The Roots of Today’s Racism and Police Violence, in an ‘Inconceivably Brutal’ Riot 150 Years Ago The Roots of Today’s Racism and Police Violence, in an ‘Inconceivably Brutal’ Riot 150 Years Ago
“The police headed the butchery” in Memphis in May of 1866, The Nation reported at the time, “and occupied themselves in shooting down every colored person, of whatever sex, of who...
May 11, 2016 / Back Issues / Richard Kreitner
Note to Bill Clinton: There Is No Inherent Criminality Note to Bill Clinton: There Is No Inherent Criminality
At the heart of Bill Clinton’s comments about the 1994 crime bill is the belief in a natural and permanent class of criminals.
Apr 14, 2016 / Mychal Denzel Smith
Chinese Americans Want NYPD Officer Peter Liang Held Accountable, Too Chinese Americans Want NYPD Officer Peter Liang Held Accountable, Too
The historical racism directed at Chinese people is deeply felt, but the conviction of Peter Liang was never an appropriate example of systemic racism.
Apr 13, 2016 / Alex T. Tom and Alix Mariko Webb
Ken Burns on Jackie Robinson and the Republican Party’s ‘Pact With the Devil’ Ken Burns on Jackie Robinson and the Republican Party’s ‘Pact With the Devil’
As PBS prepares to air his two-part documentary on Jackie Robinson, we speak to Ken Burns about what the baseball and civil-rights legend tells us about politics in 2016.
Apr 11, 2016 / Dave Zirin
Charles Barkley Calls for the NBA to Move the 2017 All-Star Game, and Makes My Head Spin Charles Barkley Calls for the NBA to Move the 2017 All-Star Game, and Makes My Head Spin
Charles Barkley is not consistent in who he stands up for. But like it or not, he’s relevant.
Apr 7, 2016 / Dave Zirin
How Did a Homeless Fast-Food Worker End Up Dead in a Jail Cell? How Did a Homeless Fast-Food Worker End Up Dead in a Jail Cell?
Jeffery Pendleton was arrested on a Tuesday. By Sunday, he was dead.
Mar 30, 2016 / Michelle Chen
There Is No Truly Anti-Racist Presidential Candidate There Is No Truly Anti-Racist Presidential Candidate
But once there are real consequences for not having an anti-racist platform, things will be different.
Mar 25, 2016 / Mychal Denzel Smith
Why Are Some Asians Still Supporting the Cop Who Shot Akai Gurley? Why Are Some Asians Still Supporting the Cop Who Shot Akai Gurley?
It’s hard to explain the depth of filial piety in Asian communities, but it’s impossible to understand support for Peter Liang without it.
Mar 15, 2016 / Lisa Torio
Prosecutor Anita Alvarez May Pay a Price for Her Handling of Cops Who Kill Prosecutor Anita Alvarez May Pay a Price for Her Handling of Cops Who Kill
The Chicago prosecutor’s handling of police brutality has dogged a tough re-election campaign.
Mar 1, 2016 / Deborah L. Shelton
San Francisco’s Police Problem San Francisco’s Police Problem
The City by the Bay is known for its gentle vibe—except when it comes to the cops.
Feb 23, 2016 / Rebecca Gordon