Why 'Black Panther' Deserved More Oscar Love

Marvel's Black Panther made history today, scoring the first-ever Best Picture Oscar nomination for a superhero film, one of seven total. And yet, it's not seen as a real threat for the big prize despite being one of the most successful films ever made and getting better reviews than its fellow contenders like Green Book, Vice and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Hollywood’s Long, Shameful History of Blackface

The predominant hot take on the Ralph Northam blackface controversy is that it’s a politically-damaging debacle for the Democrats—and that it may be—but it should also be a reckoning for every American, from those in the fashion industry to the Halloween frat parties, who has long treated blackface as a relatively benign offense.

The Right’s Empty Rage Against Jussie Smollett and Loud Silence on Coast Guard Terrorist Christopher Paul Hasson

If indeed Empire star Jussie Smollett has financed and staged a fake hate crime against himself, we should all be angry with him. And no one deserves to be angrier about what he’s allegedly done more than progressive people of color, people in the LGBTQ community, Muslims, really any group of people who feel increasingly unsafe in the era of Trump

Trump and Fox News’ Strategic Obsession With Jussie Smollett

Over 20 million people are poised to lose their health insurance in the next year, credible experts predict that we have less than 15 years to blunt global extinction due to the effects of climate change, and for the first time in about 100 years, American life expectancy has declined for three years in a row—but what motivates Donald Trump to act with a sense of urgency? Why, Jussie Smollett of course.

Why ‘Game of Thrones’ Appeals to Both Elizabeth Warren and Trump

I The HBO epic has inspired presidential tweets and Elizabeth Warren op-eds, and, despite its lack of diversity, Black Twitter has long provided the most entertaining commentary.

Why Black Voters Are Gravitating to Biden

Yes, his civil-rights record is spotty. But Joe Biden had Barack Obama’s back for eight years, and people will remember that.

After Last Week’s Biden Brouhaha, the Democratic Debates Now Have a Theme: Race

No single issue has dominated Democratic intramurals so far. But now it’s clear that race—and the black candidates fighting for top-tier status—will take center stage.

Kamala Harris Uses Her Story to Force Dems to Really Consider Race

There was plenty of talk about systematic racism, voting rights and even reparations, but she was the one person on stage able to weave an accessible narrative around these issues..

Why Spike Lee’s ‘Do the Right Thing’ Is Still Essential Viewing in Trump’s America

Thirty years after its release, Spike Lee’s explosive portrait of rising racial tensions on a hot summer day in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, is timelier than ever.

Why Democrats Must Talk About Busing in 2020

Busing was always an imperfect solution, but the problem it sought to address—school segregation—is only getting worse. If busing isn’t the answer, Democrats need to find one.

Lashana Lynch—a Black Woman—Is Taking Over as 007. It’s About Damn Time.

According to a new report, Daniel Craig will pass the martini to ‘Captain Marvel’ actress Lashana Lynch, who will be introduced as the new 007 in the still-untitled 25th Bond film.

No One’s Buying Donald Trump’s A$AP Rocky Protection Racket

The president treats black celebrities much like he treats white people — his assessment of their talent and worth is a product of their opinion of him

Here’s Why Kamala Harris and Cory Booker Can’t Break Through

Many Democratic voters—black and brown ones very much included—have internalized the racialized rush to judgment about electability that took place after the 2016 contest.

Donald Trump’s Shady Bid to Divide Black Voters and Conquer the Dems

His condescending overtures to black people aim to provide cover for his supporters who are uncomfortable with how comfortable white supremacists are with this president.

Bernie Worked Hard to Win Over Black Voters. Here's Why They Stuck With Joe

It’s a familiar challenge now for Sanders, whose insurgent campaign against Clinton saw its momentum blunted repeatedly by her overwhelming support among African-Americans.

Trump’s ‘Very Sad’ When Police Kill Is the New ‘Thoughts and Prayers’

The president bears no direct responsibility for Floyd’s death, but his embrace of racist language, ideas and policies has heightened the perception that black life is expendable.

Race-Baiter Donald Trump Is America’s THUG-in-Chief

The president routinely endorses and encourages police brutality, vilifies non-violent protesters of color and spits out racist views.

Dear White People: Get Your Own House in Order

Reaching out to black friends for guidance or to show empathy is good, but policing your own people and speaking among yourselves about the problem would be better.

Here’s What’s Behind Kanye West’s Anti-Vaxxer Politics of Paranoia

These stories are another chapter of America’s past that the nation has never reckoned with, inhuman and inexcusable acts with repercussions that are still felt to this day.