotly contested topic ever since its inception after the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The slogan points to taking money out of exorbitant police budgets and military equipment and investing in more community-based social services. The Biden administration tried a…Read more...
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