• African Americans and Freedom: The Soundtrack

    Every tale of struggle and triumph has its soundtrack, and African Americans’ fight for freedom in the U.S. is no different. From spirituals with roots in Africa to songs with hidden messages for those fleeing slavery to brave civil rights anthems, these works of music are more than art—they’re the sound of our history.  1.…

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  • How the Urban Bush Women Got Their Name

    Left of Black host Mark Anthony Neal visits with Jawole Willa Jo Zollar in the Reynolds Industries Theater at Duke University. Zollar and her dance troupe, Urban Bush Women, are partaking in a two-week residency at Duke University. Urban Bush Women celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Watch:

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  • Seattle Seahawks Crush Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl

    So much for Peyton Manning’s record-breaking season and the Denver Broncos intimidating offense.  Super Bowl XLVIII was all about the Seattle Seahawks defense. Overpowering, dominating, lightening fast. And ultimately victorious. The Seahawks led the Super Bowl from start to finish, running up a 22 to nothing lead by halftime. It was the relentless Seattle defense…

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  • Obama Blames Fox News for Stirring Up Political Trouble

    Each year the news division of the network hosting the Super Bowl is granted a pregame interview with President Obama. This year was Fox’s turn, and Fox News anchor Bill O’Reilly used the occasion to grill the president on a few of the conservative’s favorite topics, including Benghazi and the IRS’ targeting of conservative groups.…

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  • ‘To Be Young, Gifted and Black’: The Roots of a Civil Rights Anthem

    Left of Black host Mark Anthony Neal speaks to Shana Redmond about her new book, Anthem: Social Movements and the Sound of Solidarity in the African Diaspora. Redmond is an assistant professor of American studies and ethnicity at the University of Southern California. Watch:

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  • 12 Guaranteed Obama-isms You’ll Notice at the State of the Union

    The State of the Union is a big deal for obvious reasons—but we won’t just be watching to hear about President Barack Obama’s latest proposals. Obama’s patented speechmaking mannerisms make watching the SOTU all the more fun. So we’ve gathered a list of our favorite Obama-isms that you’re most likely to catch Tuesday night. 1.…

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  • Revealing the Role of Black Barbers in the Underground Railroad

    Left of Black host Mark Anthony Neal is joined by professor Quincy T. Mills to discuss his book, Cutting Along the Color Line: Black Barbers and Barber Shops in America. Professor Mills teaches history at Vassar College. Watch:

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  • First Family Commemorates MLK Day at Soup Kitchen

    President Obama and his family chose a Washington, D.C., soup kitchen to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to service on this Day of Service. The president, first lady and daughters Malia and Sasha helped prepare meals at the DC Central Kitchen. Take a look:

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  • Racist Rants About Seattle Seahawk Richard Sherman

    Seattle Seahawk Richard Sherman woke up this morning to an avalanche of racist attacks on social media after the biggest game of his NFL career. Sherman is arguably the best defensive back in the NFL. He’s also a man with a communications degree from Stanford University who is working on his master’s. Last night, after…

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  • Watch Out for the Ladies of Late Night 

    Sasheer Zamata is set to debut on Saturday Night Live this weekend. It’s been five years since an African-American female was part of the cast. But Zamata will have some company in the halls of NBC’s Rockefeller Center. Take a look at the new ladies of late night. Amber Ruffin is an alumna of Second…

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