NEW ORLEANS — Novelist Ernest J. Gaines, whose poor childhood on a small Louisiana plantation germinated stories of black struggles that grew into universal tales of grace and beauty, has died. He was 86. The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, which sponsors a literary award in Gaines' honor, confirmed he died...
Essence Festival Marks 25 Years of Celebrating Black Culture
NEW ORLEANS — The Essence Festival, which draws thousands to New Orleans during the Fourth of July week, is celebrating 25 years of bringing African American women of all ages together for thought-proving conversation and performances from top musical acts. Launched to mark the 25th anniversary of black-owned Essence magazine,...
Court Tosses Black Man's Murder Conviction Over Racial Bias
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Friday threw out the murder conviction and death sentence of a black man in Mississippi because of a prosecutor's efforts to keep African Americans off the jury. The defendant already has been tried six times and now could face a seventh trial. The removal...
Film Captures the Loss of Black San Franciscans
SAN FRANCISCO — Actor Jimmie Fails draws from his own story in his portrayal of a young black man navigating a shifting racial landscape in "The Last Black Man in San Francisco." His tale is a familiar one in affluent U.S. cities. Like his character, Fails is a third-generation San...
3 Black Women Win Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss America
NEW YORK — When Cheslie Kryst won the Miss USA crown, it marked more than a personal triumph: It meant that for the first time, three black women are the reigning Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss America. The North Carolina lawyer completed the historic triple Thursday with pageant...
Respecting Elders: Maya Angelou Clips Sparks Courtesy Debate
NEW YORK — Put a handle on it. If you don't know what that means, you might not call elders by "Mr.," ''Miss" or "Mrs.," insist that your children do the same or demand it for yourself. If you've heard the term, you're likely familiar with the history of the...
African American Task Force Strives To Close FUSD Achievement Gap
After attending high schools in Fresno Unified and Clovis Unified, Adonai Howard noticed stark differences. "I feel like I learned more my freshman year at Clovis High School than I did the three years I was at Bullard High School," Howard said. "The social life that I had at Bullard...
Black Teachers Provide Big Boost to African American Students
There has long been an academic achievement gap between white and black students. Historically, black students have graduated from colleges and universities at lower rates than their white peers. California, which is home to the fifth-largest black population in the country, is no exception. However, new research shows that having just one black teacher can...
The Rock Says It Doesn't Matter Who You Think Is At the Top of This List
As Black History Month wraps up, here is a list of my Top 10 Black Wrestlers since 1980. Why 1980? That’s the decade I became a wrestling fan. This list is subjective and from the perspective of a white, California-bred wrestling enthusiast who occasionally gets to write about the subject. My...
Fresno State Strives to Reach Youth of Color With 'Super Sunday'
In an effort to inspire black youth to consider college, Fresno State President Joseph Castro will kick off CSU Super Sunday this weekend at Image Church New Generation in southwest Fresno. "I am excited about this unique opportunity to connect with prospective students and their families, as well as community members...