Fairfield University
Associate Professor of African American History at Fairfield University
PROFILE
Yohuru Williams
Guest
FROM Yohuru Williams
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Beyond the berets and guns, the softer side of the Black Panthers Fifty years ago this month, Huey Newton and Bobby Seale created the Black Panther party in Oakland, Calif. The Panthers are mostly remembered for their black berets, black leather jackets, guns and violence. But a new book titled “The Black Panthers: Portraits From an Unfinished Revolution” tells a different story. It includes photographic portraits and interviews with 45 surviving party members. Their recollections of running food and clothing drives and medical clinics are a stark contrast to the popular perception of the Panthers.
To the Point
Barack Obama Begins His Second Term America's first black president was sworn in for a second term today, on the national holiday dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Barack Obama's traditional call for unity and equality echoed King's words at the same time he acknowledged what he called, "skepticism of central authority." He renewed commitments to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, promised response to climate change and emphasized the equality of gay Americans. Did he reach out to Republicans or challenge them to more political conflict?
Recommended
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Terrorism in London: Lessons for the US This weekend’s terrorist attack in London left seven people dead and almost 50 injured. London police fatally shot the attackers, and ISIS claimed responsibility.
Design and Architecture
Farewell LA freeways, Peter Shire is back Angelenos don't want more freeways but we seem not to want mass transit either. Metro has killed the 710 freeway extension, and bus and train ridership is down across the region. What's the future of getting around in LA? And, Peter Shire is having a comeback. What attracts a new generation to his playful ceramics and furniture?
Bookworm
Morgan Parker: There Are More Beautiful Things than Beyoncé Morgan Parker says that the poems in her book There Are Things More Beautiful than Beyoncé take a stand against the clichés of the dominant culture.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Previewing James Comey's blockbuster testimony Former FBI director James Comey testifies Thursday in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, but his opening statement has been released. In it, he says he felt pressured by Donald Trump to declare loyalty to him and publicly clear him of any wrongdoing in the Russia investigation.