Race

Many state constitutions still allow slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for crime.

Louisiana voters rejected an antislavery ballot measure. The reasons are complicated

3:46pm November 17, 2022

by Kaitlyn Radde

Voters in four states — Vermont, Oregon, Alabama and Tennessee — approved antislavery ballot measures in the 2022 elections. The Louisiana amendment may have failed, in part, because of confusion.

Cover of Running While Black byAlison Mariella Desir.

'Running While Black' tells a new story about who belongs in the sport

4:33pm November 16, 2022

by Beandrea July

In a new book, writer Alison Mariella Désir shares her journey into long distance running, reveals the hidden contributions of Black runners and calls for the sport to become more inclusive.

Former first lady Michelle Obama published her memoir Becoming in November 2018.

EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Obama reads from her forthcoming book 'The Light We Carry'

8:59am November 14, 2022

by Meghan Collins Sullivan

In a new book, the former first lady focuses on how she's dealt with difficult situations in her life. You can listen to her talk about a couple of these times in exclusive excepts provided to NPR.

Dave Chappelle tried to walk a difficult line on "Saturday Night Live" this week.

Dave Chappelle monologue disappoints on 'Saturday Night Live'

3:26pm November 13, 2022

by Eric Deggans

Chappelle's monologue seemed filled with justification and minimization.

National

After decades of neglect, Jackson's Black business district is coming back to life

8:01am November 13, 2022

Some cities are investing to revitalize their Black business districts. In Jackson, Mississippi, Farish Street has unique challenges as old and new business try to bring commerce back.

James Whitfield, former principal at Colleyville Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas, in a photo taken at his home in Hurst, Texas, last year.

Education

The culture wars are pushing some teachers to leave the classroom

7:00am November 13, 2022

by Scott Neuman

Teachers and administrators, already facing long hours and low pay, now find themselves under pressure from politicians, parents and even their own school districts.

Unpacking on-screen representation in 'The Godfather'

5:10pm November 12, 2022

by Aisha Harris

The NPR special series "Screening Ourselves" focuses on representation in three Hollywood films that are now considered classics: The Godfather, Basic Instinct, and The Color Purple.

A memorial for Native American veterans has been years in the making

7:59am November 11, 2022

by Quil Lawrence

The National Museum of the American Indian holds a dedication ceremony Friday for a memorial honoring Native veterans.

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Politics & Government

How Democrats' outreach to Black voters impacted the election

1:32pm November 09, 2022

by Rachel Martin

Quentin James, president of The Collective, joins NPR to discuss whether Democrats heeded a warning to engage earlier with voters of color.

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Democratic candidate for governor Wes Moore speaks during a rally with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden during a rally on the eve of the midterm elections, at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md., on Nov. 7.

Democrat Wes Moore elected governor in historic Maryland race

8:00pm November 08, 2022

by Alana Wise

Wes Moore is the third Black governor to be elected in the country, and the first to serve in Maryland. He defeated Republican Dan Cox for the job, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.