Richmond triumphs in democratic primary Will face Rep. Cao and independent candidate Ron Austin for 2nd Congressional District Richmond, who received Mayor Landrieu's endorsement, as well as endorsements from many of the area clergy, elected officials and political organizations, won two of every three votes cast in heavily African-American precincts and nearly half of all votes in heavily white pre­cincts in Saturday's Democratic primary to advance to the Novem­ber 2 general election for the 2nd Congressional District, according to an analysis of ballot results.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Observers see targets painted on lawmakers (Special to the NNPA from the Philadelphia Tribune) — As Fox News and other media under the grip of the conservative right wing continue a steady drumbeat against U.S. Representatives Charles Ran­gel and Maxine Waters, Demo­crats and those on the political left grow increasingly concerned that Rangel and Waters are being successfully converted into the new Willie and Wilma Horton.  Read More ... Dwight Ott, Contributing Writer

Obama needs race staff in the White House, say some civil rights leaders WASHINGTON (NNPA) — The administration of President Barack Obama is missing a key element that has proven a detriment to America’s growth since he has been in office. That element is a staff presence to deal with the rancorous issues related to race in America.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Reps. Rangel, Waters fight ethics charges as Black support mounts WASHINGTON (NNPA) — As U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) prepares to fight 13 ethics charges, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, another leading member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has also come under scrutiny.  Read More ...

Rights activists defend the 14th Amendment Under the 14th Amendment, U.S. citizenship is granted automatically to nearly everyone born in the United States, including the children of undocumented immigrants. (There are a few exceptions, such as the children of foreign diplomats.) This Constitutionally protected right, called “birthright citizenship,” could be the next frontier for anti-immigration politicians and activists, who seek to deny citizenship to the U.S.-children of undocumented immigrants.  Read More ... Deirdre Ruseitt, Contributing Writer

New poll shows Cao in 1st place to retain his congressional seat Nearly two years ago, in the wake of Anh “Joseph” Cao’s victory over scandal-plagued incumbent William Jefferson, the conventional political wisdom was that the Vietnamese Republican’s triumph in the very Democratic-leaning, African-American majority 2nd Congressional District was a fluke. It could not happen again in a normal election, the pundits mused, but a recent poll suggests they may have spoken too soon.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

Wall Street bill passes House, heads for the Senate with significant Black inclusion WASHINGTON (NNPA) — Last week, the House of Representatives passed a Wall Street reform bill that advocates are calling the most comprehensive financial reform since the New Deal was signed into law by Franklin Roosevelt 70 years ago.  Read More ... Pharoh Martin, NNPA National Correspondent

Blacks call for clean energy action The National Conference of Black Mayors today calls on the Senate to chart a new direction for America’s future through comprehensive climate and energy legislation that will provide for the sustainability of our nation’s most vulnerable communities. Congres­sional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Barbara Lee and Members of the Congressional Black Caucus joined 20 African-American mayors along with the Hip Hop Caucus in their call for Senate action.  Read More ...

Blacks join meteoric rise in casting absentee votes (Black Voice News) — Emboldened by the unprecedented turnout that resulted in the nation’s first Black president increasing numbers of Black voters are taking to the mailbox instead of their local polling station.  Read More ... Chris Levister, Contributing Writer

Obama issues memo calling for more federal contracting with small businesses (Special to the NNPA from Target Market News) - President Obama recently issued a memorandum directing the heads of all executive departments and agencies to develop more opportunities for small businesses to participate in the Recovery Act. The memo specifically calls for the participation of businesses owned by minorities, women and economically disadvantaged individuals in the $500 billion in federal purchases made annually.  Read More ... Ken Smikle, Contributing Writer

Obama reveals strategy to curb drug abuse (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) — President Obama has outlined a broad initiative to reduce drug abuse in the U.S. over five years, which focuses on treating the problem as a public health issue rather than a criminal-justice problem.  Read More ... Melanie R. Holmes, Contributing Writer

Despite widespread appeals, Obama fails to nominate Black woman to Supreme Court WASHINGTON (NNPA) — In what could be considered as the most powerful public appeal to President Obama thus far on behalf of racial justice, 28 Black women sent the President a letter early last week, expressing concern that he might appoint Solicitor General Alena Kagan as the successor for retiring Justice John Paul Stevens on the U.S. Supreme Court and reasserted a request that he consider a Black woman instead  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA News Service, and Alexis K. Barnes, Howard University N - 1 opinion posted

Legislation would be devastating to the Virgin Islands Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey has introduced legislation that would devastate America’s only African American-majority state or territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands. The territory’s economic development initiatives play by the rules Congress established, will strengthen the local government’s fiscal health and will keep jobs in the United States. We urge Menendez to reconsider his bill, which could force the Virgin Islands into economic ruin and was introduced to satisfy Puerto Rican demands.  Read More ...

