Culture - Black History Month - Black News, Opinions, Politics and Culture

Malcolm X, Whitney Houston, and Other Black Legends Who Died Too Young

From civil rights activists and singers to athletes and actors, these are the Black legends who had so much more to give to the culture.

Noah A. McGee

Image for Henry Louis Gates Jr. On Finding White People's Surprising Black Roots

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03:24

Henry Louis Gates Jr. On Finding White People's Surprising Black Roots

The host of 'Finding Your Roots' on PBS shares a new bit of info on Joe Manganiello's Black ancestry.

Tatsha Robertson

and Adriano Contreras

Image for Black Designers At NYFW AfroFuturism Event Pay Homage To Fashion Icons Of The Past Through Today's Fashion

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03:24

Black Designers At NYFW AfroFuturism Event Pay Homage To Fashion Icons Of The Past Through Today's Fashion

Featuring designers Aaron Potts, Carlton Jones, and Tori Nichel, the preview was organized by Maison Black and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.

Emell Adolphus

and Adriano Contreras

Because of the Black Civil Rights Struggle, These Groups Saw Progress Too

African Americans weren’t the only group to benefit from the Civil Rights Movement

Angela Johnson

On This Day in Black History: Hattie McDaniel Becomes 1st-Ever Black Oscar Winner

As Black History Month 2024 officially comes to a close, there's still a momentous occasion to celebrate before we say goodbye.

Shanelle Genai

Image for Actress Cush Jumbo Recalls Growing Up in London's Projects With Her Rasta Dad’s Booming Reggae Music | My Family Story

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04:12

Actress Cush Jumbo Recalls Growing Up in London's Projects With Her Rasta Dad’s Booming Reggae Music | My Family Story

The star of AppleTV+'s 'Criminal Record' tells the story of her family's name, struggles and the joy of being a part of an immigrant family in London.

Adriano Contreras

Malcolm X, Whitney Houston, and Other Black Legends Who Died Too Young

From civil rights activists and singers to athletes and actors, these are the Black legends who had so much more to give to the culture.

Noah A. McGee

Henry Louis Gates Jr. On Finding White People's Surprising Black Roots

The host of 'Finding Your Roots' on PBS shares a new bit of info on Joe Manganiello's Black ancestry.

Tatsha Robertson

and Adriano Contreras

Black Designers At NYFW AfroFuturism Event Pay Homage To Fashion Icons Of The Past Through Today's Fashion

Featuring designers Aaron Potts, Carlton Jones, and Tori Nichel, the preview was organized by Maison Black and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.

Emell Adolphus

and Adriano Contreras

Because of the Black Civil Rights Struggle, These Groups Saw Progress Too

African Americans weren’t the only group to benefit from the Civil Rights Movement

Angela Johnson

On This Day in Black History: Hattie McDaniel Becomes 1st-Ever Black Oscar Winner

As Black History Month 2024 officially comes to a close, there's still a momentous occasion to celebrate before we say goodbye.

Shanelle Genai

Actress Cush Jumbo Recalls Growing Up in London's Projects With Her Rasta Dad’s Booming Reggae Music | My Family Story

The star of AppleTV+'s 'Criminal Record' tells the story of her family's name, struggles and the joy of being a part of an immigrant family in London.

Adriano Contreras

Image for Candiace Dillard Bassett Feels The Burden Of Continuing Her Family Legacy & Tradition | My Family Story

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04:02

Candiace Dillard Bassett Feels The Burden Of Continuing Her Family Legacy & Tradition | My Family Story

The 'Real Housewives of Potomac' star wishes she could stay forever as a kid in the backseat of her parents' car. Now she's preparing for her very own.

Adriano Contreras

Image for In Rev Run’s Run-D.M.C. & Simmons Family Story, Queens, NY Is The Central Character | My Family Story

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01:51

In Rev Run’s Run-D.M.C. & Simmons Family Story, Queens, NY Is The Central Character | My Family Story

Born Joseph Simmons, the rapper owes his hometown for fond family memories and meeting Jam Master Jay and Darryl McDaniels.

Adriano Contreras

Image for Carla Hall Related To Danny Glover? Maybe. The Chef Shares Her Roots & Granny’s Influence | My Family Story

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03:59

Carla Hall Related To Danny Glover? Maybe. The Chef Shares Her Roots & Granny’s Influence | My Family Story

Chef Carla Hall (Max's 'Chasing Flavor', 'The Chew') vividly remembers the nurturing nature of her family.

