Removing the stigma of HIV testing

(Sarah L. Voisin / THE WASHINGTON POST)

Reconsidering school safety policies

Reconsidering school safety policies

Allison R. Brown

Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, one thing that has been absent from public discussion is how new safety policies will impact communities of color.

Lack of outrage over Joyner’s comments shows media bias

Lack of outrage over Joyner’s comments shows media bias

Crystal Wright

The media would likely have been in an uproar if a conservative pundit made racist comments about RG3.

Celebrating the folklore of Trinidad and Tobago on stage

Celebrating the folklore of Trinidad and Tobago on stage

Donna Britt

REVIEW| “Callaloo”, a new play at the Ellington Theater, offers a nod to the culture and traditions of the African Diaspora.

Bigger than boycotts: Django toys and ‘All My Babies’ Mamas’

Bigger than boycotts: Django toys and ‘All My Babies’ Mamas’

Rahiel Tesfamariam

OPINION | Instead of boycotting action figures inspired by “Django Unchained,” we should work toward reforming the media.

Don't Miss...

Things to do Jan. 10-16

Things to do Jan. 10-16

Jillian S. Sowah

Eric Benet performs at The Howard Theatre on Jan. 16.

Vanished: The case of Leon Davenport

Vanished: The case of Leon Davenport

Anqoinette Crosby

The RootDC is doing a series that looks at the cases of local African Americans who have gone missing,

Photo Galleries

‘An Afternoon with the Arts’ hosted by The Links, Incorporated and THEARC

The Potomac and Washington, DC Chapters of The Links, Inc. and THE ARC held a benefit concert.

‘Django Unchained’: Stars behind the movie

A look at some of the key players involved in the controversial film.

Students from D.C. schools explore Haiti with Global Kids

Fourteen D.C. students explored Haiti with Global Kids, a program that teaches students about global issues and more.

The D.C. Metro Chapter of the Ladies of the 12 Days of Christmas holds holiday soiree

Dedicated to spreading Christmas-like cheer year-round, the D.C. chapter raised $25,000 for their charitable efforts.

Opening performance of “Christmas Gift!” at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Created and directed by Nolan Williams, Jr., this musical celebrates African American holiday traditions.

Howard University’s‘Dream Day’

Students interested in entertainment and fashion recently attended the first “Dream Day” event. Panelists included Angela and Vanessa Simmons, and Issa Rae.

ColorComm Brunch

More than 50 members of ColorComm, a networking organization for successful women working in communications, gathered at the home of Marcia Dyson on Nov. 17.

Cocktails for a Cause: Lady Von Elixir

DC politicos, influencers and entrepreneurs gathered to support the Lady Von Scholarship Fund, Inc. and Spelman College with a fundraiser at the Sofitel Hotel.

Election Night with The Root DC

D.C. residents and guests traveled to The Washington Post for a watch party held by local organizations and leaders.

DC, Maryland voters cast 2012 ballots

Washington, D.C. and Maryland residents visted their voter precincts to cast their ballots for president and local officials.

The Alexandria Branch of the NAACP’s 79th Freedom Fund Banquet

This year’s banquet theme was “Your Power, Your Decision, VOTE.” The keynote speaker was activist and poet laureate, Sonia Sanchez, who spoke to the crowd about doing “Pushups for Peace.”

Mary’s Center celebrates its annual Noche Tropical gala

Mary’s Center held its Noche Tropical gala Friday, October 19th, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Emceed by NBC4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer, the gala was attended by 350 guests and raised nearly $500,000 for the center.

‘Girlfriends Give Back’ at The Park

Girlfriends Give Back is a new initiative that held its inaugural fundraiser on Friday Oct. 26th at The Park at 14th. Those in attendance mingled, enjoyed foods and signature cocktails while raising money for Baby Love DC, a local charity.

D.C. youth celebrate National ‘Above the Influence’ Day at the Newseum

D.C. teenagers joined the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Above the Influence Campaign at the Newseum on Thursday, October 18, to celebrate the first National “Above the Influence” Day.

Howard alumni return to ‘The Mecca’

On Friday, Oct. 19 graduates of Howard University joined students and visitors for Howard homecoming 2012.

‘Best Funeral Ever’ is frightening to watch

(Jen White / TLC)

Clinton Yates

There’s nothing funny about exploiting how people mourn.

Joyner on RGIII, Shanahan, ‘Django’

Joyner on RGIII, Shanahan, ‘Django’

Alfonzo Porter

Instead of advancing a constructive conversation about commitment and resilience, the radio host appealed to our most base instincts.

An open letter to RG3

An open letter to RG3

Etan Thomas

I certainly understand the desire to be a gladiator but that attitidue is not more important than your health.

The end of a journey: 32 before 32

The end of a journey: 32 before 32

Leilah Reese

It’s been four months since I started working out and eating better to lose 32 pounds before my 32nd birthday. Here’s how I did.

Pr. George’s residents divided over bill requiring artificial turf at high schools

Pr. George’s residents divided over bill requiring artificial turf at high schools

Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

Are new athletic surfaces the best use of money when classrooms are overcrowded?

Process slows access to $10M in aid for Pr. George’s foreclosure crisis

Process slows access to $10M in aid for Pr. George’s foreclosure crisis

Keith Harriston

It could be three years before funds leave the coffers of the state office of the attorney general.

Visit The Root, our national site

The Root is the leading online source of national and international news and commentary from an African-American perspective.