Obama's nuclear energy proposal sparks debate among Black environmentalists WASHINGTON (NNPA) — Dr. Robert Bullard sees the red flags waving when it comes to the nuclear reactors President Obama has pledged government aid to construct in the town of Shell Bluff which is located in Burke County, Ga. The first red flag: Burke County is 51 percent African-American and already has nuclear reactors at Southern Company’s Plant Vogtle.  Read More ... Eboni Farmer, NNPA Special Correspondent

‘Don’t ask don’t tell,’ policy should be eliminated, says American Bar Assn. The Congressional letters, signed by American Bar Asso­ciation President Carolyn Lamm, say “we opposed enactment of this policy in 1993 as establishing a form of discrimination that was not based on the character of the servicemember’s contribution to the national defense. The harm we foresaw has since come to pass. More than 13,000 men and women have been dismissed from service under the law, among them highly trained specialists like pilots, sharpshooters and translators.”  Read More ...

Debate rages about holding first Black President accountable (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call)  — Tavis Smiley, popular radio and TV talk-show host, and the Rev. Al Sharpton, a national civil rights leader, have clarified their positions and moved on since they hotly debated President Barack Obama’s Black agenda — or lack of one — on the reverend’s nationally syndicated radio program.  Read More ... Charlene Muhammad, Contributing Writer

Clyburn takes ‘wait and see’ posture after CBC meeting with President WASHINGTON (NNPA) — It was a pivotal moment for the Congressional Black Caucus — and the Black community — last Thursday. The CBC was face to face with President Obama at the White House to talk about what is currently the foremost problematic socioeconomic issue among African Americans — joblessness.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Florida’s U.S. Senators side with Puerto Rico over U.S. Virgin Islands in dispute between territories CHICAGO (Special to NNPA from the Chicago Crusader Newspaper) — As leaders in Washington refocus on the economy, Florida Senators Bill Nelson and George LeMieux unexpectedly jumped into the contentious “rum war” raging between two U.S. territories. Both staked a surprising position in support of Puerto Rico against the U.S. Virgin Islands, the country’s only Black-majority state or territory.  Read More ... Dawn Jasper, Contributing Writer

Former Va. governor among latest Pres. Obama critics WASHINGTON  (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) — Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder has offered harsh criticism on the Obama White House, saying that if the president is to fulfill his dream of effecting change for America, he has to up the ante on his leadership skills — and fire some of his key players.  Read More ... Dorothy Rowley, Contributing Writer

Avon Honey, Black legislator, dies unexpectedly Last week, people across the state were stunned by the news that the well-respected legislator, Avon Honey of Baton Rouge, unexpectedly passed overnight at the age of 62.  Read More ... Katrina Rogers, Contributing Writer

As Obama gives his first State of the Union, Blacks remain upbeat about his agenda (Special to the NNPA from Black Voice News) — A year after his historic election as the nation’s first African-American president, Barack Obama is at a crossroad. In his State of the Union Jan. 27, President Obama aimed to deliver a game changing message, one capable of convincing Americans that his policies will create jobs, curb spending, restore prosperity and encourage national unity.  Read More ... Chris Levister, Contributing Writer

S.C. Lt. Gov. compares food aid to the poor to helping stray dogs (Taylor Media Services) — The probable next governor of South Carolina created a national controversy last week by suggesting that government food assistance to poor people is like feeding stray animals because it only encourages them to breed. Lt. Governor Andre Bauer was speaking at a town hall meeting in his bid to capture the Republican Party nomination to replace disgraced Governor Mark Sanford.  Read More ...

