Book Review: The Covenant with Black America

Two weeks ago, Tavis Smiley, Cornel West and several other notable black thinkers released “The Covenant with Black America.” The book coincides with a series of thought-provoking, nationwide town hall forums hosted by Smiley. The stated purpose of the Covenant is to improve the black community and create a better future for black children. The [...]

Blame the Student?

(USA Today–hat tip to B.H.)”Failure in the classroom is often tied to lack of funding, poor teachers or other ills. Here’s athought: Maybe it’s the failed work ethic of todays kids. That’s what I’m seeing in my school. Until reformers see this reality, little will change.
A study released in December by University of Pennsylvania researchers [...]

Quote of the Day: John McWhorter

“The idea that rap is an authentic cry against oppression is all the sillier when you recall that black Americans had lots more to be frustrated about in the past but never produced or enjoyed music as nihilistic as 50 Cent or N.W.A. On the contrary, black popular music was almost always affirmative and hopeful. [...]