Adriano Contreras

Image for Kenya Moore: Abandoned At Birth To 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' | My Family Story

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04:01

Kenya Moore: Abandoned At Birth To 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' | My Family Story

The Bravo star did not have an easy upbringing in Detroit. But one person stepped up to shower her with love and support.

Adriano Contreras

Image for Astronaut Leland Melvin Remembers The Spanking That Introduced Him To Physics | My Family Story

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04:49

Astronaut Leland Melvin Remembers The Spanking That Introduced Him To Physics | My Family Story

Melvin, who's featured in Nat Geo's 'The Space Race', credits his parents with his engineering and scientific prowess, long before his days in space.

Adriano Contreras

Image for ‘Law & Order’ Vet Jesse L. Martin Reveals The First Time He Experienced Discrimination | My Family Story

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03:49

Law & Order Vet Jesse L. Martin Reveals The First Time He Experienced Discrimination | My Family Story

The Irrational star recalls growing up in the South and the effect that moving north had on his upbringing.

Adriano Contreras

Image for 'It Was Cold and They Wouldn't Let Us In!' Vogue Icon, Beverly Johnson Recalls Steel Mills, Swimming Pools & Discrimination | My Family Story

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03:28

'It Was Cold and They Wouldn't Let Us In!' Vogue Icon, Beverly Johnson Recalls Steel Mills, Swimming Pools & Discrimination | My Family Stor...

The model and businesswoman tells her story of growing up in working-class Buffalo, NY, and finding love late in life.

Adriano Contreras

Black History Month

Greatest Black History Moments in Hollywood

In honor of the 2024 Oscars, let’s take a look back at the people and moments that shined the brightest.

Shanelle Genai

How Reesa Teesa, Shannon Sharpe and Keith Lee Broke All the Rules to Hit a Billion Views

Black creators break all the rules to the tune of millions of views. Learn from us.

Dustin J. Seibert

Our Favorite Black Memoirs of All Time

These books are deeply personal, beautifully written and impossible to put down.

Angela Johnson

Why Black People Are So Fussy About Potato Salad

Black families have a deep connection to potato salad, but there are rules you must follow if you plan on making it.

Stephanie Holland

Meet the DC-Area Artist Who Quit Her 9-to-5 and Launched a Line at Target

In this Q&A with Justine Magnum Kirkman, the illustrator speaks on Winnie Weston, a featured line in the retailer’s 2024 Black History Month collection.

G/O Media Studios for Target

15 Amazing LGBTQ People Whose Groundbreaking Lives Helped Shape Black History

Including writers, singers, dancers, activists, this list of Black LGBTQ icons will surprise and inspire.

Emell Adolphus

All of the Groundbreaking and Important Black ‘Firsts’ You Should Know

University of Michigan named its first Black Woman police chief. Here are other Black firsts.

Amira Castilla

and Jessica Washington

The Black History of The White House, Explored

Former speechwriter to Vice President Kamala Harris explores the Black history of the White House for The Root.

Gevin Reynolds

Black History Month

Our Ancestor’s Influence: Africa’s Amazing Impact on the World

Coffee, jazz, makeup and more have an origin story that starts in Africa.

Angela Johnson

Throwback Pics of Black Sorority-Fraternity Life Through the Decades

This Black History Month, we look back at some of our favorite throwback photos of members of the men and women of the Divine Nine.

Angela Johnson

How a Mother-Daughter Duo Grew Their Fashion Line from LA Home Atelier to New York Fashion Week to the Aisles of Target Nationwide

In this Q&A with House of Aama co-founders, Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka tell stories of the African diaspora through style, now more accessible than ever.

G/O Media Studios for Target

You Can Thank Black Folks for That: Inventions That Changed the Culture

Automatic elevator doors, whiskey and the potato chip are just a few of the things Black folks invented.

Angela Johnson

The Story Behind Black History Month, And Why It's The Shortest Month Of The Year

Did you know Black History Month coincides with some very notable birthdays?

Jessica Washington

Breaking Down the History of the Black National Anthem Ahead of Super Bowl

Dustin J. Seibert

Black Celebs Who’ve Finally Received Their Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stephanie Holland

Could These Leaders Be The Next MLK?