‘Don’t give up on activism,’ Obama tells Black church at King Day Service WASHINGTON (NNPA) — When President Barack Obama walked into the sanctuary of the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., he immediately broke into a clap and a sway to the soulful tune of “How I Got Over.”  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Year One of Obama Administration shows progress (Special to the NNPA from the Los Angeles Sentinel) - It was exactly a year ago this week that Barack Obama was inaugurated as the country's 44th President-a historic occasion that many never thought they would see in their lifetime.  Read More ... Evan Barnes, Contributing Writer

Poll finds Blacks very happy with the state of Black progress (Taylor Media Services) - Despite confronting a host of social problems, including the disproportionate impact of the nation's current recession on minorities, African Americans are increasingly pleased with the state of Black progress in America. In fact, according to a comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center, Black attitudes about their progress have improved dramatically over the past two years with the primary driving force being the 2008 election of Barack Obama as president.  Read More ...

Black Caucus to press for public option in final healthcare bill WASHINGTON (NNPA) – As U. S. Senators and members of the House of Representatives prepare to negotiate to combine the two distinctly different health care bills, members of the Congressional Black Caucus are vowing once again to push for a public option to make the final bill affordable for their largely African-American and low income constituencies.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Corey Watson is running for City Council District B seat Watson said that his “main reason for seeking office is to serve the people by improving the overall quality of life in the district. . . I am the voice of the people.”  Read More ...

Black lawmakers find themselves under ethics spotlight WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - All seven of the full-scale ethics investigations currently underway in the U.S. House of Representatives are focused on African-American lawmakers-and it would be eight if the committee conducting the investigations hadn't deferred to the Justice Department's investigation involving Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.  Read More ... Zenitha Prince, Contributing Writer

Black leaders applaud House passage of healthcare bill WASHINGTON (NNPA) - When the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi banged the gavel and declared, "The bill is passed," health care reform that President Obama and Democratic leaders have pushed for so fervently over the past year came one step closer to reality on November 7. The Senate is next.  Read More ... Pharoh Martin, NNPA National Correspondent

African-American entrepreneur announces for mayor Troy Henry who had been content for years to stay in the political background, decided that New Orleans needed a leader, and he was distinctly underwhelmed with the choices that had presented themselves for mayor.  Acting on the encouragement of Wendell Pierce and other family and friends, Henry revealed to the press on October 20th, that he would be a candidate in the February 2010 elections for mayor of New Orleans. Read More ... Christopher Tidmore

Right-wing group targeted Rangel NEW YORK (Special to the NNPA from the Amsterdam News) — Earlier this year when the New York Post launched its vicious attack on Congressman Charles Rangel, the Amsterdam News sensed there was more to it than just a random investigation by the Post.  Read More ... Herb Boyd, Contributing Writer

After major stride on health care, Clyburn assures, ‘We’re going to get there’ Finally, a breakthrough came last week. That is when the Senate Finance Committee passed a $829 billion bill, giving hope that a national healthcare program may indeed become a reality. But, there are still monumental tasks on the horizon — including convincing House Democrats to agree.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

First Black president tries to undo Bush-era hatred, but can he? UNITED NATIONS (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) — President Barack Obama seized the world stage beginning at the United Nations and ending at The Group of Twenty economic summit in Pittsburgh, Pa., as the month of September was closing.  Read More ... Saeed Shabazz, Contributing Writer

James Carter honored for efforts to improve criminal justice system New Orleans City Councilman James Carter was recognized for his leadership and hard work on issues dealing with the criminal justice system at the Vera Institute of Justice’s Fourth Annual Benefit Event on Thursday, Oct. 8. Read More ...

Kenner city endorsement The Louisiana Weekly has a commitment to minority communities across the state and the region, and one area that has too often been overlooked is the African-American and minority precincts of Kenner.  Read More ...

Desperate and insecurewhites fear country slipping away (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) - When a virtually unknown Republican Congress­man, Joe Wilson from South Carolina shouted the words "You lie!" during a September 9 speech by Pres. Barack Obama, it was the latest example of the uncivil tone and rancorous atmosphere created by many of the president's opponents on the right.  Read More ... Ashahed M. Muhammad, Contributing Writer

As Obama gets his groove back, black leaders launch grassroots campaign The line is drawn. The Congressional Black Caucus has pledged to kill any House healthcare bill that doesn’t include a robust public option and organizational members of the Black Leadership Forum are rolling out an array of grassroots campaigns in support of passing healthcare reform overall.  Read More ... Pharoh Martin and Hazel Trice Edney NNPA National Correspondent and Editor-in

At the heart of the anti-Obama protests is the scared white man Writing about the wave of anti-President Obama protests by white middle-class Americans in recent weeks, conservative commentator Patrick Buchanan attributed what was taking place to the rise of "the angry white man." Buchanan is only partially right. What we are actually witnessing is the near lunatic backlash of white conservatives who have been overwhelmed and frightened by change.  Read More ... Robert James Taylor, Guest Columnist - 1 opinion posted

