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Issue: 464

Mar 22, 2012

Sharp n’ Blunt

If Black Folks Leave Tomorrow, White America Won’t Shead A Tear

By Desi Cortez Columnist

I�ve been Black all my life, so with that in mind, I can say to you with all the confidence and conviction in this here world that I know, deep down in my heart, my bat-senses, my spider senses tell me – if ever Oprah, Bill Cosby, Jay-Z concoct any collection of �hi n� all-so-very…

I�ve been Black all my life, so with that in mind, I can say to you with all the confidence and conviction in this here world…

Continue reading 8 min

Commentary

Women’s History Month – Sojourner Truth Ain’t I A Woman? – Delivered 1851, Women’s Convention, Akron, Ohio

By The Black Commentator Guest Commentator

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that ‘twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all this here talking about? That man over there…

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the…

Continue reading 3 min

Commentary

The Crisis and Harold Cruse

By Dr. Conrad W. Worrill, PhD Columnist

One of our great ancestors, Harold Cruse, wrote a book, The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual: A Historical Analysis of the Failure of Black Leadership, which was published in 1967, at the height of the Black Power Movement. This insightful book stirred up a spirited conversation in the African Liberation Movement. That conversation revolves around…

One of our great ancestors, Harold Cruse, wrote a book, The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual: A Historical Analysis of the Failure of Black Leadership, which…

Continue reading 5 min

Guest Commentary

Professor Derrick Bell: “Radical Humanist”

By Dr. Vinay Harpalani, J.D., Ph.D. Guest Commentator

As the last Derrick Bell Fellow in 2009-10, I shared an office with Professor Bell for my first job out of law school. In the years before he passed away, we had many conversations about race, law, and most importantly, about teaching. The most ironic aspect of the conservative media assault on his legacy is…

As the last Derrick Bell Fellow in 2009-10, I shared an office with Professor Bell for my first job out of law school. In the years…

Continue reading 4 min

Commentary

City Council Redistricting in Los Angeles: What Will Be the Price of Belligerence?

By Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad, PhD Columnist

The local government redistricting process has concluded, at least the city council aspect, and not a minute too soon. It has been painful for the black community to watch its leadership implode, and turn on each other as they have. Where was Rodney King when we needed him? Oh, that�s right�they�re holding him for April…

The local government redistricting process has concluded, at least the city council aspect, and not a minute too soon. It has been painful for the black…

Continue reading 5 min

Commentary

One of the Tallest Trees in our Forest: Bayard Rustin

By The Reverend Irene Monroe Editorial Board

�Rustin�s steadfast opposition to identity politics also came under criticism by exponents of the developing Black Power movement. His critical stance toward affirmative action programs and black studies departments in American universities was not a popular viewpoint among many of his fellow Afro-Americans, and as at various other times of his life Rustin found himself…

�Rustin�s steadfast opposition to identity politics also came under criticism by exponents of the developing Black Power movement. His critical stance toward affirmative action programs and…

Continue reading 1 min

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