University of Connecticut
Associate Professor of History at the University of Connecticut and Director of its Institute of African American Studies; author of The Devil & Dave Chapelle and Other Essays and The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama & the Paradox of Progress; former Professor of History at Spelman College
Race, Justice and Public Perception The killing that started out as the "Trayvon Martin Case" is now reported as "the George Zimmerman trial." Zimmerman is the only living witness to the shooting death of Martin in Sanford, Florida early last year. He's admitted he pulled the trigger, but claims self defense. Despite months of punditry, issues of race and Florida's "stand your ground" law have hardly been mentioned in proceedings carried live on cable TV. With closing arguments ending today, we hear some dramatic excerpts and review the twists and turns of a case that has defied expectations. Beyond the courtroom and the fate of the defendant, what are the likely consequences if the verdict is "Guilty" or "Not?"
Race and Civil Rights in the Democratic Primary Campaign It's the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , and his legacy is a guaranteed topic at tonight's Democratic debate in Las Vegas. For the past few days the Obama and Clinton campaigns -- and the candidates themselves -- have been exchanging barbs about civil rights and diversity. We hear what's been said and why it's touched such sensitive nerves. Does Bill Clinton deserve to be called America's "first black president?" Has Hillary inherited that legacy? Does Obama -- with a real chance of winning -- threaten an older generation of black civil rights leaders?
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?