Breaking News! History in the Making
The “Black National Anthem” First Performed on This Date in 1900
Two brothers are responsible for the song that some people know as the Black National Anthem, first performed more than 100 years ago.
Meet the Newest Black Senator
The newest senator from Massachusetts, William “Mo” Cowan, is one of the most powerful Black politicians in the nation.
Confederate past: Uproar over changing park names
by Adrian Sainz, Associated Press, theGrio.com MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The statue of Confederate fighter Nathan Bedford Forrest astride a horse towers above the Memphis park bearing his name. It’s a larger-than-life tribute to the warrior still admired by many for fiercely defending the South in the Civil War — and scorned by others for…
Happy Birthday, Alice Walker!
We recognize Alice Walker, an award-winning author whose work is well known in and outside of the Black community on her birthday.
Happy Birthday, Reverend John Rankin, Dedicated Abolitionist!
Reverend John Rankin worked toward equality through his religious weapons and work on the Underground Railroad.
Two Black Scientists Receive the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
James Gates and George Carruthers have received medals from the Obama administration for their work in science.
Black History Month Has Been an Epic Failure
Black History Month is well known, but the history of Black people before slavery is still a mystery to most people.
What Was the 2nd Middle Passage?
Henry Louis Gates Jr. writes about the forcible movement of enslaved people after they were already on American soil.
Painting Shows Slave-Auction Drama
Art is one way that we can understand the treatment of Africans and their descendants who were forced into slavery.
Rosa Parks Stamp to Be Unveiled on Her 100th Birthday, February 4th
The U.S. Postal Service will honor the activism of Rosa Parks by debuting a postal stamp bearing her image.
True Believers in Justice: Attorney Travis Williams
One lawyer fights for those who cannot afford representation and would otherwise be vulnerable to a racist criminal justice system.
Fear of a Black Gun Owner
Edward Wyckoff Williams examines why Americans are so uncomfortable with certain people exercising their second amendment rights.
Celebrating the ‘complete’ Martin Luther King Jr.; unfinished work and all
We are all familiar with Martin Luther King’s achievements, but the work he was unable to complete also tells an important story.
Where Was the 1st Underground Railroad?
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals a surprising fact about the Underground Railroad that challenges our understanding of American history.
2nd Amendment Passed to Protect Slavery? No!
Scholar Paul Finkelman takes on an argument recently made about the second amendment’s connection to slavery.
How We Can Truly Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Marion Wright Edelman argues that we must redeem the soul of America to honor Dr. King because it won’t happen by chance.
The Second Amendment was Ratified to Preserve Slavery
Thom Hartmann argues that the second amendment was passed to give slave patrols power to discipline and return slaves.
7 More Slave-Themed Films for You to Look Forward To in 2013
Tambay A. Obenson asks what it means that so many 2013 film releases give viewers a glimpse into slavery.
Happy Birthday, Julian Bond, Civil Rights Hero!
A champion for Black and LGBTQ rights, Julian Bond held positions in politics, education, and activism over his life.
