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Roger House

Roger House is professor emeritus of American studies at Emerson College and the author of Blue Smoke: The Recorded Journey of Big Bill Broonzy and South End Shout: Boston's Forgotten Music Scene in the Jazz Age. His forthcoming book is Five Hundred Years of Black Self Governance, by Louisiana State University Press.

A photo illustration of President Joe Biden
INEXCUSABLE NEGLECT

Biden’s to Blame for Losing Black Men’s Support

The president has had plenty of chances to implement a “Black Men’s Agenda.” What is he waiting for?

Roger House

Photograph of mass migrants at the US/Mexico border
CHANGE IT UP

How Mass Immigration Hurts Black Americans

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has an obligation to its base—which means taking a different approach than most Democrats to the migrant crisis.

Roger House

Rev. Al Sharpton delivers remarks at the 'March On For Voting Rights' rally.
WALK THE WALK

How the March on Washington Became Al Sharpton’s Side Hustle

The civil right leader keeps celebrating the march’s anniversary and leaning on the everlasting arms of the protest movement. But a “Black Agenda” is needed.

Roger House

Accompanying an article about the Supreme Court affirmative action decision, a photo illustration of a Black person holding a burning diploma.
FIGHTING ON

Affirmative Action Is Gutted. Now’s the Time for Reparations

As the dust from the Supreme Court decision settles, Black political leaders should explore a new agenda of restitution for the unjust enrichment from slavery and Jim Crow.

Roger House

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SOUL POWER

South Carolina’s Dem Primary Is 400 Years in the Making

The state’s party was founded on white supremacy. Now the power of the Black vote has put the state at the front of the line.

Roger House

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SEIZE THE MOMENT

How U.S. Black Leaders Can Open Trade Doors With Africa

President Biden’s recent summit presents a great opportunity for Black political and economic leaders to build meaningful business ties with 49 nations on the continent.

Roger House

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NO MORE EXCUSES

Biden Must Uphold the Law, Keep His Promise to Black Labor

Hiring Black workers to rebuild America’s infrastructure wouldn’t just be the president being a man of his word—it’s following the policy passed by Congress.

Roger House

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A MODEL FOR THE FUTURE

Midterms Change the Game for Black Politics in America

A new course has been charted towards the equitable management of state governments—especially in the South.

Roger House

Illustration featuring Maryland's state flag with Wes Moore and Rep. Anthony Brown.
EMANCIPATE

Maryland’s Black Leaders Must End ‘The Wire’ Mentality

Black Democrats are poised to win the state’s top jobs. They have to work to end the cycle of “mental slavery” and change the state’s self-destructive culture.

Roger House

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SEE THE WHOLE WORLD

5 Ways ‘Rick Steves’ Europe’ Can Do Better for Black People

I’m a fan of the public TV travel show, but here’s how it could be so much more inclusive and entertaining.

Roger House

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