Category: OPINION

I was part of the Jan. 26 March on Washington for Gun Control. We called on members of Congress and state legislators to pass common sense gun safety laws to stop the epidemic of preventable child and adult gun deaths. Others were marching in Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, San Antonio, Jersey City and in communities […]

In American society, there is a commonly held belief that learning the lessons of history will prevent past mistakes from repeating. Likewise, an adage that defines insanity as continuing a given behavior, while expecting an altogether different result, gives credence to those advocating alternative solutions beyond the narrative of outmoded ideas and obsolete action plans. […]

So many in my parents’ generation – and our own – never thought we’d see an African-American elected president of this country. Now, we have not only been blessed to see that day, but, on Jan.21 – the same day that our nation paused to acknowledge the contributions of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, […]

When President Obama took the oath of office on Monday, he was surrounded by an extraordinary legacy of 50-year civil rights milestones that helped make possible his first and second inauguration. It was fitting that the inaugural invocation was delivered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol by Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of civil rights […]

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 […]