archive
Race
Does One Man's Trouble Still Stigmatize The Race?
March 11, 2009 When black public figures run afoul of the law, it can sometimes lead to a collective cultural embarrassment. But do prominent black Americans still have to carry the weight of the race on their shoulders? Tony Cox speaks with Judge Lynn Toler.
Digital Life
Report: Social Networks More Popular Than E-Mail
March 11, 2009 There's some surprising new information about the evolving nature of how people use the Internet and what they use it for. News & Notes digital producer Geoffrey Bennett explains.
Arts & Life
Celebrating 50 Years Of Alvin Ailey's Influence
March 11, 2009 The work of Alvin Ailey — the legendary dancer and choreographer — lives on through his ground-breaking dance troupe, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The group is celebrating its 50-year anniversary.
Analysis
Roundtable: Obama Administration Lacking Focus?
March 11, 2009 On today's bloggers' roundtable: Is President Obama trying to tackle too many issues at once? Plus, the number of black state lawmakers reaches record levels, and the Supreme Court limits the reach of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
World
Africa Update: Rumors Fly After Tsvangirai Crash
March 10, 2009 This week, violence and protests continue in Sudan one week after an arrest warrant is issued for the country's president. Plus, rumors fly after Zimbabwe's prime minister is injured in a car crash and his wife is killed. Tony Cox speaks with Bill Fletcher.
U.S.
Does Stem Cell Research Hold Diabetes Cure?
March 10, 2009 What progress might President Obama's approach to stem cell research bring for the fight against diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and other diseases which hit the black community hard?
U.S.
Civil Rights Commission Urged To Return To Activism
March 10, 2009 Few people are as familiar with the U.S. Civil Rights Commission as Mary Frances Berry. She served for 24 years, under four different presidents. Now, she's offering an historical look at the commission's work, including her own run-ins with conservative presidents.
U.S.
Obama Lifts Limit On Funding Stem Cell Research
March 10, 2009 The future of modern medicine took a new direction yesterday, as President Barack Obama signed an executive order, overturning a Bush-era policy on embryonic stem cell research. What does this change really mean? NPR science correspondent Joe Palca explains.
Books
Book Tells Little Known History Of 'Reverse Passing'
March 10, 2009 American literature is chock full of stories of light-skinned black people passing as whites. But, white people passing as blacks are a phenomena not so well mapped. It's the subject of a new book by Baz Dreisinger, called Near Black: White to Black, Passing in American Culture.
Economy
Weighing Job Fairs, Mortgage Help In Down Economy
March 9, 2009 The national unemployment rate is at a 25-year high, job fairs are swamped, and there's talk of a "mortgage cram-down" to help home owners. Tony Cox discusses the week's economic news with Dr. Julianne Malveaux.
Analysis
Roundtable: Can Detroit Bounce Back?
March 9, 2009 As the median home price in Detroit falls to $7,500, what does the future look like for the Motor City? Plus, Ebony and Jet magazines struggle to stay afloat. Will Black America let them fail? Tony Cox moderates our bloggers' roundtable with K. Tempest Bradford, Eric Brown, and Kimberly Coleman.
Economy
Stimulus Package Doing More Harm Than Good?
March 9, 2009 The latest economic stimulus package continues to cause disagreement among economists. Dissenting voices say the stimulus plan is bloated and may present an unconscionable burden on future generations.
Arts & Life
Dance Theater Of Harlem Flies High At 40
March 9, 2009 Back in 1969, ballet wasn't seen as a dance form normally associated with African Americans. But against the backdrop of the continuing fight for civil rights, one man was inspired to change that view. Tony Cox talks with founder, Arthur Mitchell, and former prima ballerina, Virginia Johnson.
Age-Old Complexion Debate Takes New Turn
March 6, 2009 With Michelle Obama in the White House, how will her continued presence in the media shape the way Americans feel about women of color, particularly those of a darker hue? NPR's Allison Samuels talks with Cheli English-Figaro and Joel Wade.
Unemployment Rate Continues To Climb
March 6, 2009 On today's reporters' roundtable, the U.S. unemployment rate hits a 25-year high, General Motors is running on empty, and President Barack Obama looks for a cure to the country's ailing healthcare system. Tony Cox talks with Dierdre Childress and Ernie Suggs.
