NATIONAL NEWS

Gun violence, mayhem destroying young lives

Shortly after the Jovan Belcher tragedy, I was asked on a television program whether or not the NFL player's high-profile murder-suicide would have any impact on gun control in America. I answered that it would not. More »

New book explores Obama's use of Black Language

Days before his inauguration as President of the United States in 2009, Barack Obama visited Ben's Chili Bowl, the famous black-owned restaurant in the U Street Corridor of Washington, D.C. He ordered a chili half smoke, Ben's signature dish, and gave the cashier a $20 bill. When she handed him the change for his $12 meal, Obama declined, saying, "Nah, we straight." More »

President Obama: '...our hearts are broken'

We've endured too many of these tragedies in the past few years. And each time I learn the news I react not as a President, but as anybody else would -- as a parent. And that was especially true today. I know there's not a parent in America who doesn't feel the same overwhelming grief that I do. More »

FCC must promote diversity in media ownership

The media keep telling us how changing demographics are profoundly reshaping our nation, and that businesses, political parties and government must diversify to remain relevant. So why are the bearers of these truths -- the same media -- fighting tooth and nail to stay as homogenous as possible? More »