LOCAL NEWS

A long wait

Of all American cities, Boston remains a bit of a racial anomaly. Framed by two seminal eras - its most noble during the 18th century days of abolition and its lowest during the ugly resistance to school busing in the 1970s - Boston has been home to some of the most outspoken critics of racism and injustice. It has also been home to some of the nation's most gifted intellects and conspicuous achievers. More »

Urban League chief: Wealth gap a 'wake-up call'

The widening wealth gap between whites and minorities has wiped out gains made over the last 30 years and could foreshadow even more inequality if something isn't done to address it, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial said on Tuesday. More »

Candidates missing at Puerto Rican Festival

For the thousands of spectators gathered on the sidewalks of Columbus Avenue Sunday, the 45th annual Puerto Rican Festival Parade was a display of cultural pride - flags, salsa music, low-riders, marching bands and, of course, more flags. More »

RCC prof. writes stories depicting New Boston

Ken Tangvik came of age running the streets of Dorchester and Charlestown in the 1970s, hanging out with many of the gangsters and ne'er-do-wells whose likenesses now appear regularly in gritty urban novels churned out by the likes of Dennis Lehane and turned into Hollywood thrillers. More »

A fair share of political influence

Over the course of the last three redistricting cycles in Massachusetts, African Americans have been met with disappointment, disbelief and disenfranchisement. More »

The tragedy of abusive teen relationships

Those of us on the frontlines of youth violence prevention programs are devastated by the recent murder of a young Wayland woman at the hands of her ex-boyfriend. More »

Mass. Senate approves 'supportive housing' bill

Massachusetts lawmakers have approved a new program designed to integrate support services and affordable housing for the elderly, disabled, and homeless families. More »

West honors Boston's past through 'Portraits of Purpose'

As the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) addresses the State of Black Boston this week during the civil rights organization's national conference, they offer up a glimpse of the past. More »

An unlikely jazzman finds passion in playing the tuba

When tuba player Loubins Richard and his trio began their set outside of Fanueil Hall at a recent free show, much of the City Hall Plaza crowd was more concerned with getting home after work. By mid-set, they were dropping dollar after dollar into the drum case belonging to Richard's "Mobtet" group. More »

Nigerian Youth Organization hosts cookout for unity

Defying the scorching sun, Nigerian youth assembled at Franklin Playstead Park to mark the 16th Nigerian Youth Organization (NYO) cookout. More »