black

"It's been in my lifetime that I could not register and vote freely," said Flonzie Brown-Wright.

Politics & Government

For Many Black Voters, Trump's 'What Do You Have To Lose?' Plea Isn't Enough

7:10pm August 24, 2016

by Sarah McCammon

Donald Trump promises to help bring jobs and security to black neighborhoods. But his poll numbers with African-Americans are in the low single digits, and many say his message is insulting.

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Ryan Lochte of the United States attends a press conference in the Main Press Center on Day 7 of the Rio Olympics.

Roundup: Smart Thoughts On Ryan Lochte And White Privilege

8:37pm August 19, 2016

by Leah Donnella

As it becomes increasingly clear that Lochte fabricated parts of his story, an interesting thought experiment emerges: What would happen if white athletes were treated like black athletes?

Simone Manuel is one of the best swimmers in the world. But even in 2016, there are very few professional swimmers who look like her.

Simone Manuel Wins Olympic Gold. That's A Really Big Deal

3:21pm August 12, 2016

by Leah Donnella

When the 20-year-old won gold Thursday night, she wasn't just an athlete excelling at her sport. She was a symbol for what should have been self-evident all along: Swimming is for everyone.

Books
Arts

'The Fire This Time': A New Generation Of Writers On Race In America

4:32pm August 02, 2016

by NPR Staff

Author Jesmyn Ward invited prominent writers from her generation to pen essays for The Fire This Time. It's a nod to James Baldwin's work of a similar name, which warned of today's racial tension.

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Protesters march near the convenience store where Alton Sterling was shot and killed, July 6, 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

National

Two Days, Two Deaths: The Police Shootings Of Alton Sterling And Philando Castile

3:18pm July 07, 2016

by Leah Donnella

Two videos of black men who were shot to death by police — one in Minnesota and one Louisiana — are sparking passionate responses in the media and on the streets.

Muhammad Ali is remembered as a great athlete and humanitarian — and also as an incisive, defiant black leader. He died Friday at age 74.

National

A Defiant Muhammad Ali Was Cherished By Black Men

5:06pm June 06, 2016

by Karen Grigsby Bates

He was a great athlete and humanitarian. He was also a symbol of defiance for black men around the world.

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The sign, a private marker placed by the NAACP, and approved by the National Park Service, as it now stands in Army Park.

Do The Words 'Race Riot' Belong On A Historic Marker In Memphis?

8:03pm May 02, 2016

by Christopher Blank

On May 1, 1866, Memphis was home to a massacre that killed 46 African-Americans and injured many others. Now a historical marker shows an ongoing rift between white historians and black activists.

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Race, Gender Roil Maryland Senate Democratic Primary

12:27pm April 25, 2016

by Jessica Taylor

Donna Edwards is vying to be just the second black woman ever elected to the Senate. But not all of the state's black female leaders or African-American members of Congress are lining up behind her.

From BuzzFeed Video's "27 Questions Black People Have For Black People."

Arts

A Point-By-Point Response To BuzzFeed's Questions For Black People

7:34pm April 14, 2016

by Leah Donnella

A video titled "27 Questions Black People Have For Black People" misses a whole lotta history when it comes to black people in America.

Bill Clinton on the campaign trail for his wife, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Roundup: Reactions To Bill Clinton's Exchange With Black Lives Matter Protesters

7:34pm April 08, 2016

by Leah Donnella

Many found Bill Clinton's reaction to protesters on Thursday awkward and offensive. But will it have a lasting effect on Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign? Here's what critics are saying.