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Issue: 682

January 19, 2017

The African World

The Identity Politics Red Herring

By Bill Fletcher, Jr. Editorial Board

What passes for identity politics should actually be understood as social justice struggles that aim for consistent democracy and become, as a result, component parts of the larger class struggle. These are not battles around one’s identity. This is not self-indulgent activity by people who, for whatever reason, do not recognize the importance of economics.

In the aftermath of the November 2016 elections, the term “identity politics” has been thrown around repeatedly with many progressives suggesting that the Electoral College defeat…

Continue reading 12 min

Commentary

Bishop Eddie Long’s Cautionary Tale About Homophobia

By The Reverend Irene Monroe Editorial Board

Long had been rumored, for some time, to be gay. And for those inside of Long’s stained-glass closet at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, they, too, knew of the bishop’s penchant for pubescent boys, whom he called “spiritual sons.”

When news hit the airwaves that Bishop Eddie Long died from an unnamed aggressive cancer resulting in dramatic weight lost, many now throughout the Black Church…

Continue reading 4 min

Commentary

Remembering the Great Paxton Lumpkin

By Dr. Conrad W. Worrill, PhD Columnist

In 1954, the great basketball team from DuSable High School inspired the African American community throughout the state with their dazzling display and execution of the game of basketball.

The basketball season has begun and the continued tradition of great African American athletes from Chicago continues. In the spirit of the tradition established by so…

Continue reading 5 min

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