Jessica Washington

Black People Built That: Iconic Landmarks Created and Designed by African Americans

Angela Johnson

Meet the Real Villains of Black History

From Robert E. Lee to Eugene "Bull" Connor to David Duke, here are the people who've terrorized Black Americans throughout history.

Jessica Washington

Murders of The Civil Rights Movement That We Must Not Forget

Yes, the FBI plotted to kill Fred Hampton. But there's more.

Kalyn Womack

More Myths And Truths About The Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Transatlantic Slave Trade lasted for more than 400 years.

Candace McDuffie

7 Ways That Affirmative Action Ruling is Ruining Your Black Life

DEI Expert: The impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling has impacted our lives in ways you’d never believe.

Randi B.

BHM: 26 Famous Black People Who Served in the Military

I bet it wasn't on your bingo card to discover that Marvin Gaye was in the Air Force.

Kalyn Womack

Amazing HBCU Basketball Team Seeks Recognition That’s 65 Years Overdue

The Tigers of Tennessee A&I University were the first college team to win three consecutive championships.

Angela Johnson

Meet the Real Villains of Black History

From Robert E. Lee to Eugene "Bull" Connor to David Duke, here are the people who've terrorized Black Americans throughout history.

Jessica Washington

Murders of The Civil Rights Movement That We Must Not Forget

Yes, the FBI plotted to kill Fred Hampton. But there's more.

Kalyn Womack

More Myths And Truths About The Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Transatlantic Slave Trade lasted for more than 400 years.

Candace McDuffie

7 Ways That Affirmative Action Ruling is Ruining Your Black Life

DEI Expert: The impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling has impacted our lives in ways you’d never believe.

Randi B.

BHM: 26 Famous Black People Who Served in the Military

I bet it wasn't on your bingo card to discover that Marvin Gaye was in the Air Force.

Kalyn Womack

Amazing HBCU Basketball Team Seeks Recognition That’s 65 Years Overdue

The Tigers of Tennessee A&I University were the first college team to win three consecutive championships.

Angela Johnson

Black History Month

BHM: Where to Watch Iconic TV Series, Movies That Tell The Black Story

‘Roots,’ ‘High on the Hog,’ ‘Summer of Soul’ and ‘Eyes on the Prize’ are some of the titles that portray different periods of Black History.

Stephanie Holland

Head of the Class: Famous Black HBCU Alumni

Taraji P. Henson, Megan Thee Stallion and our very own VP are among more than a few notable HBCU grads.

Angela Johnson

Black History Month: TV Specials, Documentaries You Should Watch

Stephanie Holland

Famous Members of Black Greek Sororities or Fraternities Better Known as ‘The Divine Nine’

Angela Johnson

Obama Wasn’t The First Black President, According to Persistent Theories

Dustin J. Seibert

Top Grammy Black History Moments of All Times

Kalyn Womack

and Shanelle Genai

Black History Month

The Root Presents: Black History Moments In Time

From tragedy to triumph, click to learn more about the most significant events in Black history.

Rachel Pilgrim (Additional reporting by Kalyn Womack and Amira Castilla)

Black History Month

Lture/black history month

Malcolm X, Whitney Houston, and Other Black Legends Who Died Too Young

Henry Louis Gates Jr. On Finding White People's Surprising Black Roots

Black Designers At NYFW AfroFuturism Event Pay Homage To Fashion Icons Of The Past Through Today's Fashion

Because of the Black Civil Rights Struggle, These Groups Saw Progress Too

On This Day in Black History: Hattie McDaniel Becomes 1st-Ever Black Oscar Winner

Actress Cush Jumbo Recalls Growing Up in London's Projects With Her Rasta Dad’s Booming Reggae Music | My Family Story

Malcolm X, Whitney Houston, and Other Black Legends Who Died Too Young

Henry Louis Gates Jr. On Finding White People's Surprising Black Roots

Black Designers At NYFW AfroFuturism Event Pay Homage To Fashion Icons Of The Past Through Today's Fashion

Because of the Black Civil Rights Struggle, These Groups Saw Progress Too

On This Day in Black History: Hattie McDaniel Becomes 1st-Ever Black Oscar Winner

Actress Cush Jumbo Recalls Growing Up in London's Projects With Her Rasta Dad’s Booming Reggae Music | My Family Story

