Rittenhouse Verdict Flies in the Face of Legal Standards for Self-Defense

Rittenhouse Verdict Flies in the Face of Legal Standards for Self-Defense

 The jury in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial has found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on all counts. Demonstrators have gathered throughout the trial at the courthouse. – Kenosha, Wisconsin – November 19, 2021 (Shutterstock) By Ronald Sullivan, The Conversation In a two-week trial that reignited debate over self-defense laws across the nation, a Wisconsin jury acquitted […]

In ‘Passing,’ the Steep Cost of Crossing the Color Line

Ruth Negga shines in Rebecca Hall’s adaptation of the Nella Larsen novel

In ‘Passing,’ the Steep Cost of Crossing the Color Line

By Soraya Nadia McDonald, The Undefeated Passing is not just the title of a 1929 novella and a new film streaming on Netflix, but a once-common practice that served as a method of survival in a country founded on, upon other things, white supremacy. For Black and mixed-race people whose genes allowed it, the ability to […]

Examining the Black-White Wealth Gap

Examining the Black-White Wealth Gap

By Kriston McIntosh, Emily Moss, Ryan Nunn, and Jay Shambaugh, Brookings A close examination of wealth in the U.S. finds evidence of staggering racial disparities. At $171,000, the net worth of a typical white family is nearly ten times greater than that of a Black family ($17,150) in 2016. Gaps in wealth between Black and […]

To Improve Public Health, Make Housing a Human Right

To Improve Public Health, Make Housing a Human Right

By Javier Lopez, Center NYC Where we live dictates so much of our daily lives. Does the availability, stability, and quality of housing impact an individual’s or a community’s health? Intuitively we should all say yes. And data and research support this lived experience. Observational studies have shown that being without a stable home is […]

Hurricane Ida’s Destruction was the Result of Years of Systemic Racism

Even after a racial justice awakening, the effects of climate change and natural disaster reflect deep inequality.

Hurricane Ida’s Destruction was the Result of Years of Systemic Racism

By Rashad Robinson, Salon With nearly two months left of this year’s turbulent hurricane season, thousands of Louisianans are entering their sixth straight week without power following Hurricane Ida. Meanwhile, displaced residents in search of adequate shelter for their families are piling into any neighbors’ homes that are still intact, some with up to 10 […]

White Supremacy, With a Tan

White Supremacy, With a Tan

By John Blake, CNN (CNN) – Cutting taxes for the rich helps the poor. There is no such thing as a Republican or a Democratic judge. Climate change is a hoax. Some political myths refuse to die despite all evidence the contrary. Here’s another: When White people are no longer a majority, racism will fade […]

Racial Income and Wealth Gaps are Huge – but the Fed Doesn’t Have the Right Tools to fix Them

Racial Income and Wealth Gaps are Huge – but the Fed Doesn’t Have the Right Tools to fix Them

By Paul Wachtel, The Conversation Central bankers and economists from around the world are convening remotely for the annual Jackson Hole symposium on Aug. 27, 2021, to discuss the future of monetary policy. For the second year in a row, the annual conference will be virtual and the theme – Macroeconomic Policy in an Uneven […]

Why the John Lewis Voting Rights Act is Already Doomed in the Senate

Why the John Lewis Voting Rights Act is Already Doomed in the Senate

By Chris Cillizza, CNN The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation that would strengthen the federal government’s role in overseeing election law changes that could disenfranchise minority groups, passed the House on Tuesday — a victory for Democrats who believe it is a necessary response to the erosion of election protections by the Supreme […]