U.S Commission on Civil Rights must be replaced, rights leader say WASHINGTON (NNPA) — The 52-year-old U.S. Comm­ission on Civil Rights, historically a leading force for overturning racist policies and enacting civil rights laws against Jim Crow segregation, has become obsolete and must be replaced, say civil rights leaders who are moving to make it happen.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Why is "White Right" attacking first Black President? (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) — President Barack Obama recently met over beer with Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Sgt. James Crowley, hoping to diffuse tense debates over racial profiling and racial bias triggered by the arrest of the Harvard University scholar by the Cambridge, Mass., police department officer.  Read More ... Charlene Muhammad, Contributing Writer

On Capitol Hill, few Black staffers for committees WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) – Blacks in staff positions on major committees are few and are generally found on those with an African-American chairman, according to a survey released by the Congressional Black Caucus earlier this month.  Read More ... James Wright, Contributing Writer

Obama failed to address "national curse" of youth violence RALEIGH (Special to the NNPA from the Wilmington Journal) – On July 14, 2008, when then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama addressed the NAACP Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, he reminded all of his former days as a community organizer on the desperate streets of Southside Chicago, setting up job training, “after-school programs to help keep kids off the streets, and block by block, we helped turn those neighborhoods around.”  Read More ... Cash Michaels, Contributing Writer

Cao blasts partisan bickering, calls for real solutions to unemployment rate On July 21, Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao spoke on the House floor today calling for a bi-partisan, solutions oriented approach to the country’s 9.5 percent unemployment rate.  Read More ...

Big Brothers Big Sisters supports President Obama's Fatherhood Initiative Big Brothers Big Sisters has expressed its support  for President Barack Obama's Fatherhood Initiative, saying it is consistent with the donor and volunteer supported mentoring network's mission. Big Brothers Big Sisters, through its 400 local agencies, serves nearly 260,000 American youth and is proven to help children of single, low-income and incarcerated parents succeed.  Read More ...

‘Coverage is not enough,’ Congressional TriCaucus declares Members of the Congressional TriCaucus — comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus — recently introduced The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009 which outlines their priorities for healthcare reform—particularly the need to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that exist under the current healthcare system.  Read More ...

New CBC report may give peek at Obama's black agenda WASHINGTON (NNPA) - A bi-annual report released recently by the Congressional Black Caucus may give a sneak peek at President Barack Obama's agenda for Black America.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Obama pushes to close Black farmers’ lawsuit WASHINGTON (NNPA) — President Obama announced plans to include $1.250 billion in settlement funds in the 2010 budget to bring closure to the long-standing Black farmers’ lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the White House has announced.  Read More ...

Obama looking for 'empathy and understanding' in new Supreme Court Justice (Special to the NNPA from the St. Louis American) -President Barack Obama has promised the nation yesterday that he would name a Supreme Court justice who combines "empathy and understanding" with an impeccable legal background to succeed liberal David Souter, whose unexpected retirement announcement set off speculation the next justice could be a woman, a Hispanic or both, according to the Associated Press.  Read More ...

N.O. native elected Southern SGA president Stanley White Jr., a senior majoring in theater arts, was recently elected president of the Student Government Association at South­ern University-Baton Rouge.  Read More ...

New bill seeks to address gender-based pay inequities Study shows La. has widest pay gap among sexes To commemorate Equal Pay Day, April 28, 2009, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has released a new state-by-state earnings comparison by gender that shows that the wage gap is stubbornly in place despite the overall positive effect a college degree has on women workers. Observing Equal Pay Day reminds the nation of the gross inequities facing women, who must work from January 2008 through April 2009 to earn what their male counterparts received in 2008 alone.  Read More ...

