Political

Senator Barack Obama and the Paradox of Dr. King

TruthoutThe interesting paradox of Senator Obama's historic nomination and Dr. King's speech is that while Democratic candidate Obama is the beneficiary and living evidence of the realization of the "dream," President Obama will have to address the current realities of systemic racism and personal prejudice that have resulted in continued disparity between African- Americans and Euro-Americans in much the same way as they did in 1963.


Stephanie Tubbs-Jones: Champion of Justice

ImageU.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones, who died of a cerebral hemorrhage yesterday, was not just the first African-American woman elected to Congress from Ohio, but she was always a politician of the people, easily accessible and responsive.  Stephanie Tubbs Jones frequently displayed the sort of political courage that put her at odds not just with her president and his party but, at times, even with her own party.

Thanks, But No Thanks

ImageFive young black contributors to YO! Youth Outlook Multimedia respond to the apology.

Where's the 40 Acres?
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives made a "historic milestone" and formally apologized for slavery and Jim Crow. Am I supposed to be thrilled?


U.S. House Issues Formal Apology for Slavery

ImageWashington - The House on Tuesday issued an unprecedented apology to black Americans for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow segregation laws.

    "Today represents a milestone in our nation's efforts to remedy the ills of our past," said Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.


What the New Yorker Cover Got Right

ImageNew Yorker illustrator Barry Blitt says his controversial cover was intended only to show that the incessant rumors that Obama is a closet terrorist are preposterous and ridiculous fear mongering... But Blitt’s point – that the ridiculous rumor-mongering, gossip, slurs, and flat-out falsities about Obama’s religion, patriotism, birth and, of course, race are deep and widespread – is horribly true.

Obama and the Progressive Base

ImageThese days, an appreciable number of Obama supporters are starting to use words like "disillusionment." But that's a consequence of projecting their political outlooks onto the candidate in the first place.

    The best way to avoid becoming disillusioned is to not have illusions in the first place.