Candiace Dillard Bassett Feels The Burden Of Continuing Her Family Legacy & Tradition | My Family Story

In Rev Run’s Run-D.M.C. & Simmons Family Story, Queens, NY Is The Central Character | My Family Story

Carla Hall Related To Danny Glover? Maybe. The Chef Shares Her Roots & Granny’s Influence | My Family Story

Kenya Moore: Abandoned At Birth To 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' | My Family Story

Astronaut Leland Melvin Remembers The Spanking That Introduced Him To Physics | My Family Story

Law & Order Vet Jesse L. Martin Reveals The First Time He Experienced Discrimination | My Family Story

'It Was Cold and They Wouldn't Let Us In!' Vogue Icon, Beverly Johnson Recalls Steel Mills, Swimming Pools & Discrimination | My Family Stor...

Greatest Black History Moments in Hollywood

How Reesa Teesa, Shannon Sharpe and Keith Lee Broke All the Rules to Hit a Billion Views

Our Favorite Black Memoirs of All Time

Why Black People Are So Fussy About Potato Salad

Meet the DC-Area Artist Who Quit Her 9-to-5 and Launched a Line at Target

15 Amazing LGBTQ People Whose Groundbreaking Lives Helped Shape Black History

All of the Groundbreaking and Important Black ‘Firsts’ You Should Know

The Black History of The White House, Explored

Our Ancestor’s Influence: Africa’s Amazing Impact on the World

Throwback Pics of Black Sorority-Fraternity Life Through the Decades

How a Mother-Daughter Duo Grew Their Fashion Line from LA Home Atelier to New York Fashion Week to the Aisles of Target Nationwide

You Can Thank Black Folks for That: Inventions That Changed the Culture

The Story Behind Black History Month, And Why It's The Shortest Month Of The Year

Breaking Down the History of the Black National Anthem Ahead of Super Bowl

Black Celebs Who’ve Finally Received Their Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Could These Leaders Be The Next MLK?

Black People Built That: Iconic Landmarks Created and Designed by African Americans

Meet the Real Villains of Black History

Murders of The Civil Rights Movement That We Must Not Forget

More Myths And Truths About The Transatlantic Slave Trade

7 Ways That Affirmative Action Ruling is Ruining Your Black Life

BHM: 26 Famous Black People Who Served in the Military

Amazing HBCU Basketball Team Seeks Recognition That’s 65 Years Overdue

Meet the Real Villains of Black History

Murders of The Civil Rights Movement That We Must Not Forget

More Myths And Truths About The Transatlantic Slave Trade

7 Ways That Affirmative Action Ruling is Ruining Your Black Life

BHM: 26 Famous Black People Who Served in the Military

Amazing HBCU Basketball Team Seeks Recognition That’s 65 Years Overdue

BHM: Where to Watch Iconic TV Series, Movies That Tell The Black Story

Head of the Class: Famous Black HBCU Alumni

Black History Month: TV Specials, Documentaries You Should Watch

Famous Members of Black Greek Sororities or Fraternities Better Known as ‘The Divine Nine’

Obama Wasn’t The First Black President, According to Persistent Theories

Top Grammy Black History Moments of All Times

The Root Presents: Black History Moments In Time

Say It Loud: This is The Ultimate Black History Month Playlist

The Evolution of Coco Gauff

The Evolution of Katt Williams

The Evolution of Stacey Abrams

The Evolution of George Clinton

The Evolution of Michelle Obama

The Origins Of Black History Month, Explained

The Life and Legend of Madam Stephanie St. Clair

How 'Joy Goddess' A'Lelia Walker Created Revolutionary Spaces for the Artistic and the Sensual

The Great Escape of Robert Smalls

The Best ‘Black National Anthem’ Performances in History

The Evolution of Aaron Judge

The Evolution of Sheryl Lee Ralph

The Evolution of Bishop T.D. Jakes

The Evolution of Quinta Brunson

The Evolution of Tyler Perry

Where It All Began: A Black History Month 101

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Queer Black Woman Who Invented Rock ’n’ Roll

How Bad Brains Redefined the Spirit of Defiance

The Women Who Freed a Thousand Slaves

Billion-Dollar Legacy: Reginald F. Lewis’ Incredible Life Story Comes to Film

The Evolution of Doug E. Fresh

The Evolution of Taraji P. Henson

The Evolution of Jamie Foxx