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. under scrutiny WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - The political career of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. could be jeopardized by a congressional ethics inquiry into his finagling for the Senate seat vacated by President Obama, a well-known Black political analyst said.  Read More ... Zenitha Prince, Contributing Writer

Activists unhappy with Obama boycott of racism meeting WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) - Unhappy with the Obama administration's decision not to attend an April meeting of the Durban Review Conference, which is connected to an international race gathering, activists plan to hold a Harlem rally to protest the action and urge the U.S. to participate in the important meeting.  Read More ... Saeed Shabazz, Contributing Writer

Supreme Court whittles away at Voting Rights Act WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - In a blow to the Voting Rights Act, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on March 9, by a 5-4 decision, that a portion of the law designed for minorities to elect candidates of their choice only applies to districts where they constitute 50 percent or more of the population.  Read More ... James Wright, Contributing Writer

DNC Chair Confesses His State Has "Abysmal Record in Minority Contracting" WASHINGTON (NNPA) - As the Commonwealth of Virginia is poised to spend more than $4 billion of the $787 billion stimulus money being spread across the U.S., Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, admits Virginia's record of spending with minority contractors has been pathetic and even worse with specifically Black-owned businesses and contracting firms.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Congressman John Lewis Remembers 'Bloody Sunday' WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Washington Informer) - A day so violent in the history of the civil rights movement has become known as "Bloody Sunday." That is March 7, 1965, the day that state and local police attacked 600 civil rights marchers with tear gas and billy clubs in Selma, Ala. It was the first day of the Selma Marches and it was a day that helped spark civil rights movements across the country.  Read More ... Carla K. Peay, Contributing Writer

Bill Offers Protection to Renters Hit by Foreclosure WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from Insight News) - U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) has introduced renter protection legislation called the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009.  Read More ...

GOP’s Steele Rejects Obama ‘Coat Tailing’ Theory; Sets Out to ‘Engage’ Black Community WASHINGTON (NNPA) — New Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele, the first African American to hold the seat, rejects the notion that his Jan. 30 win was largely due to political “coat tailing” of the celebrated Barack Obama, America’s first Black president.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Jefferson appeals to Supreme Court to get some charges dropped The attorneys of former Congressman William Jefferson are back in court. This time they have filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking the high court to review a lower court decision dealing with the corruption charges against him.  Read More ...

Federal court denies lenders' motion to dismiss NAACP's discriminatory lending lawsuit NAACP calls on Obama and Treasury Dept. to hold banks receiving billions in bailout funds accountable for racially discriminatory practices.  Read More ...

Holder sworn in as first black U.S. Attorney General WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - Despite earlier efforts by Republicans to hold up his confirmation, Eric Holder met Senate committee approval and approval of the full Senate and was set for swearing in on Tuesday.  Read More ... Dorothy Rowley, Contributing Writer

Steele becomes first black GOP chair BALTIMORE (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - Defeating the incumbent party chief and three other challengers after six rounds of balloting, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele was elected Friday to chair the Republican National Committee (RNC), becoming the first African-American to lead the GOP.  Read More ... Alan King, Contributing Writer

Rights lawyers await Obama's appointment of new Civil Rights chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) - After a blistering report released early this month confirmed that a senior official in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Justice Department illegally hired and fired career attorneys based on their political alignment with President Bush, Civil Rights lawyers around the country say the new head of the Civil Rights Division - yet to be named by President Barack Obama - will likely be "pivotal" in the presidential administration.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

What will Pres, Obama do for Blacks? WILMINGTON, N.C. (Special to the NNPA from the Wilmington Journal) - Now that Barack Hussein Obama has taken the oath of office to become the 44th president of the United States, and the first African American ever to do so, what will he do for Black America?  Read More ... Cash Michaels, Contributing Writer

'Political High Noon, Economic Midnight,' Says Rev. Jackson (Special to the NNPA from the Amsterdam News) — “While we are politically at high noon, we are economically at midnight,” said the Rev. Jesse Jackson. The renowned minister was recently in town to promote his upcoming 12th annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit and to share some of his views on the disparity between the current economic and political issues. “As President Barack is rising,” Jackson continued, “our economy is falling. The economic downturn is double trouble for us.” The “us,” Rev. Jackson, founder and president of RainbowPUSH, was referring to is Black Americans. “In the best of times, we are number one in mortalities.” His misery index included infant mortality, life expectancy, homicide and you know the drill.  Read More ... Herb Boyd and Nayaba Arinde, Contributing Writer

Sen. Landrieu says she’s encouraged after meeting with DHS nominee  U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., on Jan. 5 met with Governor Janet Napolitano, D-Ariz., the Homeland Security Secretary nominee, to discuss a variety of issues facing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including those of critical significance to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Sen. Landrieu and Gov. Napolitano had a phone conversation in December, during which they discussed the need for Stafford Act reform and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) lack of a comprehensive disaster housing plan.  Read More ...

