The Root DC

Confessions of a Kwanzaa dropout

(Mark Gail / WASHINGTON POST)

Kathryn O’Neal

My son and I celebrated the holiday for years, but we don’t need Kwanzaa in our house anymore.

Redskins players give away free coats at Macy’s

Hamil Harris

Alfred Morris and Joshua Morgan were among the Redskins players participating at a coat giveaway in the District.

Why Morgan State needs David Wilson

Marybeth Gasman

OP-ED| The board of regents’ ousting of the historically black university’s leader is a short-sighted decision.

Meteorologist: I was fired for responding to comments about hair

Lauren McEwen

Black women and hair: The saga continues. This time Rhonda A. Lee tries to fight back against her hair critics.

Katt Williams needs a time-out

Clinton Yates

The comedian needs help. For the sake of his family, I hope he can find it somewhere.

Don't Miss...

Things to do Nov. Dec. 13-19

Jillian S. Sowah

New York Times reporter Rachel L. Swarns discusses her book “American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama.”

Things to do for the holidays

Vanished: The case of Tiffany Goines

Anqoinette Crosby

The RootDC is doing an occasional series that looks at the cases of local African Americans who have gone missing, but whose cases have not been featured by media outlets.

Photo Galleries

Howard University’s‘Dream Day’

Students interested in entertainment and fashion recently attended the first “Dream Day” event. Panelists included Angela and Vanessa Simmons, and Issa Rae.

ColorComm Brunch

More than 50 members of ColorComm, a networking organization for successful women working in communications, gathered at the home of Marcia Dyson on Nov. 17.

Cocktails for a Cause: Lady Von Elixir

DC politicos, influencers and entrepreneurs gathered to support the Lady Von Scholarship Fund, Inc. and Spelman College with a fundraiser at the Sofitel Hotel.

Election Night with The Root DC

D.C. residents and guests traveled to The Washington Post for a watch party held by local organizations and leaders.

D.C., Maryland residents cast 2012 ballots

DC, Maryland voters cast 2012 ballots

Washington, D.C. and Maryland residents visted their voter precincts to cast their ballots for president and local officials.

Story: Election Day in Prince George’s County

The Alexandria Branch of the NAACP’s 79th Freedom Fund Banquet

This year’s banquet theme was “Your Power, Your Decision, VOTE.” The keynote speaker was activist and poet laureate, Sonia Sanchez, who spoke to the crowd about doing “Pushups for Peace.”

Mary’s Center celebrates its annual Noche Tropical gala

Mary’s Center held its Noche Tropical gala Friday, October 19^th, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Emceed by NBC4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer, the gala was attended by 350 guests and raised nearly $500,000 for the center.

‘Girlfriends Give Back’ at The Park

Girlfriends Give Back is a new initiative that held its inaugural fundraiser on Friday Oct. 26th at The Park at 14th. Those in attendance mingled, enjoyed foods and signature cocktails while raising money for Baby Love DC, a local charity.

D.C. youth celebrate National ‘Above the Influence’ Day at the Newseum

D.C. teenagers joined the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Above the Influence Campaign at the Newseum on Thursday, October 18, to celebrate the first National “Above the Influence” Day.

Howard alumni return to ‘The Mecca’

On Friday, Oct. 19 graduates of Howard University joined students and visitors for Howard homecoming 2012.

Alumni attend Howard’s 88th homecoming

Howard University alumni attended the homecoming parade, an alumni tailgate and ‘The Mecca Reunion’ Saturday.

Debate watching in the District

On October 2, BloggingToTheChoir, The RootDC and WestonTaylor Marshall hosted a watch party at Langston Bar and Grille. Jamal Simmons, a political analyst for CNN and MSNBC, offered post debate remarks.

Tuskegee airmen attend pre-show of “Fly” at Ford’s Theatre.

Several Tuskegee airman attended a pre-show reception of “Fly,” an original play written about the World War II experiences of four African-American officers and pilots. The play will run until Oct. 21.

CBCF week comes to an end

The CBCF’s 42nd legislative conference concluded over the weekend.

Another part of the game

When Howard University’s football squad takes a break for halftime at the AT&T Nation's Football Classic at RFK Stadium, the school’s noted Showtime Marching Band will swing into action.