By Ben Jealous Something amazing just happened in the U.S. Capitol. On one day, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a confirmation hearing for five extraordinary women of color who have been nominated to federal judgeships by President Joe Biden. This judicial Dream Team will make our courts more representative of the American people. As judges, […]
Category: OPINION
Posted inCommentary
The Pandemic: an impetus for reviving and valuing the role of parents as their children’s first teachers in the home
By Maxine Johnson Wood, Ed.D. Before and during the pandemic there have been limited formal proposals that support a direct, renewed focus on the significant role that parents play as their children’s initial teachers in the home. Enhancing this could positively improve student learning. Interest and investment in promoting, encouraging and identifying children’s learning, beginning […]
Posted inCommentary
Addressing cost, stigma, and treatment disparities key to improving access to mental health care in Black and Hispanic communities
By April Jeffries and Dr. Manuel Garcia-Garcia Most Americans are frustrated with the mental healthcare system in this country- despite the historic reckoning around mental health that the pandemic has forced to the foreground for two years (and counting). This dissatisfaction holds particularly pointed implications for Black and Hispanic communities, who report being more concerned […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and his choice to oppose- not confirm- the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court
By Robert J. Walker South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) missed his “Profile in Courage” opportunity when he did not vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. This vote should have been a no-brainer for Scott. Being the only African-American republican senator and considering the historical significance of the moment—you would […]
Posted inBaltimore News
The Moore Report: Hope on the Horizon: guaranteed annual income program is coming to Baltimore (What it Means)
By Ralph E. Moore, Jr. Last week, Mayor Brandon Scott announced a guaranteed annual income program for poor folks in Baltimore. The initiative, entitled the Baltimore Young Families Success Fund, is exciting and welcome news for a too little known nor long remembered segment of our city’s population: the poor, the low income, and the […]
Posted inOPINION
Op-ed: An Extraordinary Life, Linking Past and Present
By Ben Jealous I was trained to fight by my grandmother, Mamie Bland Todd. She would often remind me, “Pessimists are right more often, but optimists win more often.” “In this life you have to decide what’s more important to you.” Then she would add, “As for me, I’ll take winning.” My favorite optimist died […]
Posted inOPINION
Op-ed: Freeing Brittney Griner is More Than a Slogan
By Rep. Kweisi Mfume She has worked in Russia for 7 years. She is one of the best players in a sport loved by both Americans and Russians alike. She plays on behalf of our country for Team USA Basketball. She is endorsed by a global, iconic sports brand in Nike. Now she is a […]
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: With automation putting Black and Brown jobs in jeopardy, it’s time to retrain
By Sonny Messiah Jiles for Word in Black Automation is touching our lives daily and letting us function more efficiently. Household conveniences now include vacuum robots and smart home push buttons or voice commands for lights, TVs, security and even refrigerators. “Powerful new technologies are increasing productivity, improving lives, and reshaping our world. But what […]
Posted inOPINION
Commentary: Wealth building won’t work while wealth extraction continues
This piece was originally published in Shelterforce.” By Jeremie Greer Comedy is often the lens through which we grapple with uncomfortable truths. Chris Rock is one of many comedians who’s used his comedy to honestly describe the deep political and economic oppression that Black people endure. In his routine, “Never Scared”, Rock dives headfirst into the […]
Posted inOPINION
The Moore Report: Grammy nominees united by music and parent’s bond of friendship
By Ralph E. Moore, Jr. There is a strong local connection to the 64th Annual Grammy Awards Broadcast televised from Las Vegas on April 3. William Martin March, son of Priscilla and Erich March, is an Atlanta DJ whose program airs weekly for the entertainment of the little ones. Will (known as DJ Willy Wow!) […]
Posted inOPINION
The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act: Why is it important?
By Congressman Kweisi Mfume “Strange Fruit,” written by Abel Meeropol and recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939, captures the sadness and sadistic nature of lynchings in America. Its lyrics compose with horrifying imagery the following scene: “Southern trees bear a strange fruit, blood on the leaves and blood at the root. Black bodies swinging in […]
Posted inOPINION
Community’s support for education funding creates opportunities
By Sonja Santelises Recently, I had the honor of officiating our mid-year graduation. The graduates crossing the stage at this time of year often arrive the hard way: persisting through challenges that would bring many adults to their knees. The faces and smiles of more than 100 beaming candidates, surrounded by cheering family members and […]