Time to Get Tough on Obama, Say Some Blacks

(NEWSER) - From churches to hair salons, Washington’s black institutions are gunning for the Obamas’ patronage, the Washington Post reports. Many in the largely black city feel a sense of camaraderie with the first couple—and know that making a connection with the town's hottest celebrities would be “a tremendous social coup,” said Jackie Kennedy’s former chief of staff. 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»

And woman calling him on it is 'bigot' with 'tampons in her ears'

(NEWSER) - Rush Limbaugh said today he didn’t mean to discourage private donations to Haiti relief efforts yesterday in insisting that Americans had already made a contribution via income taxes—but did stand by a claim that President Obama is using those efforts to boost his popularity in the black community. And when April from Paducah, Ky., took exception in a call to his radio show, Limbaugh let her have it . More»

Scorn for 'thinking they're white' long an obstacle

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama provides a boost for black educational achievement that is much more powerful than any policy. His bookish example may throw a lifeline to black nerds who, scorned for "acting white," feel pressure to slack academically to stay cool, John McWhorter writes in New York. Research shows that the smarter the black student, the fewer friends he has. Now a teased kid can simply retort, "Is Barack Obama white?" More»

Hope infuses acts built on raging at system

(NEWSER) - The 2008 election was a game-changer for many facets of US society, and not least for black comedians, the LA Times reports. Many have made careers out of lampooning and railing against a system that seems stacked against them. “Now, there’s this self-made black man, and they don’t want to undermine the possibility of hope,” says a professor. More»