‘Barack the Magic Negro’ CD stirs controversy WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) — A candidate for the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee is drawing fire for distributing a CD to members that features a song called “Barack the Magic Negro.” The story broke Dec. 26, 2008 on the Web site of The Hill newspaper, a publication that covers the U.S. Congress and the neighborhood around the U.S. Capitol. Read More ... James Wright, Contributing Writer

No Need to March, Says Obama Advisor: 'There's Room for Everyone at the Table' WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Valerie Jarrett, who will likely become a household name very shortly as she serves as a senior advisor and public liaison for President Barack Obama, says the landscape of activism may drastically change under the Obama administration as those who have traditionally fought to be heard will likely have seats at the table.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

New Black Caucus Chair Signals More Progressive Agenda WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - In selecting Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., as its new chair, the Congressional Black Caucus chose one of its most progressive members who, days after Sept. 11, 2001, was the only person in Congress to vote against authorizing the use of force in Iraq.  Read More ... James Wright, Contributing Writer

Black Republicans ponder their future WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - With the election of former Democratic Sen. Barack Obama as president of the United States with overwhelming support from communities of color-95 percent among Black voters and over 65 percent among Latinos-many Black Republicans, in contemplating their future, also are reflecting on their place in a party that critics say has always marginalized them.  Read More ... James Wright, Contributing Writer

Attorney general candidate seen as 'bold choice' for civil rights, criminal justice progress WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Civil rights leaders across the nation are characterizing the possible nomination of former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder for the spot of U.S. attorney general as a "bold choice" for prospective upgrades in civil rights and criminal justice laws that have long hindered Black progress.  Read More ... Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

The December 6th election The loss of influence that New Orleans will experience in the next legislative redistricting means that the voters of both Orleans and Jefferson need a voice in the State Senate that already enjoys strong relationships with members of both parties-and has a record of accomplishment.  Read More ...

Inauguration tickets, the hottest in town WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - Washington, D.C., will be bursting at the seams come January.  Read More ... Zenitha Prince, Contributing Writer

Increase WASHINGTON (NNPA) - It's no secret that Black voters have in recent history overwhelmingly voted Democratic in presidential elections - even as much as 90 percent. But, this year's election will likely break even that record, revealing a strong African-American solidarity behind the campaign of Sen. Barack Obama and a dramatic drop in support for the Republican ticket, according to a national poll released last week.  Read More ... By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief

AFL-CIO initiative addresses voting issues In anticipation of record turnout at the polls on Nov. 4, the AFL-CIO is working in nine states — Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Virginia, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada — to educate citizens about their voting rights and help prevent voting-rights violations. Members of AFL-CIO unions and labor groups are participating in the AFL-CIO’s “My Vote, My Right”? program in coalition with civil rights organizations, faith groups, local lawyers, and other community allies.  Read More ...

White women speak up for Obama WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) — White women voters have become the talk of the election and the prize for candidates trying to win their vote. Leaders of several national women’s organizations primarily composed of White women recently came together to say Sen. Barack Obama is their candidate.  Read More ... By Nisa Islam Muhammad, Contributing Writer

In Alaska, Blacks say Palin Failed to Reach Out, Claims Access to Government Jobs Blocked PHILADELPHIA (Special to the NNPA from the Philadelphia Tribune) — While many across America consider Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin some kind of phenomenon, many Blacks in Alaska see the governor of their state as a person not interested in the inclusive posture of her predecessors.  Read More ... By Linn Washington, Jr., Contributing Writer

GOP plans and denials to challenge foreclosed voters examined The ex-head of the Justice Department's Voting Section parses the GOP's recent threats t The "lose your house, lose your vote" stories out of two battleground states, Michigan and Ohio continue to occupy space in the media and various blogs. The story just won't go away.  Read More ... By J. Gerald Hebert, Campaign Legal Center Blog/AlterNet

American Muslims want seat at political table DENVER (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) - American Muslims from around the country met with Joshua Dubois, director of religious affairs for the Barack Obama presidential campaign, during the Democratic National Convention to address concerns that the Muslim community was being marginalized by the campaign.  Read More ... By Nisa Islam Muhammad, Contributing Writer

DNC Chair Pushing For "Enormous...Huge" Black Voter Turnout Nov. 4 WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Now less than two weeks before Oct. 6, the deadline for voter registration in most states, and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean says he is confident that both African-Americans and many Whites will vote in record numbers for the Democratic ticket because of the high stakes issues and historicity of the election.  Read More ... By Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

