In this opinion piece, Beverly Moran and LaToya B. Parker argue that the federal head of household tax filing status fails to meaningfully benefit the single mothers—particularly Black women—it was intended to help because its structure delivers the largest tax savings to higher-income earners.
Category: Opinion
Posted inOpinion
What do Ketanji Brown Jackson and Clarence Thomas talk about?
In a personal commentary, Percival Duke reflects on the contrasting judicial philosophies and historical legacies of Supreme Court Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Clarence Thomas.
Posted inOpinion
We expect more from Jay-Z. Why not BET?
Columnist Julienne Louis-Anderson argues that BET missed a critical opportunity to encourage Black civic engagement by excluding voting and political messages from the 2026 BET Awards despite the importance of the upcoming midterm elections. She contends that, like influential artists such as Jay-Z, Black media institutions have a responsibility to use their cultural platforms to promote democratic participation, not just entertainment.
Posted inOpinion
The head of household illusion: The tax break that skips the mothers it was built for
In this opinion piece, Beverly Moran and LaToya B. Parker argue that the federal head of household tax filing status fails to meaningfully benefit the single mothers—particularly Black women—it was intended to help because its structure delivers the largest tax savings to higher-income earners. The authors contend that eliminating the status without replacing it with a more equitable, refundable per-child benefit would disproportionately harm low-income single-parent families and widen existing racial and economic disparities.
Posted inOpinion
July Fourth did not feel the same
In this Letter to the Editor, Richmond resident Ernest Parker Jr. says this year’s Independence Day celebrations were overshadowed by concerns about racial injustice and what he sees as setbacks to civil rights. Despite his disappointment, he urges readers to remain united, vote and persevere in the face of adversity.
Posted inOpinion
The two July 4ths: Which did you celebrate?
In this opinion piece, Dr. John E. Warren argues that while many Americans celebrated the nation’s independence on July 4, others were reminded that the promises of freedom and equality remain unfulfilled, echoing Frederick Douglass’ enduring question about what Independence Day means to Black Americans. He calls on citizens to honor the holiday through civic engagement, voting, economic empowerment and collective action to protect constitutional rights and advance justice.
Posted inOpinion
The basis of freedom: Reclaiming land as an act of liberation
Discover the significance of land ownership for the Black community and its connection to freedom, justice, and equality, as discussed by Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III.
Posted inOpinion
What Derby parties can teach Maryland about the Preakness
Governor Wes Moore’s decision to secure ownership of the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Day intellectual property is a strategic move to build a celebration that elevates Baltimore, drives commerce, and creates economic opportunities for the state.
Posted inOpinion
America shouldn’t have hosted the World Cup
By Laura OnyenehoDefender Network Every four years, people from all over the world gear up to watch the biggest global sporting events. You feel it. Even people who swear they don’t watch soccer suddenly have the list of teams and match schedules. For one month, the entire world bonds over a single ball, strangers become […]
Posted inOpinion
The era of legalized unfairness begins, again
Explore the ongoing struggle against injustice in America. A thought-provoking opinion on the impact of unfair laws and the need for change.
Posted inOpinion
50 years later, is ‘Roots’ on the wrong side of history?
“Roots” remains a landmark work that centers Black history as essential to understanding America, but its recent temporary ban in a Tennessee school district reflects ongoing efforts to restrict discussions of slavery and race. The article argues that preserving and sharing Black stories is vital to confronting history honestly and fostering unity.
Posted inOpinion
The Voting Rights Act didn’t fail–the country abandoned its moral commitment to it
Anneshia Hardy is a cultural narrative strategist, researcher and scholar-practitioner whose work examines the intersection of culture, media, narrative power, politics and democracy. This week she speaks on cuts to the Voting Rights Act.
