Politics

White writing on black chalkboard reads "vote"
By Jessica González-Rojas, Marcela Howell, Sung Yeon Choimorrow  Apr 12, 2019 8:00AM EDT

Election 2020: Ignore Women of Color at Your Own Peril [OP-ED]

The women behind Intersections of Our Lives say that if there’s one thing that can be learned from the last election, it’s that the votes of women of color should not be taken for granted.
Close up of U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Shani Saxon  Apr 11, 2019 4:30PM EDT

House Democrats Prepare Bill to Counter Restrictive Immigration Policies

The measure is expected to increase federal resources to meet the needs of refugees.
Two rows of four book covers including the collected schizophrenias, pleasure activism, how we fight white supremacy, halal if you hear me, thick, we live for the we, the good immigrant and our history is the future
catherine lizette gonzalez  Apr 5, 2019 7:00AM EDT

10 Books by Writers of Color That Embrace Self-Love, Resilience and Authenticity

From poetry to memoir, self-help to commentary, let these spring reads enrich your mind and spirit.
Lori Lightfoot. A Black woman with short hair stands with her hands up whle wearing a red blazer and white shirt. She is surrounded by celebrating Black people.
Ayana Byrd  Apr 3, 2019 1:06PM EDT

Chicago Elects First Black Lesbian Mayor—But Not All Progressives See It As a Victory

Various activists, including online movement #StopLightfoot, say Lori Lightfoot’s record is harmful to members of the Black, immigrant and LGBTQ communities.
A Puerto Rican flag hangs from a black-shuttered window set in a bright blue exterior wall
Ayana Byrd  Apr 2, 2019 2:01PM EDT

Senate Rejects Bill That Would Send Relief Money to Puerto Rico

Democrats say the bill’s aid package is another sign of Republican disregard for the island.
Jeffrey Wright. Black man in close up with red, white and blue decorations behind him.
Tiarra Mukherjee  Mar 27, 2019 4:30PM EDT

Jeffrey Wright-Narrated Doc 'Rigged' Highlights Voter Suppression Tactics

Wright: “I hope ‘Rigged’ sounds an alarm that wakes America up.”
woman holding protest sign that reads "Resist" in Washington, D.C.
Ayana Byrd  Mar 27, 2019 1:36PM EDT

Trump Administration Expands Reach of Abortion 'Global Gag Rule'

Foreign groups that provide or discuss abortions will lose American funding under a directive that administration officials have championed as “decent” and “right.”
U.S. Supreme Court and protest sign supporting abortion
Ayana Byrd  Mar 19, 2019 11:59AM EDT

Maryland Aims to Leave Title X Program to Protect Abortion Providers and Patients

If approved, the state will refuse nearly $4 million in funding to create its own family planning program.
Bronx store window with sign about food stamps
Ayana Byrd  Mar 18, 2019 1:02PM EDT

Studies Show the Dangers of Proposed Changes to Food Stamps

The Trump administration wants to impose stricter work requirements on recipients while cutting billions from SNAP.
Women stand outside, hold signts that read, "I strike for respect and dignity for all womxn."
Ayana Byrd  Mar 8, 2019 12:18PM EST

House and Senate Dems Introduce Bill That Recognizes Reproductive Rights as Human Rights

The Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights Act was announced in both houses of Congress ahead of International Women’s Day.
Black woman in headscarf, Ilhan Omar, speaks into a microphone as she is questioned by press far in the background Black woman with hair tied, Ayanna Pressley, back speaks to press
catherine lizette gonzalez  Mar 5, 2019 5:34PM EST

House Dems Pen Resolution Rebuking Rep. Ilhan Omar's Criticism of Pro-Israel Lobbies

Activists and supporters say the congressperson is being unfairly targeted for being a Black Muslim woman.
Planned Parenthood Rallies For Pro-Choice Supreme Court Nominee
Ayana Byrd  Feb 26, 2019 11:42AM EST

Support Growing for Restrictive Abortion Bill in Texas

The “fetal heartbeat” bill would prohibit the procedure for people who are more than six weeks pregnant.
Close-up of several black guns displayed at a gun show in Naples, Florida on November 24, 2018.
Shani Saxon  Feb 14, 2019 5:40PM EST

Congress Advances Significant Gun Control Legislation

The House Committee on the Judiciary just passed a measure that would require background checks for all gun sales in the United States.
Bronze bullets lined up in a triangle
Brandon Dasent, Amina Henderson  Feb 14, 2019 5:17PM EST

Teens from Parkland and Chicago Ask: 'How Many More Must Die?'

Student organizers Brandon Dasent and Amina Henderson unite to push for gun control that will keep kids in their communities safer.
A one-level light brick and mint green house sits on a green lawn with a blue sky and green trees around it
Ayana Byrd  Feb 13, 2019 12:29PM EST

People of Color Benefit From New Public Lands Protection Bill

With bipartisan support, the Senate passed a measure that includes provisions aimed at Indigenous and African Americans. 
Black man in black vest and hat and sunglasses and red plaid shirt holds white sign that spells "NET NEUTRALITY AFFECTS US ALL" in black ink, standing next to Black man in black jacket and hat in front of brown building and grey sky
Sameer Rao  Feb 7, 2019 11:09AM EST

WATCH: House Hears Advocates' Demands for Net Neutrality

Representatives of Free Press and other digital justice groups testify before the House of Representatives on the FCC’s repeal of open internet protections.
Nathan Phillips. Black-and-white photograph of Indigenous man holding feather and other articles while wearing black jacket and glasses and surrounded by people in dark clothing
Sameer Rao  Feb 5, 2019 4:39PM EST

Read Nathan Phillips' Story, In His Own Words

The media hype around the Covington Catholic boys couldn’t stop this Indigenous activist from speaking his truth. 
Cory Booker. Black man in white shirt and black suit and tie talks at podium
Kenrya Rankin  Feb 1, 2019 9:43AM EST

Cory Booker Announces Run for President

“I grew up knowing that the only way we can make change is when people come together.”
Rashida Tlaib speaks at Creating Change Conference
Ayana Byrd  Jan 28, 2019 1:28PM EST

WATCH: Rashida Tlaib on Why All Legislation Must Protect LGBTQ Rights

The new member of Congress spoke at the National LGBT Task Force’s Creating Change Conference.
catherine lizette gonzalez  Jan 22, 2019 4:19PM EST

Supreme Court Moves Trump's Trans Military Ban Step Closer to Implementation

In a 5-4 decision split along party lines, the Supreme Court lifted most of the injunctions that were preventing the Trump administration from keeping transgender people out of the military.