After backlash, DeVos backpedals on remarks on historically black colleges

Facing a fierce backlash after she called historically black colleges and universities "real pioneers" of school choice, Betsy DeVos, the education secretary, spent Tuesday afternoon backtracking on the controversial statement and highlighting the institutions' roots in racism and segregation. DeVos, in a series of Twitter posts on Tuesday and in remarks at a luncheon with presidents from some of the schools, repeatedly acknowledged that the schools were not created simply to give African-Americans more choices but because black students across the country were not allowed into segregated white schools.

Supreme Court rules in redistrcting case

The Supreme Court is mainly ruling for African-Americans in Virginia who say lawmakers packed 12 legislative districts with black voters to make other districts whiter and more Republican. The justices said Wednesday that a lower court that upheld the 12 districts used the wrong legal standard when it determined that race did not play too large a role in creating the districts.

Trump praises new African American museum during first visit

President Donald Trump denounced "bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms" during his first visit to the new Smithsonian black history museum on Tuesday. Trump, in remarks after his tour, called the museum "truly great" and said he would be back to see more of the 3,000 objects illustrating African-American history.

The Latest: Senators ask attorney general, FBI for briefing

The top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee are asking the attorney general and FBI director for a briefing on the resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California sent a letter late Wednesday to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director James Comey requesting a briefing the week of Feb. 27. Congress is out of session next week for the Presidents' Day holiday.

Foreclosure latest setback for venerable Excelsior Club

Charlotte's historic Excelsior Club, a touchstone for generations of African-Americans, faces an uncertain future after foreclosure proceedings began last week. The Beatties Ford Road landmark, which has hosted the likes of Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong as well as a future president, has been closed since June.

Congressional Black Caucus expected to meet with Trump soon

Rep. Elijah Cummings , a senior African-American lawmaker, says the Congressional Black Caucus will likely meet with President Trump the week of Feb. 27. He said African-American lawmakers will discuss with Trump the need to bring down the cost of prescription drugs - a goal Trump endorsed during the campaign when he talked about using the federal government's negotiating power to reduce prices - as well as voting rights and job growth. "We're going to be meeting on prescription drugs.

Charles Young’s legacy reminds us of the need to tell…

Charles Young's legacy reminds us of the need to tell America's full story through our national monuments: Marsha Bayless Charles Young, the first African-American superintendent of a national park, is still celebrated at Sequoia National Park for building the first access road into the park. He's pictured here in 1903, seated center, with his crew.

Trump exchange with black journalist sparks outrage

In this Jan. 5, 2017, file photo, House Assistant Minority Leaser James Clyburn of S.C speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus expressed bafflement and dismay on Feb. 16, after President Donald Trump asked a black reporter to set up a meeting with them.

Continue reading Black Girl Magic: “Hidden Figures” Outshines “La La Land” at U.S. Box Office a ‘

Looks like the myth that Black films can't make big money in Hollywood is about to become a thing of the past. In early February, "Hidden Figures" passed "La La Land" as the top-grossing Oscar-nominated film in Hollywood this season.

WashPost Sees GOP ‘Bigotry,’ ‘Determined to…

One of the maddening things that was displayed during the 2016 presidential campaign was the tendency for Republicans to be accused of racism if they point out problems that disproportionately affect black Americans in the context of trying to find solutions. And as Democrats have an established history of touting high poverty and unemployment rates among blacks while trying to push for more welfare spending and higher taxes, or of highlighting shootings in inner cities in the name of pushing for more gun restrictions, they are seen by liberals as compassionate for taking notice.

Diversify this

Along with his remarked-upon shortfalls in diplomacy, nuance, finesse, rationality and often good manners, our 45th president has also been docked for his diversity shortfall. This means he is surrounded by too many persons of pallor and of masculinity, in other words, by white males.