As key voting deadlines approach, major Nonpartisan voter-protection coalition launches 2008 election efforts With early voting, registration an With early voting, registration and absentee deadlines looming, Election Protection launched its 2008 general election efforts on Wednesday, Sept. 17.  The nation's largest nonpartisan voter-protection coalition, representing more than 100 organizations and the full spectrum of American citizens, will undertake the most comprehensive effort ever undertaken to empower voters to make sure their vote counts this November 4. On a conference call for reporters and bloggers, leaders from major civil rights organizations including the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Rock the Vote, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the National Congress of American Indians unveiled an extensive voter-outreach program.  Read More ...

Report Compares McCain, Obama Tax Plans (Special to the NNPA from the Capital Outlook) - The non-profit Tax Policy Center has released an analysis of the tax plans proposed by U.S. presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain.  Read More ... By Van Wilson

Were Obama Death Threats Real? DENVER (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) - The same day Illinois Sen. Barack Obama made history as the first Black man to accept a major party nomination for president, Tharin Gartrell, one of three men who recently made racist assassination threats against him, appeared in federal court to face felony charges related to the incident.  Read More ... By Charlene Muhammad

GOP Blacks tell why they are proud to be Republicans ST. PAUL, Minn. (Special to the NNPA from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder) - Blacks and persons of color, in prominent roles either as delegates or party officials at last week's 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, talked to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder about why they are proud of being a Republican.  Read More ... By Charles Hallman, Contributing Writer

Palin's Speech No Slam Dunk, Black Women Say (Special to the NNPA from the Philadelphia Tribune) - Sarah Palin's speech last week at the Republican National Convention evoked mixed reaction among Black women, who, rather than backing either candidate because of his or her race or gender, insist they are simply backing the best candidate.  Read More ... By Eric Mayes, Contributing Writer

What Has Happened to the Black Republicans?  Read More ... By Harry C. Alford, NNPA Columnist

Fawning corporate media serve as sidekick to John McCain Pennsylvania Gov. Robert Casey, noting that Senator John McCain supported George W. Bush 90 percent of the time in the last session of Congress, got it right when he told delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver: "That's not a maverick, that's a sidekick."  Read More ... By George E Curry, NNPA Columnist

Nader Comes To NOLA: Urges Action on Those Still Displaced from 9th Ward On Wednesday, September 17th at 3pm, Independent Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader will be speaking at the Freeman Auditorium in the Woldenburg Art Center at Tulane.  Read More ... By Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Black families suffer more economic hardships under Bush-McCain policies, experts say In the face of declining economic indicators for African-American families across the country, former cabinet officers and economic experts said last week that Barack Obama has a plan to bring our economy back from the brink while John McCain offers more of the same failed policies of the Bush Administration.  Read More ...

Blacks look to play significant roles at convention All signs point to the 2008 Democratic National Convention as being one for the record books. In a conference call to highlight the roles African-Americans will play in the event, Atlanta Mayor, Shirley Franklin, Massachusetts Governor, Denval Patrick; and Rick Wade, African American Vote Director for Obama for America shared how this convention will be unlike any other.  Read More ... By Katrina L. Rogers, Contributing Writer

Dog Bites Man in Shepherd Affair That State Senator Derrick Shepherd has made choices that strain the goodwill of the body politic is undeniable.  From the use of public funds to print campaign materials in the last election to his-at best-questionable relationship with "friends" of Bill Jefferson that led to his recent indictment, the Jefferson Parish legislator has played fast and loose with the rules.  Read More ...

The new Black Agenda: Colorblind in Camelot In spite of America's "official line" that we are now a colorblind society, Black Americans are foolish not insisting on Affirmative Action legislation and reparations remedies.  Read More ... By William Reed, Guest Columnist

Some Evangelicals taking leap of faith To Obama WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the District Chronicles) - In 2004, Michael Hancock a 45-year-old technician voted for George Bush. Hancock, an Evangelical Republican, felt his conservative views on marriage and abortion fit best with Bush's. He believed that supporting Bush would fulfill his obligations to vote for a candidate who would keep the country in faithful progression amidst a war.  Read More ... By Hauwa Mukan, Contributing Writer

Two women top Green Party Presidential Ticket This is the first presidential run for McKinney, a former member of Congress from Georgia who previously served six terms representing DeKalb County's 4th Congressional District. McKinney believes that the best way to effectively deal with quality of life disparities in health, economics, and social conditions between Blacks and Whites is by influencing public policy. Read More ... By Ashahed M. Muhammad, Contributing Writer

