Recalling Douglass in the age of Obama

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass spoke to a majority white audience in Rochester, N.Y. The great orator and abolitionist had been asked to deliver an address commemorating the Declaration of Independence, following a formal reading of the document that day. More »

Obama asks men to be better fathers than his own

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama got a basketball, his name and ambition from his father. Little else. The son gave back more than he received: ruminations about the man who abandoned the family, a memoir, "Dreams from My Father," and reflections on his own successes and shortcomings as a parent of Sasha, 8, and Malia, 10. More »

Black blog forum explores Web as social change agent

CHICAGO - Billed as perhaps the largest gathering of African American bloggers and Web users since the election of Barack Obama, last weekend's second annual Blogging While Brown conference showcased enthusiasm for the potential of social media tools to spur change, bolster entrepreneurship and give unique voices an opportunity to be heard. More »

New map: HIV rates are highest in the South

ATLANTA - A new Internet data map offers a first-of-its-kind, county-level look at HIV cases in the U.S. and finds the infection rates tend to be highest in the South. More »


Michael Jackson, legendary 'King of Pop,' dead at 50

Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the "King of Pop" and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday. He was 50. More »

BANNER BLOG: Processing the shocking end to a legend's life

Banner readers, please feel free to use this space to share your thoughts about the late "King of Pop." More »

Hub hoops coach pens book for young ballers

Tony Price wants to reach young athletes - especially young black athletes. In his new book, "An Unsung Coach Hears Through the Noise of a Black Athlete's Dream: Lessons on Coaching and Life," Price mines his own experience to show young black athletes that there is more to life than just sports. More »