Topic: Martin Luther King Jr.

Atlanta mayoral race 2009: Why a white woman might win

Atlanta has elected only African-American mayors since 1973. But Mary Norwood – the only white candidate in the Atlanta mayoral race – was leading in public opinion polls.

Opinion: Racist undertones of the 'socialist' epithet

With the Nobel Peace Prize, President Obama joins the company of fellow laureates Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. But he already shares with them the more dubious distinction of being assailed as a socialist.

Opinion: Should we even have a Columbus Day?

Though the holiday has been used to teach American ideals, we need to remember that to many native Americans, Columbus symbolizes slavery.

The Clinton Tapes

Bill Clinton reveals much in 79 taped conversations with historian Taylor Branch.

Was Atlanta's 'black mayor first' memo racist - or just blunt?

The uproar suggests that new dynamics – both politically and demographically – are at play in Atlanta and beyond.

Obama's vacation spot has strong links to black history

By the 1800s, the servants of white summer residents of Martha's Vineyard were buying up land. In the 1950s, the island was popular with civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.

Obama beer summit provides gold mine for comedians

What would Harry (Potter) do?

Obama calls for 'new mind-set' at NAACP's centennial

He emphasized the continuing need to close racial and ethnic disparities while also talking about personal responsibility.

For blacks, a hidden cost of Obama's win?

His race may hamper his ability to respond to needs of African-Americans, some say.

Global reach of Spain's courts curtailed

Spanish parliament passes law to limit judges from taking cases of torture or war crimes in other countries. Is this a blow for universal justice?

Obama resists pressure to speak out more forcefully on Iran

The Protest Singer

A slim new biography celebrates the life of icon and activist Pete Seeger.

Deconstructing Obama's oratorical skills

He can be a bit professorial, but he's part Reagan, part FDR, and maybe a lot of Teddy Roosevelt.

Opinion: What Hank Aaron and Barack Obama have in common

Thirty-five years after Hank defied threats and hate mail to break Babe Ruth’s home-run record Obama is also showing us a deeper realm of courage, resilience, and justice.

Monitor writers celebrate ‘unique’ moments

From crawling on the carpet with Ronald Reagan to sipping tea with the Che Guevara of Afghanistan, former staffers recount stories as the Monitor transitions to new formats.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

Before Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin.

From Alabama civil rights tribute, higher hopes for race relations

A gathering in Selma honored the gains of old – and registered new expectations for the Obama era.

Obama tops Jesus in new poll. Reagan 4th, God 11th.

Best African American Essays: 2009

A nonfiction collection examines African-American concerns in the Obama era.

Children's CDs and DVDs in the spotlight

All the adventures of Curious George in one spot, Robbert Bobbert's lastest infectious beat, a Carly and Lucy Simon classic reissued, and more.

Just in time for Black History month

What Alabama school kids take home from the inaugural

They revel in the magnitude and minutiae of a historic moment – clasped hands and fluttering flags, soaring rhetoric and rainbow-hued crowds.

This is a Hollywood Inauguration - Oprah gets bigger cheer than Colin Powell

Inauguration signals new era - World War II vet 'knew it would come'