Category: Commentary

I’ve always disliked the way Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is often celebrated. The reasons why became even clearer to me these past few days, as the importance of considering King’s life and work was juxtaposed against three other developments: the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation; the celebration of Barack Obama’s second inaugural as […]

COLLEGE PARK, Md.—We all know those words from Martin Luther King on April 3, 1968—almost as well as we know the climax to the “I Have A Dream Speech.” The ones about the difficult days ahead he won’t see and the mountaintop he won’t climb. We know that less than 24 hours after those words—uttered […]

The latest negative programming coming from the dominant media is a ridiculous show about a Black guy who has 11 children by 10 different women. “All My Babies Mamas” was planned for the coming season, but now it may be completely scrubbed, mainly because a sister, Sabrina Lamb, sent out a petition protesting the show […]

On Jan. 21, Barack Obama will place his hand on the Bible and take the oath of office for his second term as our President. For most Americans, it will be a moment of celebration. A growing, multi-ethnic coalition, dedicated to progress and greater equity in our society, rose up to overcome a massive effort […]

Mr. President, you have been described as our most literary president since Mr. Lincoln. Your prose inspires and paints the possible. I know that you are preparing for your second inaugural address. I have read that you have excellent speechwriters with whom you partner to craft the messages for the nation. As you decide what […]

Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) was re-elected speaker of the House of Representatives with a narrow vote. Needing 218 votes, he barely clinched it with 220. His narrow victory reflects the fact that no Democrat would vote for him and that many Republicans are disillusioned of him. Perhaps it also reflects the fact that he has […]

There is a different feel in the air, and it should not be surprising. As historic as was the re-election of President Obama, nothing can replace the uniqueness of the opening of his first term four years ago. The expectations, the history that was made, the level of excitement are all too impossible to replicate. […]

As New Year’s Eve countdowns wound down, many people turned to the familiar ritual of taking stock of where they are now to make resolutions for what they can do better in the new year. We all measure our accomplishments and shortcomings in different ways. Some people count numbers on a scale or in a […]

Over the past couple of weeks, I have found myself tuning into the evening news with a wariness that I haven’t experienced in a long time. My usual jadedness – my numb acceptance of the fact that the world is descending irretrievably into chaos- has been pierced by the stark realization that my beloved Madiba, […]

I recently took my daughter to our pediatric ophthalmologist — a physician she has seen for several years, and with whom we have a very good relationship. At this appointment, however, the receptionist gave me three new forms to fill out. These forms were not the usual update forms. This new paperwork required specific and […]

In a year when volunteers from Maryland played a major role in re-electing America’s first Black President, it is worthwhile recalling the lasting civil rights legacy of our State. This has been University of Maryland Law School Professor Larry Gibson’s mission for nearly four decades.  I know this because he has been my mentor since […]