Black Farmers Receive Long-Awaited Justice By Zenitha Prince “At last,” read the title of the AFRO story on Congress’ approval of legislation that would release the funds for a settlement owed to the nation’s Black farmers. The two words were a sigh of relief from an embattled people in whom lay a tightly coiled mixture […]
Category: OPINION
Posted inCommentary
Making a Difference for Marylanders
The 111th Congress, which just concluded, began two years ago with an aggressive agenda complicated by an ailing economy that would throw a great many challenges in our path. We tackled these challenges head-on and put our nation on a path to recovery from the worst recession in generations. At the same time, we succeeded […]
Posted inCommentary
To Be Equal #50
As we close out the year, this is a good time to take a look back at some of the big events of 2010 that will influence our lives for years to come. The National Urban League has spent much of our centennial year urging the Congress and the White House to focus relentlessly on […]
Posted inEditorial
On the Scandal Sheets
2010 saw its share of hot messes stemming from the perennial swamp of Congress to the pulpit. Many were surprised when longtime legislator , D-N.Y., was charged with ethics violations, including a failure to pay taxes on vacation property—given a 40-year stint on Capitol Hill without the taint of corruption. More were dismayed however by […]
Posted inCommentary
Georgia Prisoners Starting a Nonviolent Movement
Twelve days ago a group of men located in different cities around Georgia began a massive, coordinated, peaceful protest in support of justice and human rights. They used the principles of non-violence that Mahatma Gandhi pioneered while leading the Indian independence movement and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. utilized in the struggle for civil rights. […]
Posted inEditorial
Thanks for the Memories
From entertainers to business moguls and models, the world lost a number of standout figures in 2010. News of their deaths sent shockwaves throughout the public, as fans mourned their losses. Here, the AFRO remembers some of the nation’s most recognized faces and the memories they inspired. Dorothy Height, 98 Thousands poured into the Washington […]
Posted inCommentary
Pigford Passed, Now What?
As the nation celebrates the long awaited approval of funds to settle Pigford II, we have to stop and ask, what happens next? Does this truly make an impact on the state of Black agriculture and Black farmers in the present and future? I find that in my day to day activities and talking to […]
Posted inCommentary
A ‘Used Up’ Michael Steele to Seek Second Term as GOP Leader
(NNPA) – Although the Republican Party appears to have gotten as much use as they wanted out of Michael Steele, the embattled chairman of the Republican National Committee told supporters Monday night he will seek re-election next month. “Yes, I have stumbled along the way, but have always accounted to you for such shortcomings,” he […]
Posted inCommentary
We Owe Mr. Perry a Trip over the Rainbow
Tyler Perry’s movie For Colored Girls, based on Ntozake Shange’s Tony Award-winning Broadway play, was lambasted by movie reviewers across the country. Critics called the movie “a plain disaster,” and naysayers claim he “over-extended his bounds.” The story of strong, intelligent, versatile and beautiful African American women on the big screen triumphing over their tragedy […]
Posted inCommentary
Why I Choose Not to be Color-blind
Americans are today encouraged to be color-blind. The gist is that all, regardless of race, should enjoy the same opportunities and privileges. I completely understand and agree with that premise. However, I prefer and choose not to be completely color-blind. Here is why. In college, I roomed with a Chinese student from Hong Kong. She […]
Posted inCommentary
Barry’s Race-Baiting
Much more interesting than Marion Barry and Yvette Alexander’s bill that would impose a five-year time limit on the receipt of public assistance for District residents is a statement that Barry made recently on Fox News. He said White advocates oppose this bill because they want to keep Blacks “enslaved” and “oppressed” by the welfare […]
Posted inCommentary
Elijah Cummings…Protecting Our Homes
In the midst of our holiday season, we must not lose sight of the harsh reality that far too many of our neighbors continue to lose their homes through foreclosure – a challenge that we all have a personal stake in overcoming. The foreclosure crisis still gripping our nation is a formidable obstacle to our […]
