Race

Fifty years ago Sunday, the Supreme Court told Ollie's Barbecue in Birmingham, Ala., that the government had a right to order it — and all restaurants — to seat African-Americans.

President Obama has said he'll work to improve race relations between police and communitie, but in his hometown, many see a leader unable to sustain the progress predicted during his 2008 campaign.

As the nation endures a season of racial tension, NPR's Michel Martin talks about the mission of the black church and whether it remains relevant in the social justice movement.

Oakland and Berkeley demonstrators have broken into stores and blocked freeways and rail lines, part of a movement born of frustration about police shootings in Staten Island, N.Y., and Ferguson, Mo.

NFL and NBA players are famous and influential, says commentator Frank Deford. So if they want to show support for protests against police brutality, he asks, why shouldn't they?

Since the 19th century, Christmas in the Netherlands has always included Santa's helpers, known as Black Pete. He's a Christmas tradition to some and a racist stereotype to others.