McCain receives 'polite' reception after twice Snubbing NAACP   CINCINNATI (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - As Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain addressed the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's 99th convention Wednesday, he sounded as though he realizes that he will never be more popular than Barack Obama among Black voters.  Read More ... By Zenitha Prince, Contributing Writer

Major challenges await Obama despite numbers   (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) - Moving toward the Democratic National Committee Convention August 25 in Denver, the historic presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama appears to be effectively consolidating power and unifying the party after a very contentious and verbally combative primary season.  Read More ... By Ashahed M. Muhammad

Push for Bush Impeachment Going Nowhere   WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) - In the face of strong opposition from the leadership of his own party, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)-along with three stalwart co-sponsors-has once again raised the specter of impeaching President George W. Bush, and more. He also wants Mr. Bush tried for war crimes. Read More ... By Askia Muhammad, Contributing Writer

Right Wing attacks on Michelle Obama hit new low The wives of U.S. presidents are referred to as "First Ladies" and historically even the wives of candidates running for the nation's highest office are afforded a certain level of respect. This, however, has not been the case with Michelle Obama who has been insulted and maligned at every turn by right wing conservative radio and television talk show hosts. Read More ... By Ashahed M. Muhammad, Contributing Writer

Tavis Smiley softens position on Obama, Says Blacks Must Defend Presumptive Nominee Against Attacks Political commentator and national talk show host Tavis Smiley seemingly has softened his position on Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Read More ... By Bonnie V. Winston, Contributing Writer

Legislators beg Gov. Jindal to veto their pay hike Many legislators admitted shock at the rising public anger over the recent decision for a pay increase.   Several confessed to a belief that the ethics reforms passed in the special session matched with the repeal of the Stelly tax increase would show the public that the legislators were working what had essentially become a full time job. Hence, they could argue that the pay increase was not only deserved, but long overdue, since there has not been an increase in 28 years.  Read More ... By Christopher Tidmore & David Huguenel

Former Panther leader assails 'New Age' racism: says no such thing as 'post racial' A former leading light of the Black Panther Party on Saturday delivered a sweeping critique of modern American society, telling a college campus audience that a "New Age of racism" is undermining the gains made by African-Americans since the civil rights movement.  Read More ... By Olu Alemoru, Contributing Writer

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama All things are possible, Obama clinches Democratic nomination U.S. Sen. Barack Obama has won enough pledged and super delegates and has seized the Democratic presidential nomination. By doing so, he has defeated Sen. Hillary Clinton by becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee and the first African American to be nominated for the U.S. presidency by a major party. Read More ... By Hazel Trice Edney

Congressman Don Cazayoux Louisiana’s newest Congressman faces the voters Don Cazayoux won the Baton Rouge area’s Sixth District Congressional Seat by the narrowest of margin’s—less than 3000 votes—to fill the unexpired term of Congressman Richard Baker. The new Congressman sat down with The Louisiana Weekly to discuss his re-election campaign and his first days in Congress. Read More ... By Christopher Tidmore

Senate race in Metairie heats up With Scalise’s promotion to the U.S. Congress, voters in Metairie will now have to choose his successor; and their choices aren’t exactly new. Read More ... By David Huguenel

Mayor Ray Nagin City is reinventing itself, says Nagin Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans is shown on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, during the delivery of his State of the City address.  Read More ...

Sen. Hillary Clinton Clinton makes quick apology for RFK assassination remarks Sen. Hillary Clinton said on May 23 that she regretted comments that evoked the June 1968 assassination of Robert Kennedy as part of her reason for staying in the presidential race late into the primary season. Read More ...

Nelson Mandela Legislation seeks to remove Mandela from terrorist list The members and representatives of the African National Congress (ANC), including Nelson Mandela were placed on the U.S. Terrorist Watch List during the 1970s when American foreign policy was dominated by the Republican Party and closely aligned with the Apartheid regime for strategic reasons. Read More ... By Lafayette A. Barnes

Superdelegates enjoy being courted Even with James Carville, one of the staunchest defenders of Hillary Clinton, finally acknowledging that Barack Obama is the party’s likely nominee, undeclared superdelegates are being intensely courted by supporters of both Clinton and Barack Obama. Read More ... By Zenitha Prince