African Americans

Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington

Martin Luther King’s Dream at 60 Martin Luther King’s Dream at 60

King offered Americans the choice between acting in accordance with the constitution and resistance—often violent—to change.  In many ways, we face the same choice today.

Aug 28, 2023 / Eric Foner

A History of the Crack Epidemic From Below

A History of the Crack Epidemic From Below A History of the Crack Epidemic From Below

Donovan X. Ramsey explains how documenting the history of the drug war is a “community project” and looks back on 1990s rap music's anti-crack hits.

Aug 4, 2023 / Editorial / Naomi Elias

Alison Mills Newman

The Strange Legacy of “Francisco,” a Novel of Black Bohemianism The Strange Legacy of “Francisco,” a Novel of Black Bohemianism

Over the years, Alison Mills Newman has become disillusioned with her work of experimental fiction. Its story is now caught between radical aesthetics and conservative politics.

Jul 12, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Kennedy Welcoming The Leaders Of The 1963 Civil Rights March On Washington

From Full Employment to Racial Democracy From Full Employment to Racial Democracy

In the second half of the 20th century, Black politics began to shift away from its focus on economic inequality.

Jun 29, 2023 / Class Notes / Adolph Reed Jr.

The Embodied Politics of Black Motherhood

The Embodied Politics of Black Motherhood The Embodied Politics of Black Motherhood

Alienating Black women from our bodies is a strategy for domination. Yet we continue to rise and resist.

Jun 27, 2023 / Feature / Rhea Boyd

Without Apology: Abortion in Literature

Without Apology: Abortion in Literature Without Apology: Abortion in Literature

Some of the most powerful, important abortion narratives show working-class women terminating their pregnancies without regret or anguish.

Jun 26, 2023 / Feature / Edna Bonhomme

Republican presidential candidate Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) greets guests

The GOP Is Not Gaining Black Voters The GOP Is Not Gaining Black Voters

The mainstream media has been harping on the implications of Black Republican candidates, but their influence on voters is not as significant as The New York Times suggests.

Jun 7, 2023 / Steve Phillips

A. Phillip Randolph speaks

When Racial Justice Meant Universal Social Benefits When Racial Justice Meant Universal Social Benefits

The left used to believe that reducing inequality across the board was the best way to combat racial injustice. What happened?

May 17, 2023 / Class Notes / Adolph Reed Jr.

Clarence Thomas Is What He Wrongly Accuses Black Folks of Being

Clarence Thomas Is What He Wrongly Accuses Black Folks of Being Clarence Thomas Is What He Wrongly Accuses Black Folks of Being

Thomas has elevated “personal responsibility” into a prerequisite for citizenship. Yet he fails his own test.

May 12, 2023 / Column / Kali Holloway

Randall Robinson, executive director of TransAfrica (left) with Archbishop Desmond Tutu at a demonstration at the South African embassy in 1984

Remembering Randall Robinson, a Lifelong Fighter for Justice Remembering Randall Robinson, a Lifelong Fighter for Justice

The TransAfrica leader, who died in March, was an indispensable figure in the global anti-imperialist movement.

Apr 26, 2023 / Joseph F. Jordan

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