Commentary

Time to dream big

Thursday, 16 April 2009 15:10 Benjamin Todd Jealous, NNPA Guest Columnist

The struggle to end the lock 'em up and throw away the key policies that resulted in the U.S. jailing more of its citizens than any other industrialized country has just won a significant victory.

America’s health care system is crying out for reform

Thursday, 16 April 2009 15:07 Marian Wright Edelman, NNPA Columnist

It’s plain that our nation's health insurance system is broken: 46 million people in America lack health coverage—nine million of them children—and the number of uninsured is growing during the current recession.

Hard work-just this year, more than 2 million have lost jobs

Thursday, 09 April 2009 18:28 Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Columnist

The unemployment rate rose from 8.1 percent to 8.5 percent and more than 600,000 people lost their jobs last month. Just this year, more than 2 million have lost jobs. Since the recession began more than 5.1 million have been separated from their work. Some have gone back to work, but many have not been able to find employment. By anyone’s assessment, this is an employment crisis that undermines the possibility of economic recovery.

African-American females also victimized by the U.S. criminal justice system

Thursday, 09 April 2009 18:26 Dr. Elsie Scott, NNPA Special Commentary

When the subject of the criminal justice system and its impact on the African American community is discussed, the emphasis is usually placed on males.

New green jobs could move many from poverty to prosperity

Thursday, 02 April 2009 14:57 State Representative Bobby Joe Champion

The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act signed into law by President Obama last month was designed to fuel our nation’s economy by getting people back to work. In Minnesota, we need the help. Last year, 55,000 Minnesotans lost their jobs. Since the beginning of this year, another 30,000 have lost their jobs.

We must also focus on ways to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS

Monday, 30 March 2009 16:44 State Rep. Jeff Hayden (61B)

The growing global economic crisis has exacerbated the HIV/AIDS epidemic across the globe, in Minnesota and in our communities. That’s why in seeking solutions to our economic crisis, we must also focus on ways to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. In the State Legislature, there are several ways we can help win this fight in Minnesota.

New White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships: Does it silence or support the Black church?

Monday, 30 March 2009 16:42 Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, NNPA Special Commentary

(NNPA) - The February 5 announcement by President Barack Obama of the White House Office of Faith Based Initiative and Neighborhood Partnerships offers potential hope for real change, especially for the Black Church.