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Michelle Obama Through the Years
In honor of first lady Michelle Obama’s 50th birthday—she’ll be celebrating it at a White House bash this Saturday—The Root decided to take a look back at her early years. Michelle LaVaughn Robinson was born on Jan. 17, 1964, in Chicago. She was a student at Bryn Mawr Elementary School. Here she is at Princeton…
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A Single Dad Sees Race Through His Children’s Eyes
Left of Black host Mark Anthony Neal sits down with David Ikard to discuss Ikard’s new book, Blinded by the Whites: Why Race Still Matters in the 21st Century. Ikard is a visiting associate professor at the University of Miami. Watch the interview:
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Notable Members of Zeta Phi Beta
On Jan. 16, 1920, five women founded Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at Howard University. In honor of the organization’s 94th anniversary, we’ve gathered a list of some of its most notable members. 1. Zora Neale Hurston Alpha chapter Author 2. Sheryl Underwood Zeta Tau Zeta chapter Comedian, 23rd International president of Zeta Phi Beta 3.…
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Lupita Is Fabulous. But You Already Knew That
Lupita Nyong’o has been nominated for several awards, including an Oscar, for her performance as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave and is quickly becoming a fashion icon. Here is a list of more of her fabulousness: 1. She was born in Mexico City but raised in Kenya. 2. Her father is a prominent Kenyan…
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Our Playlist for Michelle Obama’s 50th Birthday
Michelle Obama is celebrating her 50th birthday Jan. 17 with a dance party Saturday night at the White House. The Root offers up a playlist. ‘I’m Every Woman,’ Whitney Houston Because the first lady truly does represent every woman. ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered,’ Stevie Wonder It was no accident that the Obama team selected the song…
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Notable Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Founded in 1908 at Howard University, the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha marks its 106-year anniversary today. Here are some notable members. 1. Phylicia Rashad Alpha chapter Actress 2. Toni Morrison Alpha chapter Author 3. Alicia Keys Honorary member Entertainer 4. Maya Angelou Honorary member Author 5. Kamala Harris Alpha chapter First African-American and South Asian…
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Delta Sigma Theta Celebrates Founders Day
On Jan. 13, 1913, 22 women at Howard University founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Since then, the sorority has seen many outstanding women among its membership and honorary ranks. Here are 12 of them. 1. Dorothy Height Rho chapter Civil rights leader 2. Melissa Harris-Perry Pi Omicron chapter Professor, public intellectual 3. Angela Bassett Honorary…
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Black, Brown, Natural and Relaxed: Women Talk Color and Role Models
Left of Black host Mark Anthony Neal sits down with creator-director Chaunesti Webb and actress Lakeisha Coffey to talk about their upcoming play I Love My Hair: The Remix and how women of color must learn to be comfortable in their own skin. Later, Duke University professor Claudia Milian discusses her new book, Latining America:…
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Meet 15 Amazing Kids With Exceptional Talent
What were you doing as a child? Probably not running your own company or taking classes at the local college. We’ve gathered a list of some of the most exceptional black children in the United States and abroad. Prepare to be amazed. 1. Adam Kirby, prodigy At 23 months, Adam potty-trained himself after reading a…
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Notable Members of Phi Beta Sigma
On Jan. 9, 1914, three African-American men founded Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity at Howard University. Since then the frat has produced many notable members. Here are 12 of them. 1. A. Philip Randolph Iota Sigma chapter Union organizer, civil rights leader 2. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) Lambda Sigma chapter U.S. congressman, Georgia’s 5th District 3.…
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude