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Video Gallery

Jennifer Johns on hip-hop, food activism

Jennifer Johns on hip-hop, food activism

Bay Area-born artist Jennifer Johns sits down with The RootDC’s Erin Williams to discuss how she combines art and activism, as well as what not to miss at this weekend’s Hip-Hop Theater Festival.
Remembering Chuck Brown, creator of go-go music

Remembering Chuck Brown, creator of go-go music

The Washington Post’s Chris Richards remembers Chuck Brown. Richards highlights the 75-year-old musician’s devotion to D.C., early years in prison where he is said to have learned music, and how Brown created the go-go sound.
Robert Griffin III: ‘By no means was my upbringing normal’

Robert Griffin III: ‘By no means was my upbringing normal’

In an exclusive interview with The Washington Post, Robert Griffin III discusses his unique childhood and how his interpretation of “fun” differed from his friends.
Obama’s support for same-sex marriage could boost his campaign

Obama’s support for same-sex marriage could boost his campaign

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza discusses the political pitfalls and benefits of President Obama’s decision to come out in support of same-sex marriage.
‘Before I die’ chalk wall inspires DC residents

‘Before I die’ chalk wall inspires DC residents

At the corner of 14th St NW and Q St NW, there is an outdoor chalk wall titled, “Before I die.” DC residents explain what goals they listed.
Words of 1861 resound at Frederick Douglass home (1:56)

Words of 1861 resound at Frederick Douglass home (1:56)

The winners of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site's oratorical competition performed their speeches at the 194th birthday celebration on the grounds of the Douglass home. Brayden Wood, 8, of Upper Marlboro, Md., delivered Douglass's 1861 speech, "Fighting Rebels With One Hand." (Feb. 16)
Michelle Obama's uneasy road to popularity (1:32)

Michelle Obama's uneasy road to popularity (1:32)

Michelle Obama is seen very favorably among black women, according to a new poll conducted by the Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation. The Washington Post's Krissah Thompson talks about the first lady's uneasy path to popularity, and how it may help her husband's re-election campaign. (Jan. 23)
Metrobus mishaps: Failure to yield (0:12)

Metrobus mishaps: Failure to yield (0:12)

(Editor’s note: May contain graphic language.) This video, obtained by a request from WTOP, shows a traffic incident caught by a Metrobus dashboard camera.
Aquille Carr: 'Crimestopper' is basketball's next big thing (1:50)

Aquille Carr: 'Crimestopper' is basketball's next big thing (1:50)

Patterson High School junior Aquille Carr--a basketball phenom--has grown into an inner city legend, garnering the nickname 'Crimestopper' because admirers say crime stops in Baltimore during his games at Patterson. An undersized guard, Carr has set out to disprove his doubters. (Jan. 11)
Mitt Romney criticizes Obama's leadership

Mitt Romney criticizes Obama's leadership

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney campaigns in Conway, South Carolina. The state holds its Republican primary on January 21st. (Jan. 6)
3 FAMU students charged with hazing

3 FAMU students charged with hazing

3 Florida A&M Marching Band members are charged with hazing a fellow student, sending her to the emergency room. The alleged hazing occurred three weeks before another Florida A&M student died after a suspected hazing on board a marching band bus. (Dec. 14)
Pro boxer Lamont Peterson down, but never out

Pro boxer Lamont Peterson down, but never out

Professional boxer Lamont Peterson grew up on the streets of Washington D.C. and in foster care as a child. On Dec. 10, he'll fight for a world title.

Editor's Choice

Why IB programs alone won’t save black students

Forcing all Montgomery County’s black students into IB, as some suggest, would be disastrous.

Less art and music doesn’t mean better test scores

As school districts cut arts budgets, students aren’t guaranteed better performance in math and science.

Market needs more than a name change

Yes Organic Market location east of the Anacostia to be called Healthy Gourmet Market.

Funeral homes in struggle to survive

Many black-owned establishments in D.C. are trying to keep their footing.

Taking back the mic: Hip-hop as a STEP learning tool

There are countless benefits to using hip-hop to engage young people in a multitude of academic disciplines.

Barack Obama: Our biracial president

I clearly understand why Obama is regarded as black. But that doesn’t mean I have to repeat that incomplete narrative to the next generation.

The tale of a perceived gentrifier

ROOT DC | I left the U Street neighborhood, not because I was priced out, but because I was harassed out.

Chris Brown takes his love triangle in front of the camera

The singer released a video confessing his love for both Rihanna and recent girlfriend Karrueche Tran, but it’s best he keep his love life quiet.

Shirley Sherrod writes new memoir

Two years after being ousted from the USDA, Sherrod is telling her side of the story in “The Courage To Hope”.

Fresh to death

A week ago a 19-year-old in New York was killed over money for Nike sneakers. I’m tired of kids dying to be fresh.

Spike Lee talks ‘Red Hook Summer’

Lee’s latest in his “Chronicles of Brooklyn” series, examines the ties between a teenager and a church.

Beekeeper brings honey to Anacostia

Charlie Wilson has spent much of his life as a lawyer and community leader. He’s also in the honey-making business, and he may be the only black beekeeper in Washington.

Time for more parent accountability in our schools

Opinion| We fool ourselves thinking that searching for ever more exacting methods of evaluating teachers alone can pull our nation out of its 30-year academic decline.

Should black residents feel ashamed about Mayor Gray?

Opinion| Some upper-income black professionals in Washington who are deeply invested in the District’s standing feel an acute sense of shame.

Why are we obsessed with the Jacksons?

Unfortunately, their outrageous antics have become a constant source of entertainment.