Category: National News

The Republican National Committee’s (RNC) first Black chairman told an audience at the annual meeting of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network that the RNC wants to help the Black community—but said that community must also rely on itself instead of government handouts, saying that dependence has stifled Black progression. According to the Associated Press, […]

Click here to view the Dr. Dorothy Height Commemorative E-edition.

As news of Benjamin L. Hooks’ death riveted the American public, mourning turned to reflective celebration of a man who helped revolutionize the struggle for minority equality in economics, media and politics. This week, Hooks’ family, friends and colleagues honored his life and legacy at Greater Middle Baptist Church and Temple of Deliverance COGIC, both […]

J. Bruce Llewellyn, a Black businessman who made a name for himself in banking, broadcasting, bottling and groceries, died April 7 at the age of 82 after a long illness. But today, the Harlem native is being remembered as not only a trailblazing entrepreneur but as someone who never forgot his people or those less […]

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – President Barack Obama needs only to turn over in his bed to be reminded of all the Black women who are powerfully qualified to be U.S. Supreme Court justices. If First Lady Michelle Obama was not his wife, some legal scholars say she would be a clear and obvious candidate for the short list […]

Each night, hundreds of thousands of kids go to sleep without beds—a crisis many say has been overlooked. In a 2007 report, it was estimated that over 250,000 children nationwide would sleep on floors every night.  That number was too great for National Furniture Bank Association Executive Director Don Lawrence. “If every company in the […]

BALTIMORE — Civil rights activist and Emmy Award-winning actress Cicely Tyson will join an illustrious list of Black luminaries this summer, when she is awarded the NAACP’s 95th Spingarn Medal, the association’s highest honor, July 15 during the NAACP National Convention in Kansas City. The Spingarn Medal, instituted in 1914 by then-NAACP Chairman Joel E. […]

In a widely-expected move, U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens announced April 9 that he plans to retire this year, giving President Obama another chance to place his stamp on the nation’s highest court. Stevens, who turns 90 on April 20, said he wanted to give the president enough time to find and confirm […]

The case against five men charged in the gang rape of a 7-year-old girl in New Jersey has taken an unexpected turn.   According to the Associated Press, the child’s stepfather appeared at the Trenton courthouse April 8 claiming that three of the five accused men were actually trying to help the girl.   “These […]

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele defended his management of party affairs April 5 and attributed mounting criticism to his race and “street-wise” style of management. Appearing on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Steele was asked if he has a slimmer margin of error because he is African American. “The honest answer is yes. It just […]

WASHINGTON — When Haitian Esther Boucicault first discovered she had contracted the HIV/AIDS virus, she was emotionally devastated. But soon her feelings of self pity gave way to action and she began a journey to stop the spread of the deadly disease. “I had to put a face to it,” said Boucicault. Put a face […]

Well wishes from across the country continue to pour in for civil rights legend Dorothy Height, who remains hospitalized at Howard University Hospital after being admitted two weeks ago. More detailed information about Height, president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), who recently turned 98, was not immediately available. But, according to […]