Trouble the Water Vividly Mixes Katrina, Race

Americans don't discuss racist past enough: attorney general

(NEWSER) - We may have elected our first black president, but America remains "a nation of cowards" on race, Eric Holder said today in a speech honoring Black History Month. "Average Americans simply do not talk enough with each other about things racial," said the attorney general. He vowed that the Department of Justice would lead by example under his watch, reports Politico. More»

Racist call to State newspaper shines light on primary's racial angle

(NEWSER) - As South Carolina hits the polls today, one word looms large: race. This is, after all, the first primary state with a notable black population, which pollsters say will help boost Barack Obama to a double-digit victory. It’s also home to a newspaper that got an angry phone call for “supporting a black man for President of the United States.” More»

In response to question about race, president checks one box

(NEWSER) - When he filled out his census form yesterday, President Obama identified himself as African-American. The son of a black Kenyan and a white Kansan, Obama had the option to check more than one box. He didn't hesitate before choosing "Black, African Am., or Negro," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs tells USA Today . The first family's form also reflected the fact that Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, lives with the Obamas in the White House, notes the AP . More»

Harvard prof. inspired by recent brush with the law

(NEWSER) - After his up-close and personal look at the criminal justice system, Henry Louis Gates Jr. intends to tackle the issue of racial profiling in a documentary for PBS, the Harvard scholar tells the Washington Post. "It had never crossed my mind but it has now," says Gates, who was arrested when a neighbor thought he was breaking into his own home. Charges have been dropped. More»

(NEWSER) - More Americans say race relations are looking good since the election of Barack Obama, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll. Among 973 adults surveyed last week, two-thirds said race relations were good and the number of blacks in agreement doubled since last summer. Despite resignation over the economy and the Iraq war—fronts most Americans say are slow-moving—72% expressed optimism about the next 4 years. More»